No More Overloading the Circuits!

The doorbell rings. It’s my thick-German-accent electrician and his partner -- here to take care of that blasted circuit breaker that keeps tripping. They come in with tools in hand. In my books, they are my mighty men of valor! I take them to my master bathroom from whence the issues started. I tell him: “This circuit breaker never tripped like this before.“ Der Obermann (the head man – I know a little German) starts to school me like a first grader. “That hairdryer –1875 watts. That heater – 1500 watts. Too much at one time. It’s not your circuit breaker. If you must use the heater at the same time, get an extension cord and run it from your bedroom. I’m 57-years-old. I’m in good shape but if I run too much or worry too much or eat too much, my body breaks down because it’s overloaded. That’s what you do with overloading your electric in here.” He pulls out the old receptacle and replaces it with a shiny “green light” one. He assures me my life will be better IF I use that extension cord for the heater. In a flash, they’re gone. And, whoa-la, this blog is on its way!

I have a friend who is going through a challenging time right now. One of those end-of-their-rope times that when all-else-fails, pray and ask others to pray because this is more than one person can handle. As soon as I began to read their text message to me, the song, “Who You Say I Am” comes to mind. I sent the YouTube video of it to them. I share it here with you just in case you could use a strong hand to hold onto you because your rope has become just a thread, too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgBB863p2vw

Perhaps you’re at the end of your rope because you are overloaded like my circuit breaker was. The hopelessness has come and you start to wonder “Am I the problem here? Did I cause this mess? Have I taken on more than I should have? Did I spend more than I should have? Did I overlook my family and friends too much? Did I neglect my time with God? Am I even worthy of God answering my prayers?”

In the midst of our struggles, we start to listen to the lies of the enemy that we’re worthless, hopeless, and powerless. But, don't go there. Not even for a minute. "Hold on, my child. Joy comes in the morning!" (Psalm 30:5) We must not let ourselves go there. We are children of Almighty God and we reflect His image. We have hearts full of hopes and desires. And when we give ourselves to Jesus, He empowers us with all the tools we need to be overcomers and everything we need to win. We were built for this life and with everything we need to be effective.

It’s sort of like what I was saying about that “blasted” circuit breaker. It was doing its best to BE what it was supposed to be, but I kept overdoing it and it couldn’t perform to its abilities. And, for us, along the way – life happens and one thing after another wears us down and we’re not as effective – physically, mentally and spiritually -- to press on. Here’s good news. We are not a factory-assembled product. “We are God’s masterpiece” (Ephesians 2:10) and der oberste Mann, Gott (the head Man, God) is not going to let us let go of the thread of the rope. He is with us. Let’s unplug all the weights that are draining us and let’s find that sweet peace in He Who can handle it all.

Safeguard Your Identity

When I heard Lauren Daigle’s new song yesterday morning as I was taking my granddaughter to work, I knew it was my inspiration for today’s post. The song's words describe how we see and think about ourselves and, oftentimes -- it's not a pretty sight. It's also how we think others define us. We determine that our identity is that part of us that others know us by and or the image we show to the world. Sometimes our identity is known by the amount of money we have in our bank account or our credit card. After all, identity theft is rampant – and someone out there desires our identity because they think theirs stinks...or lacks.

The fact is that our identity is all about God coming and rewriting on our heart the words the world might have said that is against us – those words that say we’re not enough and lies that tell us we’ll never measure up. God comes and replaces those lies with His Truth that we are loved, we’re strong because of Him, we’re held, we’re able and He’s a God who is willing to meet us in the middle of all times, of all things. He’s called us saints. It’s all about what He says versus what the world says.”

We can start by saturating our minds with the truth of God’s Word. It’s filled with reminders of His unconditional love for us. He says “You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). He says that “Nothing can separate you from His love” (Romans 8:35). It’s time to stop letting the enemy steal our identity. We are God’s masterpiece. It’s time to believe it!

May Lauren’s words help you rethink how valuable you are – how worthy of God’s love you are – how precious you are in God’s sight and how much He longs relationship with you each and every day…..each and every hour! You were hand-picked by the great harvester to be His one and only. Listen to the words of this song and may they bring you to a place of confidence, self-respect, joy, approval and the knowledge that you are beautiful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pa4DUz4CDU

“You Say” by Lauren Daigle
I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough
Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?
Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know

[Chorus]
You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe, oh I believe
What You say of me
I believe

[Verse 2]
The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me
In You, I find my worth, in You I find my identity, o-ooh

[Verse 3]
Taking all I have and now I'm laying it at Your feet
You have every failure God, and You'll have every victory, o-ooh

Oh I believe, yes I believe
What You say of me
Oh I believe

The Sweet Sounds From a Tuned Piano

SURPRISE!!! Happy Birthday, Payton! Yesterday was my #3 grandson's (in order of birth-dates) 16th birthday. That morning, I sent him a text that said, "I wish I were there to celebrate your birthday today, but we'll make up for it while we're fishing next week!" So, it was a big surprise when he came home from spending the night with a friend and saw me. I loved the outdoor decor' that made this day a really big deal for him.

What was an even bigger surprise than his Nana and the yard decor', was the gift his Mom and Dad gave him....a new ebony baby grand piano. Payton is a gifted pianist and though he's had a lovely antique baby grand, the sound and touch of this one takes his gift to a whole new level. The piano was delivered yesterday morning before Payton came home and when the technician played it, there was a key slightly off, so we watched him take the piano completely apart. It was quite the sight -- we'd never seen before.

All those intricate parts, when aligned so precisely, provide such beautiful tones for anyone who knows the art of playing. But if one of those parts is out of order, as beautiful as the other keys are, that one makes the others appear out of order as well. Once he pulled all the guts out, made just the slightest adjustments, bada bing bada boom, exquisite tones came from that piano. It became a masterpiece of artistry and engineering in their home.

That made me think about God's masterpiece creation, you and me. When we are in "tune" with our creator -- and being who He created us to be, we make beautiful, harmonious sounds and movements. He takes pleasure in hearing our praises and songs of joy to Him. But when His creation is "off" -- like our attitude that exudes negativity, anger, complaining, crankiness or are just plain out-of-sorts, then who He destined us to be, is not expressing the creator's intentions for His intricately designed, one-of-a-kind original. That's the time we need the Master Technician to tune us up, work us over, turn us inside out, and, though it may be painful, He will create in us the ability to make the most beautiful music that will touch the hearts of those around us with His love, His joy, His peace. We just need to submit to the Master Technician. We need to “Let go and let God” come visit us. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."

For We Are God's Masterpiece

Day 233 of Photo Inspirations -- For We Are God's Masterpiece
I LOVE this "masterpiece" made by the children of our church.  When I walked by it -- I knew I had my photo inspiration for today!

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."  Ephesians 2:10.

Those kids get it.  They know they were handcrafted by the Master Craftsman with a plan and purpose for their lives. They know they are valuable and are His pride and joy.  Like the saying goes, they know they're special 'cause "God don't make no junk!"   AND, so are YOU!

When my two kids were little, they sang this little song:  "I am a promise.  I am a possibility.  I am a promise, with a capital P.  I am a great big bundle of potentiality.  And I am learning to hear God's voice.  And I am trying to make the right choice.  I am a promise to be anything God wants me to be."  And you know what?  That's how my little kids grew up to be big kids with promise, possibilities, hearing God's voice, and making right choices!

When we understand that God created us with full intentions of making a masterpiece that has potential and abilities and talents AND we DAILY reinforce that into our children and grandchildren  -- then we can trust that He is making us, AND them, into exactly who He wants them to be.

We have to be careful not to think that we're just clay that God is sculpturing.  We have the amazing privilege of partnering with Him.  We have a hand in the clay of this masterpiece as we coopeate with Him.  We can decide how it will turn out!  Maybe we'll shine with the light of compassion for the needy.  Maybe we will produce deep fatihfulness in trying situations.  Maybe we'll exhibit the humble smile of a prayerful, peaceful spirit.  Maybe we will create the next vaccine that will eradicate cancer.  We are God's  "good work" and He will continue to guide us until that word is complete.

Philippians 1:6.  "And I am sure of this, that He who began a GOOD WORK IN YOU, is faithful to complete it."