A New Chapter

(copied from a Facebook status)

I got accepted to VCU in 96 for Mass Communications.  For several reasons I didn’t go. Then I got caught up in the working world and just never found my way back to school. A few years later when I applied at the bank, I really had no idea where I wanted to go. I submitted my application as a result of a few friends prompting me to do so. I also applied at the Humane Society and a few other places. I told God that I would accept the very first one that was offered as his will for me. -No matter what I wanted because I hadn’t been as happy with how ‘my’ choices were turning out.   

When I was called to work for the bank as a Teller, I tried to talk them out of it. “But I can’t count money” I said. (Only half teasing.) But I remembered my commitment and thankfully, they hired me anyway.  

From day one I LOVED it. I was only a teller for a year. I was briefly a CSR and then transitioned into our I.T. department when it was then only a 1 woman show.  I watched it grow and change and multiply in a variety of ways.  –And now we’ve grown to double digits in staff.

I can tell you that while I may not have been active in church or as particular style of believer, I tried to seek the Lord with all my heart. As I grew, he used that job more than anything else to change me. The lessons I’ve learned have been invaluable. Every class that I took seemed to apply to some area of my personal life in the exact season that I needed it. EVERY Supervisor I’ve ever had there has been very special to me. They were each more like mentors & kindred spirits than a “boss”. (THANK YOU <3) I’ve made some of my best friends there too but as a whole the organization feels more like a family. (And on top of it, it IS a great place to work!) Boy I could rattle on….

There are so many posts that lay under the surface of this announcement; in how God was with me every step of the way. (And I hope to share them with you when I find the words). But basically a treasured and dear chapter is ending and a new one is beginning. 20 years after that initial college application, I am transferring to our Marketing department as the Digital Marketing Coordinator. It’s bittersweet. I am sad to leave my team and the department that I’ve been in for 14 years. But I am also downright giddy at what lies ahead.

–Most of all, I am grateful.  …Very, very grateful.

Sleep tight friends and remember, it’s never too late to lift him up and no prayer is ever too small. It’s a start.

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” –Psalm 37:4

Tuesday Challenge #42 | Thankfulness

Challenge for this week: One of my favorite verses is Colossians 4:2. "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."  [Talk to God. Watch for his answers. Remember to acknowledge him when you get it."]

I love to try and record how I see God working in my day or week. Admittedly, I don't do it enough. Last week I did pray about two or three specific situations and while I may or may not have been intentionally waiting to document the answer, I recognized it when I had received it. -But my actions were part of the answer and it resulted in a lot of thankfulness. -More so because I chose "wisely". I hope to share both of those experiences later (hopefully today but it might be later in the week).

For now, I just need to share the challenge. It's just too easy to get caught up in the day and what is happening in front of you. You might get through the whole day before you realize that you haven't done what was most meaningful to you.

As you're praying and planning your day [and throughout it]; be mindful of decisions you make. You really can't do it all. Ask God to really help you give the most of your attention to the areas around what you value most in life. (Hopefully those values line up with his.) Also ask him to help you be content with the things that don't get done. If you were successful in the department of values, then you really didn't "fail" when something was still incomplete.

At the end of the day, instead of making your mental list of the things that you didn't get done. Or the things that you didn't do right, spend some time instead noting what you were proud of instead. What did go well? Then offer up a prayer of thankfulness.

Later if a thought comes back "you didn't do this" remind yourself of what you did do and even how much more important that was.  -Offer up another prayer of thankfulness. -Repeat this pattern as much as necessary.  If you'd like to share any of your successes, I'd love to see them here! Please share!

I will get you two of mine this week! I truly hope you have a wonderful THANKSgiving!


Scripture for the week:  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. - Colossians 4:2

Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!

What's this about? | Other challenges

Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/

Tuesday Challenge #20 | Pastor

This week's challenge: My commentary on Proverbs 27:23-27 says that "because life is short and our fortunes uncertain, we should be all the more diligent in what we do with our lives. We should act with foresight, giving responsible attention to our homes, our families and our careers. We should be responsible stewards, like a farmer with his lands and herds. Thinking ahead is a duty, not an option, for God's people." Then when I read that passage, it does sound more like it's telling the shepherd to be responsible for the flock but should the church not also care for the Pastor? 

Think of all of the many things that your Pastor is involved with and all of the ways that he or she contributes or has contributed to your church and your own personal growth. Take a moment to spur them on or refresh them! You can write a letter of encouragement or thanks, give a gift, provide an act of service or anything else that you would like. Then get it done by sundown on Monday!

Scripture for the week: "Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls." -Proverbs 27:23-27



Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!

What's this about? | Other challenges

Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/

Tuesday Challenge #19 | Thanks

This week's challenge: Write a letter of thanks to someone. It doesn't matter who. Preacher, teacher, relative, friend, co-worker, etc.

Be specific about what they did (or do) that you appreciate and be sure to tell them why it means so much! If you choose to read your letter to the person, be sure to give them the letter too when you are done. I guarantee you, they will want to read it again and again!

Here's a cute little video to end with. Enjoy!


Scripture for the week -  I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers - Philemon 1:4


Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!

What's this about? | Other challenges

Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/

Eating the fruit

Most of us are fairly familiar with Proverbs 18:21. "The tongue has the power of life and death..." My impression of it has always been contrary to the old sticks and stones rhyme; what you say really does have the power to hurt someone (death) or build them up (life).  Even when we allow that verse to have more meaning, we still might only consider its direct impact on others and not ourselves. 

        But
  did you
          know???

There is another half to that verse. It says "and those who love it will eat its fruit." 

This addition might sound more like a do unto others; if you speak life about someone else then others will speak life about you. Or if you are careless, and/or use your words to hurt others, then they will come back to you the same way.  

While some of that may be true, I'd like to suggest an even deeper meaning...

In 1 Samuel 18:8-10 an evil spirit enters Saul because of Saul's jealousy and anger over David. Because Saul allowed those thoughts, it opened a door for an evil spirit to torment him. 

If that kind of damage enters because of our thoughts, how much more can we open ourselves to life and death by letting thoughts become more? Our verse in Proverbs 18:21 says those who love it will eat its fruit.

Well, I know many (self included) that love to talk but eat...?

To eat does not mean that we give to someone else, or wait to see if you can cover it up, or make it different later. It means to put inside. -That by letting our thoughts manifest into an action or a word, we will put something inside of our own bodies, soul, & spirit in that moment. Opening our mouth, opens us up as well.

In fact the verse immediately before it says From the fruit of their mouth a person's stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

In the same way that what you eat determines how well you nourish your body; your harvest of words will nourish your own soul. 

Boy that is literally a lot to chew on. Bad-ump-bump!


So what does that look like in our day-to-day? 

I can't remember where it came from but I once heard the statement that you can't complain and praise at the same time. Have you ever had a song stuck in your head....?  Why not come up with a "go to song" to change your tune in the heat of the moment. The minute that a groan starts to take shape, recall the song and just start singing... Its okay if your don't know a "Praise" to sing. You can look for one. Until then, even singing "Old Mac Donald" would keep you from the groan. ...um, success! Until you learn a praise song. Or just say "Hallelujah" or "Jesus" over and over.  After all, there is something about that name.

If scripture is a weapon why not speak that instead of gossip or possibilities or fears? Hebrews 4:12 says that "The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." I don't know about you but I'd like to be and occasionally need to be separated from some of my thoughts! If it will help me separate- YES PLEASE!

But what if we also tried a little role reversal and let the conversations with our friends stay in our mind while talking out loud to God instead? Or how about word reversal, if you need social activity; how about deliberately looking for someone to encourage, compliment or pray with regularly instead of just talking about the weather or the day.

Not to drag this list out but it appears that I'll be finishing this post on Thanksgiving. In honor of that, what if we said more than just "thanks". What if we were deliberate and intentional about who did what, why it was so significant and how that has left us for the better? In fact check out this video. Gosh, why can't we do this every day!?

Lastly, we tell ourselves that less is less but sometimes, it is truly more. Proverbs 17:28 says "Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues." Meditate on that and see where you might need to hold back a few words, even if they might not all be "bad" ones.

Because of that verse and this theme about the "fruit of words" I think this picture is the perfect finale. When I was a child my parents had fruit trees. I remember them removing buds and smaller fruit before it could fully mature; even when it looked completely healthy or was just beginning to bloom. Yet, this was done so that that the fruit remaining on the tree would become bigger, sweeter and even more nutritious. Not only is it better for the fruit that is produced; but too much fruit could actually damage the tree. 

In both scenarios it is the fruit that can damage the body from which it came. Let us all meditate on this post. I hope the words really marry together in your heart and mind. What words might we keep or let go of; and how would doing so guard not only our health, but also our offering to others and to the Lord? 

I hope this post is a blessing to you. Thank you so much for reading. I wish you safe travels and a beautiful day spent with those you love in celebration of ALL of the Lord's good works!


Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for yet another opportunity to be thankful not just for what we eat of the physical world but also for what is given in nourishment by spirit. Bless not only the fruit of the earth, but also the fruit of our mouths and of our hearts. Forgive us for overlooking the deceit in our tongues. Let even the most private places of our heart be a PLEASING offering to you. Teach us how to apply the "righteous" living that we all crave. Let us discover MORE of your power and glory in our day to day. Let us be awed in love for you and your people. -Then to propelled to give from the thankfulness that overflows within. We love you Lord. Thank you for your many blessings!


If you enjoyed this, you might also like 2 other timely links that I've come across this week. 

• A sermon on how Thankfulness opens us up to God (click the sermon from 11/23)

• An Article on the The 7 evils of a complaining spirit copied from a book, "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs

photo credit - Thanks to my sweet, sweet Sophie. :)

Starry Night

Updated 10/18/14

Earlier I read a post called 8 ways to steal glory from God. It struck me as such a perfect and tidy little list. As I consider ways that I have touched each of them, I recalculate time and I see how far the Lord has brought me. 

It brings a ninth thief to the surface. 

God may be bringing me from a place of insecurity and a place where I once felt weaker. I might have come into faith sooner by my striving to draw closer. Yet when someone thanks me for sharing the way that God is working in me; I then struggle with how to respond properly. As if I am holding a fragile object in the air, twisting to see if any part of it is meant for me or is it something that I pass on for the true creator?

For it is only He that has inspired and crafted any touch of greatness that might be revealed.

Accepting appreciation may not necessarily be a villain, however fumbling with it long enough to consider how it got its shape, might just be another way that I try to hold on to glory just a bit longer.

Just as I sit in wonder of the night sky- It is not the sky that makes stars brilliant; It is just a keeper of the light.

***

He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. -Deuteronomy 10:21

You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. - Nehemiah 9:6

Photo Credit: Starry night by chensiyuan

Thanksgiving | Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today we come together to celebrate your provision, your good works, the gift of life... What an opportunity and blessing that it is for us to simply give thanks. There is nothing slight about a thankful heart. Carry us back to such a humble purpose. 

As we sit down today to let food satisfy a physical hunger, let the fullness and satisfaction of it serve as a reminder of you. -Not only of what you have already done but that you still have something more to offer. It is the fullness of you that satisfies not only the appetite for life but also the very hunger of our soul. As we draw closer to you, we find that we need no other provision. It IS only you that can make our heart glad. Only you that we can rejoice in!

Open our eyes and ears to your spirit so that we can fully discern 'meaning'. Let your song bubble up in us, in a way that opens our mouths and hands in a dance of thankful response. Let the overflow spill forward in a way that leads us along your path. For thine IS the kingdom, the power and the glory. Forever and ever Amen.

Psalm 95:2-3

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.  For the LORD is a great God And a great King above all gods.

I've Never Seen That Before

About two weeks ago, I had some work done to my 4 Runner. The valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced. The work had needed to be done for a while but it took forever to diagnose. I picked it up on a Saturday. The truck seemed to be running fine until the following Tuesday morning.

I am not sure if you are familiar with the Piankitank River Bridge but it has been under construction for some time now. The two lane bridge has only one lane open to traffic. The other lane is completely undriveable. There is no emergency lane or shoulder. The only room to move is in the one lane that you are traveling in. If you've been over it, you might remember it more because instead of road workers directing traffic, you will find a stop light that determines which side of traffic can cross.

Anyway, on Tuesday morning, I was first in line and when the light turned green, my oil light came on and the engine cut off. I quickly prayed, "Oh please God, the truck can break but please don't let me be the disabled vehicle that stops traffic -both ways- on a busy one lane bridge first thing in the morning."

I turned the key and it started up again.  I made it across the bridge and about a mile (Thank you God) before the oil light came back on and it cut off for good. I was able to coast into a subdivision.

I heard some crazy sounds. I smelled some good smells. I looked under my truck and sure enough, oil was dripping from underneath. "This isn't good." I popped the hood and the pulley for my timing belt was broken. It had busted through the plastic cover and was revealing itself to me. "Oh no, this isn't good either."

A man stops by and offers to help. He looks under the hood and says "I've never seen that before." A fleck of awareness strikes me as if this is my queue to tune in to what God is doing. Just that morning, I said a prayer and asked God to show me something new. I chuckle a little; this man's words cannot be a coincidence. I feel myself accept some kind of challenge. "OK God. I'm yours. Yes, I meant what I prayed, even if it is this. Reveal your power."

Of course I also prayed that God would make me satisfied only with what he gave instead of what I want. The situation before me is definitely not what I want. I want a running vehicle. Heck, a new car is just fine. I boldly ask for it. Why not? Colin and I have been talking cars for sometime and just have not been in a position to buy another one. Neither of us saw this coming though. This truck was our better vehicle.

I get my phone to make calls and ironically my cousin's boyfriend, Steve just took over his family's towing business and they live immediately behind me. How convenient. (Thank you God).

I'm out in the country and so it will be a while before he gets to me. I pop the hatch in the back of the truck and I sit there making calls. Within minutes, I have three cars that I can borrow if necessary, offers for a ride into work, and other 'willing to help' offers. (Thanks again).

Then I notice the day. It is beautiful! We've had some super hot streaks lately but it's not hot this day. I comment a lot that I want to live somewhere that is in the 70's year round with a slight breeze.  The weather is EXACTLY that. I giggle a little and lift up another (Thanks).

Finally the tow truck arrives and the Steve looks under the hood. Again I hear, "I've never seen that before." (of course I will hear it about 5 more times before the day is over). I tell him my prayer. We share funny smiles and talk about where to take the truck.

In the ride back to Gloucester, I try to make a mental list of things at I am thankful for about this situation. I didn't get tires or other work done to the truck that was needed yet. -Not because I was waiting for something. I just couldn't seem to get our schedules right to make it happen. This must be why. (Thank you God). I didn't even fill it up with gas. I was on E. (Thanks again). I wasn't in a wreck. We were all OK and the kids weren't with me. (Thanks some more)

I know that the issue with my truck is major but I just have so much peace and I just can't stop laughing.  You know what- that is truly something new, for me. I do laugh a lot. I try to be positive but there was a season in my life where the back of my mind was a dark room filled with worry. Not just worry but sometimes obsession. There is plenty of opportunity for that here. But I feel different. Instead of my freaking out about the problem, or the expense or the inconvenience; the peace of God sustains me (Philippians 4:7) and I know that it's a gift from him. -Not just Peace but Joy. (Romans 15:13). (Thank you God)

I stop by to see my regular mechanic to have him take a look at the truck before I return it to who did the work. I just want to confirm whether or not what has happened, is or is not related to what was done. My motor is gone. The cam has completely snapped. The mechanic said "It looks like a freak thing". He even follows it with the magic words.

I don't think it's a freak thing. I am not blaming God or even trying to blame anything one else. Life happens. Things happen. But God provides. (Philippians 4:19). Before I had even made it to this point of my day, I had 3 offers for a loaner car for an indefinite period of time. I didn't even have to ask.

I started to refuse them because that wasn't the solution that I wanted. It wounded my pride to need something from someone else. How much do we doubt God's power when he doesn't answer prayers the way that we think that he should answer them? -As if our plans are so much better?

My heart might want a new engine. My flesh might want a new car. We tell God that he can answer prayers with a (fill in the blank). While we can and should be specific in our prayers, we need to be sure to leave enough room for God to be God. How many times do we think that he's not answering simply because his (fill in the blank) is different than ours. We don't even recognize that we already have a solution. Or maybe he can't do what needs to be done because we didn't give him enough room to work. A loaner wasn't what I wanted but he provides.

I'll say it again- He provides.

And again, HE PROVIDES.

He sees the whole picture. There are a lot of things going on in my life right now. Car payments are not what I need. Truthfully, there are a lot of other things I need to take care of before I even consider this motor. God knows this and I now agree with him that the very best solution is the loaner car at least for a bit. Without my having to ask one person, he provided 3.

I don't know how the rest of this story will end yet.  -But I remind myself not to put faith in things. I  also note that I really like the person that I am growing up (in Christ) to be. (Thanks again)

****

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NASB)