Change

Yesterday I talked about "change".  Today, in my "quiet time" reading, I read something about "change", written by Jill Briscoe.  She was talking about how her peace is restored, even in the midst of change:

"First, change is an incentive to my spiritual serenity as I am forced to be God-reliant, not self-reliant.  Being out of my comfort zone means I look to Him for comfort.

Second, change gets me out of a rut, which someone has said is only a grave with the ends knocked out.  Anything that forces us to do that increases our sense of well-being.

Third, change gives me a chance to start over and forces me to be flexible.  Change helps me to move beyond my rigid positions, inviting me to grow in spiritual intelligence as I think in new ways about new challenges that face me.

Fourth, change forces me to accept things I cannot change--and to have peace about them!  

Some changes arrive on our doorstep, having asked no permission from us!  Then it is up to us to ask the Lord to help us respond rightly to changes that He--a good and loving God--has allowed.  God's indwelling Spirit offers us power and peace in the midst of change.  In this sure knowledge, we can be at peace." 

The changing of the seasons provides an excellent illustration of
"change".  Springtime shows us new life from that which appeared to be dead, but was only dorment.  Spring flowers bring new beauty and vibrancy to the earth--in sharp contrast to the dullness of winter hibernation. Spring cleaning brings about a new "freshness" to our homes.

It rings true that positive change is incredibly refreshing as it brings about new growth, beauty, and vibrancy.  Doesn't it follow that there should also be seasons of positive change within our lives?

Whether you are aware of needed changes or you feel confident that no change is needed, why not ask God what change(s) He desires to bring about in your life?

"Change my heart, O God;

Make it ever true;

Change my heart, O God;

   May I be like You."

Welcome Spring!

Spring brings another opportunity for "newness",
"freshness" and beauty to spring forth--from the inside to the outside. What is springing forth from your life?
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A spring of water cannot bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water. (James 3:11) What kind of
"water" bubbles out of you?
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A salt spring cannot produce fresh water (James 3:12) What kind of "spring" are you?
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Spring is a time for new growth and change.
What is growing in you? What needs to change in you?
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"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." (Romans 12:2)

Change me, Lord--make me more like You.

gniknihT esreveR

WOO HOO !

I'm goin' to Montana next week!!!

Indescribable Calamity

With just two of us in our home, and life going really well for us, it seems impossible not to be fully enveloped in what is happening in Japan.  The television is full of dreadful news and pictures of complete devastation that totally bombards my senses.   I have found it difficult to think of anything that I want to blog about. My own little world seems absolutely perfect compared to the world of Japan. The people over there have had their world turned upside down, to put it mildly!

"Unimaginable distress and grief"

"Unbearable pictures and details of horror"

"Unbelievable damage and destruction"

"Unfathomable heartbreak and loss"

These are just a few of the expressions uttered in the fearsome news reports being broadcast continuously since this tragic and horrific event began. The devastation and suffering caused by this apocolyptic event is far worse than anything that has occurred in recent years. The impact of this catastrophy already exceeds the tragic consequences and predictions of any major disasters in recent history.

May God help them and comfort them.  Beyond that I am speechless.

Some of My Favorite Pictures

Unsquishable Joy

I’ve been thinking . . . has anyone ever wondered whether this “joy” thing I ride on is real, or whether I just like to promote that image? For some reason, I’m pondering that question today. So, maybe I need to talk about it.

Yes, this “joy” thing is real in my life! It’s very real to me, and it is really me! I’m full of it! (joy, that is) It just seems to bubble out of me, without me having to drink liquid soap first!

I think I inherited the gift of laughter and the ability to find the “funny” in everything, from my grandmother and my mother. However, I believe true joy is a gift from God.

That doesn’t mean that my life is always wonderful and happy. I experience sorrow and hurt, loneliness and sadness, loss and grief, frustration and disappointment, happiness and unhappiness, just like all human beings do. Yet, somehow, even in the midst of all that, joy remains. It springs up from somewhere deep inside of me and flows out unbidden. I can’t seem to squish it, nor would I want to try-- even if I was concerned about others being skeptical of the validity of my joy.

The words to an old Southern Gospel song suddenly come to mind:

 “This happy face that I’m wearing—

I know my Jesus put it there to stay!

  And since the world didn’t give it to me,

 I know the world can’t take it away!” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This smile on my face wasn’t always there--the struggles use to get me down;
Hassles and problems from every direction use to make me wear a frown;
In the midst of the storms, I found a deep contentment, to help me face this night and day;
You see the world didn’t give it to me, and the world can’t take it away!

The world didn’t give it to me, and the world can’t take it away;
The world didn’t give it to me, and the world can’t take it away;
This happy face that I’m wearing--you know my Jesus put it there to stay;
And since the world didn’t give it to me, I know the world can’t take it away!"

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Much More Than Just a Journey to the Grave!

Tonight I came across a quote I've heard several times over the last few years. It conjures up an image in my mind that makes me laugh every time I hear it.

Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming:
   "WOO HOO what a ride!"