Ever feel like you are just "maintaining" in life?
My least favorite room of the house to clean is the kitchen. I'm convinced that kitchen's were designed to be always dirty. How many times do you clean the kitchen, only to cook a big meal and dirty it again? I don't often get that particular room completely clean . Often, the dishwasher doesn't get unloaded until there is another dirty load waiting on the counter. Between being busy (but never lazy, of course!), cooking and doing dishes take long enough that I don't often get to the other areas of cleaning. Forget sweeping and mopping. Cleaning the oven; people really do that?!? Shining the sink? Only for super women.
My method of cleaning sometimes consists of maintaining a certain standard, instead of taking it up a notch. How often to we simply "maintain" in our spiritual lives as well? Instead of spending quality time with God everyday, we may settle for a quick bedtime prayer. Instead of reading the Bible, we surf the internet...but it's okay because we posted a scripture to Facebook or Twitter. Get the idea? I can be guilty of this.
You may be thinking, "Okay, I get what your saying, but that's better than nothing, right?" Well sure, but what might you be missing in life by not digging deeper? In the kitchen, a few crumbs on the floor could make it uncomfortable to walk barefoot. In life, any number of small things can simply cause you to miss out on experiencing all of God. He is always there with open arms, ready and willing to spend time with you! (Believe me when I tell you that I'm preaching to the choir here as well.)
Ready for the irony? Get out of that kitchen, let it be dirty for awhile...and enjoy spending time with your Father.
Poetry and parallels (analogies) and how they relate to God and life. Hopefully something in here will encourage you in your walk with God!
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
From Birth to Beard
From Birth to Beard
From birth to beard
This Man now grown
Savior of mankind
Though to many unknown
His helpless cries
Became undaunted resolution
To free us of
Sin's pollution
From birth to beard
A child no longer
His life and death
Can make you stronger
He came to recover
Abundant life kidnapped
His life today's gift
ready and unwrapped
From birth to beard
A child no longer
His life and death
Can make you stronger
He came to recover
Abundant life kidnapped
His life today's gift
ready and unwrapped
Will you accept??
-Sarah
12/25/2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
To Be Wanted
"In all our contacts it is probably the sense of being really
needed and wanted which gives us the greatest satisfaction and
creates the most lasting bond."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
If you're like me, they you may at times feel almost guilty for wanting to be noticed, loved, cherished, or considered important. Society teaches us to be strong and independent. You may have been taught (or learned the hard way) not to depend on others, because they will just let you down.
Do you every feel guilty for needing to be needed, and does that mean this desire isn't from God? Not at all.
I believe God has put that desire for companionship/love in us, consider these 2 brief points...
Well guess what? God wants to be noticed, cherished, and important in your life too!
The other day during worship, I started thinking about this desire of ours to be wanted. Different scenarios played out in my head of times I had felt wanted and how special it felt. God brought to mind the many hugs and exclamations of, "Ms. Sarah!" I get in the mornings from my preschoolers. I recalled one of my girls, who will soon be leaving us to attend Kindergarten, often telling me that I am still her favorite teacher.
I hope you know that God wants YOU, yes you! He longs for you to spend time with Him. He aches for you in the same way that a single person may desire to get married. He hungers for you more than one may hunger for their favorite meal after not eating all day. He longs for you more than an addict needs his next fix. His desire is for YOU. You are wanted.
God needs to be wanted, by YOU!
When you ignore that time with Him...God actually becomes jealous! (Deuteronomy 4:24) Interesting, because jealousy is usually considered to be a negative trait, and is most of the time. Did you know that Oprah was turned off to Christianity, because she heard a preacher say that God is jealous God? I don't know about you, but to me that brings amazement. God wants to spend time with little insignificant me? Yep. Not just the preachers, not just the missionary workers, but you and me!
So don't keep God jealous any longer of all the time you spend on facebook, TV, texting, etc....Spend some time with Him.
Know what it's like to be wanted and fulfilled!
Do you every feel guilty for needing to be needed, and does that mean this desire isn't from God? Not at all.
I believe God has put that desire for companionship/love in us, consider these 2 brief points...
- God made Eve for Adam so Adam wouldn't be alone. (Genesis 2:18)
- There are many scriptures in the Bible about friendship.
Well guess what? God wants to be noticed, cherished, and important in your life too!
The other day during worship, I started thinking about this desire of ours to be wanted. Different scenarios played out in my head of times I had felt wanted and how special it felt. God brought to mind the many hugs and exclamations of, "Ms. Sarah!" I get in the mornings from my preschoolers. I recalled one of my girls, who will soon be leaving us to attend Kindergarten, often telling me that I am still her favorite teacher.
I hope you know that God wants YOU, yes you! He longs for you to spend time with Him. He aches for you in the same way that a single person may desire to get married. He hungers for you more than one may hunger for their favorite meal after not eating all day. He longs for you more than an addict needs his next fix. His desire is for YOU. You are wanted.
God needs to be wanted, by YOU!
When you ignore that time with Him...God actually becomes jealous! (Deuteronomy 4:24) Interesting, because jealousy is usually considered to be a negative trait, and is most of the time. Did you know that Oprah was turned off to Christianity, because she heard a preacher say that God is jealous God? I don't know about you, but to me that brings amazement. God wants to spend time with little insignificant me? Yep. Not just the preachers, not just the missionary workers, but you and me!
So don't keep God jealous any longer of all the time you spend on facebook, TV, texting, etc....Spend some time with Him.
Know what it's like to be wanted and fulfilled!
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Stretched and Pulled
I found the following article here: http://skitguys.com/blog/post/stretched-and-pulled . While I normally post my own musings / poetry, however mediocre they may be, This skit guys post addresses what I am going through right now. I think we can all relate, feeling many trials and tribulations in our lives, but not knowing or understanding God's purpose in all of it. Read below. Good stuff.
-----
Read This: "But we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope."
- Romans 5:3-4
Think: I don't know about you, but I really enjoyed my high school Chemistry class. Bunsen burners, test tubes, and lack of direct supervision made for some good times.
I remember at Christmas one year we made taffy for fun (also to understand the chemical composition of this highly malleable substance… or something like that). Anyway, I made some watermelon-banana taffy and it wasn't all that great. The problem wasn't so much in the taste as it was in the texture. It hadn't been pulled and stretched enough, so it was very weak. To get really good taffy, it needs to be pulled and stretched a lot.
Isn't this what God is doing in us here in this life? He doesn't allow trials in our life for some sick and twisted pleasure of His. That wouldn't be consistent with a great God of love. No, God allows tribulation so that we can be stretched and pulled. What we look at as an awful situation, God looks at as an opportunity to develop our character. We see the trial, God sees the result. Like taffy, we need to be pulled in order to become mature.
Most of us say we want to grow, but when tribulations come we either run away from God or pray that He would put a quick end to the situation. God never promises to deliver us from trials, but He does promise to deliver us through them. We have the responsibility to persevere with hearts of faith.
Ask: What trials are you going through right now in your life? Is your desire to be stretched by God and grow in your faith? Are you willing to look at these trials as opportunities to grow instead of as nuisances about which to complain?
Pray: Lord, I thank you for Your faithfulness through all of life’s circumstances. In the trials I am facing now, I trust that You are in control and will not let me go. Give me the strength to persevere. Teach me what You desire that I might grow in my character and understanding. I am wholly Yours. Amen
-----
Read This: "But we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope."
- Romans 5:3-4
Think: I don't know about you, but I really enjoyed my high school Chemistry class. Bunsen burners, test tubes, and lack of direct supervision made for some good times.
I remember at Christmas one year we made taffy for fun (also to understand the chemical composition of this highly malleable substance… or something like that). Anyway, I made some watermelon-banana taffy and it wasn't all that great. The problem wasn't so much in the taste as it was in the texture. It hadn't been pulled and stretched enough, so it was very weak. To get really good taffy, it needs to be pulled and stretched a lot.
Isn't this what God is doing in us here in this life? He doesn't allow trials in our life for some sick and twisted pleasure of His. That wouldn't be consistent with a great God of love. No, God allows tribulation so that we can be stretched and pulled. What we look at as an awful situation, God looks at as an opportunity to develop our character. We see the trial, God sees the result. Like taffy, we need to be pulled in order to become mature.
Most of us say we want to grow, but when tribulations come we either run away from God or pray that He would put a quick end to the situation. God never promises to deliver us from trials, but He does promise to deliver us through them. We have the responsibility to persevere with hearts of faith.
Ask: What trials are you going through right now in your life? Is your desire to be stretched by God and grow in your faith? Are you willing to look at these trials as opportunities to grow instead of as nuisances about which to complain?
Pray: Lord, I thank you for Your faithfulness through all of life’s circumstances. In the trials I am facing now, I trust that You are in control and will not let me go. Give me the strength to persevere. Teach me what You desire that I might grow in my character and understanding. I am wholly Yours. Amen
Thursday, March 28, 2013
My Daughter Cries
Recently, my young adults group at church did a series based on the 4 names of God in Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Out of those 4 names, "Everlasting Father" stuck out to me the most. For me, there's something very special about God being a forever father to us. Even though we fail Him, and turn away in one respect or another, or don't trust Him to work out the details of our lives, His word says He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
I've had the idea of a poem running around my brain for a few weeks now based on God as our Everlasting Father. I had tried to write a few lines, but couldn't get it just right. Well, last night, I had the privilege of hearing or rehearing many of my close friends give their testimonies. Many of the ladies mentioned a breaking point, where they literally cried out to God. For me, this was a confirmation to work on and finish the poem. Long story short, finished now, but I will most likely go back and edit it at a later date. I know the style of poetry is a little different, but hopefully a reminder to you of God's continuous love for us!
(Note: If you are reading this and have never had the opportunity to know God as your savior and father, comment and I can tell you what to do or answer any questions you may have)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Out of those 4 names, "Everlasting Father" stuck out to me the most. For me, there's something very special about God being a forever father to us. Even though we fail Him, and turn away in one respect or another, or don't trust Him to work out the details of our lives, His word says He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
I've had the idea of a poem running around my brain for a few weeks now based on God as our Everlasting Father. I had tried to write a few lines, but couldn't get it just right. Well, last night, I had the privilege of hearing or rehearing many of my close friends give their testimonies. Many of the ladies mentioned a breaking point, where they literally cried out to God. For me, this was a confirmation to work on and finish the poem. Long story short, finished now, but I will most likely go back and edit it at a later date. I know the style of poetry is a little different, but hopefully a reminder to you of God's continuous love for us!
(Note: If you are reading this and have never had the opportunity to know God as your savior and father, comment and I can tell you what to do or answer any questions you may have)
My
Daughter Cries
My
daughter cries
Believing
Satan's lies
She's
Preparing her disguise
From
prying eyes
Silence,
her great demise
With
constant fear in her eyes
Everyday,
she newly dies
Well,
try this on for size
My
daughter cries, I weep
Her
pain ever mindful, losing sleep
I
as the shepherd, her as a sheep
She
turns away, I play for keeps
My
daughter cries as I weep
I'm
righting her wrongs, I never sleep
The
Shepherd never forsakes His sheep
My
daughter forever, mine for keeps
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Imposter's Rage
The following poem was inspired largely by Daniel 3 - when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown in the fiery furnace. Verse 13 says that King Nebuchadnezzar felt "furious rage" (ESV) when he learned that they wouldn't bow down to him.
I started thinking about how easy it is to do things other people tell us to do, maybe because they carry some sort of power or influence over our lives; or we find it easier to just "follow the crowd". Or maybe, the wrong way just seems to make sense. Remember though, God's word in Isaiah (55: 8-9) say that God's ways are not our own. Therefore, many times we won't understand why He asks us to do or not do something.
We may follow these "imposters" of God (satan, flawed humans, our own flesh) largely out of fear of what the outcome could be otherwise. Rest assured, God has our back if we will but follow and obey him. Don't succumb to fear!
I started thinking about how easy it is to do things other people tell us to do, maybe because they carry some sort of power or influence over our lives; or we find it easier to just "follow the crowd". Or maybe, the wrong way just seems to make sense. Remember though, God's word in Isaiah (55: 8-9) say that God's ways are not our own. Therefore, many times we won't understand why He asks us to do or not do something.
We may follow these "imposters" of God (satan, flawed humans, our own flesh) largely out of fear of what the outcome could be otherwise. Rest assured, God has our back if we will but follow and obey him. Don't succumb to fear!
The Imposter's Rage
Don't let the imposter's rage
Take center stage
To obey reasons voice
As if you have but one choice
Don't let the imposter's wrath
Direct you off the right path
A path leading to destruction
Away from the King's instruction
The imposter will exclaim
"Follow me for earthly gain"
The King, voice still and small
Proclaims, "Fear not, I'm your all in all"
Monday, January 28, 2013
Waiting
I dare say, it can be applied to spiritual life as well. We may choose not to act in ways God has called us because we think we are not "good" enough. You may feel you have to be prettier, more outgoing, a better singing/speaker...I understand this far too well, but since I learned to start doing more in faith - though I have a long way to go - God has been faithful and given me jobs to do for Him that I never would have done on my own.
God has called YOU to do work for His kingdom, and to walk along other Christians as you do so...for your weakness might be another one's strengths. Don't wait until you become this perfect person. It won't happen. Do seek God.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)