Where is God, He Asked

Have you read the story about the married couple who had 2 little kids – two sons to be exact? They were about 10 years old. The two youngsters were seemingly always getting into trouble and had developed a reputation for being quite a nuisance.

The time came when their parents were exasperated about how to address their sons’ behavior. Things were out of control when they weren’t around. (Life Moment: How do WE act when our spouse or those who respect us aren’t around?)

The mom learned a well respected pastor was visiting their church, so she and her husband agreed to take the boys to speak with him. Perhaps the minister could steer them in the right direction, where other attempts had failed.

The youngest brother met with the pastor first. “Where is God?” he asked the young lad.

No response.

“I asked you, young man, where is God?” re-questioned the pastor to the boy.

No response. The boy just stared blankly.

With a more aggressive tone, the pastor cried out, “WHERE IS GOD?!”

No response.

Suddenly the boy darted out of the room and ran all the way home. He slammed his bedroom door shut and hid himself in the closet. His older brother followed him – he pried the door open, sat down beside of him, and asked what happened.

The younger brother wiped away tears and in a broken voice said, “We are in HUGE trouble this time!! God is missing and the preacher thinks we did it!!”

That story made me smile – and even though it’s fictional – my heart went out for the little boy.

And…It’s a good question! Where IS God? To be more specific, where is He in our lives – where do we place Him?

Are we making Him a priority? Is He in our speech? In our relationships? Is He numero uno in our decision making? Are we living our lives in such a way that when people learn we’re a Christian that they DON’T think we are a hypocrite? It is a common fact of society – people ARE watching our actions.

God wants our dedication. He desires for His children to serve and love Him. To the BEST of our ability.

I remember on my wedding day the comments; tidbits of advice that my beloved pastor’s wife said to me. She was like a second mother to me – and I wanted her to be proud of us – so I tried to absorb her heartfelt instructions.

She said, ‘Shug’ (short for “Sugar”) ya’ll always put God first in your marriage. Do your BEST to make Him first in your lives. And everything else will work out. God’s love is a BIG love. You’re going to need Him. There’ll be hard times. There’ll be heartaches. You’ll have joy. Don’t ever question where Jesus is at. He’ll never leave or forsake you, but don’t you go leaving him.”

I squeezed her and wiped the little tear that she had on her cheek. Aaahhh, what sound and Godly advice she bestowed!

I didn’t know it at the time, but she would leave her earthly body and go to heaven not too long after that conversation. I treasure those special memories. And her marital advice was right! Very right. His love IS a big love! Wherever we go – God is there. Whatever we go through – God is there. Every valley – God is there. Every mountain top – God is there! Every morning…God is there. Rich in mercy and grace.

The simple truth is this: God will be as big, as close, and as real to us as we allow! The MORE we love and serve Him, the more He’ll demonstrate that He’s a friend that ‘sticketh closer than a brother!’

Look UP my friends!

It's Always Something!

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother – Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

In my mind’s eye I've never seen so many people, so broken hearted, as I have at this time in life. It’s like an epidemic – or how the flu spreads – it is fast and holds no prisoners! I’m not talking about life’s challenges or typical adversity, but real grief and brokenness.

Seeing others’ in the active stages of pain/hurting has been a little overwhelming recently – friends, family, colleagues – all going through different pain-filled and emotionally raw events. C.S. Lewis said this comment, “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. It is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’…Sometimes, however, it persists and the effect is devastating.”

For me personally, I have an innate fear of the dentist, but if I have a toothache, I know I need to go see one, albeit with hesitation. I get my teeth cleaned even though it’s something I have a dread of.  If my vision gets blurry or changes, I understand that I need to see a qualified optometrist.

But where does one go for a broken heart? I suggest that the Christian innately understands that we turn to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, our Comforter. HE understands a broken heart more deeply and thoroughly than any human being.

I’m reminded of the garden of Gethsemane. If it has been a while since you’ve read the passages in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, then take a few moments this week and emotionally connect with our Savior’s agony. His sorrow. His heart ache. His grief. Let your heart be broken for HIS suffering! The Word will speak to you. (It is the Living Word, after all).

My immature mind thinks that if my closest friends were sleeping in my hour of greatest need, I might get very angry. Or if one of my dearest friends had betrayed me for money…umm…I probably wouldn’t have been too kind in my response. That’s just my weakness; perhaps you’d respond with more humanity?!

My simple point is that there are times we feel alone. Tears fall. We feel broken hearted. Deeply wounded. Deeply concerned. People you love may turn against you! You may feel like you’re going through (or went through) your own emotional Gethsemane. Know that Christ Jesus has been there. HE knows what you’re going through – He knows where you’ve been – and what you’ll go through in the future.

People (you love or care about) might let you down! Friends may fail you. Family may fall short. But! Let’s be reminded that WE NEED JESUS in every aspect of our lives! Every day. In every way. The Christian will find Him in the center of the most broken times! And not just one time….but over and over. Every time you need Him!

It’s always something! So, in the distress of your life, be reminded that God understands you – and He understands better than anybody – where you are and who you are. You are HIS!

Look UP my friends! 

Super Power

I happily admit, Wonder Woman was my favorite super hero when I was a kid. There was something about her lasso of truth and the invisible airplane that thrilled me! It was so enjoyable watching Linda Carter, the beloved actress, prevail in the end against the bad guys. The sense of justice! Plus, I sort of enjoyed seeing a lady kick the behind of the bad guys. Who was/is your favorite super hero?

I believe God gives all of His children a special blessing, power, ability, or quality. For His glory! You know what the Bible says about talents and gifts. We ALL have them to varying degrees!

It's something to think about. Something to assess within ourselves. Maybe you are a great listener. You nod your head and offer quiet acknowledgement. You let people feel heard. (That really is a gift!) Your talent is not interrupting. Yes, that's a talent!

Or maybe you have the gift of 'helps?' You're able to visit the sick. Make a phone call. Run someone's errands. Pick up medications. Arrange to have someone's yard mowed. Cook a meal. Mail a card.

Perhaps you have  NO idea what your talent or gift is!? I've comprised a short list of some things you CAN do until you figure it out...

1) We all enjoy being around a genuine person. Not to be harsh, but you know if our pets can quickly discern 'bad' characters, then we might want to make a conscious effort to be sincere and authentic. People do eventually reveal their real character.  When that time comes, we want it to be pleasing to God.

2) I cannot stress how important it is to listen. And NOT judge. Avoid ego! Avoid prideful actions and words.

3) Be SUPER at something - not everything!! Consider being SUPER at praying!  Be super faithful to the house of God. Be super at studying God's Word. Be super friendly!  Be a super witness for The Lord. Be super honest. Be a super friend to someone new in your life. To someone you've been friends with for years. Be a super Believer! Be SUPER at sharing what God has done for you - for what He has brought you through and from! Be SUPER humble.  BE Super kind!

Super motivating - for the cause of Christ!

I know you can be super at something that pleases HIM. Tune into your super-power!  Put some action to it. For me...I desire to be super encouraging in a discouraging world!!

Look UP my friends!

Warm on the Inside

Perhaps you’re familiar with the Christmas tune, “Baby, it’s Cold Outside!” That song came to my mind this morning. With most of the United States being caught in “polar vortex” this week, temperatures are dropping dramatically and very quickly! (Polar Vortex is also known as an Arctic Cyclone…so that gives you an idea of the weather right now, should you be reading this outside of the USA. For example, it’s colder in Atlanta, Georgia (aka “Hotlanta”) than it is in Alaska today!)

With freezing temps and freezing winds blowing our way – let us apply a simple approach to be WARM on the inside. Both literally and figuratively.

Let’s grumble a little less about the extreme temps. Let’s be a little friendlier when we’re standing in line to pay for fuel. (Or milk. Or bread. Or food). Let’s be a resource of genuine friendliness. Demonstrate a warm heart. Don’t let someone else’s cold ways, impact you to the negative!

Having a warm disposition might even open up an opportunity for you to witness to somebody! “It’s freezing in here, but my heart is warm. I’m warm because the love of God lives in me.” (Something like that). I know it seems overly simplistic, but you never know…you might just be a blessing of encouragement!

Bitter cold on the outside…but let’s stay toasty warm on the inside!

Look UP my friends!

Expecting Answers

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)

I recently came across this short story online. It demonstrates a simple, yet profound lesson! (The following story is not my own – the author is unknown to me)

“As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the way of life of the townspeople. As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain.

 Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends. When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and starting the meeting.

 His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella. All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to answer..."

Are we expecting God to answer our prayers?! Is our faith that of the mustard seed?

Look UP my friends!

Be Yourself

Be Yourself! Sounds easy, huh? We’ve told our kids that. Most likely we’ve heard that same advice from others. “Just be yourself.” To me it is a somewhat vague expression – because it can be interpreted many different ways.  I think it was Judy Garland (The Wizard of Oz) who said, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else.” Pretty great advice, in my book! But, how do we REALLY be ourselves, comfortably, among obstacles, critics, naysayers, and non-Believers? Are we strong enough to stand up for God at all costs? From my experience, it’s easier said than done.

I’ve been meditating on the general concept, of being one’s self, the last few days. With the beginning of the New Year upon us, it’s a good time to reflect inwardly, and be aware of ourselves and the Christian walk we choose.

1)   Don’t let others’ opinions penetrate too deeply into your psyche. We will remember the 1 criticism out of 8 compliments. We remember the bad service at a restaurant over the 2 prior good meals. It’s just human nature. I have found that many people speak without thinking! Whether it can be hurtful or not. People have approached me with many callous comments about my musical abilities or my personal style over the years. I try to laugh it off if at all possible (sometimes it’s not easy) if someone approaches you with a statement like, “That was good, but….” Or “You did a good job, but…”

then brace yourself! The adversary is going to prick your self esteem with a sharp tongue! Let’s be reminded that words cause scars. And it sounds rude of me, but really, we must stop allowing others’ negative ideas of who they think we are to matter so much.

2)   Christians should be growing in Christ – not ego! It isn’t healthy to fixate on our mistakes, the mistakes of others, or the general mayhem that life can toss our way. Each stage of our lives should be a stepping stone to maturity, character building, and compassion in Christ. When we start thinking we know it all – then we start ACTING like we know it all – then we’ve lost most ALL the people who need us to be a light. A person of humility is FAR more effective than a smarty pants! Admit it; you’ve rolled your eyes a few times in your life at someone’s braggadocios responses or attempts at attention seeking. (or maybe it’s just me) I’ll say for the “umpteenth” time…Actions speak louder than words! Your moods and spirit ARE noticed.

3)   Be friendly and honest anyway! You don’t have to feel ashamed for being a lover of Jesus. For being a committed Christian. For standing for integrity. The Blood Stained Banner. The Gospel. Your salvation. The mercy and grace you receive each day! It also doesn’t mean you’re perfect. It doesn’t mean you don’t wish you had an occasional “do over” button. Being a “good Christian” doesn’t everyone quantify that most people will love and care about you! On the contrary, it could mean rejection, denial, persecution, and being an outcast. We’re expected to be flexible in MANY areas of our lives, but our walk with God isn’t an option. That relationship, above all relationships, needs to be maintained as pure and as true as possible. Make a choice to be honest, in the right spirit, a spirit that God would be pleased with. Most of the time that requires humility and great sacrifice.

I’d also suggest that we need to beware of the person(s) who claim martyrdom and victim-like living. Those unable to take personal responsibility. Those whose words don’t line up with actions. Or those who hurt you needlessly. Those who are highly critical. Often times, those type people are enslaved to past hurts and disappointments and they can’t get past them. Try not to be one of them! Lots of people are content to drag you down too. Beware! Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!

Look UP my friends!

A Little More in 2014

New Year’s resolution? Not for this gal, but I do have hopes for 2014. I’m looking forward to see what God has in store for my life – for the lives of people I care about. I cannot help but be optimistic! 2013 taught me…has reminded me…that all good things do come from God, and bad times don’t last forever! Faith and grace in action…

 In the year ahead, I do humbly expect more blessings from God. (Not that I deserve them, but because He’s merciful and rich in grace!) I expect a few more trials for Him to teach me things. I hope to find and feel deeper glimpses of Him. More of His presence. Like the waft of rain after a cool spring evening – inhaling the spiritual fragrance He sends our way. Those moments are priceless.

 I’ve coined the Cornerstone year ahead like this: “Ever-increasing in faith & grace!” It will be my motto for this year, 2014.

God DOES manifest His steadfast grace, right?

In 2014…I hope we…

Dream a little bigger!

Walk a little closer to God!

Stand a little taller ~ Through Grace!

Smile a little broader! (More often).

Love God a little more boldly ~ through Faith!

Laugh a little more loudly! (More often).

Worry a little less!

Recognize victories a little more!

Trust a little more in Jesus!

The word “little” can really be a BIG thing can’t it? Just a LITTLE more of something can make a GREAT difference! A LITTLE more of God is a HUGE part of capturing our hopes – living our dreams. You've heard the song, "Little is much when God is in it!"  

Look UP my friends!