Tag: God

My Olympic Lesson

#God, #inspiration, Support, guidance, pace myself“I never thought watching a bicycle road race would be interesting,” I said to my husband. The 136.9 km race was well underway when I sat down to watch this Olympic event.

After a steep climb two riders were clearly in the lead. When they started the descent, one pulled away. As her lead increased the commentators said she would be hard to beat. With 10.7 km to go, Annemiek van Vleuten of the Netherlands crashed. She went down hard and didn’t move for quite some time. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for her competitors to ride past as medics tended to her.

Maria Abbott of the USA moved into first place. We watched her maintain her lead until the final few kilometers. A group of three behind slowly decreased the distance between them and passed her in the final meters before the finish line. She gave it all she had but finished out of the medals by mere seconds.

It wasn’t the front runners who won the medals, but the ones who paced themselves. They held back slightly during the race so they’d have the energy to finish strong. They were also the ones who stayed together and shared emotional support during this grueling exercise.

I realized there was a lesson here for me. Many times I’ve had a strong start and then faltered before I reached the finish line. Sometimes I’ve plodded slowly up a steep learning curve. Once I have the required knowledge and am on the descent I try to make up for lost time. As I speed to the finish line I encounter an unexpected bump and down I go. It may be a stumble that I recover from easily. Or, it may be a spectacular crash.

The more time I spend on the ground assessing my disappointment and injured pride, the greater the chance I will admit defeat. Instead of getting back into the race I question why I ever entered it in the first place. In effect, I beat myself.

My objective should not be to set goals that I reach in my own strength. I want to run with endurance the race God has set before me. Instead of trying to speed ahead, I need to follow the pace he dictates. Sometimes that includes slowing down. Part of my preparation must be quiet time spent with God. That’s where the true training comes from. I’ve learned he will guide me and place me with others for mutual support. Together we will advance into the writers he wants us to be. This is how I can hope to achieve the prize of bringing glory to him.

I heard a sports commentator say that in order to be winners, athletes have to believe they belong with the best. That goes for me as well. As a child of God I am already a member of the winning team.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)

What’s the Attraction?

#Jesus, #inspiration, attitudeDuring an eight-hour drive we noticed many signs telling us of upcoming towns. Under the name of each town were symbols representing what services could be found there. When we knew the local attractions it was easier to decide where to stop. There would be no use stopping for the night if no motels were there or for a meal if there were no restaurants.

Some small towns had few symbols under their name, others had many.

We discussed the fact that these signs could make the difference to someone stopping there or passing on by.

Relating this to our lives, we wondered what signs we exhibit that attract people to us. A cheerful attitude will draw people near. Being moody and temperamental will ensure they pass on by.

Jesus told us to treat others the way we would like to be treated. For me that means to be helpful, loving, respectful and encouraging. That’s what I appreciate in others. I want to be the kind of person I’d like to have for a friend.

When I serve the Lord in this way, his light shines through me. People are drawn to the evidence of him in my life. That’s the kind of attraction I strive for.

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. (Luke 6:31 NLT)

Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. Don’t be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. (Romans 12:10-12 GWT)

What is Collectible?

#God, #inspiration, #bibleBehind the chain link fence several old vehicles are left to rust. Their useful life is over and they have been abandoned to the effects of the elements.

A collector car show is happening in another part of town. Those vehicles have been restored and have shiny new paint jobs. Signs tell us of their history and ask us not to get too close. Crowds of people hover nearby expressing their appreciation for these vehicles.

It made me wonder why some are abandoned while others are lovingly restored. Is there a #God, #inspiration, lovedetermining factor as to what is worth saving? Who decides what is collectible and what isn’t? Is it the outside or inside that matters most?

I am so thankful that God does not judge me by my outside appearance. The signs of aging do not diminish my value.

Among the many promises of the Bible is one that says God will never abandon me. I know this to be true. When I attempted to rely on my own strength I faltered. God could have turned his back but instead lovingly restored me. He invites me to come close. It gives me great peace to know I will always be loved and cared for, even if I do have a few dents in my fenders.

Be happy with what you have because God has said, “I will never abandon you or leave you. (Hebrews 13:5 GWT)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. (Isaiah 55:8 NLT)

The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)

Different But the Same

#Jesus, #God, #inspiration,#loveOur church has started using two different bulletin covers each Sunday. I was greeting and handing out bulletins when one woman noticed the two covers. With confusion in her voice she asked, “Do we have more than one bulletin today?”

I explained that although the covers were different the insides were the same. Then I added, “Just like people.”

People come in all shapes, sizes and colours. No two are exactly the same. Even identical twins have subtle differences in their appearance.

On the inside we are basically the same. Each one of us wants love, acceptance and a feeling of belonging. Fear, loneliness and illness can alter our outward appearance. The face we present to the word is not always inviting.

When I am feeling ‘less than’ I tend to withdraw from contact with others. It may seem to you that I am aloof, hostile or grouchy. The truth is I want love and acceptance but don’t know how to ask for it. It’s easier to keep my distance than to be vulnerable and risk rejection. I end up creating the opposite of what I most desire.

Jesus knows my thoughts and needs even when I’m unable to express them. Before I call his name, he’s there for me. He doesn’t necessarily give me what I want but it is always what’s best for me. The everlasting love of Jesus means I am accepted unconditionally and never rejected or alone.

The LORD is near to those whose hearts are humble. He saves those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18 GWT)

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! (Psalm 139:177-18 NLT)

Taking Inventory

#God, #inspiration, #blessings, gratitudeThe past few days have been spent doing inventory in the gift store where I work. Counting everything and recording its value is a tedious task that we don’t look forward to. Nevertheless it needs to be done.

Strange as it sounds, the three of us tackling the inventory enjoyed ourselves this year. We worked well together and our positive attitudes made all the difference. Instead of grumbling and complaining, we laughed about some of the outdated things we came across. There were also forgotten treasures that were unearthed from storage areas.

The experience was not that different from taking inventory in my life. If I take the time to sort through my thoughts, plans and dreams on a regular basis I’m sure I will unearth many things of value as well as some that need to be discarded.

Old hurts, anger and regret have no place in my life now. Once I have learned the lessons they had for me I can toss them on the garbage heap.
The positive attitude of my co-workers reminded me to focus on the abundance of blessings I have received. Memories of love and laughter with family and friends flood my mind. Meaning and purpose have been added to my life in the times I’ve been able to touch the lives of others.

I find what is occupying the most space in my personal inventory is gratitude. I thank God daily for the love he has shown me. He touches my life in the quiet times spent with him, through the beauty of nature and the people he brings me in contact with. My blessings are something I’m always happy to count.

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)

Is Your Heart Healthy?

#God, #inspiration, prayer“I feel fine,” I said to my doctor, “just thought the changes to my family medical history should be brought to you attention.”

When the heart disease of past generations started affecting my siblings I decided it was time for me to be proactive.

No problems were found in the initial tests but as a precaution, I was referred for a cardiac risk assessment, which included a stress test.

This made me think of the stress I’ve had in my life. Most of it was self-imposed. When I focus on negative things I cause myself stress. This can be hard on me both physically and mentally.

Thinking of only positive things can be quite a challenge. I used to worry about many things that were out of my control. When I started bringing these troubling thoughts to God, my life became more peaceful. Praying about my worries reduced my stress. I will freely admit that I haven’t perfected this. The good news is, the more I do it, the easier it becomes.

I have learned the benefits of consciously searching for the blessings God has surrounded me with. My attitude of gratitude is what will keep my heart and mind healthy.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NIV)

Barricades

#God, #inspiration, #Jesus, unchangingOne morning I returned home to find my street was closed. The sign said local traffic only so I carried on. Immediately past my driveway was a full barricade. Heavy equipment was digging a hole in the road.
Later when I attempted to leave, the barricade was blocking part of my driveway. My husband moved it temporarily so I could get out. When I returned an hour later it was no longer possible to drive right to my home.
It seemed that every time I went away it was harder to return. Home was becoming more difficult to reach.
Later I reflected on this. I am very thankful that God does not put up ever changing barricades to keep me from coming home to him. My life may be under construction but the route to him is unchanging. Any road blocks or detours are of my own making.
Even when I have left God temporarily, he always makes it easy to return. Jesus promised to prepare a place for me in his Father’s home and I know that it where I will spend eternity.
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. (John 14:23 NLT)
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:1-3 NLT)

When the Bloom Fades – Revised

#God, #inspiration, ambitions, life, fruit

I apologize for sending this twice today.  The gremlins got to the first copy so please delete and enjoy this one instead!

A splash of yellow amid the sea of green leaves caught my attention. “That wasn’t there yesterday,” I thought as I hurried out to the vegetable garden to investigate.

One of our zucchini plants had two large flowers as well as a few buds forming. On closer examination I saw a small zucchini with the dried remains of a flower on the end.

I thought about the showy flowers that would soon wither and fade away. As lovely as the blooms are, they have to die before the plant will produce its crop.zucchini and faded blossom

The same holds true for the fruit trees and their blossoms that we look forward to in spring. The petals have to fall in order for summer’s fruit to form.

The analogy to life was not lost on me. There is nothing wrong with promoting or drawing attention to the work I’m doing. After all, I’m pointing others to God and his creation.

There comes a time, however, when I have to die to my ambitions and let Jesus take control of my talents, hopes and dreams. They are all gifts from him anyway.

By thanking Jesus and following his calling on my life, while leaving the outcome entirely up to him, I am putting myself in the background. The fruit produced for his kingdom will be more abundant when he is in charge.

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24 NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galations 5:22-23 NIV)

Fading into the Background

#God, #inspiration, sin, prayer, clean heartThe loud music at the start of class bordered on being annoying. Before long it faded into the background and I was no longer consciously aware of it. Instead, I was focused on the activity of the exercises and a brief conversation with the person beside me.

We were about forty-five minutes into the class when the instructor commented the sound system had failed and we had no more music. I was surprised to realize the lack of music hadn’t registered with me.
How is it that something loud and unpleasant can fade into the subconscious so quickly?

I thought about the areas of my life where sin has crept in. At first it is like a pebble in my shoe. I’m very aware of it and constantly uncomfortable. Soon it has become part of the fabric of my life. Others may notice, but I don’t.

This opens the door for more of the same. What once was annoying is no longer noticed. That’s how easily it happens. From there it multiplies.
To remedy this I need to pray about each situation. There is a reason for my uncomfortable feelings. When I bring everything before God he will enable me to get rid of the problem areas and make my heart clean once again.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10 NLT)

Proud Citizens

#God, #Jesus, #inspiration, heavenTomorrow is Canada Day. My husband and I will be joining thousands of others in our city to watch the Canada Day parade. We have our red shirts and maple leaf insignia to wear and flags to wave.  This is our way of showing our patriotism.

Festivities in honour of Canada’s birthday will take place all across our vast nation.  In our city and many others the celebrations will conclude with spectacular fireworks displays. These events enable us to come together and celebrate our citizenship in what we believe is one of the best countries in the world.

Across the world citizens of Canada have a reputation for being polite.  Kindness and care for others is also an attribute of those with a heavenly citizenship.

A friend once told me that we often go through life like tourists.  We gather souvenirs and mementos from place we’ve been and people we’ve met.  What we are called to do as citizens of heaven is to leave little pieces of heaven wherever we go.  Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

No matter what country we live in, we are also citizens of heaven. One day we will all be reunited with our Lord, Jesus Christ.  No citizenship can be better and that alone is reason for celebration.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20 NIV)

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