Category: Wisdom

  • Thinking about my Good Shepherd part 2

    Hi folks!

    Looking into the Resume of a Sheep taken from Psalm 23.The first attribute of a sheep we covered last time: Sheep are Vulnerable. I’m back again for round #2.     

    • Sheep go Astray. How often have I gone astray? Too many times to count. How about you? I can honestly say that my Shepherd’s always steered me back on course again. Sad to admit this, but sometimes I took the long way around to come back into the shepherd fold.

    Read Deuteronomy 30:3-10. The verse speaks of restoration and our Shepherd having compassion on me/you. His desire is to gather you up and bring you home. His arms are open wide. Will you go to Him?

     

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  • Thinking about sheep and my Good Shepherd

    Ottumwa Iowa field

    I just joined a small group from our church. We’re studying Psalm 23. I’ve recited those words to Psalm 23 on numerous occasions. Most of you have probably heard it spoken at funerals, memorial services, or Sunday sermons.

    Just when you think you know it all, heard it all—BAM! Something significant slaps you between the eyeballs. That’s what happened to me this week.

    We’re studying the Resume of a Sheep. Strange title for our work assignment page, but bears spending time on. There are four attributes of a sheep listed. I’ll cover the first one today and more the next time we meet.

    • Sheep are Vulnerable. I had to look that word up to be sure I understood the meaning of vulnerable. Here’s what my dictionary said: accessible, defenseless, exposed, unsafe, weak, sitting duck. Capable/susceptible to being wounded or hurt. Open to assault. Boy, is that true. Right now, I feel like a sitting duck and unsafe in a certain relationship. I don’t like this feeling. I want to get beyond it. I’m just not sure which path to take at this moment in time.

    Ever feel this way? Like you are stuck, exposed and not able to wriggle your way past a certain situation? You are not alone!

    Here’s a verse I’d like you to consider. Maybe even post it where you can ponder, recite, and believe the Truth. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend to help you through. There is Hope—never forget this no matter how deep or dark your journey.

    “But as for me, I will always have hope, I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)

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  • Next

    I’m remembering a quote from a book suggesting that when you’re stumped and don’t know which way to turn or what to do next: The next right thing by Emily D. Freeman. No need to have a large scale 5-year plan; just do the next right thing.

    Mallard Duck – Riverside Park, Michigan

    This comes as a huge relief (and surprise) to someone like me who prefers “all her ducks in a row.” Appointments scheduled, tasks on the calendar in advance are paramount to me. Surprises/last minute plans don’t work well for me! But maybe this offer presents a good theory. Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: Let Go & Let God.

    Just maybe by pausing, listening to the silence, turning off electronic devices including music, removing myself from all distractions, I can hear from the Holy Spirit and be at peace. I can then learn what the next right thing for me might be. It’s certainly worth an honest try! Don’t look for me—I plan to be in a closed conference for a while.

    Let me know if you try this and how it works. I’m eager to hear back from you.

    “Speak, for your servant is listening,” 1 Samuel 3:10.

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    This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up.  Join me and others as we reflect on, and write about one word each week for only 5 minutes.

  • Potential

    Five-Minute Friday – POTENTIAL         apples

    “You have such great Potential!” Reminds me of a classic response from a teacher. You don’t have to say the student is good at any one particular subject matter, but that she has potential to be good at such & such. Maybe it’s a way of sugar-coating the fact that the student is either lazy, unmotivated, almost there, but not quite.

    God tells us in His word over and over that we have great potential. Only he sincerely means what He says! We have such great potential because you and I are created in His image. And how can He be wrong, misguided, or tell a lie. None of those attributes can be connected with a loving heavenly Father.

    He tells me he loves me, cares for, and wants only the best for me and my life. How can I not love and trust someone who only has my best interests in mind? A daughter of the Most High King. What more potential could one ask for? I know of no higher compliment than this. Lord. I don’t want you to be ashamed of me. Help me to strive to know you more and serve you better in this upcoming new month and season.

    See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

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    This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up!

    The prompt this week is: Potential

    The assignment: Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write.

  • Complete

    Five-Minute Friday – COMPLETE                 

    You need a man to complete you
    After all, without a man—you’re only 1
    Now that you have a man,
    You need a child or 2.
    After 2 children—
    Well, now you’re complete.

    I’m tired, busy, broke,
    But do I feel complete?
    Content, yet weary, most days
    When day is done—I ask myself,
    There must be more, isn’t there?
    Family, work, church, friends—
    What more could I desire?

    That God-shaped hole in all of us appeared.
    Something felt backwards.
    As dearly as I love my children, grandchildren, family, friends, home …
    My priorities were messed up.
    Circumstances showed me the proper order:
    God, spouse, family and friends, then work and so on.
    A man, child, home or pet does not make me complete.
    Only God can fill my every longing deep within my soul.
    I stand complete in Him!!!

    Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you

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    This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up!
    The prompt this week is: Complete
    The assignment: Write for five minutes on the word of the week. This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write.

  • Crowd

    It’s that time again!

    Time for Five Minute Friday! Five Minute Friday is where you free write for five minutes on the selected prompt! This week’s prompt is Crowd! Ready. Go!

    Five-Minute Friday – CROWD                                       

    I don’t much like a crowd. Even if the crowd is composed of people I know. But especially I don’t care for large crowds of people I know very few of them. Claustrophobia sets in uninvited. The walls shrink. I begin to perspire and become thirsty. Then there’s always diseases to think about. Right now, cold and flu season is upon us which is early this year. It’s only September; what’s up with that? Nothing worse than being miserably cooped up in a room with a drippy nose or needing to stay close to the throne for fear of an accident.

    Maybe this goes hand in hand with not appreciating a crowd, but I don’t go for small talk either. I much prefer sitting down and chatting one on one with someone. This makes me feel special and them too. There’s only so many minutes in a day, week, month, my life that I feel I’m wasting those minutes by small talking in a crowded room. Often, I cannot even catch every word they say due to the noise.

    Jesus had to endure the crowds. Throngs of people invaded His space continually. I do remember that on several occasions, He stepped away. Sometimes hid away to spend precious one on one time with His Heavenly Father. If He needed this alone time; how much more do I need time away from crowds and constant contact with others? Lord, give me the courage and wisdom to pull away on occasion before I unravel. Thank you.

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  • Loyal

    This week’s Five Minute Friday writing prompt is: LOYAL            

    Loyal. When I think of the word loyal, I hope that other people think of me as loyal. I consider loyal to be a person who sticks to their word; doesn’t hedge or change their mind mid-stream. This person can be counted on when the chips are down, and you need a helping hand. Maybe they would help physically or emotionally. Sometimes it means praying for that person or their circumstance. Being present physically when they need you most.

    I have a few loyal friends and family members. Those whom I can count on with words of encouragement, someone who “has my back.” When I need to cry, explode, or just plain vent, these gals will listen. Even if they’re in the middle of something else, they are there for me. If not in person, then on the phone talking or e-mail or text message. They aren’t too busy for me or ask me to call back another time. Available. Honest. Sincere. Accountability. And Wisdom. These are special quality traits I find in my loyal friends and family members. What separates these individuals from the rest of my world. My go-to buddies. Sure wouldn’t want to go through life without them! Thanking God that they are here for me.

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  • Go and TELL

    Today my Five Minute Free Writing prompt is: TELL     apples

    Go and TELL. What is it that I need to TELL? Who do I need to TELL? Those are questions that need to be answered before I can go and TELL. I have within me Good News. Good News about the One who created me, died for me, and rose again. I can TELL of His awesomeness. His self-sacrificial entire life while here on earth and beyond. When I keep the secret to myself, there are many who remain untold, clueless, and without hope. I don’t want to be a person who withholds information because I’m too busy or afraid of what others may think of me should I share with them the hope that lies within me.

    As I think forward, who in my life remains untold? Who within my reach does not know of this free gift offered by the Creator of the Universe? Jesus, John the Baptist who came before Him, His disciples, etc., all were bold in declaring the Gospel. If they can be a witness, so can you and I (Mark 1).

    Speak to me Lord. As I walk this path, who did you put in my path that needs to hear about You today? Here I am, Lord, send me.

    Thoughts to ponder; questions to consider:

    • Where should I go today?
    • Whom would You have me speak to, be a witness to this day?

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  • Day #300 – Life Aboard a Boat, Part 1

    This is a momentous occasion—300 days on the trail, the waterway trail that is! I find this hard to believe unless I look at my journal or calendar and see verification for myself. 300 days, 4848 miles, 16 states + Canada, and too many waterways to mention. What a whirlwind experience (wild ride) we have had throughout the entire 300 days! Still seems impossible to believe that we are ¾ done with the trip. In some ways, it feels as though we have just begun, and in other ways, it feels like we’ve lived aboard Sanctuary for much longer.        

    I am working on a job description for First Mate. Requirements needed for this position is quite extensive so it may be awhile before the list is complete. Here are a few points to consider:

    • Strong physical endurance most helpful. Ability to withstand sweltering heat and humidity, pelting rain, storms and cool temperatures. May occur within the same day. A strong internal constitution when encounter foreign water and foods. Ability to walk a lot, coordination in riding a bicycle, climbing in and out of a dinghy, and stepping many steps, tying knots, lassoing cleats/posts/rings in anticipation of docking
    • Excellent balance and no fear of the water or motion sickness prone—a definite plus!
    • Ability to tolerate long periods without family or friends you left behind. The flip side: you will meet many wonderful people along the way who share your trip with you off and on during  the 6000+ miles.
    • Days of isolation in tight quarters; other days you’ll be overwhelmed by people everywhere with no where to retreat.
    • Every day is different for approximately the next 365 days. No two days are the same even if you remain in the same anchorage, marina, or mooring ball.

    Let’s pause for a moment.

    • Is God showing you a new door to open in your life today? Maybe an adventure in the making.
    • What do you suppose He is preparing you to encounter or withstand in the near future? Be brave and ask Him.

    In Part 2, we will consider useful skills to carry along for the trip ahead.

    xxxxx

     

  • Come to Me

    Come To Me                     

    Are you weary?
    Burdened beyond words?
    Rest is found in Him.
    In Him alone.
    Freely, generously without question.

    I can learn from Him.
    He is my Teacher; I am the student;
    ever learning,
    ever failing,
    then ever learning some more.

    He is gentle,
    humble in heart.
    Sweet, blessed, essential
    Rest is found in Him.
    He can satisfy my longing soul
    and fill an empty heart.

    thoughts taken from Matthew 11:28-29

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