LOYAL BUT NOT LETHAL

Loyalty.... I used to think that a loyal friend was someone who would stand by me and support me no matter what the circumstance or situation. I realize now that my definition was incomplete. While I do want supportive people around me, I do not want "yes men". I want people in my life who will call me on things that do not line up with the direction that God wants my life to go. Not attacking but causing me to assess...praying for me and with me through the process. I suppose that this shift is yet another sign that God is moving relationships in my life to a deeper level and for that I am thankful. I also suppose that it is a sign that he is more deeply maturing me!!!! At this point in my life, I am content not to resist! Do you love me? Then tell me what I need to hear and not what will appease me. If there is something in my life that may contribute to spiritual death, don't seal my grave by "walking in love" around the dirt that may bury me. Do you love me? If you see me sinking in any area, lift me up and pull me out. It is then that I will know that you truly care!

Let the Godly strike me!
It will be kindness!
If they correct me, it is soothing medicine.
Don't let me refuse it.
~Psalm 141:5

WORD OF GOD SPEAK

I know that I haven't posted in a few days. August 29th marked a new year for me....and I am so thankful! My birthday gift to myself is to truly allow God to make ALL things new in my life this year! So, I have been taking some extra time reading my instruction manual (BIBLE). Right now, I'm finding myself at a loss for words, and the funny thing is, It's ok.

CALL TO WORSHIP

A few years ago, I was a Mary Kay consultant. Part of being successful was gathering referrals and making "cold" calls. These calls were for the purpose of introducing Mary Kay, setting up skin care classes and offering the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of being part of the Mary Kay family. Responses ranged from great enthusiasm to dial tone, but in every case, the Mary Kay name was introduced and a seed was planted. So, I'm thinking....... A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the most awesomely beneficial and life-changing thing that I could offer another person. Why not be as diligent in my Father's business as I was Mary Kay? Why not pray that the Holy Spirit "refer" people, daily, who need to know about the opportunity of salvation? Then, make it a priority to reach the people on my "list." Whether met with rejoicing or rejection, the name of Jesus will be introduced and the name planted. After all, doesn't everyone deserve a "call to worship"?

TUNNEL VISION

I know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. But, just being real, he has not yet delivered me from my fear of driving over bridges. I love to see bodies of water. I think they are some of the most beautiful, tranquility inducing creations that God has made. That is, if I am standing on solid ground looking at them. Seeing the vastness of the water and being suspended above it with only a man-made structure for support leads me to just a bit of anxiety. But tunnel bridges like this one are a different story. It seems that I would be more anxious knowing that the water is not only under me but surrounds me. I guess that being enclosed, knowing but not actually seeing what lies on the outside, gives me peace. This picture coincides with what God is doing in my life. There are many areas that God is moving me forward in right now, like returning to school, volunteering for Hospice and the Guardian Ad Litem Programs, getting fully connected and involved in a new church home, mapping out a plan for a nonprofit organization, to name a few. He has shown me the destination to which I am headed and mapped out a course for me. My only instruction is to go...to move forward. So, I leave the solid ground that I now stand on and step out in faith across unchartered waters in my life. When I feel overwhelmed, God will act as my tunnel and cocoon me so that I don't get so caught up in the things and circumstances -good or bad- along my journey, to the point where I am distracted or caught in a traffic jam of fear that will delay me in reaching my particular point B. I move forward with God's light as my guide...not knowing exactly where I am on the road but knowing that I AM headed in the right direction and WILL eventually reach the promised land on the other side. Keep traveling through the abundant life that God wants to give you....and be sure to take the tunnels when needed!