Road Work

"Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you."

I don't know about you, but lately, it seems that regardless of where I turn, there is - just as the sign above states - ROAD WORK EVERYWHERE!!  It seems that whether you are traveling a back road or a major highway, there are construction crews out - which ultimately, means traffic and delays.  I guess this is somewhat to be expected in New England.  There is a small window of opportunity that these crews have to work before the winter cold and elements come for their yearly visit.  

What does this have to do with Simple Faith?  I promise to make the connection.  The other day, I saw one of these signs on a side street and knew that around the corner, I could anticipate road crews directing traffic or detouring the travelers from a hazardous condition.  I might even come upon holes in the road that I might need to maneuver around.  I would have to be prepared for whatever was in front of me.  It made me think.  Don't we wish that we had signs like "road work ahead" in our daily lives that would help us from making hazardous decisions or from sinning against our Heavenly Father?  I know I wish I did.  It would be great to have signs that would help us divert a difficult situation.

I think about the "Road Work" of my life.  There have been many times that I wish I knew what was coming ahead of me - times when the road was going to be full of detours and potholes.  I wish I knew ahead that I was going to have cancer many years ago; I wish I knew ahead that my dear father was going to pass; I wish I knew ahead . . . .   There are many times that I wish I had a warning like "road work ahead" to better prepare myself for what was coming.  Yet, I didn't have those signs (or at least, I wasn't looking for them).  

Although I might not have seen a sign in those events, I was prepared.  I had God on my side.  He was there with me as my passenger in those times.  He was directing me, guiding me, supporting me, so that I knew I would come out on the other side of the road - safe and in His arms.  I can't imagine what my life would have been like without God in those situations.  I am just so very grateful every day that he was there.  To say I have been blessed is truly an understatement.  Like our verse states, nothing is too hard for God.

What about other events in our lives when we wish we had the warning signs of "road work" ahead?  Maybe we made more choices, maybe our words or actions were not in line with God.  In those events we do have this type of sign - it's the Bible.  God's word helps us to know what types of situations in our lives may be considered hazardous.  When my life doesn't line up with God's word, I'm usually headed for a difficult situation.  These difficult situations may be in my words or actions, or putting myself into a path/journey that God wouldn't want to me to be on, or may even take me away from Him altogether.  These are not places I want to be.  When I am away from God's word, it usually means I am headed for an accident of some sort!

I encourage you this week to pick up your Bibles - read just one verse if this is something you don't typically do.  Do you have a Bible app for your phone?  There are some great free ones and they provide a daily Bible verse.  I know that when I read mine first thing in the morning, my day is focused on He who can provide warning signs to me.  And if I don't read the sign, I know He is there to guide me when I'm lost.

"Heavenly Father, thank you for the warning signs in our lives.  Whether it is 'road work' or a verse that guides us to make better decisions, we know that you are always with us with an outstretched arm.  How blessed we are that you care for each of us in the details of our lives.  May the week ahead help us to be guided by your word, your grace, and your love."

Build It Up

  

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."              1 Thessalonians 5:11

Time to share some "self reflections" with all of you!  I am not addicted to much TV, I can live without it.  Except for two things:  cooking shows and fixer upper shows.  I love to watch both of those things.  I think it all stems from the incredible transformation that happens.  Chefs begin with some key ingredients and put together a tremendous meal.  Watching them cut, sauté, bake, and form things into a delight to both eye and palette is amazing to me. 

Probably more amazing, though, is watching the programs where they take a house that was completely in disarray and create a warm and loving home.  In this case, there is a house that was inhabitable and, though much hard work and building materials, a home that a family can grow in is constructed.  That absolutely blows my socks off and helps me to be reminded of the gifts God gives certain folks, especially those that can vision something beautiful and actually create it to get it to their vision.

I couldn't help but think of how this happens every day, right around me.  When you think of the cooking shows, and the amount of different things they use to create a masterpiece, it certainly is like each and every person we meet.  God has given each of us a set of wonderful gifts to use on earth with those around us.  It is up to us to realize these gifts and use them, together with those around us, to form something wonderful and special - a masterpiece.

Who should be doing this?  How should we do this?  Simply, all of us and with the above Bible verse in mind.  Each one of us can encourage another person.  It is part of what God expects from us as Christians.  We should be taking the time to actually help in building someone up - to help them find their special gifts and use them with others.  How do we do this?  With words of encouragement, notes of growth, smiles of support.  All of these things can help to build someone up. 

We are all fixer uppers!  We all have sin that can continue to move us away from what God wants us to do each and every day.  We may have thoughts of prejudice, gossip, and lack of patience.  We may actually not only have these thoughts, but words that can degrade and beat down people may even pass from our mouths.  Think about it.  Have you recently thought or shared something that doesn't necessarily build up a friend, a co-worker, or a family member?  We certainly need to be "fixed" to be better people - not just for us, not just for those we are in contact with, but most importantly, we need to be fixed for God! 

Who can fix us?  God can.  How?  Through our prayers.  Take a moment and share with God times when you were broken, times when you might not have "built up" those around you.  Let Him know that you need His help to fix us - to build US up!  When this happens, you will find yourself wanting to build up others, taking time to help others become new. 

After all this fixing, what happens?  A life filled with goodness, kindness, patience.  A life filled with opportunities for all.  A life filled with the blessings that God has for us.  It may take a little extra time.  We may need to "hold our tongues" before speaking.  We may need to find patience in situations.  The results are worth us waiting, worth the extra time.  We can all do this.  We can look past our own brokenness and ask for God's help.  In turn, we can look at others with a sense of building up instead of breaking down.  Let's commit during the week ahead to do a little building!  The results can be astounding, beautiful, wonderful and pleasing in God's sight.

"Heavenly Father, be with us this week.  As we look for opportunities to build other people up, let us also be reminded how we need your help in continuing to build us up - to be more of what you want us to be, children of God.  May our thoughts, words, and action be  pleasing to you and the people we are in contact with - continuing the fixer upper movement!"

Change Around Us

Change seems to be all around us!  Now there is a statement that we hear often, but for some reason, change seems to be even greater these past 6-12 months.  Around every corner, there is change in my life - and I'm sure change in your life as well.

I look at work and change is all around me.  Change in those who are with the company and those who have decided to move on.  There are always changes in priorities, what is most important to work on right now and what needs to take back seat.  There are changes in me as I work hard to continue to strenghten my professional skills to keep up with the . . . . CHANGES!  

I look at the world around me.  Our society is changing.  Yes, there are things like new laws (New Hampshire just passed the law that you can't hold your phone while driving anymore - a safe law).  There are many other societal changes, what is legal, what is not legal; what is right, what is wrong; what is good, what is bad.  Yes, we could spend much time debating all of those changes (not something that I want to take on right now).  I am sure you can agree, our world is changing.

I also look at my own family and there is plenty of change.  Our children are getting older and making decisions that will change their future.  The landscape of our home is changing with those decisions - it is much quieter than it used to be.  Even Juan and I are looking at how our lives will change in the upcoming years - we will eventually be on OUR own in the next few years.  We certainly never thought that day would come!

Change can get the better of us.  It can motivate us to do better, or it can beat us down to depression.  Change can bring us hope or heartache.  Anyway we look at change - it can be difficult.  Think about change, though, as a child.  We were a bit more flexible back then (and I'm not just talking physically).  We tended to "go with the flow", to follow our parents wherever they guided us, and didn't seem to get too wrapped up in the details of change.

That is why I chose the verse for this week.  Change can be hard.  It can be difficult.  It can lead to a tough path.  It can be devastating.  Yet, if we look at change through the eyes of a child, the change can be fun, it can be exciting, it can be a new journey.  As Christians, we can look at change that way because we have the solid rock, the guiding father of JESUS to bring us forward.  Change can be uncomfortable because we don't know what the future holds - but Jesus does.  Change can drain the energy from us - but the Holy Spirit can fill us back up.  Change can build distrust - but we have God in whom we can fully trust for the very best of US.  Change is a word that can be scary, but there is no need to fear for our kingdom in heaven will always be waiting for us.

Reflect back on all the changes that took place in the Bible - changes in people (Saul to Paul), changes in kingdoms (Nebakanezer to David), changes in jobs (slave to leader).  Through all those changes and more, God was, is, and will always be, present!  Remember that as we face the changes ahead of us.  May we follow God and focus on Him alone - change will be easier and more meaningful.  Trust in God when change surrounds you.  His foundation will be all we need!

"God, our rock and foundation, bless us as we see change all around us.  Help us to rely on you and you alone when change seems insurmountable.  May we see change through YOUR eyes, God, and know that we should not fear it, but embrace it.  Thank you for being our rock of salvation.  Amen"

Picking Fruit - Peace

 

 

Here we are, my friends.  The last Sunday of our series on the Fruits of the Spirit.  I thank you for letting me share my thoughts on this incredible passage.  It has certainly been good for my soul and the self-reflection has assisted in the way I want to live my life. 

 

Peace is one of those topics that I think of quite a bit.  I'm not sure why it means so much to me.  Maybe because there were times in my life when I didn't experience it and I understood what the weight of NOT having peace brought to me.  Maybe it is because since then I have experienced the wonder of peace and realize how much I need it.  I do know it is a topic I would truly love to research.  I went back and realized that the last time I wrote about peace was during Advent as it is one of the Advent candles.  Then, I shared about Peaceful Chaos, about finding peace during the chaotic life we lead. 

 

Today, it's time to share a different type of peace.  Have you ever experienced an "unpeaceful soul"?  I am sure my mother is sighing a huge sigh saying "unpeaceful" is not a word!  I know Mom, but I also know that when I say that, I'm sure there are others who will agree.  Let's look past the peace of our days, to the peace of our souls. 

 

It is very hard to find peace deep in our souls when we have something so pressing on our souls.  I know many, right now, who have difficult situations they are struggling with.  A health issue, a relationship issue, a career decision, a faith issue - these are the types of events in our lives that can move our souls from a peaceful state to an "unpeaceful" state.  How do we gain peace back in our lives during those moments of unrest?

 

We rely on our Lord.  I can hear many of you out there, "That's easier said than done."  Maybe.... maybe not.  Spend a few moments with me.  The Holy Spirit brings all of these wonderful fruits into us, into our lives.  Over the past few weeks, we have seen opportunities where he has brought joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, faithfulness, and gentleness.  I have heard from many of you how you have seen and felt the power that the Holy Spirit can have on our lives.  Why should peace be any different?  Peace for our souls means we have to do one thing - just one thing - rely on Jesus.  Not just rely on Him a little, we need to rely on Him for everything.  When we cannot understand the "why" behind an issue, we have to believe God is the why.  When our explanations, or lack thereof are not enough, we have to believe that God has the only explanation.  When indecision brings indecisiveness, we have to believe that God will show us the way.

 

Then, and only then, will we have total peace.  I admire the women that are strong in faith during a time of illness.  When I had cancer, I relied on my Lord for many things - yet, the "peace factor" didn't seem to be there.  I wasn't sure why, but I wrestled in my soul as to the many situations that seemed to be happening around me when I had cancer.  The struggle was real and would keep me awake many nights.  When all the treatments were done, God guided me to a favorite place in Jackson, NH.  It is a beautiful, large, sitting rock in the middle of a stream.  There, I sat, by myself, with no hair, and my journal.  I wrote, and I wrote, and I wrote some more.  With each word, a sense of calmness came over me.  With each word, I gained a soul that was full of understanding.  With each word, I gained peace.  That was the time and the place God granted me peace, when I fully gave everything to Him.

 

We may not have a full understanding of why things are happening in our lives at every moment.  We won't always be able to find the reasons, the explanations.  We are fortunate that we don't have to find the reason - Jesus is our reason.  Jesus will bring clarity.  It may not be today, it may not be in this lifetime.  We need to trust that by asking God for peace, and then relying fully on Him, He will bring the peace we need.



For those that are struggling, and for those who know people who are struggling, let us share the prayer below:

"Heavenly Father, whether we are struggling with having peace in our own souls or know someone who is struggling, please be with us.  Bring peace to those who have an "unpeaceful" soul.  Let them know that relying on you and you alone can bring true peace.  Having peace in our lives lets us fully live in your glory.  Bless all who read this that the peace that passes all understanding will bring them joy, love, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, gentleness, faithfulness."

Picking Fruit - Kindness

 

Happy Sunday!  It certainly seems as if this series on the Fruits of the Spirit has been impactful.  I know it has been on me.  I continue to find opportunities to not only THINK about these fruits, but also to practice them (or at least try).  I know that there are many more opportunities when I have missed the chance, and I ask God to reveal those times to me.

 

We are down to the last two, and this week, we are looking at Kindness.  If you remember a few weeks back, I shared that I would try to explain the difference between Goodness and Kindness, which almost seem like the same thing.  Goodness was discussed as DOING good, finding an actual act in which to do something - maybe out of the ordinary - that was good and right. 

This week, as we focus on Kindness, let us reflect on us, the people we are, the attitude of our hearts.  Kindness, in my viewpoint, is the attitude or the characteristic of our hearts.  Are we genuinely kind to people, do we welcome them with our smiles, with our words, with our voices?  Is the first reaction when we see people is to respond in a kind way (extend a hand - or in my case a hug - of welcome)?

Kindness comes in many shapes and sizes, vocal and silent, etc.  These days, we hear a lot about Random Acts of Kindness (doing good!).  The start of the "act" or doing good comes from a kind heart.  Kindness is the genuine characteristic of one's heart.  I am sure we have met many people in our lifetime (and maybe we have BEEN those people), who seem to be cold-hearted.  They aren't happy, they tend to see the glass half empty, they are negative to those around them.  I'm sure you are getting the picture.  Kindness is the opposite of that - it's a person who puts on a smile, sees the positive in situations, welcomes ALL that they meet.  A kind heart will lead someone to an act of "doing good".

Okay, so now that we have defined it, what does that mean for us?  Yes, it's time to self-reflect.  Are we kind?  You might say a resounding YES (I did, at first)!  Yet, are we.  We tend to be kind to those around us - sometimes we are kinder to strangers and people outside of our home than we are to those that live with us.  Are you kind to your spouse?  I have to say, sometimes I fall short here.  I don't mean to, but we can take advantage of those closest to us and I certainly have been guilty of that at times.  I am sorry, Juan!!  Are you kind to your siblings?  This was much more difficult when I was younger (you don't know my brother - only kidding)!  Yet as we grew older, I know we appreciate each other more and there is a level of kindness.  Are you kind to your pets?  Do you take advantage of the fact that they will always be there or do you spend some time with them - showing affection?  Are you kind to those closest to you - friends, church members, co-workers, etc?  Yes, it is time to do a bit of self-reflection.  Typically, when we are in a state of "comfort" with others, we can let down our "kindness" heart.  I know I have been guilty of this and will certainly look to enhance this in the VERY near future - like TODAY!

There are many places that the word Kindness can take us.  Yes, I could right on forever about this topic, just like many of the others.  Yet, let us look forward.  Kindness is truly a gift of the Holy Spirit - as are the other fruits.  Kindness can take deep hold in our hearts - if we LET it.  There may be times and circumstances when we don't feel very kind - maybe don't even want to be kind.  Think of our beloved Jesus.  The many times He was mocked, chastised, ridiculed, etc., yet, He was kind to ALL - yes ALL!!  Even in His manner of correction, He was kind.

Let us learn from our Heavenly Father.  Let us be reminded that in all circumstances, may we come to them with a kind heart, a kind attitude, a kind character.  May we be what the Holy Spirit has led us to be - people of God.  I pray the week ahead brings you to moments of kindness - ones where you may NOT have been kind before.  May we look for these opportunities, embrace them, and show others the love that Jesus has shown us.  Blessings to all of you in the week ahead!

Picking Fruit - Self Control

      

                               

                                   

Our patience week has passed.  I heard from many of you that the topic of patience certainly brought forth challenges for us to see things in a different light, to WAIT because it's okay to wait, and to ask for help from our Heavenly Father when our patience is wanning.

The fruit this week is also incredibly challenging for me - self control.   Those two words, in many of my situations, seem like oxymorons.  Self and Control??  There are many times in my life where I WANT the benefits of a little self control, but the "will power" seems to elude me.  

I should have more control on the good thoughts I think about.  I should have more control on the words that come out of my mouth.  I should have more control about my time with my Lord.  I should have more control on balancing work and life.  I should have more control on my "control" of situations and others.  Yes, all of those are very true statements that I work on every day of my life.  Yet, the one self control that seems to be my largest struggle is my control of food!!  Please, dear friends, tell me you share some of the same struggles with self control that I do - maybe you have self control issues all your own.  I believe this fruit - out of all of them - seems to be the one that is most difficult in my life.  I don't want it to be that way - and I am working hard to push past that.  I can hear some of you now, "Susan what are you talkin' about?"  Let me explain.

Love, joy, gentleness, patience, etc, many of them are the essence of having our heart, souls, and minds in control to align with God's precious characteristics.  All of these fruits are a direct example and reflection of how Jesus lived His life here on earth.  These are our many "takeaways" of what He taught us when He was here.  God left us with the Holy Spirit to bring these charateristics inside of us, to hold on to and to share.  It is our self-reflective duty to control ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to God.  

When I think of my weight struggle (and blessings to all of you who have had to put up with me and my weight journey), I think of the many times that I put something in my mouth that I knew wasn't healthy for me, or didn't get outside and walk or exercise like I should have done, or  . . . . yes, the list is long.  I know what to do - it's doing it that counts.  I could go on and on with this subject, but I know that I am not alone here and that whether it is food, or alcohol, or drugs, or a myriad of other things, we all are challenged with a level of self-control.  There is a verse that I have memorized, that means so much to me:  "I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial."  (1 Corinthians 10:23)  I love this verse because it reminds me of the gift God gave us of free will.  Yes, we can and are able to do anything, but is it beneficial to us?  Yes, I have the ability to down that great donut, but is it beneficial to me?  Yes, I can enjoy an ice cream, but is it beneficial to me?  I can put anything into that sentence and realize that it is my ability to control THIS situation, this situation with ME, that will yield the best results.  Yet, if any of us think we can do this all on our own - we are sorely mistaken.  

No, it is not MY will power that I need to rely on (we've already seen how that turns out).  It is GOD'S power that I need to rely on in ALL circumstances.  Before I put that donut in, why not say a reflective prayer to God to ask for help.  Before I "gorge" myself when I'm not even hungry, why not ask God to be with me and help me to make the RIGHT choice.  There are numerous times when I have made a poor choice and have asked God to "fix" it - yes, I ate that donut, but please help the scale to reflect something different?  HELLO - He was there all along.  I should have asked Him for the power not to eat the donut.

Do you think God is too large or too busy to listen to all of our small requests?  My friends, we have a wonderful and amazing God.  God is never too busy, never too far away to hear from you.  Yes, I could go on forever about the fruit of self control.  We have this one!!  We can do the things that GOD wants us to do and control not only the difficult things in our life, but also to have control over the good things - time with God, time with family, good deeds, patience, etc.  Yes, we can have control because we have God.  Spend some time with him in prayer, asking for the self control in whatever you are looking for.  He is there, waiting to hear from you.  May you have a blessed week!!

Heavenly and gracious father, please be with all of us as we struggle with different areas of self control. Provide each person reading this the ability to go to YOU in times of struggle and know that YOU are always with us.  May we reach out to others who may need our help, and keep the devil away from our poor choices.  Thanks and praises to you, God.  Amen

Picking Fruit - Patience

How did we do this past week?  I have no doubt that everyone did something good!  It's amazing when we put our minds to it all of the goodness that can be accomplished!  This week, we are taking a view of patience.  Of all of the fruits of the spirit, I believe this one is the one I struggle with the most.  I could probably do an entire series on patience, but that will be a different year :)

I see patience in two different aspects.  The first way I see patience is a total reflection of myself having patience with others.  Although I continue to try to work on this fruit, I know I continually fail.  As we all know, I tend to be a bit controlling (I can hear Juan saying it now - a BIT controlling)?  Yet, it is an area where I realize I may not have patience with other people.  Sometimes, people don't move fast enough or think fast enough or do fast enough.  Really?  What is my issue!!  When I think back on those times, I frustrate myself believing that my time is any more precious than anyone else's time.  I'm learning and I continue to try to grow in this area.

Can you relate to me?  Are there times when our LACK of patience gets the best of us?  It's at those times that we need to pray - yes, right at that time.  I have learned that when I take the time to pray during times of lacking patience, God provides just the right amount of reflection to move me forward to a better place.  He gets me to the point where I see things from the other person's point of view, not mine.  Oh yes, I'm a definite work in progress, but my walk in faith continues to grow.  The more I seek God, the more I see God.

The other aspect of patience comes in my waiting on answers from God.  If you think some people don't respond quick enough for me, you can imagine my high expectations from God!!  Prayers where He tells me to wait, questions that I don't have answers for, hopes that don't seem to get responded to - all of God's wonderful plan.  See, those are the key words - GOD'S WONDERFUL PLAN.  Not my plan, not my journey.  No, if I truly believe in my God, then I need to believe in His plan.  Once again, when things don't work fast enough for me or answers aren't forthcoming, I find myself "taking control" and making this happen.  When I move in this fashion, I always come up with the short end of the stick.  Why?  Because it isn't the plan that is supposed to be happening - it's not from God.  I am sure we have all heard often, it's not in MY time, it's in GOD'S time.  When things aren't going right and I am losing my perspective, I know at that point, I need to pray - right at that moment.  Bottom line, it is having simple faith to know that God is in control.  Simple faith that he will answer my questions, respond to my prayers, ensure I have the hopes that HE desires for me.  To me, a great verse I constantly keep at hand is, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (NIV) Romans 12:12

Yes, the two aspects of patience is a fruit I will continually need help with.  I also know that I have all the help I need in the hands of God.  Trusting Him to help me be more patient with others.  Trusting Him to help me be more patient with Him.  What a loving and wonderful God we have that He is the true model of patience.  Imagine how much patience He has with us.

Heavenly Father, please continue to be with me when patience seems to be evading me.  Help me to show patience to all I encounter.  This includes you, God.  Help me have patience in all I say and do - knowing that patience in relation to you will always bring great rewards.