My favorite mountain in Alaska (and therefore anywhere) is Susitna (Sleeping Lady). You can see her from almost anywhere in Anchorage. On my last trip there I thought a lot about Psalm 3 and 4, both have verses about sleeping in safety.
This photo is courtesy of either my brother or sister-in-law who live in Alaska. (I added the words below). This picture was taken at sunset in June of 2005.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not good at waiting. I have heard that not many people are good at waiting (if you know of someone who is – please let me know. I want to meet them). Every time I think I’m improving, God shows me something that I have to wait longer for.
This week it was my job. I have been in a position on a temporary status for almost 2 years. There have been many ups and downs – maybe they’ll hire me – maybe they won’t. I believe that God put me in this job for a reason and has asked me to wait. I believe God has been at work – stretching my patience. Now He has tested me by asking me to continue to wait. I am human and breathing, so I still have a lot farther to go. Why is it that patience takes so long to develop?
I really don’t mind waiting as long as I can do something. Give me a task and I feel like I am more patient. But ask me to sit still. Ouch. I don’t enjoy those times.
I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness. He is so patient with me. He loves me so much that He has hand chosen this opportunity to wait – to develop the ability to wait in my life. I don’t know what God has for my future. But I know that God has my best interest in mind.
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliot
I don’t usually remember the exact date of the death of Jim Elliot and 4 fellow missionaries in Ecuador, so I am glad when I see articles such as this one about the event. http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/slain-in-the-shadow-of-the-almighty
Many lives have been changed by the testimony of this incident. While this is an excellent story, there is another piece of the story that not as many people know. Frank & Marie Drown were missionaries in the same area as the 5 that were killed. Frank was supposed to go with these men, but because his wife so so close to her due date he did not go. God continues to use the lives of Frank & Marie Drown to further His work. I know it has impacted my life. I was blessed to meet them when I was a child. The Drowns became friends with my grandparents many years ago. My grandmother still corresponds with them.
May God use my life to encourage others. It is not an easy thing to do. Stories from the lives of the Elliots and Drowns are filled with painful trials. However, God has sent blessings in abundance through the pain they suffered. Blessings that are enjoyed by thousands. Only God can give in that measure. May I be His willing tool.
I was blessed to spend Christmas with my parents again this year – and both of my brothers. I enjoy when I get quality time with those I love.
One special memory from this Christmas was the bonfire my dad started for me. I had gone outside to help him burn some cardboard. When we were almost done with that task, my dad offered to start a bonfire (which was possible due to a lack of snow). It took 3 tries, but the fire finally got going – a few marshmallows later (and a few shivers – it was chilly outside) I went back inside with a big smile on my face.
Special memories like this are treasures. Something that money can’t buy. God has blessed me in great measure.
2016 flew by so quickly. I often joked with co-workers that I blinked and a month would go by. A coworker joked that I should stop blinking. I kept wishing that I could. I have heard that time seems to go faster the older you get – but I wasn’t prepared for this. The year sped so fast that I felt like there was no time to accomplish much.
The last several years God has impressed on me the concept of how short life can be. I have known people who have faced terminal illness and didn’t live to 80 or 90 years. As they realize how short their life will be, they often fight to live every moment to its fullest. However, I think it is too easy to be complacent and waste time for those of us that don’t have the trial of illness. We think we have all kinds of time to do what is important and so it is easy to fill time with trifles. Things that aren’t really important. I have also found that life just flies and I am not sure if I have been using my time wisely.
In 2017 I want to be aware of how I use my time. Ephesians 5:16-17 (ESV) says, “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” The NKJV says “redeeming the time”. My prayer is that I use my time wisely and for the Lord. I am all for having fun (I love my hobbies), but I want to make sure that everything I do is for the honor and glory of the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31).
How will I do this? Pleading in Prayer. Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
May Christ be the center of your Christmas. May you have joy as you celebrate His birth.
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes dream of a life of ease. A nice house with no problems, a nice car that doesn’t break down, no relationship problems, a job where I always have fun, and the list could go on.
However, we live in a sin-cursed earth and so these things aren’t possible. I also know that God uses difficult things to perfect us (James 1).
I have read that when a baby bird is still in the egg, it needs to peck its own way out – or it can’t survive. If anyone helps the bird get out it becomes weak. God works the same way by strengthening us through difficulties (2 Cor. 12:9).
So don’t pray for a life of ease. Don’t pray to avoid trials. Pray to be strengthened by God through whatever difficulties He allows. We need to make God everything. His way is always worth it.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me to make You everything. I want so many things in life, but Your plans for me have often been different than my own. Please lead and guide in my desires. Please help me to honor You. Please give me strength to do what You want.
Thank you for what you have done and what You will do in my life.
I was privileged to hear how God used something I did to encourage someone. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but hey – college students always like to get mail right? So I started sending puzzle pieces that were meant as greeting cards. My college student friend told me how much fun it was to get the first couple and then realize there were more to come. The pieces fit together to make a picture on one side, but on the other you can write a message. Some of my messages were a bit sarcastic (something my close friends see on occasion – ok maybe more often than that). Most of my notes included something that I hoped would be encouraging.
We never know for sure how something will turn out, but if God leads please follow. I had found this puzzle piece cards some months ago and had no idea who I would send them to. I meant to encourage someone else, but tonight I was encouraged to hear her joy.
I know that we don’t always get to hear the results of our attempts to encourage others. Sometimes it doesn’t work the way we hope it will. However, I can assure you as you go to God in prayer He will lead you in a way that is worth following. You will be able to give joy to someone else – and receive joy in return.
Today we had our first measurable snowfall (a little late for Minnesota). I always enjoy seeing the grass covered with the pure white. It is reminder of the peaceful beauty in God’s wonderful creation.
Now the snow can stop. This is enough for me. 🙂
I cleared some of the deck. Anyone want to stop for a visit? 😉
Pleading in Prayer 