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. 

 

Gratitude Lists

“At each and every sunrise we will be thanking you for your kindness and your love. As the sun sets and all through the night, we will keep proclaiming, ‘You are so faithful!’” (Psalm 92:2 TPT)

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I like to start my preparation a week in advance. I make a banner with a list of things I am thankful for each year. The first few are usually obvious: health, family, love, friends, home, etc.  Once I start remembering, new categories that I had overlooked pop up continuously:

Natural wonders: oxygen, aquifers, rivers, lakes, edible plants, companionable animals, majestic mountains, oceans, birds, etc.

Functioning body parts and internal organs: heart, brain, blood vessels, spleen, pancreas, liver, intestines, muscles, ligaments, joints, bones, eyes, ears, senses of smell and taste, neurons, endocrine glands, hormones, lungs, etc. 

Utilities and services: Electricity, gas, water, phones, internet, trash pickup, snow removal, hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, mail services, etc.

Appliances and conveniences: Fridge, oven, stove, washer and dryer, indoor plumbing, sinks and faucets, hot and cold water, microwaves, pressure cookers, electric kettles, mixers, coffee maker, etc. 

Luxuries: books, music, beds, warm clothes, medical insurance, plenty of food, cars, garage, private bathrooms, running shoes, television, cell phones, laptops, headphones, etc.

Intangibles: time, energy, faith, trust, privacy, silence, safety, stability, abilities, opportunities, choices, intelligence, etc.

Lord, thank you for everything. I am overwhelmed by all the blessings. I realize how much I take for granted. Your constant presence and unfailing love surround me, but I don’t always acknowledge this. Remind me to be grateful every day and every night. 

Clear Vision

“Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders.” (Psalm 119:18 MSG)

Smudges on reading glasses can lead to blurry vision. The normal handling of glasses leaves oils, fingerprints, and lint on the lenses. In order to combat this, I have developed a rather elaborate ritual of cleaning my glasses. First, I wash them with soap and warm water. Then, I dry them with a lint-free cloth. I hold my glasses up to the light to see if they are clean. If not, I keep wiping until the lenses are clear. This process has to be repeated daily. 

Clarity requires consistent effort and time. 

My mind gets clouded even more rapidly than my glasses. Daily situations add clutter which makes me feel scattered and drained. In order to combat this, I have to take time to contemplate, write, and sort through my thoughts. I lift up my spirit to the light and pray for Divine clarity. I ask the Lord to open my eyes so I can see His miracle-wonders. I repeat this process daily.