Tag: patience

  • Galley proofs in!

    “Though is tarries, wait for it.” (Habakkuk 2:3)

    A few days ago, I received my first galley proofs of my book and cover. Lauren, Publishing Services Associate, exclaimed “Congratulations!” True, I am very excited to be moved to the next phase. Yet, I do not want to miss any of the good parts in between. There is still much work to be done. Rushing not allowed here if I am to take Habakkuk 2:3 to heart.   Daffodils popping through snow

    I do and do and do. Sometimes before I give proper credit to timing and waiting. When I go forth in my own strength and just do on my own, I miss much. I miss God’s guidance, wisdom, and blessings in the end. I think I am doing the right thing by instigating hurried results, but am I really? God seems to be more visionary than practical like us mere mortal humans. Impatient. I am extremely impatient; thereby potentially missing out on His best. Missing “the fulfillment of the vision;” I wonder what that vision would have looked like had I taken the time and exercised patience during the wait mode? God must be disappointed when I do not implement enough faith to wait for Him to work out His best plan.

    “We cannot bring the vision to fulfillment through our own efforts, but must live under its inspiration until it fulfills itself. We try to be so practical that we forget the vision. At the very beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it.

    We rushed off to do our practical work, and once the vision was fulfilled we could no longer even see it. Waiting for a vision that “tarries” is the true test of our faithfulness to God. It is at the risk of our own soul’s welfare that we get caught up in practical busy-work, only to miss the fulfillment of the vision,” thoughts from Oswald Chambers.

    • How about you; is it difficult for you to wait?
    • What are you waiting on now?
    • What plan could you devise to wait patiently?
    *****

  • St. Teresa’s Bookmark

    Let nothing trouble you,
    let nothing frighten you.

    Mother Teresa
    Mother Teresa

    All things are passing;
    God never changes.
    Patience obtains all things.
    Whoever possesses God lacks nothing:
    God alone suffices.

  • Beautiful people

    Beautiful People (Copy)

    “Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are”—Markus Zusak.

    Today’s society relies so much on exterior beauty as a compass for determining worth and physical attractiveness. Size matters. Fitting into a “0-1-2” is considered lovely or glamorous. If the path to accomplish this goal leads to emotional trauma and anorexia, this is not healthy or appropriate.

    When faced with a decision regarding a suitable warrior, shepherd boy David was chosen. Age was against him. He was not extremely tall or built large physically. In fact, Goliath towered over young David. Anyone could see that he posed no match for the Philistine giant. Other than battling wild animals to fend off destroying his flock, David possessed no war medals. Yet, God counted him a worthy defender of the Israelites. David’s inner strength and victory came from his commander and chief: God.

    Women and men look on the outside, but God looks on the inside. What’s beneath the surface is the stuff that equals courage. Is there evidence of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in my life? (Galatians 5:22, 23)

    I want to be beautiful—beautiful on the inside; what I am not just who I say I am. To do this, my actions should reflect my words. My words reflect what’s in my heart and mind. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

    Dear God, Thank you for providing the model for beauty. You sacrificed Your only Son so that I could enjoy life to the fullest. I want to be worthy of this ultimate gift by reflecting beauty from the inside out. You are more concerned about what’s in my heart.

    What character qualities are you cultivating?

     *****