Warning Signs

Not long ago my hair dryer made me nervous each time I used it. I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, hair wet and as straight as a string, and panicked a little each time after flipping its switch on. The faint burning smell it emitted could not be a good thing.

Thank goodness for the warning sign. This particular hair dryer had served me long and well and was now even giving me a heads up that it might be nearing its last blow dry session. What a trusty friend, huh?

Somehow, though, I’d forget the warning and go on my merry way, not thinking about it until the next time my head was wet. After a few nerve-wracking episodes of blow dryer roulette—also known as praying for it to dry my hair before it shut down permanently—I decided to take precautions and buy a new hair dryer before disaster struck. In other words, I finally paid attention to the warning signs.

Since a hair dryer disaster is a trivial matter (if it happens to someone else!), let’s consider other more serious warning signs we might be overlooking or forgetting as we hurry on to the next item on our agendas. What do we see happening in our lives that warrants our proactive and precautionary attention?

Maybe our bodies are trying to tell us something. Is it time to see the doctor? Do we need to make more time for sleep at night? Or maybe we see signs of trouble with our families. Are our kids acting out or withdrawing? Do our spouses seem more distant? And what about finances? Are we juggling payments or hiding purchases and credit card statements from our significant others? For each of us the warning-sign scenarios may be different, but if we are wise, we’ll pay attention.

And what about warning signs that something may be amiss in our spiritual lives? Do we find ourselves skipping church on more Sundays than we attend? Do we tell ourselves we won’t be as busy next month? Maybe we feel like God is far away. Have we been neglecting time in His Word or in talking with Him? Or perhaps the joy has disappeared from our relationship with the Lord. Have we slipped into following a set of rules rather than loving a Person?

Let’s be thankful for warning signs that alert us to possible problems—and then let’s be proactive. Let’s take precautions, if possible, before we encounter major malfunctions. We’ll all rest easier then.

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” Proverbs 4:6

*Have any warning signs come to your attention lately?

*Flickr photo by Henrique Vicente

Surrounded

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” Psalm 125:2

I love this verse. After rediscovering it a few years ago, I personalized it and made it part of my early morning prayer each day. Before even getting out of bed, I give the Lord my day and place my times in His hands. Then along with a few basic requests, I add, “And Lord, as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so surround me with Your peace and Your protection.”

Sometimes the thought of being surrounded brings up negative images, but that’s certainly not the case here. Not for me—not when it’s the Lord doing the surrounding.

I suppose if someone didn’t love the Lord or was trying to run or hide from Him, it would be a frightening prospect to be surrounded by the Almighty. But for those who know and love Him and look to Him for help, great comfort lies in the precious knowledge of His surrounding presence and care.

The image of mountains, so strong and protective, surrounding a little town paints the perfect picture of what the Lord does for His people. The Lord stands guard, ever watchful, ever ready to protect and guide. He provides majesty and beauty, adventure and stability. He keeps us nestled in His peace as we look to Him.

Let's picture ourselves surrounded by the Lord. Let’s relax in His care. Let’s snuggle down into that place of peace He has reserved for us. Let’s fix our eyes on Him. Are you with me? Let’s be surrounded by His peace.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” —Psalm 121

*Flickr photo by Duncan~

*We enjoyed a wonderful visit with our kids last week during Spring Break. Hope you had a great week as well!

Spring Break Celebration!

Woohoo!! Spring break is finally here! Since spring break has become synonymous with spending time with our kids the past few years, I’m sure you can understand why I’m downright giddy. We haven’t seen our girls and their guys since Christmas, and we are remedying that at this very instant. Double Woohoo!! :)

I’m taking a blogging break this week while we’re celebrating spring break so I’ll see you on the other side. Have a great week—hope you find something to Woohoo about, too! :)

“Shout aloud and sing for joy . . .” Isaiah 12:6a

*Flickr photo by _Zeta_

Let: Will We Allow Fear and Worry?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Have you ever noticed how little words in scripture (or anywhere for that matter) can have great significance? Last year I blogged about the giant impact of the word "us" in Hebrews 12:1. Today let’s look at John 14:27 and focus on another little word—the word “let”.
When Jesus spoke the words above to the disciples, He had just shared the Last Supper with them and told them He would not be with them much longer. He then spent time comforting them and telling them about the Holy Spirit, whom He promised He would send to them.

Jesus’ reassuring words at such a critical time in all of their lives still hold great comfort for us today, but they hold instruction as well. He told the disciples then and is telling us now not to be afraid, not to let our hearts be troubled.

By using the word “let”, Jesus shows us that we have some control over our anxieties and fears. He exhorts us not to allow them to overtake our hearts.

Experiencing pangs of worry or fear about life situations is natural and happens to all of us. It’s what we do with those initial feelings that matters in the long run.

Do we dwell on our worries and fears and allow them to grow larger by the minute, or do we honestly acknowledge them and then take them to the Lord in prayer? Do we spend time and precious energy imagining worst-case scenarios and desperately trying to think of fixes, or do we relinquish our burdens into our Father’s capable and faithful hands?

We don’t have to “let” anyone or anything steal the peace that Jesus promised us. It’s as real and available to us today as it was to the disciples. Let’s listen to Jesus. Let’s not allow our hearts to be troubled. Let’s give our worries and fears to Him.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

*Sometimes anxiety can be a symptom of a physical problem. If you suspect that at all, be sure to see your doctor.

*Do you have a favorite scripture about worry or fear that you’d like to share?

*Flickr photo by kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Mementos of Love

A smattering of cards from some of the special people in my life decorate my desk, but they’re not just decoration. They are love.

One is from a friend, and the others are from my kids. The cards add color and cheer to my workplace, but I keep them there for a different reason. As I work, they stand ever propped before me as reminders and mementos of the givers’ love for me.

These aren’t the only mementos of love in my home. Dearly loved photos are scattered throughout the house, keeping my loved ones close to my heart even though they live miles and states away.

Our piano stands as a testament of my grandparents’ love since it was purchased with the gift of money they gave us when my grandmother was battling cancer. They wanted to show their love before she passed from this earth. What joy it gave them to see how we used their gift—and what a blessing it has been to us as a family.

Don’s mom’s six-foot tall curio cabinet filled with her Precious Moments collection (over 55 figurines!) was given to me by his siblings in love and appreciation for all the years I helped care for their mom when they couldn’t be here. What a treasure.

Many other mementos of love fill my home, as I’m sure they do yours as well. As we consider our treasures, let’s also think about the mementos of love our heavenly Father has given us. I immediately think of the Bible, a gift of love from God to all of mankind. And oh, what a treasure it is to me.

What mementos of love from our heavenly Father do you see in your life? Actually, when we stop and think about it, anything we have is a gift from Him, isn’t it? Let’s take time to treasure our treasures today. Let’s thank God for mementos of love!

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17

*What mementos of love in your home—and in your life—do you treasure?

*Flickr photo by kathryn_rotondo

Prepared for Storms

If any of you experienced a mild winter like we did this season, you have me to thank for it. That’s right. I may be to blame for the lack of snow. Why? I bought new snow boots this year :)

I’ve wanted new ones for years. Oh, I had some I could wear in the yard or for shoveling walks, but I didn’t wear them out in public. Guess I would rather end up with snow in my shoes than look extra dorky. After all, I’ve already got enough dorky going on :)

But now that college and wedding expenses are behind us, I decided I could splurge on myself and buy some snow boots that didn’t embarrass me. I made my purchase and then waited for a big snowfall—a big snowfall that never came.

My boots have been ready, though. Out of the box and on call, waiting patiently in my closet. They must feel very neglected, not getting to make one appearance this winter. Poor things. Or should I say poor me! :)

I’ll let them stand in readiness until the calendar changes to April—just in case of a late breaking storm. (It’s been known to happen around here.) But after that, back in the box they’ll go to give my sandals and flip flops prime closet territory. There my anxious-to-be-worn snow boots will dream of frigid winter days filled with deep drifts of snow and icy surfaces waiting to be traversed.

And as for me, I guess it’s better to be prepared for deep drifts—of snow or problems in general—than to find myself trudging through the depths without the protection I need.

I’m obviously ready for the next big snowstorm, but am I ready for whatever life-storm blows into my world next? Am I ready to trudge through illness or pain, through disappointment or loss?

The best way I know to be prepared for the deep blows of life is to walk in close fellowship with my Lord day in and day out. Meeting with Him in prayer, in worship, and in His Word. Relying on Him for everything. Ready to call on Him at all times.

Beyond that, I’d also be wise to stay connected to others. To nurture and maintain relationships with my family, friends, and fellow church members. To accept and be strengthened by their support in times of need.

Are you ready for the deep drifts that await you? Do you have the protection you need? If not, I encourage you to reach out—to the Lord and to others. Make sure you’re prepared for storms.

“When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.” Proverbs 10:25

An Opportune Time

“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:13

Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior, was well-acquainted with temptation during His days here on earth. Scripture tells us that immediately after Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit sent Him into the desert where He was tempted by Satan for forty days (Mark 1:9-13).

The gospels of Matthew and Luke show how the devil tried different tactics to cause the perfect Son of God to stumble and sin, but the enemy had no success. Jesus stood strong, using the Word of God as a shield and weapon against the devil’s schemes.

Satan knew he lost the battle in the desert. As the verse in Luke (above) points out, he left Jesus—at least for the moment. He had plans, though. Plans to attack again at an opportune time. And he did.

One of those times happened just after Jesus told his disciples He would suffer and be killed and then rise again on the third day (Mark 8:31-33). When Peter tried to rebuke Jesus for speaking of such an unthinkable thing, Jesus recognized this as another temptation—another of the enemy’s attempts to cause Him to stumble.

Satan must have thought Jesus would be more vulnerable as the time drew nearer for Him to face death. Definitely, an opportune time to attack again. Combine that with the appeal of one of Jesus’ close friends, and he had the perfect opportunity indeed. But Jesus stood strong once again. “‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said.’” (Mark 8:33) He was ready to resist. Ready for Satan’s attacks during opportune moments.

Are we ready to resist when the enemy comes at us during times when we’re vulnerable or caught unaware? What do our opportune times look like?

Our opportune moments could come when we’re exhausted or sick or worried. They might happen when we experience either failure or success or when we’re on the cusp of a new venture or ministry (like Jesus’ temptation in the desert). We’re especially vulnerable when we’ve neglected time in the Word or in prayer—when we’ve allowed ourselves to grow distant from Jesus or have become complacent in our spiritual lives.

Let’s be alert to Satan’s tactics. He will wait for an opportune time, and then he’ll be there, ready to tempt us. Will we be ready to resist?

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

*What can you do to be ready for Satan’s attacks?

*Flickr photo by seyed mostafa zamani