Category: inspirational

Following the Crowd

Jesus, inspiration, solitary, teachingWhen I walk along the beach I often see groups of shore birds. Their colouring blends in with the sand and seaweed. When only a few are together they are difficult to see until startled into flight.

It’s fascinating to see a dozen or more of these birds scurrying along the waters’ edge. They move as one. With no audible sound to instruct those behind, every bird swerves to one side at the same time. Suddenly all will take flight.

I think of times I have followed the crowd as these birds do. If I blend in with them and my surroundings I won’t be noticed. I stop thinking for myself and blindly follow.

There have been brief periods this has worked for me. Other times I’ve followed where I shouldn’t.

The only one I should follow is Jesus. He will direct my path. At times he will have me walk with others. Then there are the times it feels like I’m on my own.

When I stop to think about it I am never on my own. Jesus is always with me. The solitary times are when he is walking closest to me, giving me rest and teaching me what I need to know for the journey ahead.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:8 NIV)

Blurred Lines

Jesus, inspiration, clarity

The view over the water was disconcerting. I couldn’t see the horizon. The line where the sea met the sky was blurred by the mist.

I thought of how sometimes in life the line between yes and no; do and don’t; right and wrong also becomes blurred. When I’ve been unable to distinguish a clear marker, it was easy to cross that blurred line.

The result is never good. I end up faced with shame and disappointment rather than the hope and promise I desire.

Within hours the sky cleared and I had a new perspective of the scene before me. The line was clearly defined and no longer blurred.IMG_0946

This has happened both literally and figuratively.

It is the power of Jesus in my life that allows me to see things clearly. He takes away the confusion and gives me peace as he guides me. He sees clearly what I cannot. It is my faith in him and not my own limited vision that I choose to live by.

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

Are You Distracted?

inspiration, God, Jesus, focusThe province I live in has a distracted driving law. Recently the penalties for this offense have become more sever in the hopes of reducing the accidents caused by distracted driving.

From what I have observed on the roads, many drivers are still multi-tasking while behind the wheel. Cell phones are the biggest distraction for many of us.
This applies to more than driving. I’ve witnessed people bump into others while busy texting. Sometimes they have even stepped out into traffic without looking up.

While at home I’m guilty of checking my phone each time I hear the notification that tells me a new text or email has come in. This distracts me from what I should be doing.

I can’t blame all of the distractions in my life on my cell phone, though. My mind is frequently on something other than the task I’m performing.
Recently I was baking a cake to take to a gathering that evening. During the preparation my mind was busy thinking of the other tasks I needed to do. After the cake was in the pan, I set the oven timer and started to clean up the kitchen while mentally going through my to-do list. In my distracted state, I forgot to put the cake in the oven!

I know that I’m not the only one who is challenged with distracted living. Nor is this an affliction that began in our modern, busy world.

Jesus gives us an example and a solution in the biblical story of Martha and Mary. Martha was distracted by at all the preparations that had to be made. Jesus advised that these preparations were not as important as spending time with him.

When I spend time in prayer with Jesus I experience a peace that enables me to focus on what is important rather than the distractions in my life.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7 NLT)

Wisdom From a Song

inspiration, Holy Spirit, tame the tongueThe music that is played during my exercise class fades into the back ground and I’m not consciously aware of it. Occasionally though, a few lyrics demand my attention.

Such was the case recently. Several lines from a song provoked deep thought.
The first words to reach through to me were, “Words are like weapons they wound sometimes.” This was followed by, “I didn’t really mean to hurt you.”

I was reminded how easy it is to use words as weapons. They cut deep and the wounds can last longer than physical ones. I know too well that certain situations can cause these wounds to spring to the surface even many years later. Emotions become raw once again.

Apologies can be made and accepted but the damage of careless words can last a lifetime. In the song Cher sings, “If I could turn back time ….I’d take back all the words that have hurt you.” She was lamenting someone who was no longer part of her life.

Unfortunately, words spoken in haste have the ability to alienate us. Harsh words are like fire; I can’t control or take back the damage they have done.

My intention is not to hurt anyone with my words. In my own strength I have difficulty in taming my tongue. That is why I rely on the Holy Spirit to help me learn self-control. The Spirit reminds me of God’s love so I don’t react in a hurtful manner.

He is the one who enables me to speak gracious words that are sweet to the soul for those hearing them.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 NIV)

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8 NIV)

Answer to a Question

God, turst, oppotrunties, inspirationI was doing a reading from my book Inspirations From the Everyday when someone said, “Read the story about the cloud picture on the cover.” When I answered that I hadn’t written a story about that she replied, “Why not?”

She asked a good question. It was something I hadn’t thought about so promised to write the story. This is for Mary and anyone else who has wondered about that cloud.

My friend Ann is an avid photographer. When I was looking at pictures from her collection one captured my interest immediately. Set against a backdrop of an azure sky was a fluffy white cloud in the shape of a heart. It was just what I wanted for my book cover and she graciously allowed me to use it.

Ann told me she was in her backyard when she saw the cloud. She wasted no time in grabbing her camera to capture this incredible image. Not only was she in the right place at the right time, she took full advantage of the opportunity.

Clouds move with the wind. Their appearance morphs from one shape to another as they travel. Therefore, the shape you see may only appear for a few moments before it changes.

This is like the opportunities that God presents to me on a daily basis. If I don’t take advantage of them when they appear I may not get another chance.

When I keep my focus on God I recognize the possibilities he places before me. There is no need to hesitate when I trust him to lead me to and through these new adventures.

“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. (Jeremiah 17:7 NLT)

Lessons From the Linen Closet

Jesus, God, inspiration, restorationMy husband and I were getting ready to leave on vacation. I was preparing our home for a family who would spend a few nights there while we were away.

I got clean sheets out to put on the bed and realized they had a few marks on them. They weren’t good enough for company so I put them back and chose another set. As I unfolded them I saw the signs of wear so definitely couldn’t use them. It took several attempts before I found ones nice enough to use.

The sheets I rejected are ones that we use on a regular basis. I had become so used to their imperfections that they were no longer noticed. It was in looking at them through the eyes of a hostess that I could see the obvious.

The parallel of this to my life was clear. I start out clean and fresh and over time some stains appear. Soon I start to fray around the edges. This happens so gradually that I don’t notice. In my mind’s eye nothing has changed.

When the light of the Son shines on me everything is illuminated. Jesus, God’s son lets me see the areas of my life that are no longer fresh and clean. He then lovingly works with me to restore my heart so it is always ready for others to see what lies within.

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. (Psalm 71:20 NLT)

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. (1 Peter 5:10 NLT)

Exchange Rates

#God, #Jesus, #inspiration, love, constantThe exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. Dollar is a hot topic of conversation lately.

We are used to fluctuations in the value of our currency but not usually to this extreme. The disparity is causing Canadians to cancel vacations to the United States. It’s also a factor in the downturn of business in tourist destinations south of the border.

I recently received a cheque for a story published in a U.S. magazine and the bank gave me an extra 40% when I cashed it. The exchange rate doesn’t normally work in my favour and I appreciated the bonus.

All of this caused me to be grateful that my value never fluctuates in God’s currency. I don’t need to worry that I will be worth less today than last week.

God loves each of us so much that he is continuously watching over us. Even though he knows my every thought, my value in his eyes never wavers. It doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing, I know that he is constant in his love for me.

Jesus has taken my old life and turned it into so much more than I dreamed possible. There will never be a better exchange rate than the one I received the day I gave my life to him.

God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10 GWT)

O LORD, you have examined me, and you know me. You alone know when I sit down and when I get up. You read my thoughts from far away. You watch me when I travel and when I rest. You are familiar with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-3 GWT)

Forced to Slow Down

rest, #inspiration, #JesusWe had just finished dinner and I put some frozen baking in the microwave to defrost for dessert. There was a strange noise and I opened the door to check inside. Everything seemed fine so the power button was pressed again.

Instantly there was a crackle and smoke started to billow from the top. Quickly we unplugged it and removed it from the house. Our microwave had burned out.

How were we to manage? We’d become accustomed to defrosting, cooking and reheating in a fraction of the time these things once required.

Come to think of it, I’ve been living my life the same way. When I want something, I want it now. Waiting and patience had become things of the past. Shouldn’t everything have results as instant as what I experienced with the microwave?

This appliance burning out reminded me that when I do too much I can burn out as well. Racing around trying to do things at the last minute isn’t working so well for me. It’s time to slow down, think about what needs to be done and plan ahead. The challenge is to balance the busyness with rest and renewal. Both can be scheduled into my day.

Much can be learned from the example of Jesus. He led a busy life but also took time to rest. Jesus not only modeled rest for us, he is also the source of our rest. Following his teachings will ensure that I don’t burn out.

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28,29 NIV)

Whispers in the Dark

#God, #inspiration, prayerWe woke to the whispered voices of our granddaughters in the next room. It was a dark winter’s morning and they weren’t confident enough of the time to come into our room.

The words were hushed so we couldn’t quite hear the conversation. Occasionally there would be laughter, followed quickly by, “shhh!” They were doing their best not to disturb us.

After a little while, one word kept getting louder. It was, “Hungry.” Soon one of the girls tiptoed into our bedroom, repeating this word as she neared our bed. When we responded, the others joined in asking us for breakfast.

This scenario reminded me of the way I sometimes approach God. I whisper my anxious thoughts, hoping he’ll take notice. Although God hears each word and knows my every thought, he wants me to communicate directly with him.

I need to have the confidence to express whatever is on my mind. Often I feel like what concerns me isn’t important enough to take to God. Maybe I’m taking him away from more important things. The truth is that God is ready and willing to hear from me at any time. These conversations through prayer form the foundation of my relationship with him.

Just because I come to God in prayer doesn’t mean he gives me what I want. Sometimes he tells me to wait and other times he leads me in a different direction. What is most important is the comfort I have in knowing that when I call out to him he will be there for me.

Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3 GWT)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

Going Through The Motions

#inspiration, #God, #BibleIt was a surprise to realize how lazy I’d become. I’d been doing the exercise class with the same instructor for several years. The routine was familiar and I could change from one exercise to the next before the instructions were fully given. Although I was participating, my mind often drifted.

Then came the day that some of the exercises were changed. The instructor repeated the instructions more than once before I realized that I was doing something totally different.

This was when I realized I wasn’t working as hard as I thought I’d been. I was merely going through the motions. No wonder I wasn’t getting the desired results from the class.

I questioned if this behavior was repeated in my everyday life. Too often I have put in the minimum effort to get by. This is not the way to reach my goals.

My life is worth more than that. The Bible tells us not to grow weary in doing what is right. God has given me talents and abilities that are to be used for him. These are to be used and not wasted. The extra effort to ensure I am living life to the fullest will have consequences far greater than anything I can comprehend.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9 NLT)

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