The Journey: A Spiritual Polyp?

While reading from one of my favorite devotionals (Streams in the Desert) this morning, I was told that I just might be a spiritual polyp. Ick! 

But there is more.

There are creatures, adult coral  invertebrates, known as polyps. These polyps work under water constructing coral reefs. All the while, they have no idea that they are helping create something spectacular. 

Sometimes God calls Christians to be spiritual polyps--doing the work they are called to without recognition from others, without knowing what the results of their work will be and without knowing what rewards await them in heaven.

I think the reason this struck a chord in me so strongly this morning is because the coming week offers possibilities of things I've worked hard for and hoped for, but with no promises of worldly success, which describes much of my writing career. And I fear that I may want it too much, when what I need to desire most is God's will. And to be content to be a spiritual polyp if that is His will.

It is okay to hope and dream. To find joy in possibilities, but no matter where God has called us to serve we should serve Him well and with devotion and joy.

The devotional included this:

Just where you stand in the conflict,

There is your place.

Just where you think you are useless,

Hide not your face.

God placed you there for a purpose,

What'er it be;

Think He has chosen you for it;

Work loyally.

Put on your armor! Be faithful

At toil and rest!

What're it be, never doubting

God's way is best.

Out in the fight or on lookout,

Stand firm and true;

This is the work that your Master

Gives you to do.

Resting in God today . . . as His servant.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Thoughts For Today -- Feeling Lost in a World Gone Mad?

This morning, when I sat down with my morning coffee to watch the news my heart groaned. Another school shooting. This one in an elementary school in Connecticut. An elementary school? I could hardly believe what I was watching. How could it be? Innocent children. Teachers. Dead and injured.

My mind went to the terrified children, the parents and families. Lives devastated. I weep for them all.

The world has gone mad. Just two days ago, innocents were shot down in a shopping mall in Portland, Oregon. Today's shooting is just one more tragedy in a long, long list of  brutal and senseless murders of the innocent. What has happened to the soul of America? How can we change the sickening and terrifying path we travel? Where do we begin?

I dropped into my comfy chair, in my toasty warm home, which is closed off from the world, hidden in a quiet place on this planet . . . but I didn't feel safe. My thoughts went to those who might break into my "safe" haven. I thought about my children and grandchildren who step out into the world every day. How can I keep them safe?

Jesus, my spirit whispered. Jesus.

Heavy-hearted, I picked up a devotional that I read every day. The first line said this, "REST IN ME, MY CHILD, forgetting about the worries of the world." And this. "Hold My hand in deliberate dependence on Me, and I will smooth out the path before you."

God met me, reminding me that He's always with me. He reached out, speaking to my heart. But my mind continued to ask, "How do we find rest in the midst of a mindless, brutal world that pounds on the door of our sanctuaries of safety?"

The devotional continued, "Focus on Me--Emmanuel--and let My living Presence envelop you in Peace. Tune in to my eternal security, for I am the same yesterday, today, and forever."

I was reminded that no matter how unruly and frightening the world may become God is the same, now and forever. His promises have not changed. He has not changed. We can rely on Him to remain with us, to offer His arms of love, His feet to guide, His strength to help us stand. He will never desert us.

His Word is a love letter to His people. Read it. And know that He is God. "Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take." We will never be lost when God leads.

Ezra, the priest wrote, "Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." 

Only God knows the way, through this mine field called life. Let Him lead you.

My prayers go out to the families whose lives were so horribly changed today.


May you find grace and peace in God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God: Ever Feel Lost?

 Have you ever felt like you’ve lost your way, or even lost yourself? Have you had times when you've wondered what happened to the joyful, hopeful, inspired disciple of Christ you once were? The one who knew that with God nothing was impossible. The one who saw the world as a place filled with possibilities.

That's me, at least some of the time. For the last several months life has been difficult, full of trauma, change and heartache. I think I'm grieving or just weary. But knowing that doesn't change the way I feel. And so I am left with a question. How do I find my way back to me, back to joy? 

God knows what I need before I even ask Him. And He always provides.

In my reading this morning Oswald Chambers’ words cut to my heart. “God can do nothing for me until I recognize the limits of what is humanly possible, allowing Him to do the impossible.” 

I read those words and sucked in a deep refreshing breath, then let it out, feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit. I knew the answer to my question. 

I must step aside and give God rule in my life. Trust Him with the troubles and sorrows, the changes and the fears.

Mind you, this is not a new lesson for me. I've been here before. But some lessons need to be taught again . . . and again. And so here I am, relearning or maybe it's best described as working it more deeply into my soul. Maybe this time I'll REALLY get it.

I’m pretty certain that I’ve previously mentioned that I love my life orderly and predictable. Change, for me, is like stepping blind-folded to the edge of a cliff. For eight months I've been standing on the edge of that cliff. Every day arrives filled with unanswered questions and often heartache. Nothing is predictable.

When my mind wanders freely without constraint I sometimes find myself feeling hopeless and a sense of loss threatens to sweep me up in a powerful wave.  And then I reign in my unruly thoughts and seek refuge--my Lord. He sees me. He knows my heart, every fear and every hope. He stands with me and even carries me when I need Him to. And even though I am in a place where tomorrow is uncertain I know He will shine a light on the path before me and show me the way I should go.

Resting in Him allows God to do the impossible.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

               

Quiet Moments With God -- He Is Everything

We have a new puppy. I think puppies are adorable, especially when they are just visiting or when they belong to someone else. I'm not hard hearted, honestly. I do think they are sweet, but they're also a lot of work. And this is my second day without sleep. Our new addition can't stand to be away from us and he makes sure to let us know . . . all night long.

During the middle of the night while he cried and cried in his crate I got to thinking about his world. He was fearful, thinking he was out of our sight. We are everything to him. He longs to be with us. He's absolutely dependent upon us. And he trusts us to care for him. That's how it ought to be between myself and God. Is He everything to me? Do I long to be in His presence? Do I seek Him with all my heart? Do I turn to Him for my every need? Do I trust him completely?

I wish I could say, yes, yes and yes. But I'm self-willed and though I long to be close to God and to always trust and always be obedient, just like our puppy, Bentley, I have a lot to learn. I need to rein in the "I want what I want and I want it now" syndrome. When I'm thinking about me I'm not thinking about Him.

Seek Him and His will. Live fully aware of His presence and love. Remember He always watches over us. There is no place we can go that He is not there. We are never alone.

If we make Him our everything peace will rule in our hearts.

Grace and peaced to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Be Flexible

Flexibility is not one of my strengths—I always have a plan. And whenever possible I stick to it. My kids have told me many times that I need to be more spontaneous. I’m practicing—honestly.

Life throws detours at us so we all need to be flexible some of the time. When I write I always have a plot outline and character outlines. But one of the fun and exciting things about writing is the detours. I encounter characters I didn’t know existed and discover plot twists and turns I’d never dreamed of. However, being flexible is easier for me when it’s part of a fictional story rather than real life.

The last few weeks life pressed in. It threw things at me I didn’t expect and I had to force myself to “go with the flow”. I’ve been absent from my blog for a couple of weeks because I’m trying to be flexible. I had other things to do that took precedence. And although not all of them were pleasant, I've actually had fun.

So, I ask myself why I’m compelled to push on, to fulfill the plan or the obligation no matter what? I’m sure my personality as well as routines imprinted on me while growing up have a lot to do with it. But, I also believe it has to do with trusting myself more than trusting God. That sounds ludicrous, but let’s get honest with ourselves—we all do it. God has surprises for us. And I know if I’d learn to rest in Him and enjoy the unexpected life would be less stressful and a lot more fun.

So . . . I’m back. I’ve missed sharing with you. However, I did finish my book and can’t wait to get the OK from my editor so I can start shouting about it. I had family here from California and enjoyed them immensely. My sister and brother-in-law are still here, visiting from Alaska. I’ve loved quiet mornings over coffee with my sis and I’m looking forward to an afternoon of fishing, an evening watching stars and maybe even a night at the movies before she returns to her tiny hamlet in the north.

So, before we miss something that truly matters, take a deep breath and step out of the plan. It’s okay, really. God might have something special for you.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie