The Journey

On this rainy, Tuesday morning, I find myself in a contemplative state of mind!  I feel so blessed to have this time to simply sit.  Or better stated, to "be still" in the presence of God.  This is where I find my peace and contentment.  His Word touches me in a way nothing else does.  His Word brings a balm of sorts   ~  a healing  ~  a joy....but mostly, it brings me reminders of where my real joy comes from.

Life brings so many things to us!  We wander and often times are confused and at a loss as to what this journey is about and where it is leading.  Yes, there is love and happiness here but there is definitely other emotions that riddle our journey ~ sadness, loneliness, fear, and uncertainty.  These aren't just emotions we feel, but these are things we live with while walking this journey. .....  Not to mention, all the evil that surrounds us.  This journey is not for naught.   It truly is a journey where we are being led and it has a definite purpose.  When the purpose has been fulfilled, the journey will end and we will cease to exist here on earth.  We can't understand not existing because this is all we know.   The evil around us is absolutely prevalent and hearing of it day after day (some days hour and after hour) truly reminds my heart of how I long for THAT DAY when sadness, loneliness, fear, uncertainty and evil will no longer exist.

It's so easy to latch on to whatever brings us happiness or love, comfort or a momentary peace, but those things will always disappoint us and leave us empty.  Always.  My mind thinks of food and how we often turn to it for our "happy" or our "comfort!"  Then there are the "things" we think bring us happiness.  They do, for a bit, but they too lose their lustre as it were.  I think of how social media is running rampant. Social Media is a huge part of our lives.  It can be good, yes, but it can also lead us down a road of comparison, jealousy, envy and tons of other emotions...none of which are good!  I think that is becoming the place of acceptance and/or acknowledgement for many of us.  I don't think we were meant to "live" in a place where everyone knows everyone's business.  I think taking care of our own "business" is tiring enough, much less concerning ourselves with everyone else's.  God wants for Him to be my "first love."  He wants me to go to Him for my acknowledgement and acceptance because He knows that it is only in Him that I can be truly satisfied.  He wants me to spend my time loving others and thinking less of me because He knows when I take my eyes off of me and love others that is when I will be truly happy.

Ahhhh, my contemplative state!  My heart is full of so many things.  My heart...always searching and
 seeking.  God is teaching me that "seeking Him first" is the best place to go.  Him first.  He is teaching me that living in peace and quietness is where my heart finds rest and a Spirit of contentment. He is teaching me that "the joy of the Lord is my strength."  He is teaching me that we are on this journey to serve and love.  After all, it is all about Him and not about us at all!

This life ~ our life ~ will cease to exist here.  And this journey we are on is so very short.  The Bible
instructs us to learn to "number our days" and that our "lives are simply a vapor."  My heart longs for that "Day" when my life will forever exist in Heaven because then, and only then, will all those longing I have in my heart be fulfilled.

As I sit this morning, and am still ~ I can't help but be so thankful that God's gift of Eternal life is just that....a GIFT.  Bought and paid for by our Savior Jesus.  My sins of yesterday, today and the ones I have yet to do, FORGIVEN.   Jesus suffered and died for me and for you.   There is nothing we can do to earn our way into Heaven....and thank God for that because what could I ever do that would be good enough?   He only asks one thing of us....that we "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and we will be saved."  (John 3:16). So simple...so easy.....it almost sounds unbelievable.  But, oh my friends, it is true.

Oh, the joys that fill my heart and mind as God reminds me of "Who" it is I live for and why.  We live to serve others and share the Gospel message.  That message that brings peace and hope to us.  As I find my joy in Him, He blesses me with His peace.  All that riddles my journey ~ our journey ~ are temporary.  The sadness and strife will end, and the joys we experience here are only a foretaste of what it will be like in Heaven.

Cyber Space Can't Touch

Sitting here this morning, many things are occupying my heart and mind.  So many hearts that are hurting and just wanting to be loved.  So many suffering depression and anxiety.  It seems to be getting worse as time goes on.  My prayer journal is full of prayers for those who suffer from this.  Today, while adding another request, my heart and mind started thinking.  

We live in a world where social media, emails and texts are the "norm!"  We need each other.  We need to love one another.  We need to hug one another.  We need to talk, face to face.  Cyber space isn't "real."  Cyber space is easy.  Cyber space is thinking about us and not others.  Cyber space doesn't have a face, a touch, tears or a smile.  Cyber space is often a "cop out!"

Social Media, emails and texting are convenient and can be very nice.  Reconnecting with others via social media is awesome.  Sending an email to just say "hi" or share some information is nice and fast.  Texting, too.....an awesome way to communicate.  However, we can't let technology replace REAL.  Real, heartfelt, face to face, "I care" kind of love.  Talking with one another and sharing what's REAL.  Being able to sit and listen with REAL eyes focused on a real person.  That's real!

Technology has made the world a very small place.  I love that. I love connecting with others, who share the same "love" as I do.  If I'm going to waste my time on Social Media, I like to "waste" it with others who share in the same things I love.  I love participating in online Bible study because when I am home, away from others, it's how I like to spend my time.  I also like sharing that which I love the most with others on Social Media because that's where everyone seems to be these days.   But by no means does that replace people time.  

It's safe, isn't it?  Hiding away in our little worlds and ignoring the world.  It's easy to "shoot" off a text or an e-mail and say "love you" or "I care."  Right?  Don't we all do it?  We feel better...at least we did something.  I know that's how I feel often times.  But then I hear of another suffering from "aloneness."  It's so sad!

I suppose as time progresses, things will continue on this path of disconnecting with "real" but my heart knows it is the wrong path.  God intends for us to come together....to share and love and grow as sisters and brothers in Christ.  In the end, it is all that matters.  I pray that I can disconnect more and reach out with real arms to a hurting world.

Future Plans?? Sort Of!!

Sitting here tonight reading "survivor" stories touches my heart on many levels.  Knowing so many who have fought so hard and died, makes me sad.  Knowing some who don't appreciate their life, makes me angry.

Reading one woman's story really touched me.  She talks about the fear and anxiety that go along with any illness.  The fear of not knowing what tomorrow holds.  The fear and anxiety in having all the tests and then the fear and anxiety that is associated with the waiting for results.  All legit and all understandable.  She went on to say that one day the light bulb went on and she realized how she was wasting her days worrying.  I remember that same light bulb going on.  I remember realizing that I was wasting the days I was being given by worrying about what tomorrow held, and that, illness or not, none of us know when our time here on earth will be done.

God has taught me many things since my own breast cancer diagnosis.  Many of the days were so very hard.   Having no one to talk with about it, who understood my fear and sadness, made the days so lonely.  Of course my husband, family and friends were always there, but that isn't the same as relating to someone else who was in the same shoes as you. However, looking back on those lonely days, I can now see how God used those days to draw me closer to Him. 

Reflecting on all of this reminds me of what is truly important.  My family, my friends and living life to the fullest.  Living my life with goals, but not your typical goals.  Goals like seeing the sunrise, hugging my grandkids as many times as I am able, saying "I love you" often, walking in the sunshine, sitting quietly appreciating what God has done for me, praying, singing to my hearts content and encouraging others in love.

God allows us here for a short time to love.  The days truly do fly and one day He will call me Home.  Nothing will I take with me.  Just a soul that God loves.

Future plans??  Sort of.  But my plans are simple.  As I enjoy those simple goals I have listed,  I do pray that God would continue to teach me to appreciate this life He has given to me and that He would bless me with a heart of wisdom for what really  matters.

In The Blink Of An Eye

Life is good.  All is well.  Then, boom, everything changes, in a blink of an eye.  Life no longer feels good.  All doesn't appear well.  Sadly, yes, this is life.

As I journey through this life, I can't help but see how all things change and often times, it surely doesn't change for the better...at least in our eyes.  Having experienced my own "in the blink of an eye" trial, I can attest to the fact that taking life for granted is not how we should live.  Saying this, I can also attest to the fact that many elderly people I care for will say to me, "it seems like just yesterday I was young and able and now look at me."  Surely, life flies by and along this journey we will experience many life changing moments.  Many good moments and many that are not, but one thing is sure, we will experience them and where we have our focus and trust is what will make all the difference in how we will get through it.

Jesus tells us our days are but a breath....(Psalm 144:4), however, it doesn't end there.  Yes, our days are numbered and they go by quickly, but Eternity awaits those who believe in Jesus as their Savior.

Psalm 90:12 teaches us to number our days "so teach us to number our days that we get a heart of wisdom."  Wisdom?  Wisdom for what?  God wants us to know what really matters.  God wants His children to live as His servants.  We are here to serve, as Jesus served us.  Our life isn't about stuff or what we can get.  No!!  Our life is about giving.  Our life is about sharing the message Jesus gives us to share so that ALL people can experience the BEST LIFE.  This life, as hard as it can be, can also be the best, when our focus is on the One who gives us all good things.  "Things," such as, PEACE - peace in knowing God loves me;  REST - true rest, as I fully trust in the One who loves me more than anyone;  TRUST - believing that all things are working together for my good because God promises me that;  ASSURANCE - the assurance of knowing Heaven is my Home because I believe Jesus is my Savior;  and best of all, He gives us His GRACE - His undeserved favor given to us.  It's free.  There is nothing we can do to earn that Grace.  Simply believe.  I know, I know, that sounds so easy, BUT it's true.  God's Word says it....."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this
is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8.  God doesn't lie so you can trust this truth with your whole heart.

From here, we are Heaven bound.  That life is Eternal and that life promises that "He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  Revelation 21:4. That's truth, my friends.

Yes, life changes in the blink of an eye.  But, we too, will change in the blink of an eye.  One day, we will open our eyes and be with the One who loves us more than anything or anyone else.  The old order of things will be gone and Eternal Peace and Joy will be ours.

Believe it.  It is truth.  As I muddle through these days ...good and bad....I pray that my focus, our focus, would be on the One who deserves all the Glory.  And I pray, "Lord teach me to number my days and give me a heart of wisdom."  To God be all the Glory.

PREACHING TO THE CHOIR

Listening to all the clamor around me, I scream......STOP.....why do you say this?  People critical of everyone and everything.  Why?  Because they think they are better than others?  Because they are insecure?  Because they are unhappy people?  I wonder.

Then I start talking and what do I say?  I become critical of others and everything.  Why?  Because I think I am better than others?  Because I am insecure?  Because I am unhappy?  It makes me wonder.

Of course, if I am bad mouthing another I must think I am better, right?  Otherwise, why would I do it?  Am I insecure?  I must be if criticizing another is the road I choose to walk down.  Am I unhappy?  If I was happy, would I feel the need to tear down another in order to lift myself up??

Oh, the heart.  How easy it is to listen to a good sermon and think......boy,  I wish "so and so" was here to hear this.  WHAT?  Is the Word only for others to hear?   What about me?  Isn't the Word for me?  Is it my job to be someone else's keeper and find their faults?   What about my own?  Ohhh, I have so many and yet, tearing down someone else is where I often venture as a way to make myself look better.

In 1Thessalonians 4:11 it says, "to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs...". Oh, how my heart wants to live this way.  I desire to live a life of love.  To live a life where I never "think more highly of myself than I ought."  (Romans 12:3). Aren't I casting judgement upon myself when I look at others with  judgement?  

Don't we all know those who appear to know everything?  They can quote the Bible, chapter and verse, and yet, as you are talking to them all you hear coming out of their mouth is judgement.  They appear to "know" it all, but "love" seems to be missing.  Am I not as guilty?  Jesus' second greatest command is "to love your neighbor as yourself."  Who then is my neighbor?  Is Jesus telling me to love only those who agree with everything I say?  Is Jesus telling me to love only those who love everything He says?  Is Jesus telling me to love only those who love me?  Is Jesus telling me to look down on certain people and only to love those that I DEEM AS LOVABLE?  Of course the answer is no to everyone of these questions and YET it is easy to live in this way.  Isn't it?

I become so angry, deep in my heart, when I hear and see others treat people in these ways.  I then turn around and cast my judgement upon them.....critizing them for "not loving" in the Name of Jesus and feeling the need to share my judgement with others.  After all, we shouldn't do that.  Right?''

Oh, my, I think I need to preach to my own choir.  I need to live a simpler and quiet life and not concern myself with others faults, and take care of my own.  Jesus tells ME to "love my neighbor as myself."  Jesus tells ME that "if I judge others I WILL BE JUDGED."  Jesus tells ME to live a "simple and quiet life, minding MY OWN business.

I am so thankful that I am forgiven for my many sins.  God's GRACE ... His undeserved favor...is freely given to me.  I accept His free Gift of Grace and in turn, it is my responsibility to give that same Grace to everyone else. It isn't pretty when we "throw stones." Not only does it hurt the one we are throwing them at, but it hurts the one who is throwing them.  Who are we ... who am I ... to think I can judge another? 

In The Desert

God.....family.....friends....sunshine.....green grass.....flowers.....music.....  They are what bring my soul happiness. (oh I forgot one thing....CHOCOLATE.) :-)  They are what brighten my soul.  But, often the happy, pretty things of life are not "where" we are at the time.  Our minds are elsewhere.....our happiness and joy have "left" for a time......the "desert" is where we find ourselves.  

The "desert".....a place that is ugly.  A place that is dark and dry.  The place none of us ever like to be.  However, there are times, we are there.  Sometimes we don't know how we got there and sometimes we do.  Regardless, it's never the place that brings out our best.  It's never a place that brings out our joy. It's the place, those ugly parts of us come out.  It's the place we are faced with those deep seeded feelings that we are none to proud of.  It's the place where we often "feel" God has abandoned us or doesn't care about us.  Not a fun place to be.  Not a happy place.

The "desert"......a place we have all occupied.  A place we may be in now or a place we will revisit at another time.  A place none of us can say we've never been in.  It's a place though, where we are brought to our knees....it's a place where we are humbled and want, more than ever, to "feel" God.....to "see" Him.....to be ministered too.  We cry out.  We seek His word....we bare our souls through prayer....and for some of us....we journal to get out what's on our heart.  As hard of a place that it is to occupy, it is in that place, the "desert,"  where we are brought face to face with ourselves.  It is the place where we come to realize, once again, that His LIVING WATER, is the ONLY thing that brings peace.  A place where we are once again reminded that His Love is true....His forgiveness is real and His grace is sufficient. (2Corinthians 12:9)  A place where He teaches us.  A place where we grow the most.  A place where, although very sad at the time, brings out our best when we drink from His living water, His Word, (John 7:37-38)....accept His free gift of grace and Praise and thank Him through it all.

This mornings devotion reading, appropriately spoke to my heart today.......

Psalm 73:23-28

 ²³ Yet I am always with you;
   you hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
   and afterward you will take me into glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
   And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
   but God is the strength of my heart
   and my portion forever. 
 ²⁷ Those who are far from you will perish;
   you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
²⁸ But as for me, it is good to be near God.
   I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
   I will tell of all your deeds.

  If the "desert" is where you are......seek His face...He is there.  If the "mountain top" is where you are....seek His face....He is there too.  Wherever you are, rejoice......He is with you.  He is molding and shaping us.......He loves us and is the same God in the "desert" as He is on the "mountain top."  Let His love shine from each of our hearts no matter where we are.  We can love Him and share Him even when our hearts are going through the "desert."  Eventually, He brings us through it........and the sun will shine again......and the lessons He teaches us through it all, will open our hearts with much thanksgiving and love.

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly.

Social Media.....It's the way of the world today.  Some love it and some hate it but regardless of how you feel about it, we are addicted to it.  (Just being honest). We share the LOVELY.  We share our "perfect" families.  We share our best selfies.  We share our homes..(the parts of  them that we want to show you) ..we share joy....we share uplifting messages....we share meme's (is that what they are called) - we share what we had for breakfast, lunch and or dinner ...we share and share and share....BUT...do we ever share the real....the ugly....the sadness....the house is mess.....the family isn't getting along.....and all the rest of real life.  I like to call it taking off our masks.   We have "friends" on Facebook, but really, truly, most really aren't our "friends."  Right?  They are acquaintances.  Real friends and family are the people you share REAL LIFE with.  Real friends you share your hurts, sadness and sorrows.  Typically, most people don't do that on social media.  And then there are the lurkers...but they are here too everyday.  Maybe not posting but reading and reading and reading and liking and liking and liking.

My friends and I talk about this a lot and although I, personally love Facebook and many of it's positive uses, I am just as guilty of showing the GOOD side but wouldn't really want people to come into the "ugly!"  But why?  Isn't that the REAL stuff too?  Don't we connect better with others when we are real and when we take off the masks?  We do.  I know we do.  Then we have the braggers.  Huh????  Who are you calling a bragger you say????  Well, for starters I would say that about me.  Sharing all things lovely......why?  Sharing vacation pics?  Why?  Like really, truly, does anyone other than me care about my vacation pictures?  Does anyone care if I got a new this or that?  Nope.  I'm pretty certain I'm speaking for everyone here.  So why do we do it?  Why do I?  Is it validation?  Is it to show I'm as good as you?  Is it my way of "keeping up with Joneses?"  Ummm....I want to say "no...I wouldn't do that, but don't I?  Don't we Facebook junkies do that?

Don't get me wrong, I really do love social media.  I think God is here.  Why do I think that?  Because He is everywhere.  The world is changing and social media is another way of sharing the Gospel message.  God can and does use any means He chooses to get the message of salvation out.  I have no doubt, in this day and age, God would want us to share Him here on Facebook too.   But I'm pretty certain, some of what I post, which may hurt another person or make them feel sad, isn't what God would want me to do.  It may seem innocent enough to me, but to someone who is lonely, is on the outs with their family, is poor, is sick etc., seeing my "LOOK AT ME" posts isn't really what they need.  Now saying that, I actually love seeing some people's vacation pics.  Especially family and close friends.  I really do.  But that isn't what I'm blogging about here.  Just speaking to what most of us feel about Facebook and yet continue to come back to it over and over and over again. 

I will continue to use Facebook in God honoring ways, but I will really try to be sensitive to what I post.  Is it God honoring or "Mary Jo" honoring? 

God's Word tells me to "not think of myself more highly than I ought."  Maybe, just maybe, I do that a little bit.  😞😞