What makes you happy?

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What makes you happy and rejoicing over just being alive? I take pleasure in the common, ordinary things of life such as changing of the seasons and fall leaf colors. I’m thinking of joys such as:      

Autumn Leaves by Steve Lasher

     *  The smell and feel of a new book or magazine

     *  Feel of a pencil or pen on paper

     *  Cleaned and vacuumed car

     *  Watching a sunset over the horizon

     *  Walk outdoors and inhaling fresh, clean air

My husband jokes and says it doesn’t take much to amuse some people (I’m guessing he’s referring to me). And that’s okay!

I’d like to hear from you…what makes you happy and lifts your spirit?

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New job description

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I just completed two weeks at my new job. Description of the job:  

View outside my office window

     *  Tiring

     *  Stretching me

     *  And I’m weary, but  

I am so thankful that God showed up this week! God helped me literally walk miles through unchartered territory, meet new faces (and even remember some!)

My hubby supported me even so far as to pack my lunch while I scrambled to shower, dress and be out the door by 6:15 a.m.

 Bonus: I have the opportunity to work with a Christian colleague – God, you are amazing!  

 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,” (Ephesians 3:20).

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How great is our God!

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Have you thought about the words, “How great is our God?” Only five one- syllable words, but packed with much heavy power and meaning. Let’s look at a few attributes of this great and awesome God:

  • Clothed in majesty (compared to my filthy rags)
  • He is Light (I sometimes hide in darkness, how about you?)
  • King of all Kings (I am nothing without him)

Yet when I humble myself and call on his matchless name, I am called a daughter of the King. God desires my fellowship and bids me to walk in the light as he is in the light. He truly is a great God — worthy of all my praise.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to participate in your plan and be a part of your holy family.

Have you thought about the hugeness of God, creator of the universe? Have you told him your worries — none of which are too big or too small for him to handle.

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Do not be afraid (Part II)

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This past week I started a brand-new job and have experienced some brand-new fears. Here are a few:

     *  Will my body be able to adjust to new sleep and eating patterns?

     *  What if my alarm doesn’t work?

     *  Will I be able to learn the new terminology and find the various classrooms and labs on campus?

Then I remembered to recite, “Do not be afraid, Teresa.” God is with me, watching, guiding, enabling and equipping me to do my very best. He’s in the business of perfection…and still working on me!

How about you? Is there a fear(s) you’re holding on to? Maybe, you’ve clasped the fear tightly for months or even years. Can you release your grasp on it long enough to offer up your fear to God who’s in charge of the big and the little stuff?

Prayer. I voluntarily give my fears back to you, God, since you are in the business of healing and comfort. I need not worry or be afraid!

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, (Teresa), I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. “ – Luke 2:10

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Do not be afraid

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But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, (Teresa), I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. “ – Luke 2:10  

The shepherds were terrified when “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.” The angel appeared to the shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem where the birth of Jesus took place.

I know I would be afraid…going along and minding my own business, then all of sudden — bright lights, strange shapes and sounds!

But then I imagine a tremendous sense of peace and wonder filled their beings as a great heavenly host of angels praised God out loud.

A member of our writers’ group shared insights after attending Breathe writers’ conference. The verse in Luke 2 was quoted and the presenter suggested filling in their own name after these ministering words, “Do not be afraid.” I like that idea.

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He delights in me!

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“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing,” – Zephaniah 3:17    

My God takes delight in me. Webster Dictionary defines delight as “a high degree of gratification, joy, extreme satisfaction, something that gives great pleasure.” To think that the great God of the universe delights in me—it’s a difficult concept to comprehend.

In order to delight and rejoice over me, God knows me and my strengths and weaknesses.  And yet, he still loves me. He knows my reservations and my fears such as beginning a brand-new job. “Don’t be afraid…don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you,” (the Message). As I venture out in new territory with a new job description, he’ll be by my side. God is my advocate in helping me remember people’s names and navigate the new terrain.  He’s even willing to fight for me if necessary.

Then what do I have to fear knowing God is on my side? Nothing. Since I know he delights in me with his songs and calms me with his love, I need have no fear of failure. I can learn what I need to learn on the new job. He has my back side!

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Prescription for Discouragement (Part III):

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God knows when I’m tired and just want to roll over and sleep. He knows when I can’t pay one more bill or make a phone call to a friend of family member. We all need that critical refreshment and renewal time.    Muskegon Lake shoreline

Help me recognize when I need to schedule quiet, down-time alone and with you, God. You don’t confuse physical weariness with spiritual weakness. You allowed Elijah to sleep – then he was ready for the battle and ready to receive much-needed insight from You.

Then God appears to Elijah—not in a great and powerful wind, not through an earthquake, nor in the fire, but “after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). But God, I’m been zealous for you, but those Israelites—they keep rejecting you. And now I am the only one left to serve you and they’re trying to kill me too.

Once Elijah finished his pity party, God then gave Elijah his marching orders. Oh, and by the way, there remained 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal. God knows the WHOLE story. Just like Elijah, we don’t see the entire picture, but God does!

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Prescription for discouragement (Part II)

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Elijah in the Wilderness by Washington Allston

Elijah in the Wilderness by Washington Allston

Elijah declares in 1 Kings 19:4, “Enough of this, God! Take my life—I’m ready to join my ancestors in the grave!” Exhausted, he fell asleep under the lone broom bush.”

What did God do? He sent an angel to wake him and remind him to eat. God provided a loaf of bread and a jug of water. Elijah ate and went back to sleep. Later, the angel of God returned and brought more food and water to replenish his tired, weak body. Nourished by the meal, Elijah was able to walk 40 days and nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. How about you? Have you felt this way recently? Stay tuned in next time for a prescription for discouragement.

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Prescription for Discouragement (part 1)

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Characters of the Bible, good and well-meaning characters, still fled from God. Some for good reason…like Elijah (prophet of God)  in 1 Kings 19. He took off for Mount Horeb

Elijah on Mount Horeb

Elijah on Mount Horeb (Orthodox icon)

to save his own life. I can’t say I blame him for running from Jezebel, Phoenician princess married to wicked King Ahab. Jezebel spread idolatry (worship of the pagan fertility god Baal) and actively opposed God. Elijah was just doing his job by telling others about the one and only true God: Yahweh.

We all have highs and lows in our lives – we feel great when things are going well, but sure enough, it isn’t long and our life starts unraveling. God knew Elijah was tired, hungry and thirsty. That’s how he is—a God of the intimate, seemingly tiny details of our life.  More next time on Elijah and his resignation speech.

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Let me hold your hand

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It was said of Jesus—“He will not fail nor be discouraged…,” (Isaiah 42:4).

No one could say that about me—at least part of the time because I do fail and am discouraged. When I fail, it’s generally when I took off head strung on my own before consulting anyone. I become discouraged when the right words don’t magically appear on my paper or computer screen within my presumed exact timing. I become frustrated and agitated at myself and anyone near me. It’s best to keep your distance from me until the dilemma becomes resolved.

Good to know I know Someone who never fails or becomes discouraged—my heavenly Father. He’s the one who “called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand” (Isaiah 42:6).  God wants me to call on Him in times of trouble and perplexity. He wants to hold my hand, to guide each written or spoken word, and lead me beside still waters. God also leads through the turbulent seas.

He’s there for me if I ask. Do you sense His presence too? Can you call on His matchless name and put your hand in His?

Father, thank you for being my perfect role model: no hate, no fear of failure or discouragement. Help me look to You at the first sign of discouragement.

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