Life Comes at you fast

It's been one of those weeks for me. One of the hard things about being involved in Christian community is that if we do it right....we end up carrying each other's burdens....and sometimes its amazing the things folks are carrying. Just this week....I've talked to believers whose marriages are hanging on by a thread, whose finances appear to be one step away from losing it all, whose health is failing, who just received devastating news, and whose jobs are in jeopardy. It really does rain on the just and the unjust.
I remember this phrase I heard a lot as a child about saving "for a rainy day". As I watched people around me go through stuff this week and the different ways they handled all life handed them....it became evident who had been spiritually "saving up for a rainy day" and who had not. I'm amazed at how we run to God when it's all falling apart...and then wonder why He seems so silent. There is a strength and confidence that is built in a child of God who has learned to listen to His leading and is armed with His word that gives us peace in the storm.
So what? Well, if it's raining in your world right now....take a step back and see what God has done in your life, count your blessings, and run to His word. If it's sunny....turn to Him, learn to listen to Him, and prepare...it's likely rainy days are coming. Life comes at you fast.....

Do you swear to listen to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?

So, I've decided to pursue peace. Here's a snapshot of my life right now: new job that I am learning with limited training and feeling somewhat inadequate for, new baby on the way that I don't know how I'll afford, house on the market that we just found out is 200 square feet smaller that we bought it at, Mer overwhelmed with her workload in the embroidery business right now, and I'm having trouble finding time to get everything done. (Note...I'm so grateful and excited to have my new job and that we're having a baby....it's just all overwhelming right now)
I think the biggest enemy of peace for me is fear. Fear that I won't measure up, fear that we won't have enough money, fear that I'll disappoint those I love and that are counting on me. I'm realizing today how those fears get a hold of me. One hint....the devil is called the Father of Lies for a reason.
So, how will I pursue peace? "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. ....And the God of peace will be with you." (Phil 4) I gotta change who I'm listening to! I'll take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. From this day forward, I swear to listen to and think about the truth........you know the rest.

Disconnecting.....to connect

I'm blogging kind of late in the week because I've had some internet issues this week. Iit's amazing how much you realize you've become dependant on that thing when it's gone for a while. Without email, up to the minute news feeds and blogs...how in the world are we supposed to keep up?

But something wierd happened on Sunday without the internet. Since I didn't wake up on Sunday morning able to work on my "to do" list online, I had more time to relax....and in doing that, to connect with God and with my family. It was really cool.

Then, on Monday I hear a sermon on the radio. It's about the 6:1 ratio. God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. Then He gave us the Sabbath as a day of rest.

I just finished our SWAT guides this week. We're in week 5 of the Home Repo series.....the master bathroom. It's fitting that it's on Mother's Day, don't you think? It is all about how to rest, relax and reflect....and enjoy the peace that knowing God brings to our lives.

Seems like God is trying to tell me something. Something like "Martha, you are busy and concened with many things. But Mary has chosen what is better....and it won't be taken away from her." (Check out Luke 10 for the whole dialogue).

Maybe in our day and time, it would go something like this.....close the laptop, turn off the cellphone and come away with me for a while. Enjoy the 6:1 ratio you were meant to live in!