Wise Counsel

We all need conversation with a friend, pastor or other enlightened person at various times in our life. It’s a hard earned wisdom, developed from a tumultuous journey with a definitive and positive outcome. Maybe we are the voice of reason for another one.

Discernment is very necessary on big major decisions. And not just from people you know personally, but people who are straightforward and honest.

Don’t give the farm away, quit a job, move to another country, or file for divorce, until you’ve prayed, received Godly counsel and have a workable plan. Remember, feelings change on a dime, they aren’t trustworthy.

Proverbs 8:33 “Listen to my counsel—oh, don’t refuse it—and be wise.

1 Corinthians 12:8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; someone else may be especially good at studying and teaching, and this is his gift from the same Spirit.

LGBTQIA+

People identify in a myriad of ways. It’s no longer “married, gay, straight” or male/female, the way we identify people of color has changed too, and also pronouns. So much has changed, but in the realm of things; nothing has changed. Why? Because God loves every single human being. Period.

God is Love.

Now, the world in which we live is very judgemental and non-loving. Many churches are adamant about who is welcome, and who is not. That is not God’s love.

On top of that, it should not be the place of another human being to judge another. There are “beautiful people” who refuse to associate with “people they deem less beautiful.” Can you imagine? But that is how many hate groups form.

Be kind. Love with God’s love. Share the love that God has for you; as a gift for EVERYONE.

Father’s Day

Today we celebrate and miss the fathers in our life. And most importantly, THE Heavenly Father deserves our thanks for all His goodness. We wouldn’t be here without Him.

Heavenly Father, oh how I love You. Thank You for adopting me into Your family and making me Your child. Thank You for being my heavenly parent who loves me unconditionally, cares for me unendingly and provides for all my needs. I’m so blessed to be Your child. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Sharon Jaynes)

Never a Bother

That’s quite an expression, Pooh has. It could mean so many things. Depends on how you look at it.

Oh, isn’t that true of life, in general. It all depends on what you see/choose to see!

I’ve probably been a real downer lately, my friend Mari made a bookmark for me that says: “If I have to smile, I’m not going.” And that about sums it all up. It’s the small talk, cheerful attitudes, be positive; all those things that used to define me; and so very well. I would just put on my rose-colored glasses if I felt indifferent.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been working either. And yesterday, my wired mom made a comment that she didn’t want to bother me, just let me know I was in her prayers. AND THAT is what got me out of this funk, just a little bit. I feel the sparkly parts of myself coming back. I think the well-wishers in the world may have been avoiding me because I’ve been filled with grief and maybe unrecognizable.

AND in my comings and goings this morning, I have remembered (and felt) that the Spirit lives within me, no matter (or bother) how I’m “feeling.”

Romans 5:4 And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.

A Season of Grief

The first day of summer is next week. Although I look out my window and see blue sky, sun streaming in, green grass, beautiful trees; in my heart, I feel mostly winter. Cold, dark winter.

It is like the bottom of the well. A cave without light. An empty pit. Hollow. Disconnected.

On my continuous personal journey to find God, I often feel guilt for these raw emotions. Like, I should be sharing it all with my Heavenly Father. But a part of me holds onto the grief like an old comfortable quilt. I’m not ready (will I ever be?) to let go, let God, let grief move into a different space.

I will keep writing, because it is a form of journaling, and it helps me gain perspective on the “feels” ….

Romans 8:26 And in the same way—by our faith—the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words.

There is no “I” in Jesus

We are our own selves when we don’t have Jesus in our life. We let the ball roll where it may, we take little responsibility, we can keep hate in our heart, it’s not really a pleasant place. But this is where most people are before they are saved/walking a life in faith.

Jesus does include the word “US” which is kinda cool, it means “we” (a lot of people) are free from the harshness of life. We have comfort, wholeness, forgiveness, joy and peace of heart. The complete opposite of living in the world.

Of course this doesn’t mean our life is free of conflict or pain, injustice or anger. But knowing who drives our car is different and better than walking a lonely path. May you feel the love of Jesus in your life today.

When It’s Too Much

Yesterday I received news that a friend passed away. I made a list in my mind of all I have lost since 2019. TEN! I haven’t even found peace with my sisters’ death in 2020, it’s been a hole in my heart. Now add another to the grief-bag and I just feel like it’s too much.

I give you my heavy heart, Heavenly Father. The broken pieces, the endless tears. Fill me with joy, happy memories, peace. I feel outside of myself from all the grief. Heal my spirit.

Psalm 31:9-10 O Lord, have mercy on me in my anguish. My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow. I am pining away with grief; my years are shortened, drained away because of sadness.

Psalm 69:13 But I keep right on praying to you, Lord. For now is the time—you are bending down to hear! You are ready with a plentiful supply of love and kindness.

Disciplines

This is one of those tricky words. For some it might mean punishment, but I recognize it as a “specialty, education, or hobby.” Something you have mastered, are considered an expert in, or even a type of degree or experience.

i.e. Key areas include architecture, planning, landscape architecture, art and design disciplines, geography, interior design and marketing.

However, this is not a lesson or “new word of the day,” I am guided to share a concept unfamiliar to some. Biblical education is important, but it’s not AS important as having a heart for Christ.

2 Chronicles 17:7-9

In the third year of his reign he began a nationwide religious education program. He sent out top government officials as teachers in all the cities of Judah. These men included Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah. He also used the Levites for this purpose, including Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tobadonijah; also the priests, Elishama and Jehoram. They took copies of The Book of the Law of the Lord to all the cities of Judah to teach the Scriptures to the people.

Colossians 3:11 In this new life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and he is equally available to all.

All the disciplines working together? Or not? 🙂

Irony

Yesterday I wrote a little about the various religions. Then later in the day I found a discussion on NPR about religious experiences people had had. It was a little mind-blowing!

I think God definitely has a sense of humor and timing!

Just as we experience the mundane in our daily lives, so do we catch a glimpse of God’s wonderment.

May you find more of this as a new week begins!

Psalm 33:4 For all God’s words are right, and everything he does is worthy of our trust.

Pondering

Where better to ponder than my own blog? Perhaps you will chime in with your own blatherings?

I am fond of saying: “I don’t think God put His mark on a certain religion and said “that’s that.” Not in regards to “Christianity” but instead to the myriad of religions. Is being Catholic better than being Lutheran or Baptist? Some throw up their hands when praising God, others are more reverent. I ask these questions a lot because I’m on a constant spiritual journey. I was baptized and raised Lutheran, throughout my life attended and was committed to Presbyterian, Born-Again, Episcopal, Universalist Unitarian and currently; Catholic! 🙂

I believe it all stems from our upbringing and family history. Most people that are a specific religion automatically remain, their entire lives. i.e. When I joined the Catholic church I was surprised how many identified as “cradle Catholics”….and more so – that their faith was habit.

But living a Christian life; doesn’t mean a religion has to be tacked on. We are all one in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!

Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak up for the right living that goes along with true Christianity.