Tag: love

The Win in the Loss

#God, #inspiration,loveThe decision was out of my control and the pressure I felt was entirely self-imposed.

When I first learned my book was a finalist for an award I was overwhelmed. Gratitude to God was present in the tears that flowed. He had blessed me for heeding his call on my life.

I’ve just returned from the Word Awards in Toronto. As the time grew closer for the winner to be announced my thoughts changed. They became more about me than the opportunity to serve God by sharing the words he’s given me to write.

If I wasn’t the winner, would that make me a loser? Would I be a disappointment to those that have cheered me on?

It wasn’t until someone else’s name was called that I realized it doesn’t take an award to make me a winner. The outpouring of love, support and positive comments I received from family and friends washed over me like a healing balm. To them and to God, I was still a winner.

You see, I let it become about me when it was never supposed to be. In the Bible it says:”If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.” I firmly believe it is the same for those who write.
The words God has given me to write are not for my benefit alone. The goal is to inspire others and point them to him. This is for his glory, not mine. To know I am doing what God wants me to is greater than any other reward.

My heart was not ready to receive an outside award. When I am completely surrendered to him and his calling on my life and not concerned about outside validation I will be ready. I don’t know when that day will come, but for now I thank him for loving me enough to keep me humble.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV)

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-6 NIV)

My Two Fathers

God, heavenly father, unconditional loveMy father didn’t know how to relate to his children. Men of his generation didn’t show emotion, so while I’m sure he loved his children; there was never any expression of his feelings.

I was an unexpected late-life child and experienced a mellower father than my older siblings. He even took the time to teach me the game of cribbage. That’s how I knew he cared. He showed love as instruction and not hugs or words of encouragement and praise.

When I was 23 my father passed away. I loved him but was sad to realize that I never really knew him and grieved for the relationship that was never to be.

This experience made it difficult for me to understand God as a loving, heavenly father. It was hard to relate to something I’d never experienced. When I was told that God loves me unconditionally and will never leave me, it sounded too good to be true. Surely if I spoke out of turn or misbehaved that love would be taken away.

What I now know is that no earthly father, no matter how loving, can measure up to the devotion God has for me. He has walked with me through joy and sorrow. He has been my strength in times of need. He freely shares his wisdom and has guided me to achieve dreams I never thought possible.

Although I have disappointed God many times he continues to love me. I am forever in debt to my heavenly father who has shown me the meaning of unconditional love.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)

Are You Like a Pineapple?

Jusus, inspiration, loveIt was difficult not to be offended. I struggled not to take it personally but admit my feelings were hurt.

Why was she being so prickly towards me? I thought back over my actions, racking my brain to find something I may have done to cause this unpleasant reaction. Nothing came to mind.

I was still in the “poor me” mode when something a friend said to me recently popped into my head. She told me she’s like a pineapple sometimes, prickly on the outside but soft and easily bruised on the inside.

Perhaps my offender was hiding her bruised interior beneath a prickly surface designed to keep others from getting too close. Since this is someone I won’t be in contact with again, I will never know if she was hurting or just miserable. I choose to give her the benefit of the doubt.

It’s easy to think of times when I have been bruised inside and did my best not to let it show. If I risked being vulnerable I may have been hurt even more. Or, I may have dissolved into tears which would have shown my weakness.

How many have judged me the way I judged someone based on the mask that she wore? I can’t know what another is thinking or feeling, but I can react with compassion rather than anger and disappointment.

I’m so thankful that Jesus knows me intimately. He loves me even when I am unlovable. He sees my heart and is there to bandage my tender bruised emotions. This is the unconditional love that all of us need.

He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. (Psalm 147:3 NLT)

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. (Psalm 139:1-4 NLT)

Who is Your Supplier?

God, inspiration, blessings, opportunity“If you have some ready I’ll come by in a couple of hours and pick it up.” my friend said. Turning to someone nearby she announced, “Tandy is my supplier!”

Let me backtrack so you don’t get the wrong idea. Two weeks earlier I had told my friend about my bountiful rhubarb harvest and the squares, muffins and pies I’d baked. She had been anticipating the day there would be enough regrowth for me to share.

God supplies this produce for me and I am happy to pass some along to others. When I stop to think about it, everything I have is due to the provision of my loving Heavenly Father. This is much more than the food I eat, the clothing I wear or the home I live in.

When I asked God what to write about for this blog post, he supplied me with the conversation that prompted these thoughts. I am inspired through the reading of his word and the beauty of nature. The people in my life are precious gifts that he has given. Every opportunity to serve comes about because of his provision.

I know that I’m not an exception. What he does for one, he will do for others. My Heavenly Father supplies me with much more than I need or deserve. The best way to thank him is by sharing his love with those I come in contact with.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NLT)

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Corinthians 9:12 NIV)

Real or Illusion?

Jesus, love, inspirationWe see many types of shore birds on our morning beach walk. One day I saw a large white crane up ahead. I kept watching as we drew near and was surprise by how still it remained.

When I was close enough to see the outline more clearly, I started to laugh. The crane that I had been watching was actually a pole standing upright in the sand with the remnant of a white sandbag tied around it! The graceful white crane was only an illusion.

I paused to think of the many times I have looked on a situation from a distance and saw an illusion rather than the reality.Jesus, love, inspiration

Most people only allow us to see what they want us to. I am no exception to this. Pain, disappointment, loneliness and rejection are hidden from the world. They are concealed behind a smile and the words, “I’m fine.”

Personally this has happened when I felt I needed to put on a brave front. The illusion seemed safer than exposing the truth of my weakness. You may not like the real me.

A few loved ones may see what’s behind the illusion but only Jesus truly knows what is in my heart and mind. He knows the real me and loves me for who I am and not who I pretend to be. When I truly accept this love I am free to be all that he created me to be.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? Romans 8:35 NLT

 

Bird Fight

Jesus, inspiration, loving, sacrificeWe have been thoroughly entertained by the antics of a few hummingbirds.

Our neighbours have a hummingbird feeder hung on their deck. Lately these tiny birds have been putting on quite a show as they approach it to feed.

There are several spots for the birds to drink nectar from. Despite this, they don’t appear to share very well.

One bird in particular will land but not feed. When others approach it will chase them away. There may be another two or three of these birds flying in circles around the feeder but the one will not let them near enough to land. There is a lot of energy being expended and at what gain?

As unusual as it is to see two feeding at the same time, the attitude of this dominant bird caused me to do some deeper thinking.

Have there been times when I have acted like this bird, not wanting to share with others? Do I hoard what should be freely available because I want to keep it for myself? Am I jealous, not able to see someone else have what I may want later?

These are disturbing thoughts but ones I need to examine. I don’t want to be using my energy fighting to hold onto things I need to be generous with.

Jesus gave his very life for me. He set the example to sacrifice for others. One of the greatest commandments is to love your neighbour as yourself. If I follow this teaching there will be no worry that my attitude won’t be selfish but instead will be loving and giving.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30,31 NIV)

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. (Proverbs 21:3 NIV)

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)

Christmas Village

memories, Jesus, loveA Dickens Christmas Village is set up on my hearth. The lights in the church, shops and house shine onto the little village scene. In one area Charles Dickens reads from A Christmas Carol to a crowd gathered around. Nearby are a group of Christmas Carolers. Some children are playing in the snow.

Gazing at the cheerful little village brings back precious memories of receiving the various villagers, family, appreciationpieces throughout the years. My adult children enjoyed moving some of the people to unusual locations in the village to see if I’d notice. Grandchildren loved to gaze at it but knew not to touch the porcelain pieces.

This village brings me peace and joy. It also reminds me of love shared with my family, who are the primary members of my personal village.

Christmas is about peace, joy and love. There is no better way to honour Jesus than by sharing the love that he so generously gives to me. That is what I plan to do with those I come in contact with.

I want to express my appreciation for each of you who read my posts. May you feel the blessings of love and peace not only this Christmas but throughout the coming year.

This is how God showed his love among us; He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9 NIV

Wise Words

Jesus, inspiration, loveI have an aunt who has played an important role in my life. We now live an eleven hour drive apart which means I don’t get to see her as often as I’d like. Although I keep in touch on a regular basis, it is the face-to-face visits that I miss. These only happen once a year now.

Each visit is precious and I find it difficult when our time together comes to an end. She is approaching her 96th birthday and I am aware that there may not be another opportunity to spend time together.

When I was preparing to leave after a recent visit my aunt left me with some wise words. Looking into my eyes she said, “I hope I see you again, but if I don’t, today was nice.”

What a wonderful reminder to appreciate each moment. When it comes right down to it, I have no guarantee of seeing anyone again. For this reason I need to make the most of the time I spend with others.

Words of love, appreciation and affirmation need to be spoken. I never want to regret the kind words that were left unspoken.

Jesus gave us many examples of unselfish love. I want to follow his way and ensure those I spend time with know how much I value our relationship.

For those of you reading this today I say, “Thank you. I appreciate the support you have shown by following my writings. You are the wind beneath my wings.”

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

“I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.” (John 13:34-35 GWT)

Moo’s Watching

Jesus, inspiration, love, sees meDo you ever feel like you’re being watched? I had that sensation as I walked along a quiet country road. There was no one nearby so the feeling didn’t make sense. Then I glanced at the pasture close to the road and noticed that many of the cows had turned to face me.

It felt almost threatening to have so many pairs of eyes focused on me, even if they were on the other side of a fence.

When I stopped, even more of them turned to watch me. I moved on a little but decided that I wanted a picture so went back. Most of them had turned away. The novelty of seeing a stranger had worn off.

This made me think of the many times I’ve been concerned about walking into a room full of people. What if everyone turns to look at me? I don’t fully understand why the thought of this is an issue. Although others may turn to see who has entered, they will quickly return to what they were doing. The exception to this would be if I did something outrageous or attention seeking. This is not a problem as I generally seek to be inconspicuous.

Instead, what I should focus on is the one who always sees me. Jesus sees me not only on my best behavior but also when I’m in my ugly, defiant and rebellious states. His love for me never wavers. Knowing this, I desire to life my life in praise and adoration for the one who knows me best and still loves me.

I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:18-19 NLT)

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