Is There Any Way to Simplify Life?

 

Thank you Virginia Sharp Franz for the beautiful bluebird

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.   Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)

Life is difficult.  Life is complicated.  I know…colossal understatement.  So many important things, essential things, exhaust my time and energy.  Family, work, home, property, friends—vie for my attention. I have tools--calendars and agendas—to help me sort it all out; I can’t keep up with them either.  Technology has sped up every facet of our lives, and rather than simplify mine, it has made it exponentially more overcharged.  When my teenager has to give me a tutorial on how to use a phone, I realize I've fallen behind the learning curve.

Is there any way to simplify my life?

I am finite.  God is infinite.  I know He is my strength.  There is so much I can’t understand and will never figure out.  I know I need God.

It simplifies my life—more than anything else I can think of—to simply listen to God.  Study and know God’s Word.  Look to Him for the guidance I need.  Trust Him to care for all of my needs.  Pray to Him seeking His guidance, mercies, and peace.  Obey Him.

I’d rather be an obedient child, a humble sheep in His pasture, than to try to manage it all on my own.  I trust my Father God to take care of me and lead me in the way that I should go.  I’m grateful to be a sheep in His pasture.  Life is simplified for me when I ask What would Jesus Do? like Charles Monroe Sheidon suggested in In His Steps.

Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.  Psalm 119:24

Much of the frustrations I’ve experienced in life have come from assuming my common sense and calculations would show the way, rather than looking to God and trusting His infinite wisdom to show me the way.  I need to cooperate with God on everything, and learning that path hasn't necessarily been easy.  I have second-guessed God.  I dare say you have too.  I have learned that when I make a decision, make it with God.  I say, I have learned, but in realitiy, it's a moment by moment choice to look to God.

When I call to Him and listen, I want to hear—This is the way walk ye in it. (Isaiah 30:21b)

Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.  Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law

and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes.  Psalm 119:33-36a (NIV)

Florida sunshine courtesy of Google prints

 

 

 





God Does Not Have Grandchildren ~ plus Winner of Book Give-Away

My daughter Katie and my grandsons Nathan and Jonah~making placemats for Thanksgiving.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: “The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.” Ezekiel 18:20b (KJV)

     My children often ask me to pray for them, which I gladly do every day.  They often bring prayer requests to me for their friends and others with special needs.  I am happy to pray for them, and bring their requests before the Lord.  We believe in the power of prayer.

     But, I remind my children that they must be in prayer as well for themselves and others.  They can’t become dependent on my prayers alone.  I remind them that God does not have grandchildren.  God only has children.

     Our children must form their own personal relationships with God.  It is certainly a blessing to have godly parents, but a believer cannot claim his parent’s righteousness as his own.  We can’t inherit our salvation.  No one ever inherited a mansion in glory from his parents. 

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.  Revelation 21:27 (NIV)

     We each must spend time with God and grow our relationship through reading His word, worship, and prayer.  God listens to the prayers of His children.  He rewards the righteous.

     And while we are on the topic of children and parents, we all have had experience with the prodigal--the wayward one who is wasting his substance with riotous living, who has certainly been taught the better way.  (See Luke15:11-24)  Maybe you were a prodigal.  Just as a believer cannot claim someone else’s righteousness as his own, neither can he be punished for someone else’s sins.  We must each bear the burdens and benefits of our own actions.  God judges each one of us according to our own lives. 

For every man shall bear his own burden. Galatians 6:5 (KJV)

     Jesus was the only innocent punished for the sins of others.  (See 1 Peter 3:18-19)

     By God’s grace, He’ll write your name in His book of life, but that will be a transaction between you and Him personally.

 Children and grandpuppy relaxing on Thanksgiving

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3 (NIV)

I thank my Heavenly Father God that we can all be His children through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  I'm so thankful for His mercy and grace and His loving kindness to watch over each one of us.

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God. 

And now, to announce the winner of Lisa Lickel's new mystery, Meow Meyhem.  Elaine Marie Cooper!  You will be receiving a copy.

Many thanks to all of you who left comments for Lisa and me.  We so enjoy reading your  nice comments.  I have a featured author and book give-away the first Monday of every month, so please mark your calendar. 

May God be with you and give you His peace.

My Marvelous Morning Caller ~ Enjoying the Moment

 

Beautiful cardinal gracious provided by Eileen DeCamp~thank you so much Eileen for taking this picture today for me.

This morning a cardinal came to visit.  I was looking out at the backyard from the french doors, watching the sky turn clear blue, listening to the clock ticking behind me and the birds chirping out back.  Something fell from the sky, and it was he. 

He hopped on the patio and then onto the welcome mat which he thoroughly inspected, pecking for tiny treats amongst the turf. He lingered longer than I expected as I stood very still watching.  He hop, hop, hopped over into the grass continuing his search for daily bread.  And I smiled standing there quiet sipping my hot coffee. 

Next he fluttered up into the cherry tree with its branch tips budding.  I thought to myself as I watched him bounce ever so gently, that I need to notice that tree daily now.  By Easter it will be reborn in cherry pink bloom. 

Then my morning caller continued on his way lighting in the edge of the irises and lilies.  I could still see the vibrant red of his head contrasted with the black around his beak.  And I thanked God that He had used the little cardinal to captivate my attention and focus it on the marvelous morning.  The cardinal, so alive.  God's handiwork.  His mercies new every morning.  And for those moments I was totally at peace and amazed by God.

 

This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.  This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:23-24. (KJV)

 

My Royal Copley planter ~ picture taken summer 2012



Lisa Lickel ~ featured author ~ plus monthly book give-away





Lisa Lickel ~ Living Our Faith Out Loud

Today, I'd like to introduce to my readers, Lisa Lickel.  She has been a good friend and encourager to me since we met through the John 3:16 Network of Christian writers.  I enjoy her writing style and her vitality.  I've asked her to tell us about herself and her writing.  Please be sure to take a look at  her blog and her website for more information, and leave a comment after the interview for an opportunity to win her book.

* * *

I’m delighted to be here with you. Rose has done a marvelous job with her blog, and I’m so proud of her.  Thank you, Rose, for hosting me today. 

I’m a Wisconsin-made product, born and raised. On a recent road trip my traveling companion, who’s just as proud of her home state as I am, asked me whether I’d ever thought of living elsewhere. Of course not, I told her. I love the change of seasons. I even enjoy the blizzards and the mosquitoes. My husband, a high school science teacher, and I raised two wonderful young men who took equally wonderful wives. No grandchildren yet, but I have a grand kitty I adore. 

My writing history began seriously in 2001 when a historical society friend told me, “You should be a writer!” after seeing my press releases about our group. I took the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course while I was a church secretary, and began to sell magazine articles before I graduated.  

The first novel I wrote placed in the top ten of the First Novel contest in 2004, but it took a few more years before I signed with my first agent and sold my first manuscript in 2007. Meanwhile I’d been writing freelance for local newspapers and selling more articles and writing like nobody’s business. I’d racked up more than a dozen novels and a children’s book series that I hope will be published this summer.  

My first novel appeared in 2009 with Barbour’s Heartsong: Mysteries Book Club, and I’ve published one or more novels, mostly with independent publishers, ever since. I have three books coming out this year. I spent a couple of years learning about developing an audience (platform-building), how to market myself (terrifying), and how to keep growing my craft. Networking is vital in any business, and writing and publishing is no different. 

Recently, I’ve gotten the rights back to my first two published novels and resold them to my new publisher in Canada. MuseItUp is not in a Christian Booksellers Association publisher, but to me, they are doing the best job I’ve seen outside of the “big time” publishers.  

I like to write stories that define and defend contemporary families.   Here is a list of a few of my novels: 

The Map Quilt 

The Last Bequest 

Healing Grace 

Meander Scar 

You can read more about my novels on my website: www.lisalickel.com. This is what a real writer does: Find a publisher who is proud of their inventory and works with authors to put out a great book. Use the editors to learn and grow in your work. Figure out which battles are worth the cost. Sit in the marketplace and sell your wares. Be ready to delve into great conversation. Most of all: Delight in the work of your hands and share it with enthusiasm. 

“If you have a message of encouragement for these people, please speak.” Acts 13:15, NIV

* * *

Lisa is offering a copy of her latest book, a mystery, Meow Mayhem from Whimsical Publications, either pdf version or in print, as a gift to one of our blog visitors.

Now available from Amazon in Paper back and e-book; available from Smashwords in other e-formats.

 

In this delightful story,  Ivy Preston keeps other people’s secrets for a living. When a small town mayor invites Ivy Preston and True Thompson to move their businesses to Apple Grove, can their love survive the sudden rise in crime? 

 

After being left at the altar, Ivy Amanda McTeague Preston uproots herself and her cat, an Egyptian Mau named Memnet, from her boring and lonely life to start over at the urging of Mayor Conklin, a fellow pedigreed Mau owner. Truesdale Thompson is ready to move in a fresh direction with his life. A private man whose physical wounds are the only outward sign of a tragic accident in his past, True and his cat, Isis, open a branch of his trendy little bookstore and coffee shop in Apple Grove. When Ivy takes a mysterious message while the mayor is away on business, only Ivy’s criminology professor mom and True believe there’s something rotten in Apple Grove. Can Ivy carry on her romance with True while saving the town from further Mayhem?

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you--I, whom you have redeemed.  Psalm 71:23 NIV

Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Lisa's mystery, Meow Mayhem:

At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone. It's easy.  Join in. Follow these steps to qualify for the random drawing.

1. Leave a comment on this blog (my favorite part!) which includes your name and email address if you want to be included in the drawing. You can comment without leaving your email if you don't want to be in the drawing. I will use your address to contact you if you win. To leave a comment, click on the pencil icon or the word comment at the end of this blog post.

2. Share this blog post on Facebook so your friends will read about it and visit too.

3. Tweet, tweet, tweet IF you have twitter, and mention the book give-away on your own blog if you have one. It would be great as well and an extra perk for me if you would become a follower of this site, so you won't miss a single post.

Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 9th.   A winner will be announced here on Monday, March 11th, so be sure to check back to see if you've won. 

Thank you so much for participating in the monthly give-away.  This feature of Write Moments with God is so much fun for me.

May God give you His peace and keep you safe in the palm of His hands, my friends.



 

 

 

The Sobering Truth about some *F* Words

Little redbird not minding the rain~he sat there for a long time.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not.  Luke 22:31-32a

It rained practically all week; the toilet ran over and I had to call the plumber; the dog ate my son’s new boxers; I got a nasty cold.  What a week!  And that’s not the half of it. 

Frustrations piling on—stealing our money, our time, our sense of well-being—can lead to fear.

Fear—fear of not being able to do what we need to do, fear of failure.
 

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.  1 Peter 4:12
 

The truth is this.  I am no exception.  Everyone deals with these kinds of frustrations.  They are minor obstacles really in the big scheme of things--minor irritants compared with what most of this world’s population must endure on a daily basis.  Hardly worth wasting the breath it takes to grumble.  Such is the human condition.

And what’s more.  We’ll always have to deal with these petty obstacles in this fallen world.  Conditions cannot always be ideal.  It’s just not possible on this pilgrim journey.  Heaven is promised for a future reality.

Oh yes, Satan will try to sift us and shake our confidence in God.  Shake our confidence in who we are in Christ Jesus.

Look to Jesus.  I say this to encourage myself as much as to encourage you. 

Our circumstances cannot control our outlook. 

Our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the principal reality.  I want that to control my perspective.  Our faith in Him is what matters most in our everyday moments. 

Faith is the victory over all our frustrations and fears.

For whoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4

 

Rainbows along the way~photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

 

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  Please feel free to leave your comments below.  I love to hear from you.  May God grant you peace from all frustrations and fears as you look to Him the author and finisher of our Faith.  Blessings...

 

Where Have You Placed Your Trust?

Thomas Jefferson's home~Monticello~Charlottesville, Virginia~photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

 

Yesterday while walking to my car across the parking lot of the grocery store, I caught sight of a shiny coin—a nickel.  As I leaned down to pick it up, I saw that it was heads up.  I smiled.

“In God We Trust”

I said it over to myself.  “In God We Trust.”  I’m so proud of my country that chooses to emboss such a fine declaration on its money.    Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4)   Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  (Proverb 3:5)

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. (Psalm 118:8-9)   Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.  (Psalm 40:4)

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah  (Psalm62:8)

So, here’s the thing.   In God We Trust is embossed on our money.  But is trust in God embossed on our hearts?  That’s probably a good question to ask ourselves every time we notice those words on our money.

 

And again, "I will put my trust in him." (Hebrews 2:13a)

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  Please consider leaving a comment below.  I really enjoy reading them.  May God be with you and bless you richly.

How Interruptions Can Be Defining Moments--All the Way to Golgotha into Life Eternal

 

In The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Augusta, GA

We really never know what God has in store for us each day.  We make our to-do lists, plot our best-laid plans.  I’ve been thrown off my game, time and again, because my plans were disrupted, only later to see how masterfully God wove people, places, times, and events together.  He has the master plan.  What I need to do is ask Him to lead the way; I will take up my cross, and follow Him. (See Matthew 16:20)

Today I want us to think about someone—Simon the Cyrenian—whose day was disrupted by a most defining moment of history.  He indeed followed Jesus all the way to Golgotha.

There isn’t much recorded about this man in the Scriptures, and I am not a theologian, but this is what I’ve found.  Simon, from Cyrene, a city in Libya, had come into Jerusalem from out of the country possibly  to celebrate the Passover.  Maybe he had his sons with him (I don’t know).  He had two sons, Alexander and Rufus.  Rufus is referred to by Paul in his letter to the Romans as one “chosen of the Lord”.  (See Romans 16:13)  Since the Apostles had spoken to people from his region telling of  the wonderful works of God  (See Acts 2:11), it’s possible Simon was a believer.  But I don’t know if he was or not.  This is what we know.

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the  country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.  Mark 15:21

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it for Jesus.  Luke 23:26

I can imagine the soldiers snatching Simon by the shoulders, pulling him out of that crowd which lined the streets, and making him bear the cross on which Jesus would be crucified.  I imagine he was terrified,  little knowing that he had been overtaken by a divine assignment. 

He carried THE CROSS all the way with Jesus to Golgotha.  And I believe he stayed with Jesus, witnessing his crucifixion, and the crucifixion of the two thieves, and the agony, and the darkness and our Lord’s death.  I believe Simon carried that cross all the way to Life Eternal, and his family too with him.

And today, knowing what we know, we all might say, “Let me, let me, let me bear the Savior’s cross!”  We would volunteer gladly to help carry that burden for our Lord Jesus Christ. 

We should shout for joy because Jesus has told us how we can do just that. 

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  Matthew 25:40

Don’t be surprised if God gives you an unexpected opportunity to do an act of mercy and kindness and by so doing lets you help bear the Lord’s cross.  We all need a Simon, and we all can be one.

One of my favorite photos ever courtesy of Aaron Barton

 

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  Please consider leaving a comment below or writing me at writemoments@gmail.com.  I love to hear from you.  God be with you always.