Get On Your Feet, C'mon and Make it Happen

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." 

Hebrews 13:8

So the light coming in our windows this morning woke me and a Voice said, "Today is a new day. You're awake in time to make a change. The dog's been running off because he's not getting enough exercise.  You tell me you'd like to feel more energetic and drop some pounds.  Here's your opportunity to do something about all of the above:  get up, get dressed, and take Gus for a brisk 20 minute walk. Now is the time to decide whether you're willing to work with Me to make it happen, or whether you'll keep waiting for Me to wave a magic wand and save you a lot of inconvenience and character - and, by the way, good luck with that last one."

I arose from my memory foam mattress, dressed to walk, found the leash, managed to attach it to a wiggling dog, took a deep breath, and opened the front door.  Trumpets sounded (a train horn blew) and the voices of many tribes and tongues sang out (cardinals, robins, mockingbirds, blue jays) in celebration of my decision to do what was best for woman and beast.   


Although I laughed out loud, God was telling me in His unique and humorous way that He was with me and celebrated my decision to join Him in working on things that bother me about myself and Gus.  

The Jesus Calling entry today starts with "I am with you and for you, your constant Companion and Provider. The question is whether you are with Me and for Me."  

Thank You God, for being my cheerleader and encourager in all things.  Thank You for caring about the things that bother me and for caring more about my character.  Thank You for using dogs, and birds and trains to to get me on track (Good one, God!).  Always speak as clearly to me as You did this morning and give me strength to respond with gratitude and obedience. May we join You to work on what bothers You about us and about Your church.  May we respond in gratitude and obedience as You mold our character. Thank You for never changing in spite of our rallies and our dips.  You are most Holy and most celebrated!
In the Name of Jesus - the Never-Changing One!

"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. 
And I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you." Genesis 28:15

Foggy Sunshine

"Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures and said to them, 'This is what is written: The Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later, and in His Name the message about repentance and the forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.'"  Luke 24: 45-47

This morning I stepped out my back door to find foggy sunshine - or sunny fog.  It was still cool enough for fog, but the sun in the east behind the mist promised to evaporate all humidity within minutes.    

The day after Christ rose from the dead, when women vowed they had seen Jesus alive and men still processed the empty tomb, must have been like living in bright fog - or in foggy sunshine.  The rays of hope broke through with 
"He prophesied His death . . ."   
     "He said three days. . .,"  
          "We saw Him with Elijah and Moses. . . "
               "He promised to rise. . .,"  
and began thinning the fog of doubt still clouding their thoughts:  
"He died,"
     "He was guarded," and 
          "Surely, He didn't mean literally . . ."   

Then testimonies of Jesus sightings began pouring in from around Jerusalem until finally, the day came when the last dewdrop of doubt disappeared. The Light broke through their locked doors and minds ajar to stand among them.  The disciples heard, saw, touched, and believed.  Jesus, alive, answered every need. Jesus alive, altered every disciple.  Truth outshone fear and the world began to change. 

Lift the fog of doubt hovering around us Lord.  May we come to You for every need.  Help us see You in every Scripture we read. May Truth rock our worlds and alter us from fearful to full of certainty in You and You alone. 
In the Name of Jesus, the One Who Conquered death


Luke 24:36-49

Thursday, October 7, 2010 - Too blessed to be stressed?

(Inspired by "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young)


If ever a saying popped up to rain on my spiritual parade this one did it: "I'm too blessed to be stressed." Reverse the saying and I agree wholeheartedly because I'm easily "too stressed to be blessed."  Some days I might as well say, "Lord, I'm too busy figuring all of this out to spend time talking to the One who already has it all figured out." However,  this idea of being "too blessed to be stressed" requires some tweaking in my book. 


First of all, what is stress? Here are some ideas from a variety of online dictionaries: 
    "a physical, mental or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension" 
    "the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response"
    "the body's response to any kind of demand."


According to the experts, stress comes in two flavors: negative and positive. Look up any life-event stressors chart and you'll quickly realize that a stress-free life means a flat line on your heart monitor. Stress-free means nobody in your life exits or enters; no one separates or gathers; no one succeeds or fails; no one and nothing changes.  


I'm sure the saying "too blessed to be stressed" woke someone up in the night because of the truth that counting our blessings (which are forms of change) reduces negative stress and anxiety. I'm also sure the rhyming factor played a huge role because "I'm too blessed to fall into a fetal position" just doesn't have the same ring, does it? I think a more honest and accurate saying for me is "I'm stressed but blessed." I thought about cranking out bumper stickers but that would require a "major business readjustment" (#15 on the stress chart) and my doctor told me to avoid stress. 

Father, You know me inside out so how can I tell you I'm not stressed when I am? But I thank you for owning a house we need to sell. Thank You for a daughter who left home to marry the wonderful man who'll soon be the father of our grandchildren. Thank You for a son who's growing up and growing independent but who loves people and loves to make them laugh. Thank You for a husband so seriously dedicated to being in and doing Your will that he sometimes loses track of time. Thank You for waking me in the night to reassure me, once again, that You are sovereign over this day and all the stress inherent in it. I humbly accept the whole kit and kaboodle - positive and negative - and ask You to help me rejoice and give thanks for every blessing and change. 


In the name of Jesus who relinquished His stress-free life in heaven to change the world forever!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7


"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24


"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18