Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us!

Some may already be into the first day of 2011, but here we are in the last day of 2010.  As I reflect over the past year, I think of I Samuel 7:12, "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us!"

I don't think I can blog a better message than what Charles Spurgeon wrote back in the 1800s.  I'd like to share it with you today:

"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."-1 Samuel 7:12

The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, "hitherto the Lord hath helped!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!" We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is delightful to gaze from end to end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves; even so look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys. Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received "hitherto."
 
But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes "hitherto," he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet-awakening in Jesus' likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fulness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. O be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy "Ebenezer," for-

He who hath helped thee hitherto
Will help thee all thy journey through.

When read in heaven's light how glorious and marvellous a prospect will thy "hitherto" unfold to thy grateful eye!

GOD WITH US!

Imagine the King of all kings and the Creator of heaven and earth leaving His eternal throne to be  born on this gloomy, sinful earth. Inexpressible, unfathomable love!

 

The Owner of all riches born as a poor one with no conveniences in the manger of an animal in a stinky stable, because He wanted to dwell with sinful, thankless us. 

The Light of the World being born in darkness and obscurity so that HOPE may light our way back to Him.  Immanuel.  GOD WITH US!

As we celebrate Christmas, may our hearts overflow with the blessings of our Savior's lowly birth.  May the peace, love, and joy in Jesus Christ be within us on Christmas day and always!

Whatever You Say, Lord

Can you imagine an angel suddenly appearing in front of you?  Telling you something will happen to you that is so incomprehensible that no one on earth can ever understand it?

What a shock it must have been for Mary, the mother of Jesus!  She would be with child and give birth to a son while still a virgin.  What a mystery we will never be able to solve!  God would come down to be born as a vulnerable child dependent on his mother's nurturing.

What would this illegitimate birth mean for Mary in the culture in which she lived?  Her father might have cast her out and forced her into begging. She would be scorned and could even be put to death, but God took care of all this and told Joseph to go ahead and marry her anyway.

Even married to Joseph, she would still be under suspicion.  It would be a difficult life where many people would cast blame on her.  Perhaps she even lost some friends because of it.

That didn't matter to Mary.  Instead, she rejoiced in God her Savior.  She believed anything is possible with God, and she replied, "I am the Lord's servant.  Be it unto me as You have said."

Mary's humble attitude amazes me.  She freely offered her body and soul to God, no matter what the consequences in her life.  It was more important to her to have God's favor than any human's favorable opinion.

I search my heart today and ask, "God, am I that available to You?  I'm afraid I haven't given You my whole heart and life, both body and soul.  Make me open to whatever You have in mind for me in this life, no matter what.  I know the pain of slander, and I'm afraid I try to guard my heart too much.  Enable me to throw myself into Your hands with a childlike trust as Your servant, ready to do or be whatever You ask me to!"

Negative Thoughts Begone!

Have you ever had days when negative thoughts rampage your mind?  Some days it can be tough to kick those stuck records out of sight and out of mind: "I'm not good enough," "I'm fat and ugly," "I'm stupid," and many more.

Satan has a heyday with negative thoughts.  He gets a thrill out of driving us into despondency.  As Kay Arthur says in her Lord, Heal My Hurts: A Devotional Study on God's Care and Deliverance, "Satan desires to sift us as wheat, to make us weak and ineffectual servants in the kingdom of God.  Having lost us to God, he knows that we are God's forever, yet the reality of that truth does not stop him."

When we are saved, the battle does not end.  Where God builds His church, Satan builds a chapel. Once Jesus has gathered another lamb to His fold, Satan will try whatever wily way he can to turn that heart from living for Jesus.  He is enraged that his power is broken by Jesus' blood and he prods us to doubt who we are in Jesus.

In Jesus, we are good enough.  In Jesus, we are beautiful.  In Jesus, we are intelligent and brave.  In Jesus, we are pure and undefiled.

Let's remember that the weapons we fight with have divine power to demolish every argument Satan sets up against the knowledge of God.  Let us boldly confront Satan and all those negative thoughts with the blood of Jesus Christ.

II Corinthians 10: 4-5
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Stepping Stones

One of my favorite places I visited as a child was Island Park in a small town in NW Iowa.  I especially enjoyed the challenge of crossing the river on stepping stones at the bottom of a waterfall.  At that time two or three missing steps left wide gaps of uncertainty.  As I sat on a step and reached my bare toes underneath the water, I could still feel the missing step's slimy, slippery foundation.  Some days I didn't dare to proceed, depending on the rushing of the water.  Some days I braved stepping on the gaps to continue crossing with a shout of exhilaration if I reached the other side.

This morning I was comparing my life to taking small steps of faith.  It's kind of like crossing those stepping stones.  Step by step, ever filled with challenge, often fearful.  Not always knowing when I step in the gap if I will slip and slide into the rushing water, yet trusting that my Rock Christ Jesus is steady enough to get me to the next step or strong enough to lift me from the waves if I slip.

Sometimes a flood drowns out Island Park and obliterates all traces of any steps at all.  Likewise in the devastating and overwhelming times in my life, I didn't have the slightest idea where the next step was, and I was too afraid to venture forward.  But many times I had to take the risk and step out anyway, blindly hoping it was the right one.

Stepping stones of faith.  Step by step I reach my toes ahead to the next one.  Sometimes I falter, and sometimes I rejoice, but one day I will reach the other side of the river of life.  One day I will forever raise my arms in praise.  Dancing.  Singing.  Shouting "Victory in Jesus!"

^{Isaiah 35:3-4}
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.”

The Healing Sun of Righteousness

As I gaze through my office windows, I complain in my heart at the freezing rain drizzling down with snow soon to follow.  I cringe at the thought of icy roads and cars skidding.  So many people trying to get to their destinations for Thanksgiving Day.  My husband, too, is trying to get home, and my muscles are as tight as a rubberband stretched to its limits.

I am reminded of a day almost twenty-six years ago when I stood in the kitchen of my soon-to-be husband.  The weather was just like this as my fiance drove to pick up his parents. 

I trembled with fear as I stood at the kitchen counter.  Something will happen, won't it?  It's too good to be true that I will marry the man I long prayed for.  God must be showing that He doesn't approve. 

Then I pleaded with God and prayed that the Sun of righteousness would arise with healing in His wings, that God would bless our union, our lives, our children.  Miraculously, the sun came out and bathed me with light and warmth.  Later I learned that the same miracle awed my fiance as he drove home.

The sun soon hid again until during our marriage ceremony in our living room.  As we stood and kneeled and promised each other our love and commitment, the sun broke forth in brilliance through the bay window, shining its light on us.  Even the minister said, "God must have sent His sunshine for you."

The sun again hid after the ceremony, but the warmth of its rays still lingers in my heart.  Not only did I receive a precious husband that day, but I also gained five precious children.  And over the years, through many trials, God has remained faithful.  Again and again He sends His Son to shine in our hearts and strengthen us through each day, even when we can't always see His rays.

So today, when the weather is so grey and gloomy, I will try to focus on Jesus and His ever-warming love and healing power. 

Readers, wherever you are or whatever you are going through, I pray the love of Jesus will give you hope on Thanksgiving Day and forever.  May the Sun of righteousness fill your heart with light and peace!

As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water

Isn't this doe captivating?  I have been awed by her beauty ever since my brother sent me this photo he took of her.  When I think she might not even be alive anymore because of the hunting season, my heart breaks.

I can just imagine her run and leap as she flees from the hunters.  Her sides heave and her nostrils quiver.  Her open mouth pants with thirst.  Will her enemy ever stop seeking her?  Where can she get a drink to revive her?

I know it's silly, but I can't help but cringe for the deer out there.  Someone once asked me, "Are you a vegetarian?"  Well, no, but still...

"You eat meat, don't you?" he asked. Yes, but somehow eating hamburger or chicken seems different. 

I try to reason with myself that not every hunter is out for the sport of killing these beautiful creatures.  Many do use the meat.  My son even assures me that he aims for immediate death so the deer won't suffer.

It is true that deer do overpopulate some areas, and there is not enough plant growth for all of them during harsh winters.  Starvation is a slow, painful death.  I will also admit they do become a hazard to drivers, and there is no way I would choose a deer's life over a human life. 

So I go back and forth in my mind.  I feel like such a hypocrite, because I have tried eating deer meat.  It's not my favorite, but I do find little pieces of it wrapped in bacon and grilled are tasty. 

But still, something cringes in my heart every time I hear another deer is down.  Even when I see one along the roadside, I can't help but say, "Poor deer." 

Perhaps I feel such a connection with deer because I envy their state of being wild and free, just out there doing what God intended for them.  Or maybe it's because I can identify with Psalm 42, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God."

Sometimes spiritually and emotionally, enemies from the past relentlessly pursue us, and we become so weary that we can't go on anymore.  We become lost and can't find the fountain that will quench our thirst and revive our souls for this journey on earth. 

Dear reader, is this you?  Please come.  Come to the bottomless Fountain of hope!

Shelter for the Sparrow and Shelter for You and Me

I snapped these pictures through the window of my office.  Brrrr!  Baths on a cold day?  I wish I had that downy underlay on my skin to help me survive the cold of the winter.

The second picture is one I took today.  The water in that birdbath was frozen this morning.  As you can see, it has warmed up enough to thaw out, but it's still only in the 40s.  Believe it or not, there was a sparrow that still ventured taking a bath in it.  He didn't stay in long, however, and his friends weren't too keen on joining him.   

I have often heard these little creatures called "dumb, ugly birds," but just look at them.  Notice their fine markings and the fluffy, protective layer they build up under their feathers.  God equips each one for the cold winter ahead.  Not one is forgotten. 

As it gets colder the sparrows find shelter between the evergreen branches or under plants that are not yet cut off.  As I watched them yesterday morning, a Psalm came to mind:

"Beneath Thy care the sparrow finds place for peaceful rest,

To keep her young in safety, the swallow finds a nest,

Then LORD, my King Almighty, Thy love will shelter me,

Beneath Thy holy altar, my dwelling place shall be."

The same Almighty God Who shelters such a little creature will surely shelter me from all the bitter, cold onslaughts of sin.  The same God Who gives the sparrow a protective layer will give me the Shield of faith to fend off the wiles of Satan.

Reader, that same God Who cares for every creature, no matter what they look like or what they can or cannot do, cares for you, too.  I pray that today you will find refuge in the safety of His love.

Lord, Save Me!

Matthew 14

One of my favorite Bible passages is when Jesus walked on water to the disciples in the boat and Peter said, "Lord, if it's You, tell me to come to You on the water." 

Jesus said, "Come."  Peter did walk on the water until he lost sight of Jesus.  When he looked around and saw the boisterous waves swirling around him, he began to sink.

"Lord, save me!"  Peter cried as the sea threatened to swallow him and fear and desperation choked him. 

Did Jesus let him drown?  No, Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught Peter.  Amazing love and faithfulness!

I can almost imagine the sorrow in Jesus' eyes as He said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

I, too, am of such little faith.  As I look back on my life, there were so many times when wave after wave crashed over me and the undercurrent of doubt and despair sucked me under.  There were even times when I wanted to just give up.  Not even God cared, I thought.  I once was so near to swallowing a full bottle of aspirin.  Several times I was sorely tempted to drive my car off a cliff. 

It's a miracle that I didn't take my life.  Relief from my troubles and despair didn't always come immediately, but in hindsight I see how God's grace did spare me again and again.

Jesus is available 24/7 to lend a helping hand.  It was my focus that was off.  I concentrated on the storm raging within me instead of looking to Jesus and His power to save.

Reader, if you are in despair for some reason or another, take heart.  There is nothing too impossible for God.  I pray that Jesus will again and again open our eyes to His hand reaching out and our ears to His invitation, "Come to Me, my precious child.  I will be with you no matter how dark the valley.  I will never leave you or forsake you."

Give Me a Love for Humanity

"Give Me Your Eyes," a song by Brandon Heath, has been playing in my mind much of the day.  I've listened to this song on my favorite radio station so often, but today some of the words seeped more deeply into the longings of my heart.

The song writer writes of the confusion and chaos of people in this world, then asks himself, "Are those people going somewhere?  Why have I never cared?"

We can get so caught up in our self-centered lives that we become blind to the pain of others.  We can become so overwhelmed by our own troubles that we don't take the time to sincerely pray for the people we see around us.  How often do we realize that each and every one carries a cross, sometimes hidden from the rest of the world? 

Sometimes their crosses are revealed to us, but we still hesitate to pray for them for various reasons.  Perhaps it's someone who hasn't treated us very well in the past?  Someone who has spread rumors or believed in the slander of our person?  Someone who has abused us in some way?

Personally, I find it easier to pray for a stranger than for someone who has hurt me or someone I care about.  I confess I don't always want things to go well for certain people, and I hang my head in sadness and plead that I will become more like Jesus.

When Jesus was suffering excruciating pain on the cross to save us from death and agony, He still looked around Him and cared, even for those who were driving in the nails and taunting Him.  For those who stripped Him of His dignity.  For those who hated Him with a passion.  He still cried, "Father, forgive them..."

Our sins just as surely crucified Jesus as the hands who physically drove in those nails.  We have just as much a part in abusing Jesus as anyone, in disgracing Him to the lowest of the lowest.  And yet He still looks right at us and prays for us.

Oh, to have a heart of love like Jesus!  The words repeated in the chorus of Brandon Heath's song ripple the deep longings of my innermost being:
"Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken hearted..."

*******

Music can often touch us in a personal way.  Reader, do you have a song that has deeply touched you?  Will you share it with us?

It's About Respect

A battle is raging here in SD to gain a smokefree state.  It is finally being put to a vote in the November election.

I received a pamphlet in the mail from those who are fighting to keep smoking in business places - “It’s About More Than Smoking: It’s About Freedom” - complete with a picture of an American flag and a veteran's photo and sentiments of fighting for our rights.  I’m sorry, but I guess I don’t get it.  Our soldiers fought for our freedom from danger, not freedom to put us in danger.  I am deeply grateful for all our soldiers and veterans who sacrifice their lives for our safety and freedom, but what does that have to do with freedom to put others in danger? 

Yes, I get it that property owners should have a right to run their businesses as they see fit, but why wouldn’t an owner want to respect the health of their workers and customers?  When did “freedom” start contradicting respect for another person’s well-being?

If a person drinks too much alcohol, does he or she have a right to drive?  Do they have a right to abuse other people around them?  Just ask all the families who have lost loved ones because of a drunk driver or who suffer violence because of drunkenness.

Smoking has the same repercussions.  The damage isn’t always evident immediately, but it is real and deadly.  Actually, sometimes it is immediate.  I personally have landed in the hospital when I was caught unaware in the path of a smoker. 

I am not running down smokers.  I don’t know firsthand how difficult it is to quit since I have never smoked, but I do know people who struggle with it or have struggled with it.  Many wish they had never started. 

The point I am trying to make is a need for respect for our fellow human-beings.  Would we purposely place toxic gas in our homes or businesses? 

No, I don’t think smoking in public places is about anyone’s rights or freedom.  It’s about caring about others.  It’s called common courtesy.



What's In a Cigarette?



Sheep Lessons

When our three youngest sons were still at home, we lived on an acreage for some years.  We had a regular Old McDonald's Farm, but my husband and I especially miss the sheep and the lessons they taught us.

We were greenhorns at first as we tried to move them from behind by waving our arms and wagging our tongues.  They would scatter, and we had bigger problems.  Our lives became so much easier when we figured out that all we had to do was gently lead them.

It was amazing how the sheep took care of each other.  Some were white-faced, some black, and some spotted, but they accepted their differences.  They never bullied weak or lame ones.  There were always one or two of them beside one blind sheep to tenderly nudge him to the right path.

I especially remember one extra-special experience I had with our small herd.  They were out in the pasture and usually always came back to their lighted yard before dark.  Concerned that they weren't home yet, I walked to the fence.  I could faintly see their huddled mass in the middle of the pasture.  Apparently the darkness had crept in and caught them off guard, and they didn't dare to try finding their way home.

"Here, sheep.  Here, sheep," I called.  They recognized my voice and moved towards me as they baa-baa-ed their gratitude.  As soon as I stopped calling, they stopped and listened again for my voice.  When they spotted the opening that led to the lighted yard, they rejoiced and ran home.

The lesson I learned that day still sticks with me today as I ask myself, "Do I listen for my Great Shepherd's voice, I mean really listen with open ears and open heart?  Do I follow?  Am I familiar enough with the Shepherd's voice that I recognize when He is speaking to my heart - This is the way?"

Uninterrupted Connection

Twice I was going to post here yesterday.  No connection.  I went through the diagnosis to find the problem.  I suddenly connected again, but by then I lost my muse or was sidelined by some other project that didn't require a computer.  This morning I went through the same thing.  I still don't know if the problem is on my end or the service provider's end, but it seems to be going fine now.

This causes me to reflect upon the amazing connection God gives us.  He is always here for us no matter what.  He does not depend on anything or anyone else to keep His connection going, because He has all things in His Almighty hands. 

Jesus laid down His life to give us a lifeline to God.  No interruptions.  No busy signals.  No matter how heavy the storms that destroy everything in their wake, our connection to God will never, never fail.  Amazing grace!

The connection on God's side is always open 24/7.  It is from our side that the lines get disconnected.  We can be so unsteady, so untrusting, but God remains faithful and unswerving.

Thank You, Jesus, for giving us an uninterrupted, open lifeline of communication!  We may not always get the answers we want or when we want, but thank You for always being available 24/7!

My Interpreter

It has been over 26 years ago, but I still think of one of my first-graders as "my little interpreter."  Jeffrey was fluent in both English and Dutch, and he was a God-send when it came to reaching my Dutch immigrants.

I was teaching in Canada in a very Dutch community.  I tried to learn Dutch, but except for a few phrases, I didn't get very far.  Teaching English to new Dutch students held priority.  Because of this, the principal would often place the Dutch students in my class since the other first-grade teacher was also a Dutch immigrant and would too easily give in to speaking in Dutch to these new immigrants.

Petite, blond-haired Janita was shy and sensitive when she came to my class.  I tried the best I could to make her feel loved and welcomed, but one day when I was telling the Bible story, she began to cry.  I felt in my heart that she was overwhelmed with the fact that she could not understand me.  I could feel she longed to know what I was talking about, but how could I comfort her other than giving her a hug?

I asked my other students if anyone would be able to help me, and Jeffrey quickly volunteered.  I told Jeffrey bit by bit what I wanted to tell Janita, and I was deeply touched by how he also relayed my compassion.  Jeffrey leaned down to Janita at her desk and rattled off in Dutch that it would be very hard to learn English, but we would help her all we can, and she would soon understand what we were saying. 

Janita wiped the tears from her cheeks with her hands, and her smile of trust beamed a ray of peace to my heart.  By the end of the year, Janita blossomed not only as a speaker of English but as a sweet, bubbly gal.

I will always carry a photo in my memory of little Jeffrey and how adequately he interpreted not only my words but also my feelings, and it causes me to think of another Interpreter Who interprets our feelings with perfection and infinite power.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We don't always know how to pray or what to pray for, but He intercedes for us to the Father with groanings that words cannot even express.  (Romans 8:26) Even when we are wordless and can only sigh, He knows exactly how to relay that to the Father Who hears. 

Reader, remember that no matter what, God knows our heart and hears every little sigh and groan.  Are we convinced in our hearts of this each day?

Love Does Not Come Through DNA

Why is it that so often weight is placed on more love coming through blood relations than in adoption, whether legally or informally? 

Love does not come from DNA.  Love comes from a much deeper source.  Yes, love comes through blood, but certainly not ours.  Jesus sacrificed His blood for us because He loves us so much.  His blood is the eternal spring out of which love flows.  Without it there would be no love at all in this world.

There are couples who show more genuine love towards their adopted children than couples who abuse and neglect the children who have their own DNA or blood.  Each child, whether by birth or adoption or through marriage, is a miracle from God Himself and is worthy of our love.  If our hearts are filled with the blood of Jesus, we will love our children.

I have heard of adoptive parents, myself included, who have been approached with - Too bad you never had any children of your own.  It always cut me to the core of my heart.  Unless I instinctively drew within myself like a wounded puppy, I would answer, "I do have children of my own, five of them!"

When I married a widower with five children, God richly blessed me with children of my own.  I was fearful that if something happened to my husband, the law would take them away from me, so I legally adopted them.  But even if I hadn't adopted them and had remained a "step-parent," my love would run deep for my children, contrary to the stereotype found in the story of Cinderella.

A parent not loving their child comes through the parent's sin, not whether the parent is a "blood-parent," an adoptive parent, or a step-parent.

You see, love for a child does not come through DNA.  It comes through the blessed blood of Jesus!  And I know God has given me a mother's and grandmother's love so deep that I would gladly relieve my children and grandchildren of all their hurts by taking them onto myself and I would count it an honor to die for them.

Reader, how about you?  Will you share your story?

Handwritten Letters

I was pleasantly surprised when I shuffled through my snail mail today and spotted a hand-written letter from a friend I met through an online lung disease support group.  It got me to reflecting on our changing world.

Our world of technology can be convenient and fast.  I can send my sister who is now in Haiti an email, and she will actually receive it today.  Amazing!  Even as writers we can now submit by email and save on a return envelope and postage.

In fact, technology is changing so quickly that I can hardly keep up with all the computer jargon.  Just when I learn how to do some project on my computer, it's outdated by some new program.  It's a life-long learning challenge.

Don't get me wrong.  I love technology, but I don't want to lose sight of that powerful "old-fashioned" way of writing a letter.  My friend reminded me today how special and personal it is to get a letter in the mail.  And even though I loved being able to send her a quick ecard thanking her for her thoughtfulness, I am inspired to dig up my stationery, shake off the dust bunnies, and send my friend a handwritten letter, too.

Have you handwritten a letter to a friend or relative recently and sent it by snail mail?  Let's keep this line of communication from joining the obsolete!

Perfectionism Plugs Creativity

Many years ago I was given a personality test that analyzed me as a perfectionist and a worrywart.  Nothing that I didn't already know myself.  But what I didn't realize then is that I don't have to allow myself to be defined by a test or by what someone else says I am.

I too often allow the perfectionist in me to take full reign.  Oh, I have improved in some areas.  For instance, I used to think every smudge on the windows must quickly be wiped off.  Today I stand and admire a perfect little handprint made by a grandchild, and I don't have the heart to wipe it off for days.

In the creative area, especially in my writing, perfectionism easily tosses inspirations out to the trash file.  As Julia Cameron writes in The Artist's Way, "Perfectionism is a refusal to let yourself move ahead."  Those ideas spin around in my thoughts, but I don't act upon them because I think they're not good enough.  Or I think someone else can write about that better than I can.

Often when I'm writing I am constantly worrying about the little details of grammar usage, etc, instead of concentrating on the bigger picture and just letting myself write freely from my heart.  Even now, you'll never guess how many times I've hit the backspace button. 

So how can I unplug that perfectionist plug?  By blocking out the little voices that say it isn't good enough and concentrating on the passion planted within me. By writing spontaneously, trusting that all the little details will work themselves out.  By spilling out my ideas on the written page and telling myself that every idea is a good idea and worth activating.

Above all, I can concentrate on the Creator of creativity Who is perfectly powerful to unleash my potential in a way that produces glory to His Name.  If I look within myself, I will never measure up; but if I look to my perfect Savior, I will be more than enough.

Reader, are you letting your perfectionistic nature stifle the creativity within you?  How can you work on more freely expressing yourself in your everyday life?

Bloom Where You Are Planted

"Bloom where you are planted."  An old quote but still so relevant to today.  What does it mean to me?

We are all planted into different gardens of life, and God wants us to bloom in the garden where He has planted us.  It may be a garden full of the thistles of heartbreaking trials, but He offers to each of us the breath of life, and He longs to nourish us into radiant blossoms.

I read a refreshing article today in our local newspaper about a girl with downs syndrome who was voted as homecoming queen in Chester, SD.  She blooms with her loving, bubbly spirit.  What a blessing that others see past her limitations to the awesome gifts God has planted in her heart!

We all have limitations in some way, but God plants seeds of gifts in each of our hearts.  Sometimes these gifts can be smothered with past pain and insecurity, but through God's grace the seeds will sprout and grow and bloom.

While searching for the author of the above quote, I discovered the lyrics to an old song, and the last lines moved me - "Look at the gifts you have been given.  Let them go free!"  I am so ready to deny I have any gifts, but I am taking a journey into believing God has given gifts even to me, and He can and will nurture them with His love and mercy.

No matter who you are or where you dwell, each one of you has God-given gifts that He desires to flourish to His glory and the welfare of others.  Will you search your heart and share how God is using the gifts He has given to you to bless others?