One Thousand Gifts

796.  White boards

797.  Baked French Toast

798.  Fresh veggies in the grocery cart

799.  Kids willing to try something new

800.  Crossword puzzles

801.  Helping him study for a history test

802.  Cleaning the classroom

803.  The smell and sound of popcorn popping

804.  Reading Scripture over the phone

805.  Phone calls home

806.  When she shares her dreams from the night before

807.  That her art supplies are never far from reach

808.  Paper towels

809.  Normal test results

810.  Brainstorming with my Mom

One Thousand Gifts

781.  How a mug of hot tea warms cold hands

782.  Hearing her sing softly to herself

783.  That she wants to volunteer in the Toddler Room at church

784.  That the teachers welcomed her help!

785.  Prayer warriors who faithfully pray

786.  Pinewood derby cars

787.  Coming up with a successful "Plan B" when others were depending on me

788.  Bible studies that challenge and encourage

789.  Shopping with gift cards

790.  A guest artist at church whose words touched hearts

791.  The smell of her fresh, clean hair

792.  Hearing clothes tumble in the dryer

793.  The great strides she has made in math

794.  Encouraging updates from their piano teacher

795.  Nighttime routines

Five Minute Friday: Dive

Last month I watched the movie U-571.  During one scene, the Americans have commandeered a crippled German U-boat (submarine), but encounter a German destroyer before they are ready to fight.  They take out the destroyer’s communication tower and then proceed to dive below the surface to escape.

Just yesterday, I brought lunch to a friend who has broken her foot and needs a little extra help these days.  As we sat at the counter munching our salads, the conversation turned toward spiritual warfare.  We both commented that we had noticed a marked increase in the spiritual warfare among the circle of people that we both know.  She expressed her frustration at being unable to help others because she must remain flat on her back in the house all day.  She also mentioned, that because of her current isolation, she has focused on praying for others.

We need to remember that we are at war with a destroyer.  It takes teamwork to operate a submarine.  One man can’t do it all.  Ministry should be marked by action, and even if we “take a hit” and are stuck on the couch, we can still pray for others, as my friend is doing.  God’s power, resources, wisdom and love are as vast and deep as the ocean (and beyond). 

Be in the Word. 
Fall on your knees.

Flip the switch.
Sound the alarm.
Dive!  Dive!  Dive!!


          

One Word: Cultivate

As the end of 2012 approached, I began to pray and ask the Lord if He had a word for me for 2013.  The first time I heard it was in a sermon.  In the days that followed, it was placed before my eyes or ears a few more times, helping to confirm in my heart and mind that this was what He had for me. 

The word is:  Cultivate

As I began to ponder this word, I decided to look it up in the dictionary.  I knew what it meant, but sometimes words can have multiple meanings or nuances that may not immediately come to mind.  There were six different definitions, but three in particular stood out to me, and I noticed an overarching theme of relationships.

Personal

Definition 1: to improve and prepare (land), as by plowing and fertilizing, for raising crops

First and foremost, I need to deepen my walk with the Lord.  I need to be improving and preparing my heart for Him on a daily basis.  Just as garden soil needs to be fertilized, tilled, and weeded, I need to be doing the same with my heart.    It is my desire to dig deeper into the Word, and allow that process to reveal those “weeds” in my heart and life that need to be removed.  The whole point of cultivating land is to raise a crop.  I am excited to learn what He wants to raise within me this year, and am anxious for new growth.  (Psalm 37:3)

Parental

Definition 2: To nurture; foster

As a parent, I am reminded of my constant need for Him to help me shepherd my little flock of two.  I need to provide nourishing food (the Word), gather them when I sense them straying, carry them when they are weary or struggling, and gently lead them.  (Isaiah 40:11)

Friendships

Definition 3:  To seek the acquaintance or good will of; make friends with

It will be my goal to really invest in friendships.  My desire is that I will be able to take what I learn in my personal walk, and use it to encourage and minister to others.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Verse of the Year:
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.  (Psalm 37:3, NASB)

This year’s word is full of action, and will require diligence.  I am excited to “dig in,” and look forward to new growth in all areas of my life!

One Thousand Gifts

 
766.  Her hair in ringlets

767.  Dinner at Panera Bread (first time!)

768.  Frosting cookies together

769.  Waxed paper

770.  The shooting and explosion sounds boys make while playing together

771.  A freshly tuned piano

772.  Free time to read

773.  New cookie sheets

774.  That the flat tire occurred a half mile from the tire center

775.  Having time to prepare nutritious meals

776.  Frost-crusted trees

777.  The pale blue light of a winter morning

778.  Old barns in the morning mist

779.  Her sweet confession

780.  How she whispers to her new doll

Five Minute Friday: Opportunity

There is a quote by Thomas A. Edison that says, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”**

A life of faith isn’t promised to be puppies and ice cream cones all the time.  It takes work.  It means seizing each moment and making it count for the kingdom.  The proverbs warn us against laziness.  Jesus instructs us to serve.  2 Corinthians 10:5 exhorts us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.  We face a multitude of kingdom-related opportunities each and every day in our hearts and minds.  How many do we miss or overlook because they aren’t “dressed” in a way that we are expecting, or because we are unwilling or unable to make the effort that is sometimes required? 

I am reminded today to live intentionally, with renewed energy and focus on investing in eternal rewards.  In doing this, I will have the opportunity to meet with Him in my work, my relationships, and in my heart.

“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”  (Galatians 6:9-10, NASB)

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**Quote Citation: Thomas A. Edison. BrainyQuote.com, Xplore Inc, 2013. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasaed104931.html, accessed January 4, 2013.

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/citation/quotes/quotes/t/thomasaed104931.html#3rbuilstCxmB32zT.99

          

From the Beginning

“But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year.”  (Deut. 11:11-12, NASB)

This was the text for today’s devotional in Streams in the Desert.  I’ll be honest…this is by far my least favorite time of year.  While others appear excited at the opportunity for a fresh start, I am still trying to emotionally process the year I just completed.  While others have newfound energy to set and embark on new and noble goals, I struggle with lethargy and a general lack of enthusiasm for anything. 

I feel like Eeyore in a crowd of Tiggers.

This morning’s passage encouraged me, though.  Whether viewed within the grander scope of one’s life, or within a narrower focus of the upcoming year, I can be assured that there will be hills and valleys, trials and triumphs. 

The land (my life, this year) is something that God cares for.  He sees it, has plans for it, and wishes for me to possess it. 

He does not intend for me to navigate through it in my own strength (impossible), but in His. 

His mercies are new every morning
His resources are limitless
His grace is sufficient
His power is made perfect in my weakness.

I am comforted and encouraged at the reminder that His eyes are always on me, from the beginning even to the end…