by Sharon O | Feb 3, 2010 | Uncategorized
Psalm 63:1, “Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (NIV)
We will reach for a soda, a cup of coffee or tea, but the real ‘refreshing of our soul’ is time with the Lord. My challenge for us today, is what are you seeking? What are you reaching out for?
I am trying to lose weight. It has been a ‘challenge’ since the first of the year. I am exercising, watching what I eat or snack on. But I am not so good at reaching for that ‘drink of water’. If it has a bit of juice in it, or a juice like flavor like cranberry or pomegranate, it is easier for me to drink it. All weight loss experts say, water is the key to loss. It purifies and detoxes the body and weight loss takes place rather quickly. So it if it works, why is it so hard to grab that glass, and do what is right?
That is not too different from our time with God. We make time for family, friends and coworkers, but find it very hard to cut out time for God. It is often not an easy choice for us.
The verse says, my body longs for you, that speaks of a desire, to have God so close and so intimate. A relationship, of choice. God I earnestly seek you. That is desire, for relationship.
Our world, in which we live and exist, is a dry and parched land. It offers very little for a ‘soul’ experience. Oh we can go to a special place for refreshment and rest. I love to go to the beach. I love to sit on an uneven log and take in and smell the freshness of the wind, water and ocean.
Watching the surf pounding forward and back with power and majestic strength. I listen in the quietness, for seagulls and children playing in the sand. I find it a great mystery how the powerful waves just ‘know’ how to crash and turn on rocks wet and cold. It refreshes me for a moment.
This verse is talking about a soul, so quenched and so parched. It longs for a cool glass of refreshment. God’s love, God’s spirit through the word, is refreshment to our soul.
God, you are my God. It reflects relationship. God I know you and long to see you and share time with you. Relationship, intimate and close.
Have you ever had a special friend in your life, a good friend. It has been a long time since you have seen them. You long for a time when you can share, catch up and enjoy each others stories. You wake up one day and you tell yourself, I have to see them. I have missed them greatly.
This is the feeling we ought to strive for with God.
Oh God I have SO missed you.
As we enter into the word, it refreshes our spirit. The soul becomes filled with life.
It is water that is refreshment, to our parched and weary lives.
May we challenge ourselves to sit. Drink in the word and allow it to seep into our lives, like a warm cup of tea. Our souls will feel refreshed.
by Sharon O | Feb 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
Our pastor was talking on Sunday about his observations about people.
He said there are two different types. Those who are windows and those who are mirrors. Window people look beyond themselves. They think of others. They are transparent and teachable. They know how to do relationships. They are genuine. Mirror people are those who think of themselves. Always looking what is ‘good for me‘. They are consumed with themselves. They only see themselves. They place their own need in front of everyone else. They are absorbed with what makes me happy. I ask the questions.
Who am I? What do others see in me? The questions really are for us all. To examine ourselves and search out ‘who we are’. I was moved back into memory of my high school days. One of my good friends was Claudia. Our friendship was over shadowed by her terminal illness of cystic fibrosis. Every day walked a life and death journey. Every breath was a chore. But I was reminded of her smile. Her caring spirit. She always thought of others instead of herself. She had no bitterness or anger. She could have for her sister died of the same disease. She didn’t have self pity or a critical spirit. She was sweet. When I would call her and say to her, “how are you?” the conversation would always move back towards me and my life. She was genuinely concerned about my walk with the Lord and my life in the youth group. I will never forget her. For her friendship was warm and genuine and authentic; she was a window person. She died in her twenties. It was a sad day, yet I knew she had longed for her heavenly home. I believe she had one foot here and one foot in Heaven just waiting to leave. I was sad hearing she was gone, but rejoicing that her breathing would now be peaceful. She was a window person. We have all met both types of people and we know who we enjoy more. So the challenge for us today… is to ‘look deeply’ inside, and ask ourselves; am I a window person or am I a mirror person? In asking, we must be ready to listen to the answer.
Lord give us a pure heart and a quiet spirit, so we can hear you and be willing to change.
Help us to grow~ help us to mature in what is good and pure and true.
by Sharon O | Feb 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
I mentioned I have an editor. She sits by my computer chair. When she wants to be petted, she taps my arm with her paw and if I ignore her, she crawls behind me, and puts her head under my arm or taps my back with her paws (almost like a back rub). Since I had to put down my other ‘black cat’, this one has been very spoiled. She gets soft food at night now, just because. Her name is Smudge. She is a tortoise calico. She is around 13 years old and has been my ‘perfect child’. She is always here by my side as I type. If I don’t come into the computer room in the morning she ‘calls’ out to me. Waiting for me to show up with my coffee.
by Sharon O | Jan 29, 2010 | Uncategorized
When you read the word, what image came into your mind?
The image of someone spray painting a fence or throwing a rock through a window?
The definition of vandalism is: willful destruction with malicious intent, to do harm or destroy; OR willful or ignorant destruction of artistic or literary treasures.
Our Pastor was sharing about this not long ago. It provoked a lot of thought in me. (imagine that!) The word vandalism brings to our minds many images. We would never take a spray paint can and destroy someone else’s property. Yet I challenge us to think of this in a different way.
When we talk bad about someone. When we hear a rumor and choose to believe it, and maybe even spread it more. When the words we say become less in line with the truth. We are committing vandalism of the heart. Fragmenting the heart and treasure of one another. Pastor said, it is like we are committing a homicide of the heart. It creates death to a relationship, and places a judgement on someone else’s character.
The willful destruction, is when we choose to spread the rumor, or believe the untruth. The malicious intent, is when we choose to say harmful or unkind things about someone. The intention of doing harm, hurts us, as well as the one we are talking about.
Pastor talked about, not letting anything come near our hearts that would be hurtful. Not letting anything vandalise your honorable self. We need to take note of and remember, “This is not good for me”. So in this journey called life, we must be careful with our words, our thoughts, our actions and our intentions. God has given us all, if we follow him, a discerning truth. If we read the word, if we take caution in our motives, and if we listen to our heart. We will be truthful to ourselves and those around us.
The challenge today is for us all.
We need to examine our lives, to see if there is anything that is vandalising the pureness, and holiness of Gods love for us. And the pureness and holiness of one another.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Lord God, help us to redeem our words towards one another and be kind.
“And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, Just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:2
by Sharon O | Jan 28, 2010 | Uncategorized
Tonight I went through my emails. I had 1493 emails. I think it is because growing up no one “cared” so in my adult life it is like throwing away a ‘letter’ from someone, a contact of relationship. Tonight I did a lot of deleting, an email is only that, it can be deleted, it cannot discount that you are a worthy, honorable trusting person. It was easy to press the button.. delete-delete-delete- I found power :o)
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This was on my face book last night. I kept thinking about it as I woke up this morning.
What do we need to delete in our lives to make our journey more purposeful, more rewarding and more healing?
Dictionary. com said the definition of delete is : to strike out or remove (something written or printed); cancel; erase; expunge — “from away.”
So the question for us all; is what do we need to do, what action do we need to take, to remove or delete something that is not good for us. For example I used to really like to watch the CSI show, it was interesting. It was a detective and investigative type show which is what I like. But as I started watching it more and more I found myself repulsed by the violence. I would cover my eyes and say ‘oh I can’t watch that.’ So what was my purpose? I wanted to relax and watch a TV show. If I had to watch it with my eyes covered, it wasn’t good for me. So I stopped watching it. It was easy to delete what was not pleasing for my spirit, even though I liked the characters and the show. It wasn’t positive for me. It wasn’t good for my heart. It didn’t make me feel good.
So what do we all have in our lives, that we need to move away from us? some of us will have a hard time removing cable, or the Internet or (you fill in the blank). This can even mean a decision such as a new pattern of eating, or reading or even texting. All can be good. All have the potential to be bad. All have the potential to do harm. Do we want to keep something in our lives that can cause harm to our heart, our spirit and our soul.
I choose this year to purpose in my heart and give honor to my soul, to erase, cancel or remove what is not positive or good for me (or my family).
If I watch a TV show and it is violent, which is NOT what I like. What purpose is it for me to watch it. If I find I spend too much time on the Internet, I will ration my time. Purpose in my heart to spend equal time, that I would spend on the computer, with the Lord. Encouraging my spirit to grow and creating a save peaceful place inside.
When I was on the computer last night deleting emails, it was freeing. It was sad, but sad can be good. I have much to delete in my life and sometimes it can even mean, deleting a job that is not good for you. I did that a few months ago. I moved ‘away from’ the environment and it was good.
In the process of staying home I realized I had more to delete or remove. I tore into my closet and cleaned and purged what was not needed or wanted any more. It was a hard process for me. It was exhausting yet after it was done I felt empowered, just as I did when I hit the delete button. It was freeing.
Can we even move the idea more intimate, into our relationships with others? Deleting or removing the ‘friendship’ you hoped would always get better. Yet every time you are with them you feel down and discouraged. How can that be good for your heart and soul? Deleting the attitudes or words that can be harmful to us and to others. Deleting the idea that ‘my right’ my way must be heard.
Deleting or removing the idea that if I stay at this church they will finally see my ministry.
We have the power to remove what is taking too much space in our heads and in our lives. Just as I had to push the button, to remove emails taking too much computer space. We need to push the button of our heart and ask God what He would HE like us to remove today, this month, this year.
As we press forward to a new direction of wholeness and restoration. I hope you and I can delete, remove, push away things in our lives that are not good for us.
Lord help us to encourage one another in this process as we examine our lives. Help us to be open, willing and accepting of your vision for us. Give us wisdom to know what you would want and help us to take action to do it.
by Sharon O | Jan 27, 2010 | Uncategorized
“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…” Colossians 1:10-11 (NIV)
How do we live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way?
There are things we can do to encourage this process. Like a timed release capsule God’s love pours into us. Just as we would be faithful to take our ‘morning vitamin’, for it is good. Why are we not so faithful to partake in a daily dose of Gods word?
Our vitamin adds to our life. We become stronger, healthier and more able to fight off whatever would make us sick. How is that different from the word?
The word is a slow releasing of nourishment for a soul desperate for health. It becomes our dose of life that we can’t live without. We become strengthened, renewed, and more empowered.
We choose to be life giving, so why would we not partake in what would make that life better? We choose what is important to us. Is the word important?
We grow so we can endure. Life has a way of making us tired. Every day routines can remove our energy.
We partake in the word so we can become stronger and bear fruit in every good work.
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.” Galatians 5:22
I believe we cannot bear this fruit on our own. We fail in our efforts. We grow in the knowledge of God by partaking of his word. (definition of partaking: to have something of the nature or character) By the discipline of reading and partaking of the word, our nature and character becomes more like HIS. He empowers us. He strengthens us. By the Holy Spirit we become whole.
My challenge for the day is this. What kind of vitamin is important to you? What kind of supplement do you partake in, to empower you on this journey? Can we encourage each other to live a life worthy of the Lord, so we may please Him.
“Since we are living by the spirit, let us follow the spirits leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25
by Sharon O | Jan 26, 2010 | Uncategorized
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)
As I read this verse today I was moved to remember the various situations where this applied in my life.
The Lord convicted me? I am not sure. What I am sure of, is our words are like gifts to those who listen. We can build someone up with what we say. Affirming them for their goodness, their faithfulness, their kindness. Or we can criticise them, with unkind ways to hurt their heart. I often find myself saying ‘life is too short for this nonsense’ and really that is a Truth.
Life is indeed too short for offenses to ruin relationships.
God takes our offenses and erases them, forgives them.
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22
another version says it like this: “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”
We can be free from unkind ways. It is our choice.
As the verse says… those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Do we want them to be positive, encouraging and life giving? Or do want the consequences to hurt someone and kill their spirit.
I challenge us today, to think. To stop. To ask ourselves as we share with others. Is this positive? Is this good? Is this true? is there any benefit for them to hear this or know this?
We all need to challenge each other to be kind, gentle and compassionate.
Does this mean every morning, every day we must evaluate our heart and test our motives? I challenge us to think on these thoughts.
Lord, continue to show us ways we can grow deeper in relationships with you and with others. Help us to be wise.
by Sharon O | Jan 25, 2010 | Uncategorized
Rest for your soul.
As he was teaching, Jesus said, “unless you come to me as a child, you cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven”.
We know he did not mean ‘be born again’ by your mother. That’s impossible.
He meant, come to me…with ‘Freedom of heart’… Freedom from rules…Freedom from fear, with a child like spirit, spontaneous…with joy and excitement.
Come to me with innocence and a desire to learn.
Have you ever seen a child so joyful and so excited; they could not contain the feelings within them?
You say to them ‘calm down’ and they know they can’t. It is so exciting, and so wonderful.
They are in the moment. They share the joy with you not caring, who is watching or listening.
Jesus says to us, “come to me as a child”.
Who would not run to their Father especially if he was a safe person?
He wants freedom for us. He wants us to rush into His arms.
As a child who needs a protector. As a child who SO misses his or her daddy.
“Abba Father I have missed you. Please hold me as I rest in your arms.”
Would you run towards a God who is pleading for you to come, or would you run away?
I guess it would depend on your experience with your earthly father.
We know the days have been hard and the fatigue is surrounding us.
Jesus says, “come to me everyone; who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest”.
He is not talking about sleep for a weary body. He is talking about rest for your soul.
Rest for a heart ravaged by life.
Rest for a soul so beaten down by adult responsibilities and duties.
Rest for a soul that is tired.
“Come to me. I can give you the rest you need. I am able to fill your heart with so much. Your needs will be met.”
Is your heart longing for the God who loves you?
I pray you will soon find.
Rest for your soul.
by Sharon O | Jan 24, 2010 | Uncategorized
The other day our son asked his almost 6 year old son a question as he was making lunch for them. He said “son would you like a whole sandwich?” the reply came quickly “no thanks I just want two halves”. Our son shared that he had to think about it for a minute. Being a parent is challenging enough, but when we get those kind of ‘answers’ it is good to stop and think. Take a moment and breathe.
They were saying the same thing only in different ways. It reminded me of the verse found in 1st Corinthians in the new testament of the Bible.
1 Corinthians 13:11 : When I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up I put away childhood things (some versions say childish ways).
They were saying the same thing.
Only maturity would know the difference.
How often do we do that? We say the same thing as someone else only in a different way. Our way becomes our truth or maybe our reality. My grandson wanted two halves. Two halves made a whole. He didn’t ask for a whole he asked for two. The same end result. Just different perspectives and thought processes. Life is like that, a challenge of perspectives and opinions. To be open and flexible is a gift we can give to others. My son handled the two halves in a mature, reasonable way and lunch was shared. (of course taking the experience in as another humorous moment in their lives).
Our willingness to see and experience another persons point of view helps us to grow in maturity.
Lord in our journey this week help us to be open to all that you allow us to be a part of. Give us wisdom to know how to not make a big deal out of something. When it really ends up with the same result.
And Lord… thank you for little boys.
by Sharon O | Jan 23, 2010 | Uncategorized
I woke up this morning feeling tired. It’s Saturday. A day to rest for me. Most weekdays require me to be up and moving… by 6 am. I was thinking about my little grand daughter. The three little girls spent the day with grandma. I had given them a snack in the afternoon. This time it was hard boiled eggs. They like ‘eggs they can hold’. She is almost 6 and very opinionated as they are at that age. So sure of themselves. I said to her ‘you know protein is really a good snack, it makes you have energy and helps you to feel good’. She looked at me as she was eating her hard boiled egg and said ‘we don’t eat protein at our house’… I said ‘OH’ looking a bit surprised wondering to myself, what is your egg? She said again firmly with a look in her eyes only she can give, ‘we don’t eat PROTEIN’… mommy doesn’t like it. I had to stop and think… well… she is very adamant about something she really is unsure of… being only 6 she might not know eggs are considered protein. My thought today is this… What are we really adamant about and why?? How firm is our feeling about it and how grounded are we in the truth. She was firm… in her thought, but the truth wasn’t alongside her firmness. Her reality was being adamant about something she didn’t know about. She will in time learn what protein is in the food groups, it wasn’t my job to tell her anything different. It was my job to let her come to her own awareness. And enjoy the moment with her. I love being a grandma I will get a lot of ideas from them. I challenge you and me today to examine ourselves. What are we adamant about and why? The Webster’s definition of adamant is : utterly unyielding in attitude or opinion in spite of all appeals, urgings etc. Something to think about today.
