And God Said…….

I thought I had exhausted God’s early morning wonders, but not so yesterday. As I snapped this view of the sun’s rays, I thought: “And God said…..” Oh, if ever we needed God's "saids" with clarity, it is in these times. I sensed He was "saying" and we only need to lend an ear. A neighbor walked by me and remarked “Isn’t that the most beautiful sunrise?” And I replied with gusto: “And God said...” The man said “I think so, too!”

So this blog today is straight from Heaven Central to us earthlings! No doubt, God is wanting to get through to His rebellious, disobedient, contrary, and ornery kids because He loves us way too much to let us go on like this. I’m one of those who needs to be reminded of His words from way before this day and time. He probably – no, surely – had us in mind when He spoke them the first time. Let's listen to what our Father is saying. I, with you, want to hear Him and purpose to obey Him with my words AND actions:

🎚And God said,
"Let there be light," and there was light.” Genesis 1:3
🎚And God said,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Jeremiah 31:3
🎚 And God said,
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:17
🎚 And God said,
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
🎚 And God said,
“I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
🎚 And God said,
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Isaiah 54:10
🎚 And God said,
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
🎚And God said,
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
🎚And God said,
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
🎚And God said,
“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
🎚And God said,
“Come to Me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
🎚 And God said,
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Making the Most of Our Lives

Over the 19 years since the diagnosis of osteoarthritis in my fingers, some deformity occurred. Initially, the pain was so severe that I needed help to do the simplest things like buttoning a blouse or zipping up slacks. The worst part was being unable to pick up my grand-babies. Through prayer and wise nutrition counsel, I have had no pain or only minuscule pain if I overuse them. I continue to stand in faith for total healing. But, what a small price to pay for years of the gift of using these hands to type, write and accomplish so many things in so many ways. Such a gift to be able to hold someone's hand and lay these hands on those in need or prayer. I'll continue to use them despite looking a little gnarly. I am not complaining.

I can't complain at all, especially when I see others with even worse physical issues. I was touched by Shane Claiborne's book, "The Irresistible Revolution", subtitled "Living as an Ordinary Radical", that describes what a truly Christian lifestyle should be like based on his personal experience with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. He wrote: "People often ask me what she was like. Sometimes it's like they wonder if she glowed in the dark or had a halo. She was short, wrinkled, and precious, maybe a little ornery, like a beautiful, wise, old granny. But there is one thing I will never forget -- her feet. Her feet were deformed. I would stare at them. A Sister explained: "Her feet are deformed because we get just enough donated shoes for everyone, and Mother does not want anyone to get stuck with the worst pair, so she digs through and finds them. And years of doing that have deformed her feet."

Years of loving her neighbor as herself deformed her feet. When people are asked about the person whose life they most admire, so often the answer is "Mother Teresa". She made the most of her life which sounds strange when we consider her life was a life of self-denial, taking up her cross, following Jesus.

Life is an extraordinary and a wonderful gift. God's Word constantly urges us not to waste this gift but to make the most of our lives. "Making the most of our lives", to some, varies from seeing the seven wonders of the world, being sure to visit every state in the union, climbing the tallest mountain, running a marathon each year OR, in the case of exhausting this body that was given us to make a difference in our world or at least to make a difference in those who God places in our lives. My bucket-list has become a shorter list these days -- because now I'm seeing clearer what "making the most of my life is really all about". Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, your love and your joy -- just maybe -- I can make the most of my life today by surrendering my will to yours.