A Balancing Act

   Loved the imagery in yesterday's devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. "Let the dew of My Presence refresh your mind and heart...As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so My Presence revitalizes you as you sit quietly with Me."  Let's face it, we all need to be revitalized. Life is crazy busy with everyday stuff, then something major comes along in the mix and ,if we let it, everything gets out of control. So how do we sort out what's important and what's not? There's a simple answer...Jesus. (I'm reminded of my years as a youth pastor.  When I asked a question, nine times out of ten, a student would reply "Jesus."  When I asked for an explanation, I would get the reply, "He's the answer to all our questions."  At the time I kind of thought it was a cop-out, but now I'm beginning to see the wisdom of the youth in the group!)
   Also  from the devotion:

So many many things vie for your attention in this complex world of instant communication.  The world has changed enormously since I first gave the command to be still and know that I am God. [Psalm 46:10] However, this timeless truth is essential for the well-being of your soul.

So how do we manage?

   That really doesn't need comment.  It's a constant balancing act. We all know how we spend our time...faith, family, friends, job, Facebook, television, texting, video games, etc.  Is faith something you do only on Sundays? Are you too busy working to spend time in the evenings with family and friends? Are the things at work so worrisome that when you're with family and friends you're really not "with" them?  I'm always sad to go to a restaurant and see a family sitting at a table...mom and dad on a phone talking or texting, kids playing video games, texting, or with earphones listening to music...no one talking to each other. 
    This part really spoke to me: "A refreshed, revitalized mind is able to sort out what is important and what is not.  In its natural condition, your mind easily gets stuck on trivial matters"  My friends know I get distracted easily. [You're going to have to quit laughing so you can finish reading this post.] Yes, I've had to develop a system to clean house because, in the past, it would be a lengthy process because I would leave the room I was cleaning to put something in another room, get distracted by something in that room, stay in that room and do something completely unrelated to cleaning. (Example: Take something to the living room, see a scrapbook out and, instead of putting the scrapbook away, sit down to look at the scrapbook to finish an hour or more later, because I love reliving the memories.)
   More great imagery: "Like the spinning wheels of a car trapped in mud, the cogs of your brain spin impotently when you focus on a trivial thing.  As soon as you start communicating with Me about the matter, your thoughts gain traction and you can move on to more important things."
   I wasn't surprised one of the scripture passages for the devotion was Luke 10:39-41.  That may sound familiar since I used it a few days ago...it's the story of Mary and Martha. I'm still working on my Mary side!
   It's a comfort to know that when I do communicate with God, He will help me be discerning so I can spend more time on the important and less time on the unimportant. "Communicate with Me continually, and I will put My thoughts into your mind."  I'm finding more and more that when I keep an open and honest dialogue going with God, He directs my thoughts; sometimes giving me a better solution or a different approach to a problem. This definitely helps me concentrate more on the important things in life.

A Glorious Adventure...(and an update)

    Today, instead of telling the devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young then commenting, I'm going to tell the devotion in pieces and comment as I go.  Had lots of things I thought about during the devotion! (I don’t like to read long blog posts, but sometimes I make exceptions.  Hopefully you will, too.)

My Favorite Adventure!

   "Living in dependence on Me is a glorious adventure.  Most people scurry around busily, trying to accomplish things through their own strength and ability.  Some succeed enormously; others fail miserably.  But both groups miss what life is meant to be: living and working in collaboration with Me."
   It's interesting, in my first post about this whole leukemia thing (Cancer Round Two!) I referred to this journey as an adventure. At the time, I didn’t see it as a “glorious” adventure. Now, looking back, I can see how it has been a glorious adventure.  In the Bible study I’m in on Wednesday night, we’ve been studying II Corinthians.  One of the things from that, in Chapter 1, verses 3-5, I've learned (again...remember this from the first go-round) is that God comes along side us when we go through adversity, then we are able to come along side others and comfort them because of what we go through. I’ve received emails from people who have read posts that God has used to bless them.  I was writing to work my way through this “adventure” and draw closer to God; God is taking what's been helping me to manage the adventure and using it for His good.  I learned that a lot of times I try to accomplish things through my own ability.  I’m reminded that I need to live and work in collaboration with God.  This reminds me of a study I was in several years ago (Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby) and a phrase that I’m reminded of often: “See where God’s at work and join Him.”
   “When you depend on Me continually, your whole perspective changes.  You see miracles happening all around, while others see only natural occurrences and “coincidences. You begin each day with joyful expectation, watching to see what I will do.”
   The good news is I think I’ve been learning to depend on God more and more over the years since I’ve been more and more in His Word.  I have noticed my perspective has changed little by little.  As a teacher, I’ve been able to pray through some pretty challenging situations and God has let me see students through His eyes of love and has done some miraculous things.  Finding this leukemia through a routine blood test during my last six month check-up from breast cancer was no coincidence…it was a “God”incidence! As Dr. B said, “It was God thing.”  I’m working on beginning each day with joyful expectation…joy seems to be my theme lately and I’m lovin’ it!
   “You accept weakness as a gift from me, knowing that My Power plugs in most readily to consecrated weakness.  You keep your plans tentative, knowing that My plans are far superior.  You consciously live, move, and have your being in Me, desiring that I live in you.  I in you and you in Me.  This is the intimate adventure I offer you.” (Acts 17:28, John 14:20-21)
   Still working on the weakness thing. (See the post My Natural Preference from August 31^st.) I find I am learning to keep my plans tentative.  You see, the thing that upset me initially when I got the call from Dr. B was this was going to wreck all the plans I had for the following week.  I was suppose to substitute for a friend in WW meetings, so I would have to get a subs for her meetings and my regular meetings.  I’d plan to clean out a file cabinet at school and get rid of it. I had plans to have lunch with friends, something we do every year.  Yes, my plans…not God’s plans.  Also learned I don’t have to understand. I have been told I plan too much and don’t give God room to work.  I always replied, “I’m making plans, but God can always change them.”  Didn’t realize how true that was! 
   This morning I started to catch up on the sermons I’ve missed over the last few weeks. (Still not suppose to attend church, but have permission to make it to Sunday School.) The one I listened to this morning (the one from the Sunday I went into the hospital) was perfect for me today.  It was “Worry to Trust” by Dr. Craig Shaw.  It’s about twenty-five minutes long and worth listening to. Go to rejoicechurch.podbean.com and scroll down to it.  Yes, God’s plans are superior to mine.  I don’t want to do it my way; I want to do it His way.  This is a daily learning experience for me.  I want to have the intimate adventure that consists of me living, moving, and having my being in Him.

Update:
   I've been home from the hospital a whole week and have two more weeks until the next phase of treatments.  Still get tired easy, but have been doing a little exercise (Dr. B said it was okay.). Did laundry today...love doing the "ordinary" things. Blood pressure still good.  God continues to be faithful and work His plans!

Hide and Go Seek?...(and an update)

  Aren't you glad Jesus doesn't play Hide and Go Seek?  Today's devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

Seek Me with your whole being.  I desire to be found by you, and I orchestrate the events of your life with that purpose in mind.  When things go well and you are blessed you can feel Me smiling on you.  When you encounter rough patches along your life-journey, trust that My Light is still shining upon you.  My reasons for allowing these adversities may be shrouded in mystery, but My continual Presence with you is an absolute promise.  Seek Me in good times: seek Me in hard times.  You will find Me watching over you all the time.

   Love the Message version of one of today's scriptures, Hebrews 10:23- " Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word."
    Also from the Message version: Deuteronomy 4:29-31(Verse 29 was in the devotion; I added the others because they spoke to me as well.): "But even there, if you seek God, your God, you'll be able to find him if you're serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul. When troubles come and all these awful things happen to you, in future days you will come back to God, your God, and listen obediently to what he says. God, your God, is above all a compassionate God. In the end he will not abandon you, he won't bring you to ruin, he won't forget the covenant with your ancestors which he swore to them."
   What a great reassurance! It comforts me to know that God is with me during adversity.  What I realize, though, is that I tend to seek God more during the rough patches than I do during the "everything is going okay" times.  (This may have to do with the "I want to be in control and can take care of myself" attitude I tend to have from time to time.)  Oh, I study the Word...love to learn and see what God is going to teach me. But, I'm wondering if I'm earnestly seeking God. Am I seeking with my whole being...body, soul, spirit? This has gotten me thinking about when, where, and how I have my devotion and prepare for my Bible study.  It's gotten me thinking about opportunities I will have during my recovery time to do more seeking.
   I know that nothing can touch me until it is filtered through God's love first. With that in mind, I can see that during this time I need to learn to seek Jesus more with my whole being. I need to listen obediently. I praise God for the opportunity to seek Him more!

Update:

   A very good day! Got up early to follow doc's instructions to avoid crowds. Replenished my supply of Weight Watchers oatmeal and got a few other goodies.  Blessed to see some wonderful ladies at WW. Home to rest for a while.  The nephews came over and cleaned for me, then we watched a movie together.  Sis picked up a few groceries. Unexpected blessing from a dear friend. Blood pressure continues to be great. Tired, but happy. God's amazing power and faithfulness continues to overwhelm me!