Category: Just do it

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Illness and Health, Just do it, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Traveling

Unrest

How does it hit you?

Anxiety that would never name itself fear, yet it usually is just that!

The experts, both travel agents and psychologists agree that planning a trip is the most exciting thing. Experiencing the trip can be delightful unless one gets too stressed. Having completed a vacation can leave you with many pleasant memories. Our upcoming trip to Hawaii has been filled with anticipation, will be filled with enjoyment and then we will have many happy memories. Unless of course, my fears come true!

My mother always wanted to go to Hawaii to see the many flowers. She never had the funds to get there before she died. We have been planning a trip since 2020, the year of our 50th wedding anniversary. During the pandemic Hawaii said you could travel there, but had to be in quarantine for 2 weeks. We could not afford a month in Hawaii! So we put it off and all but stopped planning. Except we talk to Dan and Betty often about sights and experiences they have enjoyed in Hawaii. We most often add their ideas to what we want to do!

We have been meeting with a travel agent for this trip. That has not been delightful. We talk about things we want. She looks up the item and prices. Later she sends us an itinerary and often parts of it are wrong. She is seriously keeping Bob on his toes!

Our health has challenged us as this trip draws closer. Bob needs a medical test that he is considering putting off until after the trip. When I question him about that he tells me, “So what if it indicates something should be done?” He would rather not know. I want certainty that he will be okay traveling. He quips, “Hawaii might be a cool place to die.” That does not comfort or sooth me. Think about that. If it happens do I just bring his ashes back or arrange transport for his whole body. What a logistical nightmare! Not to mention ruining the trip. Just yesterday, come to find out, they cannot take him for the test until we return!

I have had pain in my shoulder since Thanksgiving. Doctor’s assistant sent me to physical therapy. PT made it worse. Doctor said I need an MRI to find out what is going on in there. It seems worse with certain movements. This has become pain that cannot be ignored when I move a certain way. That breath-taking kind of pain that makes one gasp and see stars. I dread lying down in bed at night. MRI is scheduled for Tuesday evening, March 28, but return appointment with doc is not until mid-April. He said I might require an injection of steroid or surgery. NO SURGERY at least until after Hawaii. Surgery now would interfere with Hawaii. Oh, I get Bob’s reasoning now. Departure date is early May. 

False
Evidence
Appearing
Real

So there it is. The fears laid out in the open. What do they require? That I trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding. In all my ways I must acknowledge Him and He will make my paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Oh.

Oh. That “T” word. It begins with a cross – t. It ends with a cross – t. And the letters in the middle ask, “R us?” Or better English, are we? Or Are U? (skip the ‘s’)

T r u s t

At one season in my life I set Psalm 56:3-4 to a melody. I would sing, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You, O Lord. When I am afraid, I put my trust in You, O Lord. In God whose word I praise, In God whose word I praise, in God I trust without a fear.” I am starting to sing it today, through the travel to Hawaii, and back home.

Shoulder, medical test, all of it can likely be something to be classified as false evidence of impending doom, appearing real, to ruin my anticipation of this trip of a lifetime. I refuse to let the devil steal my joy.

Instead of 50 years of marriage celebrated as we visit our 50th state, we will be celebrating almost 53 years of marriage as we visit our 50th state. Pray for us please! Especially scaredy cat, worrywart, Molly. Put it down Molly. You cannot receive His full blessing if your hands are full of fretting.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Music, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Easter is around the Corner!

During the pandemic many choirs picked up this song by Andrew Peterson and created videos on YouTube. I just have to share it with you again to bring honor to our Christ! I just love Andrew’s smile in the top video. There is more than one person shedding tears during this song. Yes, there are 3 versions! Why not? Review the lyrics and confirm your heart in the truth! So many Scriptures in this song!!

Pandemic Version
Youth Version
Posted on in Amazing Creations, Beagle, Faith, Family, Illness and Health, Just do it, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Give This Thought and Practice

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.

Omar Khayyam

This moment. Right now. Just now.

How many of us even think about that idea? We are so far off in “If only” and “What if” that we are usually barely conscious of right now. But we can be conscious of right now? We most likely will have to train ourselves to do this present moment thinking. I cannot overstate the benefits!

Can you stay focused on God for more than a moment?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Mark 12:30 NIV

This moment is your life and your chance to love the Lord your God. This moment. Right now. Just now. Many people before us have tried multiple methods to accomplish this. What is your method? Have you developed a practice towards keeping happily with His presence in each moment? Turn your heart towards Him as you sip iced tea or hot coffee? As you walk through a door frame do you remember you are walking in His presence.

Photo by Benjamin Rascoe on Unsplash

There are countless methods to mind the moments. What is yours? As we turn our hearts and minds continuously towards the Trinity we will find more satisfaction and happiness in each moment. Take the challenge for yourself. Practice His presence and find ways to be happy in this moment with Him.

Recently I was hit with a bout of nausea and other sickly symptoms. I had to stop everything I was doing to cope with my body and symptoms. Talking with a dear cousin she also was ill for a few days. She mentioned that she just cried out to the Father, “I know You have taken care of me and met all of my needs. I know You will do that just now, even while I am not feeling well.” And indeed, God did. Though she was not as energetic as usual, she was able to take care of herself and her attitude by staying conscious of God’s good care.

“Be happy for this moment.” Were either one of us happy to be sickly? Absolutely not! Rather than wasting time awfulizing or bemoaning our state of being we both made a decision to stay aware of our good Father and invite Him into the situation.

Photo by Valentina Ivanova on Unsplash
Posted on in Challenge, Collection of Quotes, Faith, Just do it, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Did I Post These Already?

Do you know these sayings and prayers?

At a retreat I was taught this wisdom regarding our Father:

Even now, He is with me. Even now.

Years ago Bishop or Priest leading CT Retreat

I went so far as to cross-stitch this and give it to those who might be struggling with their faith or difficult situations. It is a good thing to remember. No matter what befalls us or what we are going through, even NOW, Christ is with us!

About 2013 I wrote this prayer- mantra. When I am thinking ouch, pain, pain! If I will turn my brain instead to Him Who loves me best, praise will come forth. Just as Muslims have the 5 times a day call to prayer broadcast in the area of the mosque, I am called to remember my Lord even when I hurt. David turned to prayer multiple times a day as did Daniel. Jesus often went away by himself to be with the Father. He also addressed the Father as in Matthew 25 with a familiarity that showed he spoke with Him throughout each day. Since I have not used my 2013 prayer in a while I have had to retrain my memory to call it forth readily. It is amazing if I use each pain situation to lead me to praise, how those pain situations begin to decrease in occurrence and intensity. Even if they do not decrease, my attention is turned to Someone greater than my pain.

I have determined that this day, each time I am drawn up short by pain, I will praise You, for I love You better than life – even better than quality of life.

Molly L. Dutina

Are these at all helpful to you? Will you take them into your spiritual practice? Perhaps copy out onto 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 cards? Carry the quote. Read it while waiting in line or at an appointment. Ask for wisdom to apply it to your life.

The important thing is not to think much,

but to love much; and so,

do that which best stirs you to love.

St. Theresa of Avila

I have a friend who repeatedly gets herself in spiritual turmoil by thinking too much. Are you guilty of that? At times, I am. When I find I cannot shake something or someone out of my mind, it is usually because I have been thinking too much about the situation or person. If I can move simply to loving and stop so much thinking, my way is simpler.

“Held by God like a feather which has no weight in its own strength and lets itself be carried by the wind.”

Hildegard of Bingen

The Holy Spirit is often compared to wind. When I remember I have no weight in my own strength, I can let the wind of God carry me wherever He wishes.

Self care involves self respect.

Self care is not selfish.

My mother often harped on the theme of her children being selfish. Need I say I was not taught self care or even self respect? Now into my 70s I have learned that self care is wonderful and God insists that I do it. No one is going to do my self care. It is up to me to honor Him even in caring for myself.

Sometimes I am not so hearty.

Mld

I was a revelation to realize that I can admit the above. “Not so hearty” is okay. At times we are all like that.

PERSEVERANCE is a l  o  n  g obedience in the same direction.

I think Charles Swindoll said or wrote the above

My friend who lost over 100 pounds loved this quote. I like it because of chronic pain issues.

s f g t d – Something For God To Do

There are things we are aware of that need changing, but we must remember that most of those things are something for God to do – not us!

If a prayer here or quotation spoke to you I hope you will explore it more deeply with the Holy One. All wisdom resides there, not with me.

Christ himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Colossians 2:2c-3 NRSV
Posted on in Amazing Creations, Beagle, Faith, Just do it, Nature, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Wide Open Gratitude!

“Living gratefully offers a merciful path for walking through life with our eyes and hearts wide open.”

Kristi Nelson

“A merciful path,” think about that. Hearts and eyes wide open.

Let’s do that!

Walking about the yard I play Pick-up-Sticks with nature. The wind has brought down many twigs and branches that were loose or just waiting for a gust of wind to propel them to earth. Later I see my neighbor participating in the same game.

I see where the dogs have left their “pee-mail” as my friend Pat calls it. Tufts of grass higher than the others. Soon the neighbors will ask the Home Owners Association Board when the hired help is going to begin mowing!

Hearts wide open – I realize just how many folks my sometimes introverted husband has gotten to know by walking our beagle. Lucky will not ‘do her business’ unless we walk her. So 4 times a day we are out the door.

Bob told me recently about the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus. Walking Lucky for her last walk of the evening I have been enjoying the moonlight, clouds, stars and seeking out those two planets in our sky.

online photo

Last night when I walked Lucky the almost full moon was behind huge clouds. The interplay of light and shadow, the warmth of the evening, made me wish for a lounge chair outdoors! I could hear voices and knew others neighbors were outdoors, too. Could not see what deck though.

Gratitude, merciful path, today is gray and cloudy but the grateful memory of last evening still makes my heart light. What have you seen or heard lately that keeps your eyes wide open? Watch for those treasures in plain sight. They surround us for the discovering!

Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
    or declare all his praise?

Psalm 106:1-2 NRSV
Posted on in Aging, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Moving, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

Oswald Chambers The Next Step

March 6th My Utmost for His Highest

Amid a crowd of paltry things … in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses. 2 Cor. 6:4.

It takes Almighty grace to take the next step when there is no vision and no spectator—the next step in devotion, the next step in your study, in your reading, in your kitchen; the next step in your duty, when there is no vision from God, no enthusiasm and no spectator. It takes far more of the grace of God, far more conscious drawing upon God to take that step, than it does to preach the Gospel. Every Christian has to partake of what was the essence of the Incarnation, he must bring the thing down into flesh-and-blood actualities and work it out through the finger-tips. We flag when there is no vision, no uplift, but just the common round, the trivial task. The thing that tells in the long run for God and for men is the steady persevering work in the unseen, and the only way to keep the life uncrushed is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the Risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to damp you. Continually get away from pettiness and paltriness of mind and thought out into the thirteenth chapter of St. John’s Gospel.

Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest: Selections for the Year (Grand Rapids, MI: Oswald Chambers Publications; Marshall Pickering, 1986).

I once heard a wise woman speak the truth that what you see on the exterior of a Christian only partially gives you a hint as to what has occurred in that persons’ life with God. Chambers calls it “the next step when there is no spectator.”

We each live out our life with God by ourselves. Yes, there are others around about us, but we carry what Bonhoeffer calls the Cost of Discipleship. We walk alone with Christ. Are you willing to take the next step with Jesus? When there is no vision will you be obedient to the last thing He asked you to do? Many times we want to side-step the last thing and move along. Too often that step you want to get around may be a foundation for you to stand strong further along the journey. Would you let your impatience or discomfort ruin your foundation?

“It takes far more of the grace of God, far more conscious drawing upon God to take that step, than it does to preach the Gospel,” said Chambers. Most of us cannot imagine preaching the Gospel in front of a crowd. Are we willing to draw upon God and take the next step in our journey?

Ouch, true confession here. My next step is to take better care of myself physically by doing the prescribed physical therapy home exercises daily. But my body cries out that they often make me feel worse, not better. Such is the life of one with fibromyalgia and other ailments. The stretches for plantar fasciitis have shown me that they do have a cumulative effect for the good. Shoulder stretches? not so much! I need to do them. As I age I need to do them more, no matter my whining excuses. I need more grace to begin again each day. I need to do these in order to serve God better. God needs me to do these as part of my obedience to my doctors .

Oswald tells me “Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the Risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to damp you.” Oh LORD, help me think of You as I do what I need to do for this body to be more flexible and carry less pain. Help me to push back against the drudgery and my dislike of physical exercise, counting repetitions , etc. I yield to steady persevering work in the unseen. For Your glory and honor. Amen.

How about you? Is there something you do not want to do that the LORD is asking of you? How will you proceed?

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

Lent

Have you been keeping a holy Lent? You might ask, “What does that even mean?” Is your focus upon Christ even as the grocery stores fill up with rabbits, candy, chickens and baskets? Next we will likely see Reese’s peanut butter egg advertisements on television!

Christ Church Anglican notes: “The Season of Lent is a time of fasting, penance, prayer, and worship. Lent is all about disruptions. These disruptions, however, have a holy purpose. They are aids to help us prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.  Lent is not about earning our salvation or proving something to God or others. Instead, Lent is a season of heart renovation. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Saturday. By the time we get to Easter, we are often drawn closer in our relationship with God, our faith encouraged, and the sins we have been wrestling with have been cast off.”

“Lent is a season of heart renovation.” Remember during the pandemic how people worked on their homes? Bought up the wood and other hardware store items and went to work on their dream project? How about renovations in your heart? Have you spent time during Lent asking the LORD to help renovate your heart?

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,

Ezekiel 11:19, Ezekiel 36:26, Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10 ESV

All those references saying the same thing. This is the plan God has for heart renovation! How is the plan working in your personal heart?

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
    after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds,
    and write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
    and they shall be my people.

Hebrews 8:10 ESV

He has written His laws into our minds. Are our minds quiet enough to hear those laws? Can you discern His voice among the sounds that bombard your brain? Do you seek out quiet to listen for His voice? Can you read the laws written into your mind or is your mind covered with the graffiti of the world?

He has written His laws on our hearts? What about that? Is you heart like the walls of an old house, needing scrubbing or a new surface so the writing is clarified? Can you imagine your heart with the product called chalkboard paint? “Chalkboard paint is a specialized paint that creates a chalkboard like coating that can be utilized as a writing surface in the same manner as a traditional chalkboard or blackboard.” Wikipedia

Instead of a grocery list imagine the LORD writing His laws and messages to you there!

“I love you with an everlasting love.”

“In all you do and say, do it as unto Me.”

“Seek my face.”

“In returning and rest you are saved; in quietness and trust is your strength.”

“I will be with you always.”

“Love Me with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your strength.”

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

“In everything give thanks.”

“I have given you everything needed for a life of godliness.”

Can you imagine running into the room each day to see if something new had been written on your walls? You can do that now. Truly you can do that right now by choosing to be with Him and yielding you heart to Him.

So how is your heart renovation going during Lent 2023? It is never too late to begin. God is patient and kind. He is not willing that any should perish.

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 RSV

I urge you to examine your heart. Ask Him if there are renovations to be done? Pray for His help in getting those underway and completed. Completed for this season. For you see, there is always more we can do to become like Jesus before we enter into our eternal reward. If God had told me everything I needed to change and asked for that all at once I would not have survived the request.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

Psalm 145:8 NIV
Posted on in Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Illness and Health, Just do it, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Book entitled The Lost

The quote below is from a novel I read recently. The wisdom of the LORD seems to show up in so many places!

The battle’s in here.’ Sunni tapped a finger against Jonah’s temple as he pushed himself upright on the bench. ‘Pain’s just your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. It’s how you deal with it that matters.’ It was just hard to believe that when it hurt so much.

The Lost by Simon Beckett

The novelist knows that our biggest battle is between our ears. Whether it is bodily pain or the facts of life. Struggling with physical pain can be especially difficult. We can get lost in the facts and rumors and dismal dashing of hopes. What does the New Testament say about that?

 … for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments 5 and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NRSV

We have the power to take every one of our thoughts captive to obey Christ. Are we using that power to His glory and for our well-being? Yes, it is a big job, but we are given what we need to accomplish it.

In my experience if I am willing to use the weapons given me to take every thought captive to obey Christ the experience can be like falling dominoes (or that series that Dan likes so much where one action causes other actions., Gabe somebody?)

Nope, I found it!

Wikipedia says: “Reuben Garrett Lucius Goldberg (July 4, 1883 – December 7, 1970), known best as Rube Goldberg, was an American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer, and inventor.

Goldberg is best known for his popular cartoons depicting complicated gadgets performing simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways. The cartoons led to the expression “Rube Goldberg machines” to describe similar gadgets and processes.”

I take a negative or disquieting thought into the Light of Christ. Jesus, the Spirit of Truth, shines His light upon the thought. It can no longer hold darkness of untruth. That makes a whole sequence of things predicated upon that thought to come to the Light of Christ and be made captive unto Him. My thoughts change as each is taken captive. Maybe oversimplification, but I hope you get the idea.

Here is a Rube Goldberg video to illustrate how things can pass.

So what thought holds you captive? Are you willing to take it captive through the weapons of warfare you have been given? Do you want to see the sequence it controls fall to the LORD?

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

Begin Again

Start all over again every day.


St. Francis de Sales said: “Be patient with everyone but especially yourself. Start all over again every day.”

I came across this quote and was instantly touched. I know little about Catholic saints. I do know the Benedictines also say, “Always we begin again.” The Buddhists encourage beginners mind: Beginner’s mind is a Buddhist practice that encourages approaching activities with an open mind, allowing you to more fully enjoy and appreciate the present moment.”

I fail so often, especially in my goals as a Type 2 diabetic. Yet here is an old saint encouraging me to try again as this is how life is. So today I will try to limit my carbohydrate portions. I will ask the LORD to help me. I will yield to His instructions. I will again offer myself to God as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in His sight which is my spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2 paraphrased.

And what about you? Was yesterday lousy? This is a time to start all over again. Was yesterday terrific? You must still face this day as a fresh beginning or you might set yourself up for disappointment!

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

And I am so grateful for those compassions that are NEW every morning. I am not consumed by my failures. Grace and compassion for each new day. LORD, help me honor You by my behaviors and eating habits. May all glory be Yours LORD Christ.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

The 3:20 Timer

Many months ago I set the alarm on my watch to ring every afternoon at 3:20. I use the reminder to help me stop and praise the LORD. Sometimes I am reminded to go listen to the John Eldredge Pause for the Resilient study. Though not necessarily worded in prayer form they are things I am grateful for!

Here are a few recent results.

1. Reminded me to listen to Resilient Pause for the evening of whatever date the calendar reads. Always draws me closer to God.

2. Rejoice as Bob and I take a ride in the sunshine enjoying the old houses and getting along sweetly. Many people my age are widows. I am still with Bob.

3. Thank God for the strength to brush the beagle (who sheds and sheds) and also clean up the leaves from the front door area after the wind storms we’ve been having.

4. Sitting listening to music and so pleased to be sewing Swedish embroidery for towel edging. Prayed a blessing over the edging for whoever I gift it to.

5. Walking at Hocking Hills with Bob.

6. Sleeping through the alarm very tired after a walk at Hocking Hills 🙂

7. Holding twin baby girls – alternating with Bob.

How would an afternoon timer turn your attention to God? What would you find yourself grateful for at the time? I chose a time that I knew I might be oblivious to God with me. What time are you immersed in the world and needing a reminder to turn your heart and mind to Him? Maybe you could hum a Christian song when it rings and turn your heart to Him that way?

If your watch has an alarm on it you might want to try this for one week and draw yourself out of this world and towards the next!

“Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”

Matthew 26:26
Washington National Cathedral

You can take this prayer and fill in anything you want to pray instead of ‘who brings forth bread from the earth.’ I do not worry about changing this Scripture, but I take this as a launching pad for prayer. What better way to interrupt your distraction by things of the world than “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe … who draws my attention to Yourself?”