Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Midweek Morsel: Seizing Opportunities

Unexpected opportunities can sure mess with our schedules. A moment packed with potential presents itself, and we’re met with the dilemma of either staying on task or pulling away and taking advantage of the opportunity before us. Which will we do?

More and more I’m learning to seize the moment before it disappears. Whether it’s taking time to take photos of beautiful birds at the feeder or putting my work on hold to offer some encouraging words or help, I’m learning to set aside my agenda and give attention to the things God brings before me.

I admit I feel guilty and frustrated many times when I don’t get as much done in a day as I’d hoped to. But we type-A, goal-oriented folks need to learn that God’s plan is sometimes different from ours—and his is better.

Let’s be ready to accept the gifts of potential-packed moments God sends our way. Let’s take time to unwrap them. Let’s seize our opportunities.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

*What unexpected gift of opportunity have you unwrapped lately?

*My photo

*Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1st. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Connect with me on my new
Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

The Kiss of God

Special touches from God—those moments that fill and warm the heart. Those moments when we feel his presence so vividly. Our spirits long for such moments, don’t they?

I think God may give more special touches than we recognize. Oh, we know we’ve been touched by joy or peace or contentment. But sometimes we fail to recognize the Giver of these good gifts.

Let’s not miss him. Let’s not miss the kiss of God.

The Kiss of God

Sometimes it catches us
completely unaware,
other times it answers
our longing,
the kiss of God
a balm so sweet
the touch that washes us
in his love.
The warmth of spring sunshine
on our skin,
the liquid life giving drink
to a dry desperate earth,
the word that refreshes
a parched soul.
Forgiveness given
and arms extended,
a moment of comfort divine,
needed words received
at just the right moment,
it’s more than coincidence—
it’s the Lord.
A touch from him
to savor forever,
the moment we’re changed—
the kiss of God.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights . . .” James 1:17a

*When have you felt the kiss of God?

*Flickr photo by aussiegall

*Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1st. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Connect with me on my new
Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Midweek Morsel: Encourage Someone Today

We all go through them. Periods of discouragement. A day, a week , a month when we feel like we’re not making any headway. We wonder if what we’re doing is making a difference. We may even contemplate giving up.

Different things cause discouragement for different people. For writers, discouragement tries to move in when rejection letters come or when blog and newsletter readership doesn’t grow or—oh, the horror—declines. It can also happen when we put our words out there but then don’t hear any feedback from readers.

One of these things alone may not send us spiraling downward, but let the blows come one on top of another, and you may find us in a corner clutching our blankies.

You know what can change our whole outlook, though—writers as well as everyone else? A simple word of encouragement or appreciation. Such a gesture boosts our spirits and provides the renewed energy we need to keep pressing on. Such a gesture makes all the difference.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

*How has someone encouraged you recently? Who can you encourage today?

*My photo

*Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1st. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Don't forget to come over and "like" my new
Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook. I think you'll enjoy it!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Verbs of the Proverbs 31 Woman

Let’s be honest—the title of this post probably caused most of us to shudder just a little. If your school-days memories of grammar didn’t elicit a negative response, then the impossible-to-attain image of the perfect woman probably did.

Let me put your mind at ease. Today’s lesson in grammar will be painless, and the characteristics we’re going to consider in the Proverbs 31 woman are totally within our grasp. No need for shuddering today.

The last time I read Proverbs 31, I took note of the verbs—the action words—of the woman so often held up as a standard for Christian women. I didn’t focus on all the details. I focused on the simple actions, the verbs. (See that grammar lesson wasn’t so painful!)

You know what I realized? I don’t have to sew bed coverings or buy a field or sell linen garments to be a woman “worth far more than rubies.” (v. 10) I can apply the basic verbs of this stellar woman and be the woman God wants me to be.

Let’s consider a few examples of these verbs and think about how we might put them to work in our lives:

*She brings (v.12, 14) – what do we bring to our husbands, our children, our world? Let’s bring positive things like respect, encouragement, and support.

*She selects (v. 13) – what do we choose to invest our time and energy in? Do we use wisdom in making choices for ourselves and our families? Let’s select the best.

*She works (v. 13) – whether in the home or outside the home, do our family, friends, and coworkers see a woman willing to work diligently? Let’s bring glory to God through our work ethic.

*She considers (v. 16) – how do we make our judgments and decisions? Do we think through issues carefully and look at all sides before giving an opinion or moving forward with a plan? Let’s use common sense, seek advice, and be careful.

*She plants (v. 16) – what truths, qualities, and examples are we planting in our children and in others in our lives? Let’s plant the Word of God and the principles found therein. Let’s plant love, joy, peace, compassion, understanding, kindness, and a host of other godly qualities.

*She opens (v. 20) – do we pave the way for loved ones to grow or heal and make it possible for others to be blessed? Let’s be a positive influence wherever we are.

This is not an exhaustive list—but it’s enough to get us started considering the verbs of the Proverbs 31 woman. It’s enough to help us realize that the actions—the verbs—of this much-admired woman are indeed possible for us to live out in our own lives.

So no shuddering needed after all. Let’s apply the verbs of this stellar woman and be the women God wants us to be!

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:28

*Other verbs mentioned are provides, sees, holds, grasps, extends, makes, supplies, laughs, speaks, and watches. From these and the ones listed above, what are your areas of strength? What areas do you need to develop more? 

*Flickr photo by Pink Sherbet Photography

*Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1st. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Don't forget to come over and "like" my new
Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook. I think you'll enjoy it!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Midweek Morsel: Winner and Mom Description

Attention all you chocolate lovers who entered the I Love Chocolate Giveaway 2!! Today’s the day the Godiva gift card will wing its way to one lucky commenter!

Without further ado—and because no one should have to wait for chocolate—the winner is . . . Ttrockwood!!  Congrats, T! I’ll get the gift card in the mail to you as soon as you send me your mailing address. Think of all of us while you’re savoring some decadent Godiva yumminess, okay? :)

And now for something all of us can savor. Since Mother’s Day is coming up, let’s meditate on the beautiful description of mothers found in the following quote by Washington Irving and then savor the love our mothers poured into our lives.

“A mother is the truest friend we have,
when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us;
when adversity takes the place of prosperity;
when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine
desert us when troubles thicken around us,
still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind
precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of
darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.”
                                                                Washington Irving

“‘Honor your father and mother . . .’” Exodus 20:12a

*Can you share a time when your mom was your truest friend?
 
*Not sure who took the photo, but it's of me and my mom—one of my truest friends for over 57 years now!

*Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out last week. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*Don't forget to come over and "like" my new
Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

When Jesus Touches Our Lives

Think back today to the years when Jesus walked on earth. When he interacted face to face with those around him, when his hands touched their needs. Those folks walked away different than they were before they met Jesus.

Blinded eyes saw again. Deaf ears opened. People were fed. Fevers disappeared. Shame fell away. The lame leapt with joy. Persecutors became followers. And on and on it goes. All of these things happened because people had encounters with Jesus.

You see, when Jesus touches our lives, we are changed. The people that Jesus met during his days on earth saw not only healings and physical changes, but they experienced spiritual transformation as well.

Consider the story of the jailer told in Acts 16:31-34. He stood guard over Paul and Silas when they were thrown in a Roman prison. In fact, after being told to guard them carefully, he was the one who put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in stocks. They would not escape on his watch.

Little did the jailer know that God had other plans. While Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, an earthquake rocked the prison. All the prison doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

The jailer, gripped by fear and the certain knowledge that escaped prisoners meant his own execution, drew his sword and prepared to kill himself. When Paul stopped him by shouting that they were all still there, the jailer fell to his knees and asked what he needed to do to be saved.

Paul and Silas said, “‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’” (v. 31) When they could have turned a deaf ear to the one who had mistreated them, Paul and Silas extended the love—the touch—of Jesus. The jailer believed and his life forever changed.

Because he met Jesus, the man who had thrown these men of God into the inner cell and put them in stocks now washed and tended their wounds. He took them into his home and set a meal before them. Why? Jesus had touched his life, and he was a changed man.

Jesus is still touching lives today. Lives are still being changed. And I am among them. Because Jesus touched my life with love and forgiveness, I can offer the same to others. Because Jesus has given me hope and peace, I can share these precious gifts with those around me. My life is changed, I am changed, because Jesus touched—and continues to touch—my life.

Do you need the loving, healing touch of Jesus in your life today? He’s as close as your next breath. Use it to whisper his name. Call on him. He will not fail you. He will extend his touch to you. And you will be forever changed.

“‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’” Revelation 3:20 KJV

*How has Jesus touched your life?

*If you don't have a personal faith in Jesus, you can come to know him today. Just talk to him. Tell him you believe that he died for your sins and the sins of the world and that he rose from the dead to bring victory over sin and give eternal life to those who believe in him. Ask him to forgive your sins and to come into your life and be your Savior. He loves you and is waiting to hear from you!

*Flickr photo by kelsey_lovefusionphoto

 *Don't miss out on the I Love Chocolate Giveaway 2! Also, Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out May 1st. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*I'd love to have you come over and "like" my new
Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook. I plan to post things that readers will be interested in (book recommendations, free on Kindle links, book giveaway links, etc.) along with any writing news I may have. Hope you'll come join me!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Midweek Morsel: Bringing Sunshine to Others

“But may they who love [God] be like the sun when it rises in its strength.” Judges 5:31b

Sunshine is good medicine, isn’t it? After the cooler than normal spring we’ve had this year and the welcome rains that have accompanied many of those days, it sure feels good when a new day dawns with more than welcome sunshine. You know the kind of day I’m talking about. A day when the sun “rises in its strength”—like in the verse above.

After a few cool and dreary days, sunshine has a way of lifting our spirits and soothing our bodies and souls with its delicious warmth and brilliant light. Sunny days spark hope and joy in us.

What’s even better is that as believers and lovers of God, we can have the same effect on others. We can be good medicine, too. As God’s light and warmth shines through us, we can lift spirits and spark hope and joy in those we meet.

So how about it? Let’s be like the sun when it rises in its strength. Let’s bring that more than welcome sunshine into the lives of others!

“that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”  Romans 1:12

*Who has brought a ray of sunshine into your life recently?

*Flickr photo by aloshbennett

 *Don't miss out on the I Love Chocolate Giveaway 2! Also, Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out today. It's not too late to receive. Sign up is free and to the right!

*I'd love it if you'd come over and "like" my new
Cheryl Barker, Writer page on Facebook. I plan to post things that readers will be interested in (book recommendations, free on Kindle links, book giveaway links, etc.) along with any writing news I may have. Hope you'll come join me!