Awareness of God

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT)

Stars do not come out at night. They are always there, but we only see them when it is dark. Even then, we actually have to step outside our buildings and look up to notice them. Most people know this, but they unthinkingly say: “The stars are out tonight!” No...you are out tonight and paying attention.

Here is another phrase that people say unthinkingly: “I’m praying/waiting for God to show up.” Like the stars, God is always present, but we notice Him more when our circumstances are dark. Even then, we actually have to step outside our structural paradigms and pay attention. 

Awareness of God’s presence requires practice. We must learn to be attentive--to listen, observe, and respond. Habits that obstruct our watchfulness have to be purged.  In time, we develop a spiritual sensitivity. We become attuned to the vibrations of the Spirit. We sense God with us, in us, and around us. We flow within the Divine undercurrent that tugs at our souls.

Tunneling Candles

 “I continue to pray for your love to grow and increase beyond measure, bringing you into the rich revelation of spiritual insight in all things.” (Philippians 1:9 TPT)

 

During Advent season, I light candles at sunrise and sunset. When I first started this ritual, I would only keep the candles lit for a short time. I didn’t want to leave an open flame unattended, so I would blow out the candles before I left the room. I noticed that the wax in each candle was burning in a weird pattern. There would be a tunnel near the wick, but the wax near the edges remained unused. The candles kept burning out quickly, even though there was plenty of wax left. After throwing out several damaged candles, I finally did some online research. I discovered that ‘candle tunneling’ was caused by short burning times. A candle that burns to the edges each time it is lit will not have this tunnel. In order to maximize the usefulness of a candle, it is best to keep it lit for longer periods of time. 

 

The tunnels in the candles led me to another observation. While short bursts of prayer in the midst of daily activities can be easier to schedule, longer periods of worship are more beneficial. It is good to ask God for help and guidance when we feel anxious or face trouble. However, if this is the only time we turn to God, we miss out on the fullness of Grace. A problem-centric approach to prayer can lead to tunnel vision. Our viewpoints become constricted to our current afflictions. Unless we remain in the light long enough to melt to the edges of our egocentrism, we miss out on experiencing God’s presence. Here, in the liminal borders of our perception, is the sacred space of understanding. Deep worship melts our mindset and floods the soul. Remaining in the light allows us to grow and increase beyond measure, bringing us into the rich revelations of spiritual insight in all things. 

Awaken My Spirit

“When the light shines, it exposes even the dark and shadowy things and turns them into pure reflections of light. This is why they sing: Awake, you sleeper! Rise from your grave, and the Anointed One will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14 VOICE)

My bedroom windows have blackout curtains to prevent the morning light from waking me up before I am ready to get up. Most days, even after I am up, I don’t bother to open these curtains. Why?

Habit: I have grown accustomed to the low light.

Comfort: The natural light can feel glaring at times.

Laziness: I can’t be bothered to open the curtains in the morning and close them back again in the evening. It’s easier to turn the light switches on and off as needed. 

 

I have noticed a similar reluctance in my soul. I sense the Spirit of God is dormant within me, yet I am not in any big hurry to let the light in. A combination of habit, comfort, and laziness lulls me into remaining groggy. When the light shines, it exposes dark and shadowy things. This can be uncomfortable. I am accustomed to living in low light and am too lazy to change. 

 

The light of God is shining. It is time for the dormant Spirit within me to awaken. All I have to do is remove the barriers, rise, and receive. As my soul absorbs the anointing, every shadow within me shall be turned into a pure reflection of light.

Smooth Roads

“The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth.” (Luke 3:5 NLT)

As I go out into the world and navigate all the obstacles that are in my way, I imagine God smoothing out difficulties. When I hit a bump or a pothole as I speed through my plans and goals, I’m a bit annoyed. Why hasn’t God kept His promise to level the hills and fill in the valleys? Am I on the wrong road? 

“I will walk the blind by an unknown way and guide them on paths they’ve never traveled. I will smooth their difficult road and make their dark mysteries bright with light. These are things I will do for them, for I will never abandon my beloved ones.” (Isaiah 42:16 TPT)

The road that is being cleared is not into worldly success. The difficult path that is smoothed is an access way to God. All this time, I have been confused and lost. The Lord promised to guide me on unknown paths toward HIS purpose. He smooths the difficult road and makes dark mysteries bright with light. He helps me experience His loving presence and peace. 

 

Christmas Gifts

“God’s marvelous grace has manifested in person, bringing salvation for everyone. This same grace teaches us how to live each day as we turn our backs on ungodliness and indulgent lifestyles, and it equips us to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives in this present age.” (Titus 2:11-12 TPT)

 

What did you get for Christmas?

 

Were you gifted with wisdom, awareness, and self-discipline? Did you receive God’s marvelous grace--the grace that teaches us to live each day as we turn our backs on ungodliness and indulgent lifestyles? 

 

Christ came in person to bring salvation for everyone. 

 

Do not reject the gifts. Open and handle them carefully. Be grateful. Use them.

 

Incorporate Christ into your lives. 

 

Christ The Savior

“The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today.” (Luke 2:11 NLT)

 

As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, here are a few simple reminders:

 

Jesus is The Savior. He is our rescuer. He is our source of peace.

 

We cannot be anybody’s savior. We can hand over our concerns to God and follow directions. We do not possess the power to rescue or transform. We are not in charge. God is in control. The Lord is always present, always dependable, always loving. He has the power to make things whole. 

 

“The responsibility of complete dominion will rest on his shoulders, and his name will be: The Wonderful One! The Extraordinary Strategist! The Mighty God! The Father of Eternity! The Prince of Peace!” (Isaiah 9:6 TPT)

 

Crowded Mantles

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16 NLT)

The mantle above my fireplace is crowded with lots of things that are significant to me. It is a central spot to store and display mementos. There are times when this shelf is so full that adding one more item would push something else off the edge. Thus, I have learned to reevaluate what is worthy of being on the mantle. I intentionally remove certain mementos when adding new ones. Perhaps a seasonal item can be taken off for a while and placed in a different location. If I don’t choose, the choice will be made for me. Something fragile and significant could fall off. The mantle space is limited, so I might as well pick what I want to add and remove.

The mantle is a good metaphor for the priorities in my life. There are times when my shelf is so full that adding one more task would push something off the edge. Thus, I have learned to withdraw regularly before adding new commitments. I take time away from busyness to pray. In quiet solitude, I reevaluate what is most important in the current season of life. I intentionally take things off my agenda. This is not easy, because I feel the desire to keep previous priorities central in my life. I don’t want to give up on anything that was once important to me. However, if I don’t choose, the choice will be made for me. My time, energy, and bandwidth are limited. Something essential could fall off the edge, so I might as well pick what to add and remove. 

 

Fruit Flavor

“But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-23 TPT)

Fruit-flavored gummies used to be my favorite snack during long runs. They come in convenient packages that are easy to carry. These colorful candies have the shape and taste of fruits, but they are made mostly from artificial ingredients. 

About a year ago, I read that some runners use dried fruits on long runs. I decided to give this a try. Before leaving the house, I packed a small ziploc bag with raisins and dates. This was a bit more work than grabbing a pre-packaged bag of gummies, so I congratulated myself on my dedication and sacrifice. About halfway through my run, I popped one of the dry fruits into my mouth. I missed the syrupy sweetness of the gummies. I was accustomed to the simple sugars that melted in my mouth. Instead, I had real fruits that required chewing! 

Christians are called to cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Instead, most of us prefer fruit-flavored characteristics. These traits may seem Christlike at a superficial glance, but they are not. Real spiritual fruits do not come in convenient packages. They require chewing. They are not syrupy sweet. Yet, there is nothing more nourishing than divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart and strength of spirit. 

 

Commercialized Worship

“Get these things out of here! Don’t you dare commercialize my Father’s house!” (John 2:16 TPT)

Most popular churches cater to young people and families with children. Their programs offer child care for young children, pizza and games for teenagers, musical concerts and coffee shops for young adults, and social events for couples. These types of programs are attractive to members, which is good for business. 

Churches that fail to entertain their congregants do not survive long in our consumer culture. However, commercialized religion is offensive to God.  Jesus was angered by those who turned the temple in Jerusalem into a business. He made a whip and lashed out at everyone involved in this racket. He kicked over the tables filled with merchandise. Jesus was consumed with a fiery passion for pure worship. As Christians, we are called to follow Christ’s example. 

Normalcy Bias

“The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, ‘There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me!’” (2 Chronicles 18:7 NLT)

The human tendency to accept what we want to hear while dismissing troublesome news has been around since Biblical times. This phenomenon of ignoring unfavorable warnings is called normalcy bias. Most of us would rather hear good news. We believe those who say that everything is going to be fine while distrusting those who advise caution. According to researchers, about 70% of people display normalcy bias during a disaster while 10% to 15% act appropriately. The majority take the ‘wait and see’ approach, delaying progress. 

Early in the pandemic, health care workers, first responders, scientists, and other helpers were honored for their work. Now, scientists who warn the public about rising case numbers, hospitalizations, new variants, etc., are discredited and criticized for spreading fear. Health care workers who recommend vaccinations, masks, and physical distancing are vilified as alarmists. People who refrain from social gatherings are deemed overreactive and abnormal.  After months and months of restrictions, the desire for normalcy is understandable. The whole world is tired of dealing with the virus. The helpers are extremely tired, too. Normalcy bias is harming all of us. 

The Discomfort of Mindfulness

“The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.’” (Exodus 16:3 NIV)

Moses had guided the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. However, they were grumpy in the desert. They felt it would have been better to die in bondage than to do without their familiar comforts. 

I can identify with the Israelites. In an attempt to eat mindfully, I’ve been keeping a log of my food for the past week. I can eat anything I want, as long as I keep track of it. Yet, even this small level of accountability makes me feel restricted and grumpy. I’m used to carelessly consuming whatever I want, whenever I want. This is how I pacify, relax, and entertain myself. Having to think about what I am eating takes a lot of the fun out of the process. 

Unthinkingly doing what we have always done brings comfort. On the contrary, attentiveness can feel frustrating. Try giving your full attention to any task that you do--whether it is talking to your spouse, cleaning, breathing, running, studying, etc. Notice how difficult it is. Understanding this resistance is key to overcoming it. Mindfulness is uncomfortable. It involves breaking out of bondage to familiar habits. This leaves us feeling discombobulated. Thus, we naturally try to go back to the way things used to be, even if we know it to be harmful. It takes practice and dedication to change our ways and develop mindful habits. 

Inner Numbness

“Be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping.” (Luke 21:34 MSG) 

A few months ago, I had to have a dental procedure. The dentist injected a numbing agent into my gums. For the rest of the day, one side of my face was nonresponsive and droopy. The anesthetic dulled the pain, but my mind felt muddled by the prolonged insensitivity. 

Soul-numbing habits are common in many of our lives. Parties, drinking, drugs, shopping, novel experiences, food, media, daydreaming, worrying, etc., can dull our minds. We intentionally seek out these diversions, filling our days with activity. Keeping busy allows us to not think too deeply. Any habit that takes the edge off can also reduce our spiritual sensitivity. Inner numbness makes us inattentive to God’s presence, incurious to insights, and unresponsive to guidance. 

Be on guard. Protect your spiritual sensitivity. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation be dulled. Avoid anything that is numbing. Stay alert and responsive to the Divine.

 

Purpose for Change

“The spiritually hungry are always ready to learn more, for their hearts are eager to discover new truths.” (Proverbs 18:15 TPT)

Our identities and social standing are intertwined with our lifestyle choices. Our religion, politics, nationality, ethnicity, careers, homes, cars, leisure activities, hobbies, whether we wear masks, get vaccinated, smoke, drink alcohol, eat meat, exercise, carry guns, recycle--all are part of our identity. We are more likely to affirm those who share our values and vilify those who do not. We assign meaning and purpose to our choices. Furthermore, we conclude that life would not be worth living if we could not continue to live in ways that uphold this identity. 

Why do we cling to certain perspectives and habits, even when they are not beneficial in the long term?

 It takes months to develop a new beneficial habit. It takes years to shift perspectives that may result in inconvenience or loss of status.  Anytime we try to change long-held habits or beliefs, our initial reaction is one of resistance. We do not want to go through the discomfort of doing things differently. Even challenging our current perspectives leads to cognitive dissonance. 

New truths can only be discovered by those with an inner hunger to learn. This requires reevaluating our comfortable viewpoints and traditions. Our identities may unravel in the process. Deconstruction is messy. Like occupants in a home that is being remodeled, we feel unsettled and inconvenienced. Yet, we tolerate discomfort when we know it leads to beneficial change. It takes a while for the dust to settle and new identities to form. If we can remain receptive and disciplined during the process, we discover meaning and purpose in transformation. 

Everyday Blessings

“And so I heartily recommend that you pursue joy, for the best a person can do under the sun is to enjoy life.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15 VOICE)

I like to take pictures of everyday joys: food that I make, trees in my yard, my dog, my neighborhood pond, the pasture at the end of the road, the sunrise, the snow. These pictures are a way to record my happiness. I also write down all the wonderful comforts that I experience daily: the steam rising from a mug of coffee, my warm robe, the light coming through the east windows, the ability to run, my husband coming home after work, my son playing with the dog, the taste of frozen grapes, quiet moments, books. If even one of my comforts were taken away--if one of my appliances stopped working, or I lost my phone, or I had an injury--I would be miserable. In contrast, the presence of these pleasures only bring joy if I am attentive and appreciative. Unless observed, even a shooting star cannot induce wonder!

“Happiness consists more in small conveniences or pleasures that occur every day than in great pieces of good fortune that happen seldom.” (Benjamin Franklin) 

Novel experiences can be exciting and fun: a vacation, a new car, a concert, a party, a reunion, a new achievement. Yet the cumulative impact of daily joys improves the quality of our lives more than we realize. Some of us wait for great pieces of good fortune to bring happiness. We overlook all the goodness that is present each day. Contentment comes from appreciating daily conveniences and pleasures. When we choose to notice  and rejoice over everyday blessings, life becomes gratifying.  

Resistance Is Tiring

“That day, after the Israelites had struck down the Philistines from Mikmash to Aijalon, they were exhausted.” (1 Samuel 14:31 NIV)

Running against the wind takes a lot of effort. On cold, windy days I tend to dress in multiple layers from head to foot. Even then, the wind whips at my body, and progress is slow. The extra clothing makes movement harder. By the time I am done, I feel exhausted. On my running log, I record the wind speed and my perceived effort level. I have learned to acknowledge the reasons for my fatigue. 

The Israelites were exhausted after fighting the Philistines. I doubt they questioned why they were weary. Battles are hard. 

Any form of resistance is tiring. This is to be expected. Whether it is running against the wind, changing long-held habits, facing pushback from those who disagree with you, working at a difficult job, worrying about your loved ones, dealing with hostility, facing financial problems, arguing with your spouse, or battling health issues--struggle is draining. 

Whatever you are facing, acknowledge the reasons for your fatigue. Expect resistance to be tiring. Try not to beat yourself up about feeling weary. Give yourself grace to rest and recover.

The Next Thought

“Watch where you’re going! Stick to the path of truth.” (Proverbs 4:26 TPT)

Yesterday I woke up thinking about bread. That thought led to rearranging my schedule so I could make time for baking. Then I spent some time thinking about what kind of bread I wanted to make, looking up recipes, and doing an inventory of the ingredients I had in my pantry. Finally, all these thoughts led to the actual action of making bread. 

Today I woke up thinking about how tired I am. That thought led to self-pity about all the chores I had to do. That thought turned into feelings of laziness which induced self-loathing. All these thoughts brought me down, and the result was hours of restless moping.

Thoughts direct your steps. The next thought you have determines your direction. The right thought allows you to move in the right path. The wrong thought turns you around to face the wrong way. Watch where your mind is going. Stick to the path of truth. 

 

Positive Impediments

“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-8 NLT)

Malcolm Muggeridge was a famous British journalist who appeared on numerous television shows. As the son of a prominent English politician, he had more opportunities than the average person. During World War II, Muggeridge was a spy for the British government. He traveled and worked in Russia, Africa, India, and France. He corresponded with Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Salvador Dali, and the Beatles, among others. A self-proclaimed agnostic, Muggeridge became a Christian later in life. Keep these details in mind as you read the following quote by this colorful character: 

 “I may, I suppose, regard myself as being a relatively successful man. People occasionally stare at me in the street. That’s fame. I can fairly easily earn enough to qualify for admission to the highest slopes of inland revenue. That’s success. Furnished with money and a little fame, even the elderly, if they care to, can partake of trendy diversions. That’s pleasure. It might happen once in a while that something I said or wrote was sufficiently heeded to persuade myself that it represented a serious impact on our time. That’s fulfillment. Yet I say to you, and I beg of you to believe me, multiply these tiny triumphs by a million, add them all together, and they are nothing, less than nothing, a positive impediment, measured against one draught of that living water that Christ offers to the spiritually thirsty.” (Malcolm Muggeridge)

After a lifetime of experiences that brought him fame, success, pleasure, and fulfillment, Malcolm Muggeridge came to the same conclusions as St. Paul. Many things that he once thought valuable were positive impediments in his path. None of them truly quenched his inner thirst.   

An impediment is a hindrance that delays progress. Positive impediments are the affirmative things in life that can become barriers to growth. The pursuit of what we imagine to be beneficial can divert us from that which is truly important. It might take a lifetime of detours and side trips before we understand that everything else is worthless compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ. 

 

Puzzle Pieces

“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!’” (Genesis 28:16 NLT)

 

When doing jigsaw puzzles, I have a system. First, I find the corner pieces. Then, I fill in the edge pieces. After that, I sort the rest of the pieces by their characteristics and shapes. My system works pretty well, but sometimes I get stuck in one spot. I line up all the pieces that I think will fit and try them one after another. When I finally find the one that fits, I am surprised that I didn’t recognize it earlier. It is usually a piece that was right in front of me all along but looked different than I expected. 

 

I approach most of life’s puzzles with a similar mindset. In my desire for security and satisfaction, I look to relationships, attachments, social acceptance, accomplishments, etc.  I use my wits to sort through problems and figure out how things fit together. When I get stuck, I try every resource that is available--jamming more time, attention, energy, information, and money into the situation. This rarely works. The hole in my spirit cannot be made whole with anything this world has to offer.  I am left frustrated, disappointed, and exhausted. Once I get to my wit’s end, I usually find that the overlooked piece was right in front of me all along. Like Jacob, I wake up from my grogginess and realize: The Lord was always what I needed, and I wasn’t even aware.

Advent Practices

“Prepare for God’s arrival! Make the road straight and smooth, a highway fit for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3 MSG)

Advent and Christmas have been hijacked by consumerism. Many of the traditions of this season divert our attention from Christ. How can we prepare our hearts for God’s arrival? How can we clear the path of clutter and focus our mind on Christ within us? Below are a few practices that I find helpful:

--Study Scripture. Here is a link to an Advent lectionary: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/lections.php?year=C&season=Advent

--Instead of an Advent calendar of treats, declutter your life by donating an item per day to a local charity. 

--Listen to Advent music.

--Consciously do acts of kindness and service.

--Decorate your home in ways that help you focus on Christ.

--Pray throughout the day. Create rituals around prayer. When you turn on lights, when you light candles, when you wake up, when you sit down, when you go to bed, when you eat, at sunrise, at sunset--connect with Christ. 

Christ be with me, in me, and around me. Clear my heart. Help me focus. Don’t let my mind wander or get sidetracked. Teach me to wait expectantly. Come Lord Jesus. Send us Your Spirit. Renew the face of the earth. 

Advent

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14 NIV)

The Christmas season can be busy and stressful. There are cards to write,  decorations to put up, gifts to purchase, gatherings to attend, and goodies to bake. This period is known for its frenzied consumerism. Hardly anyone finds the time to sit still. 

It wasn’t always like this. 

Early Christians used the weeks before Christmas to slow down. The Advent season was a sacred time of anticipation and contemplation. They fasted in preparation for the Lord. They feasted on the Word. They waited to be filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.  

Advent can be a time of gestation--a season of thinking and developing. Like a broody hen sitting on a clutch of eggs, it is  a time of stillness and waiting. Our half-formed understanding is enfleshed by the Spirit. As we contemplate the Word, Christ is formed within us. Our embryonic faith grows. Our lives become visibly and tangibly transformed by the presence of God in our midst. 

The Fragrance of God

“God always makes his grace visible in Christ, who includes us as partners of his endless triumph. Through our yielded lives he spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go.” (2 Corinthians 2:14 TPT)

God’s grace is made visible in Christ, who includes me as a partner in this mystical expression. A process of transformation is necessary before my human nature yields to the Divine. This metamorphosis is not simple. My default setting prods me to seek dominance over every situation. Any form of surrender feels dangerous and wimpy. Perhaps I need to sink deeper in Christ?

"An experience of a deeper love entanglement absorbs all our negativity and nameless dread of life and the future. Paul’s code phrase for this positive, realigned place is en Cristo (in Christ), which is to live by choice and embodiment within the force field (“Mind”) of the Risen Christ." (Richard Rohr)

 

Although Christ is within me, I do not live every minute of every day in awareness of God's presence. When I am anxious, in dread of life and the future, pessimistic, negative--awareness of God is minimal. My mind is not in Christ. Even though I am miserable at that moment, I remain petty, grumpy, resentful, and self-centered. Why? Perhaps it is habitual. Perhaps it feels familiar and within my control.

 

An experience of deeper love entanglement with God absorbs all of this yuck. But I would have to operate from a different center...In Christ. This choice, to put my body and mind within the sphere of influence of Christ, requires yielding to a Higher Force. This realignment is not easy. Remaining in this state of receptivity while living in this world takes supernatural grace. I have access to this grace in Christ. Through my yielded life, the fragrance of God can be spread. 

 

Elaborate Expressions

“Blend the spices together and sprinkle them with salt to produce a pure and holy incense. Grind some of the mixture into a very fine powder and put it in front of the Ark of the Covenant where I will meet with you in the Tabernacle. You must treat this incense as most holy.” (Exodus 30:35-36 NLT)

I come from a tradition where incense is used as part of worship. Even so, the above verses about making incense seem unnecessarily elaborate to me. I do not know anything about making incense. I buy incense sticks and enjoy their fragrance. Perhaps a person who makes incense would be able to analyze and appreciate these directions better than I can. 

I prefer simplicity over complexity--except in writing and cooking. I enjoy cooking vegetarian meals with  many ingredients, while most others would find these recipes cumbersome. Most cooks would not bother with that much effort for vegetables, because they are usually relegated to the side of the main dish. I don’t think of vegetables, spices, or herbs as peripheral ingredients in cooking. The creativity of blending their healing goodness fills me with joy. 

Similarly, I appreciate thoughtful sentences. Complex concepts require parsing. While most people prefer short tweets, I would rather read a wordy essay where the author unravels her process. It’s like watching a cooking show--where you see the difficulties, the frustration, the mess--before the final product is revealed. 

Discovering the sacred--whether in making incense, cooking, or writing--requires intricate inquiry. Elaborate expressions may seem unnecessary, especially in areas that are outside our interests. However, extra words can be useful when explaining complicated concepts. 

Water Habit

“I’m energized every time I enter your heavenly sanctuary to seek more of your power and drink in more of your glory.” (Psalm 63:2 TPT)

Until recently, I rarely drank water. When I was thirsty, I preferred other beverages like juice, soda, tea, or coffee. I only had water if nothing else was available. It’s not that I wasn’t aware of the benefits of water; I was. It wasn’t that I didn’t try; I did.  I would force myself to drink some when I remembered--unless I was busy, or had to go out of the house, or got side-tracked--which was most days. Over the past two years, I have been spending more time at home due to the pandemic. This has given me an opportunity to completely remodel several life-long tendencies. I started by drinking small amounts of water throughout the day. I discovered that hot water with some herbs and spices felt soothing.  I kept track of the amounts until I hit my goal. I identified common barriers and disruptors and made adjustments. It took me months of persistence to finally develop my water habit. Even now, I cannot claim to crave water, but I do enjoy the feeling of well-being that comes with this habit.

Another habit I have been developing is meditation. It’s a work in progress. Meditation teachers refer to restless brains as monkey minds. Mine is more like a barrel of monkeys at a three-ring circus in the middle of a carnival. There are many barriers and distractions. 

I’ve been collaborating with God on developing a meditation practice. I seek out pockets of time throughout the day to listen. When I lie awake at night, I breathe His name. Upon waking, I contemplate Scriptures. I write out my thoughts. I sing silently while I do household tasks. I pray as I run.  These are not traditional forms of meditation, but this is what works for me right now. I am still a novice. Distractions pull at me frequently. Yet, I shall persist. I’m energized every time I enter God’s presence. I seek more of His power. I enjoy drinking in His glory.

Collab

“Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25 VOICE)

These days, musicians collab (collaborate) online to create wonderful compilations. Songwriters, instrumentalists, vocalists, videographers--all work together from different parts of the globe, and the results are amazing. Collabs can happen between two or more artists who are open to putting their egos aside.  Once they commit to working on a project, there is a consistent flow of communication. Snippets of work are sent back and forth for consultation. The musicians listen to each other’s contributions and feedback. They make additions and adjustments so that every part syncs perfectly. 

When you choose to walk with the Spirit, you have the opportunity to collab with God. This commitment requires you to put your ego aside. Only then can you learn to consult the Lord on everything.  The most important part of a collab is consistency. Your life is no longer your own solo project. Present every thought, emotion, attitude, task, and trial to God. Seek constant guidance. Be continually receptive to feedback. Make faithful changes until every aspect of life can be in perfect sync with God’s Spirit. 

Today's Challenge

“Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” (Matthew 6:34 TPT)

I play Words with Friends, an online game similar to Scrabble. On each turn, a player gets a set of letters to make words and score points. I have a habit of formulating my next possible move as soon as my turn is over. This is a waste of time, because I never know what opportunities are going to be open on the board until my opponent has played. Sometimes, days go by before my turn comes up again, and I can’t remember the moves I had planned anyway!

A similar thing happens as I go about each day. My mind is constantly thinking about the future--worrying, planning, obsessing. This is a waste of time and energy. I don’t know what doors will open and what doors may close tomorrow. Opportunities that I cannot foresee may come up. Disasters that I cannot imagine may completely change my options. 

Anxious thoughts prevent us from appreciating the present. Future suffering may be packaged differently than we imagine, so trying to figure out how to deal with it now is pointless. Worry stunts interior growth, so refuse to indulge in it. Do not be consumed by it.  Deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. 

Peculiar Treasures

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.” (1 Peter 2:9-10 MSG)

My kitchen is filled with pots, pans, utensils, dishes, glasses, and all sorts of gadgets that I use to prepare food. Out of the myriad of tools, I have a few favorites: the little, sharp knife that fits in my hand perfectly, the big, blue pot that brings me joy every time I use it, and my unassuming colander that is useful in so many ways. None of these items are expensive, but they are precious to me. If anyone else came into my kitchen, they would not understand why I would cherish these tools over the others. They are peculiar treasures, and it is their uniqueness that I cherish. 

Each of us is a peculiar treasure that God values and appreciates. We are selected because of our weirdness. The world may not understand the purpose behind our uniqueness.  People may not appreciate our unusual attributes. We might not recognize our own worth without the affirmation of those around us. 

Yet, deep within us the Spirit whispers...You are chosen for a higher calling. You are God’s instruments to do His work and speak out for Him, to tell others of the difference He made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. 

Thanksgiving Songs

“I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” (Psalm 28:7 NLT)

Have you noticed how there are tons of Christmas songs but very few songs dedicated to the Thanksgiving holiday? When I remember God’s blessings, I want to burst out in songs of thanksgiving! Here are a few playlists of Thanksgiving songs for this holiday: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM&list=PL7tIT5NwSJ-ABUfyuzKIdQZqsRm2hcOQ7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v4UQc4z0LA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imK0j7eBJsc&list=PLDcNxsEvjaurfSdRyPvkeuIs8U5BQ2AxK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CITjo9QsHaM&list=PL3AnFbchhnZRpg2vQXACn5cGoXEiQ41WX&index=1

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 

Gratitude in Adversity

“Be thankful in all circumstances...” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT)

It is easy to feel thankful for good things, but how can I bring myself to feel grateful in adversity? 

If I were to list all the negative circumstances that I have had to deal with, it would be depressing. If I were to remember all the suffering and injustice in this world, it would be overwhelmingly sad.  If I were to dwell on my helplessness to effect change, I would become dispirited. 

I am a realist. Thus, I acknowledge both the positive and the negative in my life.  I am unable to feel thankful for pain, but adversity brings me closer to God’s presence. Gratitude helps me to focus more on the good while surrendering that which is beyond my power to God. Trust and thankfulness are the support beams of my faith. Without these, I would crumble beneath the weight of discouragement. Thus, whether I ‘feel’ it or not, I whisper the following prayer: 

Lord, I thank you for all circumstances, even when I don’t understand Your will. I trust You to help me.