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We won't be sitting across the table today from a few faces in our past. My grandparents, my Mother, but I know they are still with us in my heart.
When I woke this morning thinking about all the blessings in my life, looking out the kitchen window, I was reminded of a time many years ago. My bare feet hit the cold floor, as I slid out of the warm bed, following my nose downstairs to where the warm smells of cooking turkey filled the air. My Mother was at the sink, peeling potatoes commenting about Dad out in the cold snowy morning hunting rabbits or squirrel. I knew in just a few hours the house would be full of family members, giving thanks,eating lots of food,sharing stories and loving each other.
There are so many things to be thankful for. Today if you have a neighbor, or friend who isn't able to get out, who lives alone, make sure you take an extra plate of turkey to them. Be a blessing in someones life today.
And remember what the apostle Paul told us:
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. Be safe and know I love you.
He took another sip of coffee, gazing outside as the rain pelted the windows to my office. "I think it's going to rain all day."
My immediate reaction was, oh no! Not today. I have so many things planned, outside. But then, that little voice stopped me in my tracks. It said, you've been praying for rain, for several days. So what am I thinking now? No rain, because it interferes with my plans?
I wonder how many other times I have asked God to answer my prayers, then when HE does, I say, no thanks, not today.
It is so easy to fall into step with our own agenda. We live in a world of instant gratification. When we don't get what we want immediately, we automatically assume God isn't listening. When actually, HE is listening. In fact, HE always listens to our prayers.
Because we don't receive "instant" gratification is no indication HE isn't listening. We order fast food, drive around to the window and pick it up. We text our friends on our cell phones. We answer e-mail from our cell phones---can't miss a call if we're away from the computer. We instant message each other.
God is always available. Think of HIM as the Instant Messenger. HE has a plan for me, and one for you too. I am praising HIM today for the rain, and asking for HIS forgiveness at my stupidity. Yes, I did pray for rain. Our lawn is brown and the lakes around us are low. As well as the water table. The trees and flowers are dry. But I wanted it yesterday, not today when we are outside delivering food to people. The rain is a blessing. God knows what HE is doing. In your own time Lord.
Ecclesiastes 3---there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven;
Today the rain falls gently on the lawn, watering the trees and flowers and filling the lake.
In your own time Lord, there is a time for everything. And help me to remember to give thanks for answered prayers.
I settled into my desk chair and my eyes trailed to the flashing display, missed call. Before I retrieved that call I pushed back in my chair and reflected who it could be. I wondered at the time, how many times has God called me, and I "missed His call?"
How many times in my life did I "not answer His call?" How many times did I not return His call? How many times have I left Him waiting?
I sit here at this desk, in the early morning darkness, waiting for the sun to come up. Often times I pray, or just get lost in His word. Listening for His voice to guide me through out my day. Many days when He is trying to talk to me I am distracted with my own agenda. The phone rings, someone knocks on the door. I glance at my calendar and realize I have to be somewhere in a few hours, am I prepared for the meeting, or whatever it is I need to do?
A friend reminded me yesterday, the reason I hear HIS voice so often in the middle of the night is because that's the only time He can get my undivided attention. This morning as I prepared for my day, I asked for HIS forgiveness. I asked the Lord to help me with all those little distractions, those "missed" calls.
I'm also reminding myself, I have flesh, I'm human. I have two dogs who don't know the rules.
I'm praying, "I'm trying Lord, to stay focused on YOU. I'm praying You will guide me and attempt to "call" me one more time.
In closing, that's a comforting thought, knowing that He will call me "one more time."
John 10:27-My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
From time to time I like to tell myself I'm in charge here. But no one seems to pay much attention to me. In fact, Meko, a Maltese (on the left), is asleep on my desk as we speak. I'm starting to think that's not a normal thing. How many of you let your dog sleep on your desk? He runs through the house chasing the ball I throw, or brings me his rope to play tug of war. I jerk on the rope, as he tugs from the other end until he's tired and ready for a nap. I throw his ball several times, he chases it and then comes and stretches his legs on the side of my chair, willing me to pick him up. From there, it's down hill. He flops on the top of my desk and sleeps.
From that vantage point he is able to see out all the windows. So I'm thinking he thinks he can "guard" the house. He still has that little puppy bark. You know the one. He sounds like a wind-up toy. In fact, when he barks at people outside the window they laugh. I don't think he realizes they are laughing at him.
Only another dog lover will be able to relate to my story. I've probably lost my mind when it comes to my two dogs. They are part of our little family.
Do your dogs cause you problems, if so what kinds of problems.
My dogs are just precious little creatures. They have me twisted around their little "paw".
And then there's Bailey, the cute little Westie (on the right). They love each other. Bailey is as independent as a cat. When I want to shower him with affection, he looks at me like he has better things to do. However, about once a month he'll let me pet him and fuss over him. Meko is on my lap all the time.
They are both a joy to my husband and me. We love our "boys". Yup, my husband is just as crazy as I am about them, so it works for us.
Tell me your crazy dog story. I love to hear them.
Luke 6:43-45 No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.At dinner last night Bev shared with me some of the concerns she has while driving her school bus. A job I am sure I would never be qualified for. She shared she feels several of the parents of her kids are not teaching them to be responsible for their own actions. My husband and I teach the teen Sunday school class at our Church. One of the complaints I hear consistently from them is "life isn't fair." One young man dropped out of high school, and he says "the counselor failed him."
Each of us is "recognized by our own fruit." In other words we have to take responsibility for what we say, what we do, how we act. And most importantly we need to assume the responsibility for our own actions. When we make bad choices, it's just that---we made a bad choice. Pray for forgiveness, ask the Lord for guidance, get down on your knees and thank the Lord for the Blessings in your life.
When speaking, be careful that the overflow to your mouth comes from a kind and loving heart.
Throughout most of my adult life, especially during turbulent times I have clung to Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings as eagles;they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
A few years ago, while sitting on the side of a cliff in Colorado in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, I caught sight of an eagle soaring. Their wing span can reach up to eight feet, they can soar at an average of up to 30 miles an hour, while weighing between 10 to 15 pounds. But yet, they soar effortlessly. That vision has sustained me many times, for many years.
Picturing in my minds eye that majestic bird in flight, trusting and gliding along without a care.
Oh that my faith would be that strong. Where I place all my faith and hope and trust in God. All I have is HIS to use as HE sees fit. Yes, it's true, they that wait upon the Lord............
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