Blog Archives

Taken Time or Takin' Time?

3/31/2014

I know I’m not the only one who screams out…WAIT!...STOP!...HOLD ON!

My gosh, it’s already April!
And I’m surprised?!
It comes the same time every year!
It just seems that it came earlier this time and May is just around the corner. As a teacher, I look forward to May because the end of school is just in sight. But as a music teacher, I have a little different perspective. “Just a few more weeks please, I need a little more time.” You see, it’s performance season for me and time is so limited.

But it’s not just the education venue. No. The rat race of life spins and spins and is a respecter of no one. Come on. I know you feel it too because I hear it everywhere I go….and these days I go a lot! Event after event, meetings, be here, be there, do that, answer that, get here, get there, did I pay that?, what’s due?, what’s next? Where did I put that? Where’s my keys? Purse? Phone? What materials do I need for this? Am I forgetting anything? What’s for supper…cook or eat out?

Sound Familiar?

As I look at my three different calendars I realize that I haven’t had a chance to merge them into one. A sure cause for calamity!

The clocks minute hand seems to be ticking a much quicker steady beat these days as I wonder, “Where has the time gone!” Things move so fast. It is as a blur.

Meetings are called, and then called again…only to meet about meeting again! (sounds like the lyrics of a song to me)

The phone constantly rings, dings, and vibrates trying to get my attention. My email blows up with literally 50+ emails before 3pm. Perhaps that’s the doom of having so many accounts for so many different things. Everything tries to steal my attention. And everyone needs a piece of me! Why, even this morning, my alarm clock decided to turn on…by itself…quite unusual because I never set an alarm clock! My internal clock is quite sufficient. Plus, Brian’s employees notify him every morning (very early) when they are headed off to their jobs. So, we get “dinged” Monday – Friday. I’ve learned to ignore it unless I need to arise extra early!

The cry for “coming apart before I come apart” seems to be resonating louder every day. The last few nights, it has haunted my dreams. I dream of rushing to get somewhere. Last night, I dreamed that the driver of the car I was riding in couldn’t wait to pull out of the parking lot while I was trying to get in and close the car door. I kept screaming…Wait! Stop! Wait…give me time….You’re gonna rip off my foot! Yep, a nightmare!

I share these things because I know that you can empathize with me. Mine may be a little more vivid but I’m no different than you except that maybe I have a few more various irons in the fire. But deep within, we all yearn for
quiet….peace…..silence...calm….beauty….relaxation!

I was a little distraught this morning by my dream because it was interrupting a quiet moment that I believe the Lord was using to help me write this blog. I guess I’m so busy during the day, He has to speak while I’m at rest….sleeping. The Lord often awakens me with things He needs to tell me.

How long has it been since you have really taken time to stop?

A dear friend once warned me about filling the margins of my life. It doesn’t leave time or space for unexpected moments of delight or rest. She said, as an example, to read a paragraph with no punctuation marks. Without taking time to pause, everything runs together and looses meaning. I think life is the same way.

Taking moments in life for “pause” is not a new idea, and we all know the value and importance it plays in our life. Still, many of us have not disciplined ourselves of this necessity! How long has it been since you have heard the sound of silence? Be still before Him. Let Him quiet you by His love. Zeph. 3:17

Why do you think Jesus said to go into your closet to pray?
Matthew 6:6

I think it is to help us stay focused and eliminate distractions. He wants to commune with all of me…to have my undivided attention.

Why do you think Moses went unto the mountain for 40 days?
Deut. 10:10 and Ex. 34:28

I believe it was to get away from the distractions of the world and hear from God.

Even Jesus took himself away. All for preparation to fulfill the Father’s will.

Luke 22: 39-46 and Matthew 4:1-11

As I am writing this morning, I have to look back and laugh. Kathy and I have started this Restore ministry and one would think that we both should “have it together”…or at least one of us! Well, that’s not the case…sorry to burst your bubble! Her calendar is just as full and she is just as exhausted. We have both cried out, “How can we help others be restored when we struggle ourselves?” I think that’s why God has allowed us to do what we do for you. It is because we truly understand and struggle with pulling away as much as you do. Do not put us on a pedestal, we will be sure to disappoint you. Our passion is to help you take the time and realize the importance of spending time with our Father. He keeps putting me in the place of needing time with Him over and over again. My discipline is weak. Sure, I talk with Him each day, and seek His guidance, but I believe there is more to it than that. He calls us to enter into His presence with singing (Ps.100:2) and He also calls us to keep silent before Him. (Hab. 2:20) He wants to do a deep work in our heart.

This week, I ask you to do three things:

Take time to SHUT IT DOWN! You might need to take a technology fast! I did that for a few hours the other day and WOW! You will have to experience it for yourself! I can’t say enough about how freeing it was for me.
Take time to visit with God. I mean, really visit and meditate on His word! Sit in silence before Him. If you find yourself getting distracted, write down your distraction. There will come a point when all distractions depart. If you need something to get you started, I recommend that you sit under a tree and read and meditate on Psalm 1.
Take a moment to pray for Kathy and I as we attempt to pull away together to seek Gods will and direction for Restore (our time together is very limited). We both feel Him moving us toward a direction but need more clarity and conformation. We want to better serve our Lord and in doing so, serve you more creatively and passionately.

I realize that this is not my typical style of writing to you and I am not ranting. Well…maybe a little! There is no original “spiritual insight.” You know what to do and you know its importance and value. This one thing I can say is, “things will keep going, it’s okay to take time to stop!” In the course of eternity, what is most important? Try to do that!

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 NASB

I hope you understand that I am being open and speak with an honest heart. We all sometimes need reminding to stop and get our priorities in check! It seems like a daily event for me!
Intentionally Taking Some Time...for me, the Lord, and to better serve you.
With a heart of love,
Sherry

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The Gifts each Day Brings

3/23/2014

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My daughters Maggie and Mary Elizabeth at Maggie's baby shower!

Since I last wrote my blog life has been a whirlwind of celebrations, much like the season of Spring that has come bursting in on us in Louisiana after a long cold winter. In the last ten days I have attended a wedding, a funeral, two wedding showers, two baby showers, taught students, given a Master Voice class, sung at a major event, attended meetings, given a baby shower and enjoyed the visit of both our daughters home at the same time! This weekend dear friends gave my oldest daughter a baby shower. It's hard to believe that my baby will soon have a little girl of her own!

My 85 year old mom looks on as her granddaughter opens baby presents. Maggie's Christening gown hangs on the mantel - a treasure to be passed down through the generations.

As I reflect on these events I want to be sure that I don't miss the joy in them, the wonder in them, the lessons that God has for me in each one. It is so easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and miss the gifts that each day brings.

But we can never replay the days we are given except in our memories.
We can't rewrite the script that our lives have lived this day.

"With indelible ink of eternity there has been inscribed upon the page of this eternal sheet of time either something of value, or only what is vain" W. Phillip Keller

And I wonder……

If I waked up each day and truly embraced it as a gift from God, would I choose to live differently?

What would I change?
How would I savor the day?
How would my attitude and perspective change?

How would I celebrate each day differently?

How could you choose to live each day differently as a gift from the Creator?

So as I enter the Spring season I want to slow things down, enjoy the moments, the friendships, the beauty around me, the people the Lord brings across my path, the truths He wants me to learn.

How about you?

In order to receive the gifts of each day we have to choose to live intentionally and gratefully.

We must choose to look,
to listen,
to pause,
to reflect,
to savor,
to live differently,
drinking in the beauty,
the wonder,
the holiness….

Otherwise the days and the moments fly by, the whirlwind of life takes over and we miss the gifts of grace found in each day. I've been there, lived there in the whirlwind - just trying to survive. Sometimes God calls us into a season of our lives that demands a full schedule. But we can choose to fully embrace and live in every moment and so can you.

"A quiet joy comes when we live the way God calls us to live." John Yates

Enjoy the music and images below. They have ministered to my heart over the last week. I pray that they will refresh and quieten your Spirit and that the truth of the lyrics will speak to your heart to strengthen and encourage you to live this day as the gift God intended for you and those who cross your path!

Let the little children come unto Me!

Enjoying the fun of making pretty tablescapes for the party!

Our fountain is broken so we just made a little spring garden in the fountain instead!

Clinging to truth throughout life until the end of her days! Lord let this be me!

Birds singing in my yard make me smile!

Oh the beauty of Spring!! I love peonies!!!

A quiet place to dream and pray! Mountain streams of water rushing nearby - in my dreams!!! Until that day, my back patio is pretty special.

May you cherish the gifts the Lord brings you this day and be refreshed and restored in the wonder and beauty of His glory among us!

In His love,
Kathy

If you would like to receive the "Monday Musings" RESTORE blog each week via email, please sign up and enter your email address in the upper right hand corner.

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Click the link and immediately you will see a message pop up that says "Thanks for Subscribing..." YOU ARE DONE!!!
If you have trouble, please contact us using "CONTACT US" in the menu bar or email us at restoreministries@ymail.com

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The Unseen Hand

3/16/2014

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The Unseen Hand by A.J. Simms
There is an Unseen Hand to me,
That leads through ways I cannot see
While going through this world below,
This Hand still leads me as I go

CHORUS:
I’m trusting to, the Unseen Hand,
That guides me through this weary land
And some sweet day I’ll reach that strand,
Still guided by the Unseen Hand

Ever wonder, “How in the world did I ever make it through the day, moment or event?” When you knew you could go absolutely no further, somehow you persevered! It wasn’t by any chance of your own, you know! It was the power of the Unseen Hand!

I’ve been holding on to this picture thinking that it would come in handy. At first, I thought it was a little cheesy because it’s not really my style of “art.” Yeah, yeah…it’s a mountain and the little person is on a journey and the hand of the Savior is holding him! Sad to say, this message seems to have become “old” news for me as I have heard and experienced it much. But somehow, this week, its message has been refreshed, revived and awakened in my spirit. Not only is it the hand of God sustaining us (and that’s really all we need), but also have you stopped to think about the prayers of your friends or family that have helped carry you…when it wasn’t a crisis moment?

I have had many people in my life that have prayed for me, but only a handful of them have actually taken a true interest of the events in my days and diligently prayed for me without my personal plea for prayer. What a blessing!

During my ministry with Kid’s Jamboree (long ago), a faithful older lady in my church made it her business and duty to lift me regularly. I knew I could count on her devotion and dedication to pray for me everyday! And she did! I felt the prayers…it was as if an unseen hand was guiding and carrying me as I worked hard ministering deep into the hours of the night, throughout the day, while overseas, and here at home. She was the least likely person that I would have imagined to make that sacrifice for me! I was blessed, indeed! When she was struck with cancer and quickly passed away, I remember the sorrow I felt. Could I make it without her prayers? What would I do? Would I ever hear the words again, "I'm praying for you" from someone who really took that to heart and was faithful to do so?
God had removed the one special person that I counted on! He reminded me that I was not alone and that He was ever present, always interceding for me.

“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Chorus: And He's Ever Interceding -

And He's ever interceding, to the Father for His children;
Yes, He's ever interceding, to the Father for His own;
Through Him you can reach the Father, So, bring Him all your heavy burdens;
Yes, for you He's interceding, So, come boldly to the throne.

Over the past several years, another friend had stepped up to the same task of praying for me…diligently! As I spoke with her almost everyday, her final words of our conversation, whether on the phone or during a visit were, “I’m praying for ya!”

I knew I could count on her to bathe my day in prayer. She was the one I called on to pray over difficult decisions, silly issues that were important to me, my health, the relationships I had with my other friends, and vast other categories. She has prayed for many of you reading this blog! She took prayer seriously and she knew how much I depended on it, for she did too in her life! She was my prayer buddy! It’s been a little over a month now since my faithful prayer partner, Sherlene, went to be with Jesus. Again, I’m left thinking, “How am I gonna make it without her prayers?” God sweetly nudges me to reflect again on His intercession to the Father on my behalf.

Romans 8:26 –“ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Vs. 1 Someone to go the extra mile, Just like a mother caring for her child;
A friend who sticks through thick or thin, No matter what you've done or where you've been;
Just like one great big family, A stronger, older brother He will be;
So quick and ready to defend, The younger, weaker to the end.

I still have special people in my life that pray for me (I'm so thankful for them), and this week I was reminded that it is the Holy Spirit that lays people on our heart to lift up! I’m one who is easily on the giving end of that, but it’s rare that I think about the Lord laying me on the heart of someone else. There have been rare times that I have gotten 2 or 3 phone calls in a single day of friends calling just to say, “Hey, I’ve had you on my heart. I wanted you to know that I’m praying for you.” But, it has happened and it happened again this week. Someone that I would have never of thought of, informed me that she was praying for me. I'm Humbled….

Then later that day, I got a text from someone else, “Praying for you! What's going on I haven't seen you lately?” Again totally humbled and in awe that God cares so much for me that not only was HE praying for me, but that he had others praying for me as well! What an awesome thought!

Someone was surely fulfilling Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

It is sad that we only sometimes feel the presence of His hand softly under our steps, that unseen hand…guiding us, filling our minds with wisdom, flooding our heart and voice with praise! Actually, we need to take more notice of it! We need to be so in touch with His presence that at our least little step off of the “strait and narrow,” it feels like a giant fall into a deep chasm that leaves us stretching out our arms from the darkness to be saved from the harsh fall.

“How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.“ Matthew 7:14

Vs. 2 Just like sheep, we've gone astray, Struggling 'neath the debt we could not pay;
Not ever hoping to renew, The love and fellowship that we once knew;
But He began to intercede; Crying, “Father, please, forgive, I plead.”
And as the nails pierced in His hands, God, once again, reached out to man.

I don’t know about you, but I know that I cannot go through this life without prayer. Isn’t it good to know that when Jesus was resurrected, He not only lives to conquer sin and death and save us, but “He ever lives to make intercession…” Hebrews 7: 25!

If perhaps you are going through some really rough times these past weeks, I encourage you to stop and go before the throne…boldly…with confidence that He, your Father will help. Tell Him how you are feeling, what you need, or just close your eyes in His presence and absorb His healing strength. He is praying for you. He lives to pray for you! His arms are wide open. Won’t you run into them? Why do you wait?

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest [a great Intercessor], that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Hebrews 4:14, 16

Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Don’t forget to pray for others! Jesus commands it. The prayers spoken on my behalf have blessed me abundantly and I have seen the hand of God at work in my life because friends and family were diligent to pray for me and to lift up my request. Praying for others often requires you to make sacrifices. Those sacrifices may take the form of spending extra time, praying aloud, being depleted, or even years of praying the same prayer.

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and
sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15,16

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another
and pray for one another,
that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person has
great power as it is working.” James 5:16

The other day, the Air Suspension motor on my car began to go out! It made my ride very rough and bumpy! My thought, “Oooo, if only I had a hand underneath to lift my suspension and help me ride smoothly, it wouldn’t feel so awful.” Then, (in my object lesson brain) I quickly related it to prayer and thought how it might feel if no one ever prayed for me! A really rough and bumpy journey of life. It's definitely not how I want to go through life! Too bumpy and rough! Immediately, I remembered the cheesy art and thanked the Lord that there IS an unseen hand guiding my life, and there are unheard prayers (for me) too! I am so thankful. Prayer is powerful. It has the power to change things. Don't just pray to be praying! Pray with expectation! Expect that mighty results will happen if prayed in line with the Father's will.
"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13
If God is laying someone on your heart, pray for them. Don’t just stop there, either! Let them know. It might be just the “pick me up” or “faith encouragement” that they need. I am happy to know that people are thinking of me and even happier to know that they took time to think, sacrifice, AND pray! (A special thank you to Kathy, my prayer partner, and many others of you who go to the Father on my behalf!)

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thess. 5: 11-18
In those moments when there are things that I cannot share or cannot find the words to express, or perhaps don't want to burden down my prayer buddies with another request, I lean harder on Jesus. I am also thankful that He is praying for me...and He has ALL the time in the world!

This song has been a part of my spiritual growth (many years ago!) Throughout the blog you have read some of the words to the song (written in purple). I pray it blesses you as it has me these many, many years. The music is a little old but the message makes it worth listening to!
Ever Praying, too!
Sherry

If you would like to receive the "Monday Musings" RESTORE blog each week via email, please sign up and enter your email address in the upper right hand corner.

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If you have trouble, please contact us using "CONTACT US" in the menu bar or email us at restoreministries@ymail.com

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The Worth of our Words

3/9/2014

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I'm writing today on my youngest daughter's 21st birthday! The song Gabriel's Oboe that is playing has always been one of her favorites and mine. It's hard to believe that our Mary Elizabeth, the little miracle baby that God chose to bless us with later in life when we thought we could have no more children, is now grown and soon to be a senior in college. When she was born we used to joke that they would have to wheel us out of the nursing home for her college graduation! What a privilege to see her grow into such a beautiful, and talented young woman who loves the Lord. Among the flowers and presents she received, her dad and I sent her a new Bible she had asked for when she was home at Christmas. As I tried to write some words of wisdom in her birthday card I knew that the Words of Life in the Scriptures she received today were the greatest treasure she would ever have. I've also just flown into Atlanta to celebrate with my oldest daughter Maggie at her baby shower for our first grand baby. As she picked me up at the airport and I saw that little baby growing in her mommy's tummy I was overwhelmed at how blessed I am. These are big events in the lives of my children and they are beautiful moments of reflection and celebration for their mother.

Moments to ponder how my words have influenced the lives of those I love and how the words I speak could possibly influence their future and even future generations.
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the worth of our words. They have such power to influence the lives we touch.

Our words can build up or tear down, challenge or disappoint, inspire or discourage, praise or criticize, protect or deceive. They can comfort or frighten, heal or hurt, show love or hate,
enlighten or confuse, welcome or exclude, forgive or blame, bless or curse, offer wisdom or folly,
restore or destroy.

As I've considered the lives of those I have lost in recent months I'm reminded of how powerfully their words have affected and influenced my life. And so I don't want my words to be careless. I want them be thoughtful, Spirit led, and full of wisdom and kindness like those who have blessed me.

Even common conversations can be profound.

Take a moment and think of a conversation you have had that impacted your life in some way for good.

Perhaps it was with a grandmother, a teacher, a parent, a co-worker, a trusted friend, a daughter, a son, a cousin, a customer, even a stranger. Words spoken can affect our self-esteem, our faith journey, our values, our plans, our failures and successes in life.
These words of influence can also be written. This past week I was continuing my "clean out/simplify my life" adventure that I began last summer. (This has been a very slow and painful process for me and my ever patient husband Ken!) I was going through boxes in my closet that contained letters I had saved. I came across a beautiful note of thanks from my mom, a letter from my cousin whom I buried last Saturday encouraging me about the value of family as she had discovered old letters and photographs, an old hand written Valentine card from my Dad, a note of tenderness from my sister when times were hard for me, and countless, beautiful cards of love from my husband and children, There was a box of special cards full of blessing and wisdom from friends through the years that I have saved. Needless to say, not much was cleaned out of those boxes! And that's as it should be for those words have impacted my life and helped to mold and encourage me along the way.

Going through those boxes made me want to be more diligent to write a note or letter to those who need a word that will display the love of Christ in their life.

Is there someone the Lord is bringing to your mind whom you could call or write words of encouragement, wisdom, comfort, or kindness?

Our words, through the power of His Spirit at work within us, have the ability to restore, to heal, to inspire and to offer hope.

Let us not take the privilege
and responsibility for granted!

On the plane ride to Atlanta this morning I searched the Scriptures for God's wisdom about our words. I hope that His truth will encourage and inspire you in your faith journey. Take a moment to reflect and ponder His Words of Life. As you read the verses below consider choosing one of the Scriptures that resonates with your heart and meditate on it throughout this week.

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)
Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.

Ephesians 6:19 (NIV)
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known
the mystery of the gospel,

Matthew 12:36 (NIV)
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Proverbs 15:4 (NIV)
The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Spend a few moments in prayer asking the Lord to fill your mouth with His words of wisdom, blessing and love today.

In Christ,
Kathy

If you would like to receive the "Monday Musings" RESTORE blog each week via email, please sign up and enter your email address in the upper right hand corner.

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Open your email. You should have mail from Google Feed Burner. LOOK IN YOUR JUNK EMAIL IF YOU CANNOT FIND IT!
Click the link and immediately you will see a message pop up that says "Thanks for Subscribing..." YOU ARE DONE!!!
If you have trouble, please contact us using "CONTACT US" in the menu bar or email us at restoreministries@ymail.com

We'd also like to hear from you, how God is blessing your life through RESTORE Ministries, and how we can pray for you. Please fill out the form provided under "CONTACT US" in the menu bar.

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The Voices!

3/2/2014

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I’ve been thinking about the word tempt today and how I sometimes use it in the “not so negative” sense. “I was tempted to write about…” or “I was tempted to buy…,” “I was tempted to cook such and such for so and so…” I don’t believe that these particular usages are particularly wrong, but as I began to dig deeper into what scripture has to say about it, and it’s definition, I am inclined to use yet a different choice word! The word tempt is a type of stimulus – to entice or to provoke – to put in the heart. My Bible Sense Lexicon defines it as conceived as of putting thoughts, desires, or plans into someone’s heart. Interestingly, all Scripture that I researched referred to an admonishment! Even the plain ole dictionary connects temptation with a negative connotation; something that is known to be wrong. An old friend of mine used to always say, “You win or lose by the way you choose!” He was so right! Now when I believe that I am tempted, and examine the outcome of the choice I’m about to make, I think of His words. Sometimes I give into temptation anyway. Don’t judge me, we all do! There are moments when even what seems the smallest temptation may explode into horrific consequences. Did you ever stop to consider the small voice in your head warning you? Reckon that was the Holy Spirit? How often do we dismiss that voice? It’s like a tug of war with your conscience and the little cherubs are sitting on your shoulders whispering what to do, although it is not the voice of God that tempts!

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to
them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God:
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man."
James 1:12,13

This is a picture of the Japanese magnolia just outside of my front door.

Yep, I call it my sin tree!

“What?!” you respond; even as you look at the picture and think it is beautiful!

A few times each year, this tree buds and I get excited, anticipating the beautiful purple, tulip shaped flowers.    They look lovely against the clear, azure February sky. I call it my sin tree because it is so enticing. I want to cut all of the flowers and bring them inside, as they seem to instill a sense of happiness to me.

The problem… After the flowers have bloomed, they quickly fade and their petals drop to the ground and sour! Sometimes the putrid smell is over powering as I rush in or out of my house. I cannot escape it fast enough.

I have likened this tree to sin. It’s tempting… it provides momentary pleasure…that leaves a lasting stench! The lingering smell has destroyed the delight I once took in its beauty. Sin can be that way. It entices us, appeals to us and flirts with us. Once we have indulged, we give off a noticeable odor. This “odor” can show up in bad attitudes, withdrawal from friends, and a lacking desire to spend time fellowshipping with the Lord. I find it interesting that it was also a tree in the Garden of Eden that elicited some of the same desirable characteristics; however, it was not the tree itself that caused the sin, it was temptation and the choice of disobedience that led to the fall. We are all tempted with things and in various forms. It is our response to the temptation that leads us either closer to the Lord or drives us away from hearing His still soft voice. Have you heard from the Lord lately? Perhaps there is sin in your life that has broken fellowship with the Father. Ask Him for forgiveness and to restore what has been broken.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corin. 10:13

So what about the voice on the other shoulder? Actually, I should say in the heart!

Someone who obeyed that small still voice blessed me this week! Perhaps when she reads this blog she will comment and give her perspective, but for now, this is how I experienced it…

As you may have read in earlier blogs, sadness by death and illness of friends and family has plagued Kathy and I over the last few months. With all of that, it has rained and hailed, been very cold with little sun, and frankly, the color from my life was missing and depression was beginning to wrap its fingers around me. My rose garden had nothing and my grass was only a carpet of soggy blah! In the face of ministry, I had poured myself out for others and became spiritually and emotionally depleted, I felt alone and lonely, and yet I stood bravely facing the storms. This picture best describes my feelings at the time.

I took a day from responsibility to try to regain my emotional strength, restore, and get it together! The Lord had been prompting me to take care of one more little thing that quite honestly, I really didn’t feel that I had left in me to do. I wasn’t in the frame of mind to talk with anyone, let alone play hostess! In obedience, I made the call and my friend and I made plans to connect at my house at lunchtime. Of course with every thing going on, I had little to serve. Off to the grocery store I ran. It is so like God to set up life and plan everything, for coming out of the store was yet another friend rolling her buggy to the car. I yelled across the parking lot to get her attention. With a huge smile on her face and a tight embrace, she said, “This is so God!” Immediately from her cart she pulled out a beautiful bouquet of orange/pink tulips with deep green foliage. She placed them in my hand and said, “Here, these are for you!” Earlier in the week she had heard my cry for color in my life! God led her to supply it for me. She asked me if I had time for lunch and I said that I was hosting another friend and could not. When I told her who it was, her smile got even wider and as she looked at the sky, she kept stating, ”This is so God! This is so God!” She then reached into her bag and insisted that I take 2 individual containers of cake for our dessert. I graciously took them, excited that I didn’t have to fret over another decision to make! As we giggled at the amazement of God’s provision, she remembered that she had just bought a gift for the friend that was coming to my house. She pulled out the gift bag she had just bought and placed the gift inside and asked me to please deliver it. She wanted to bless our friend but was pressed for time and would not get to deliver it herself until much later. How convenient and God like to relay that gift in the parking lot! My spirit had been lifted at the love and obedience to God that was beautifully displayed on me in the least likely of places. As I reflected on the events of that small time period, I took notice that my friend had listened and obeyed the voice of the Lord while she was shopping. She could have decided that she didn’t need any more calories from the cake and chose to ignore the prompting. She could have opted to buy the gift later since she knew she was pressed for time to deliver. She could have chosen to keep the bouquet for I’m sure she needed vivid color in her life, too! But no, she chose to obey and in doing so, she blessed me and my other friend. By the way, the cake was my friend’s all-time favorite and I wish you could have heard her squeal with joy and laughter as I pulled it out of the refrigerator and told her the God story! We had the best visit and my heart and soul was encouraged and lifted…(that was supposed to be my job to her!). Obedience to the call of God had taken place and his girls were blessed on many levels as He took delight in them. As a result, my day was brighter when I chose to make that call. Blessings abounded like a ripple effect for all parties involved. I never considered that other people could have been involved in God’s plan for that simple lunch. We are intertwined daily with others for Kingdom purposes. We were all “winners” that day as our choice involved obeying the prompting of the Holy Spirit. How many other times have I dismissed that little voice or misrepresented it for my own? How many have missed blessings because I didn’t obey? You win or lose by the way you choose!

Pick up the phone and call that person. Add another item to your grocery cart. Drive home a different route. There are blessings all around us if we chose not to ignore them. Even if you think you can’t go one more step, press on…just a tiny bit more. It might make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Father, help me in discerning the voice of temptation and the voice of your Spirit. I repent over the times that I have fallen into the trap of self-gratification and considered only my feelings and desires. They are selfish and do not display a loving spirit. They leave a stench and cause me to withdraw from your presence. I am not only hurting myself but also choosing to refrain from being a blessing to others. Please forgive. Oh Lord, I ask you to help me clearly recognize the times when you whisper softly in my ear. But help me to not only recognize but to respond positively. Others may be missing a blessing due to my lack of obedience. I desire to walk closely with you guiding my steps. Our fellowship is sweetened as we commune together. It is also then that you are able to use me as a vessel of light to assist and encourage others. Thank you for those who have blessed my life and walk in obedience to your command. Thank you that you delight in your children and weave their paths in obedience to your call.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Discerning,
Sherry

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