Excellence~

I was given gifts from the Lord.  I write, sing, am a sensitive individual (yes, it is a gift), among other things.  I work hard to be the best I can be.  When learning a new song, or practicing one I know, I listen repeatedly, say the lyrics as a prayer, and memorize the words.  My writing is given much thought and prayer before I begin penning it out.  The sensitive part of me values relationships greatly, and I invest my heart deeply.  When I fail, it makes me mad, so I work harder.  I have high expectations of myself.  I strive for excellence, always working to be a little better.  Though I receive compliments at times, and am sometimes judged, I do not work hard, or strive for excellence for the accolade or recognition of others.  Not for man’s praise, but for the glory of Him who gifted me.  “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).  I thank Him for the gifts He has blessed me with and want to use them always for His glory.  His Word tells me to do whatever I do heartily as unto the Lord.  Heartily = wholeheartedly, sincerely, genuinely, profoundly, eagerly, enthusiastically, with eagerness, with enthusiasm, zealously, vigorously, with all one’s heart.  That is how I want to use my gifts!  I write well, I sing well, I care well.  Not for approval or applaud, but to praise the Lord, to worship Him who created me.  To Him who created the universe, calls me by name, loves me, gave His life for me, and uses me to glorify Himself.   “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3: 23-24).

Seasons~

I'm lying in my bed this morning chilled from the cold night air.  I said aloud, "I'm ready for summer!"  Then I thought about it.  How often in life things are colorful, beautiful, and warm, and we just want to stay there as long as we can.  And definitely, let's pass the cold, dark, grey days up!  Who needs them?!

The seasons are all necessary for growth.  During fall, leaves that have been damaged by insects and weather fall to the ground, and the trees and plants rest and live off of stored food until spring during winter.  Spring brings new life to all.  Trees bud, flowers bloom, colors are restored, and the smells of new life are everywhere.  Then Sumner will be here. Bright, warm, and glorious!

During this time of being cold and gloomy, may we reflect on our lives.  Knowing that we need rest, and that Spring awaits us, let us cling to and embrace the Lord, and take this time to shed what life has damaged and live on the stored food of our souls.

Change of Heart~

My mom was recently in the hospital for atrial fibrillation. Her heart was racing at 146 beats per minute.  She took a ride in the ambulance to the hospital to get some help.  In the emergency room a nurse administered some medication and mom waited for it to take effect.  She lay waiting while a few of her friends were there by her side.  In an instant, alarms sounded and freaked her friends out a bit, and in that instant, mom’s heart-rate went from 146 to 70.  Mom felt relief in that moment and knew that her heart had gone back into normal rhythm. 

Your heart can change in a moment!  Never stop praying.  Don’t give up on those you are praying for.  Whether they need to soften their heart to the Lord or open their ears to His call on their life, the change CAN happen.  God is able to accomplish what He desires.  “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever” (Ephesians 3:20-21).  I believe that God has everything planned for our lives as is states in Psalm 139 “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them” (vs16). I don't think He changes His plan, but I also believe that He wants the prayers of His children for all things and that that is a piece of the puzzle of everything planned before we are even substance.  Pray without ceasing. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).  Don’t give up.  Part of the will of God in Christ Jesus for you is praying without ceasing! We pray and trust Him to move in the way He chooses.