Who Is Driving?

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20

With my car having brake issues and now in the shop, I was driving my daughter's car, which meant she was along for the ride with me. I took her to an activity and as she sat down and buckled the passenger side seatbelt she looked to me and exclaimed, "I don't like sitting over here, this feels weird!"
I responded quickly with, "Now you know how I feel when you drive me around in my own car." 

We both sat quietly for the rest of the drive. 

The next day as I was driving alone, the Lord brought the conversation with my daughter back to my remembrance and He said, "Now you know how I feel."  

In order to play the music He has arranged for you, you have to remember "you are not your own."

Let Him in the sit in the driver's seat.

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!"
1 Chronicles 16:8

Make A Joyful Noise

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." I Peter 4:10 (NKJV)

"For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."
Romans 12:4-8 (NKJV)

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;" Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV)

One of your purposes in God's Orchestra is to edify, or build one another up, through the use of your instrument with your gifts. If you don't use yours, why not? Is there an area where you can serve? Can you pray about how/where to serve? Look around at the ministries in your local church, where can your gifts best be utilized.

Do you know what your gifts are? The Lord invites you to call upon Him.
"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

He encourages His children to ask for good gifts.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
Matthew 7:7-12 (NKJV).

When you know your gifts and how to use your instrument to edify one another, you are able to show Christ-likeness to one another.
"for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13 (NKJV)

And as a church, we will see the reality of God's word, "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:27 (NKJV)

Once you see Him at work through you, the way you work for the Kingdom will never be the same.
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."
Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV)

His Plan

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)

In a previous post "Arrangement" I continued to try and define God's Orchestra using Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. From this definition, I could see the emphasis on the word 'plan,' so following the earlier notion, I replaced 'arrange' with 'plan' and I have God’s Plan.

Now, I really think we are getting somewhere, but can it really be this simple? Would I find the meaning of God’s Orchestra, His Plan, in the dictionary?

I looked up the definition of the word plan, a noun circa 1706, which has it’s etymology from French, plane, foundation, ground plan; partly from Latin planum level ground, from neuter of planus level; partly from French planter to plant, fix in place, from Late Latin plantare.

1 plan, 1 : a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as a : a top or horizontal view of an object b : a large-scale map of a small area

2 a : a method for achieving an end b : an often customary method of doing something : PROCEDURE c : a detailed formulation of a program of action d : GOAL, AIM

3 : an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective

4 : a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service)
- plan·less adjective
- plan·less·ly adverb
- plan·less·ness noun

Concerning the third definition, I noted 'plan' to be “an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective.” The word arrangement caught my attention as well as the word design.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." I Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)  God is an orderly God. So, I replaced plan with design and found God’s Design. 

He certainly is up to something and I am on the edge of my seat!

Love Each Day Without Regret

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us."
I John 4:11-12 (NKJV)

I had a conversation with a friend yesterday regarding life, death and the circumstances surrounding my father's current state of health.

He asked whether I would want to know how much time someone had left to live (as with a serious illness) and watch them fade away, or would I rather find out one day they died suddenly?

I said, selfishly, I'd want to have all the time I could with them and have "no regrets." He said, "If you live each day loving them, then you don't have the regret."

Feeling Under Appreciated?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." - Colossians 3:23-24

In the words of men greater than I, (the Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul) "Woe is me!" 

I must confess the discrepancy between blog entries has been longer than I anticipated or even desired.  To be honest, life has thrown my family a curveball and I am learning to adapt and overcome on a daily basis.  My father had survived lung cancer but his failing health has our family in constant concern.  During the past couple of weeks his health has gotten worse and our need for concern was confirmed.  The cancer has metastasized to the right, rear cerebellum. This affects his motor skills and short term memory.  

It seemed as though we have been taking him to Doctor's appointments or emergency room visits day after day, sometimes twice in a day for months.  It has been exhausting.  My father used to live with me, but my sister and her family moved here from another state recently to be closer to dad and help out.  He moved in with her. 

My sister and her family were no less busy than I, as a single parent of high school Junior.  You can imagine how tired, exhausted, and under appreciated we might have all felt at times...but if my dad needed to go to the hospital at midnight, we would load the car up and take him. No hesitations. 

Having set the stage for what happened this week, I want to share with you how amazing God was to show up for me even while I was being my "woeful" human self, flesh kicked into full gear, feeling tired, exhausted, overwhelmed, sorry for myself, but trying to keep a smile on for the rest of the world.  

My father had a doctor appointment on Monday, (after I had spent a physically and emotionally exhausting week out of town with my daughter).  Typically (not always) the receptionists look at the computer screen while asking for your information in a monotone voice.  Then, without really looking up, they check you in, or say they can not help you, etc. and call for the next in line.  

This was not the case with the receptionist who we went to for help with my father's schedule.  Regina was smiling, glowing almost, as she looked at my father and asked him for his information.  When she asked if I was his emergency contact, I replied "Yes," and then it happened...her necklace sparkled, and caught my attention, to which I said "Never mind me, I am just admiring your necklace."  

Regina studied the computer screen and I could see some confusion, the same confusion we had.  "He is supposed to have an appointment tomorrow but it is not showing up in is schedule." I told her.  "Can you help us?"  
"You are right, nothing is listed here.  Let me call down to that department and find out for you." She smiled as she picked up the phone.  

Immediately, my father's phone rang.  It was Debbie from the other department to confirm my father's appointment on Tuesday.  Regina did not even have the opportunity to dial the number.  She allowed us to remain in her cubicle rather than making us move to talk on the phone.  My father had me talk to Debbie to confirm the details as his memory is failing.  

After hanging up, we thanked Regina for helping us and my dad began to walk away but Regina handed me something in an envelope.  I told her I had my father's list of appointments and medications already, but when I glanced down I saw my name on it.  She said, "It is for you." With her big, beautiful smile she handed me the envelope. Then I notice it was missing!  Her necklace.  She had taken it off and put it in the envelope.   

I was stunned.  Speechless.  My throat tightened and tears began to well up as I started to hand it back. I could not take her necklace.  She just smiled as she said, "This is for you."  My father had left for the elevator and I needed to get to him.  My head was spinning.  She does not know the circumstances facing our family or how tired I am today. If she only knew how blessed I feel in this moment.  How could I even find the words to express everything going through my mind.  I filled out a "STAR" employee recognition card at her place of employment. Not for the gift, but for the sweet patience and graciousness she showed my dad and I during such a tender time.  

Once home that afternoon, I opened the envelope and read the note she included with the necklace.  The feelings of blessing washed over me again.   
I shared this story with everyone I spoke to the whole day, until I ran out of new faces to tell. 

WOE IS ME

In the light of this blessing, still feeling overwhelmed and tired. The list of to do's seems to be longer than the day.  Between a teenage daughter, hours spent at the doctor appointments, not to mention the travel time to and from, then home to a house that needs to be picked up, laundry, dishes and dinner (which is the last thing one thinks about when under so much stress, but everyone else wants to eat). I do not even have the chance to go grocery shopping...when do I have the time, so what is there to cook?  

See, where I am going with this? I started to feel a little under appreciated...
I was running myself ragged, coming home, cleaning house, trying to pull something together for dinner when I could barely stand, jump in bed with my bible and one of three devotionals that I could read maybe a verse or paragraph before falling asleep and then doing it all over again the next day. Thursday night at my sister's house we were syncing our calendars with dad's appointment schedule.  We try to both attend, but we take when our schedules conflict.  This also helps with caregiver stress.  I am glad God moved my sister  here (another great story) and we have each other during this difficult time. 

Back to Thursday night, I began to feel under appreciated, NOT by my father or sister. It can seem that the mother's work is never done (and this is not even about my daughter) more about appreciation in general.  I started on a "little-feeling-sorry-for-myself" trip and before you know it, I was on the all-inclusive "No-One-Thanks-You-for-Dinner-Or-Helps-Around-The-House-Or-Says-Wow-You-Have-A-Lot-On-Your-Plate-And-You-Still-Do-ALL-This-For-Others-How-Can-I-Help-You?" vacation.  My bags were packed and I was set to sail off to some dreary island not focusing on the blessings and appreciation all around (more on that in a minute). 

After appointments on Friday, I searched out Regina and I heard her smiling voice helping someone else even before I could see her.  I waited until her cubicle was empty and stepped in front of it.  She stood up, eyes widened and smiling, she motioned for me to come closer.  

"I got your note." She said. "I am so happy you came back because I really wanted to tell you what happened but I did not know how to tell you right then." She began. "That morning, when I got dressed, I went to put my necklace on.  I had not seen that necklace in over a year so I put it on, but the Holy Spirit to me to take an extra one with me. I thought that was strange because I never take two necklaces to work but when the Holy Spirit tells you to do something, you obey him." She said.

Regina went on to say, "When you said you admired my necklace, the Holy Spirit said, 'Give it to her.  I want her to feel appreciated.  I want her to know I appreciate her.'"  

She said, "I was not sure how you were going to take what I had to say to you, but since you came back today, I know I have to tell you. He wants you to know, He appreciates you.  He sees what you are doing and He appreciates you." 

I started to cry, I came there to tell her how she had blessed me, even though she did not know what I was going through.  But I did not need to tell her. And she did not bless me.  God used her to bless me as He does each of us who are willing instruments in His Orchestra.  He knows everything, all the time, and He is the One we need to look to for appreciation, not other people especially and including our family and friends. 

After talking a minute more, I asked if I could use her name in writing this story and she graciously gave her permission.    

I ran into Regina one more time that afternoon, in the hallway.  She impressed upon me the message the Holy Spirit had given her (last Monday as she saw me...remember He did not tell her that morning why she would bring two necklaces to work, just to do it and she obeyed).

"He wants you to know He appreciates you.  He sees what you do. And He loves you."  Immediately, I began to mentally unpack my "feeling-sorry-myself-suitcase" and trade in the tickets to "Feeling-Overlooked-Island" at "Humble-Junction."

God is Good.  Everything He does is good. 

Feeling Anxious?

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23, 24 (NKJV)

“It’s OK to be afraid. It’s not OK to be afraid and disobedient.” - Chip Ingram

What is God asking you to do?  Preach?  Go into the world and teach?  Pray?  Serve a specific group of His children?  Feed the hungry?  Clothe the needy?  Give?  Love the unlovely?  Are you obediently answering His call or are you afraid you lack the necessary qualifications?  Are you allowing feelings of insecurity keep you from doing the work God has gifted you to do?  

If you allow anxieties to control your actions, you may tend to tread cautiously, if you take any action at all.  This lack of boldness in activity highlights a lack of faith.  ^"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).  It is with this knowledge that you can confidently face your fears and take steps of obedience.

Happy Birthday

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
     Before you were born I sanctified you;
          I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
               - Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)

How do you celebrate your birthday? Do you send invitations, order balloons, cake and ice cream? What is your favorite part about the day? Do you spend time with family and friends? What about presents? Do you look forward to packages wrapped in pretty paper?

Everyday is like your birthday with The Lord and He wants to daily bless you.  Do you see how He blesses you with gifts?  Are you willing to look for them?  When you receive them, do you acknowledge their source?

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah"
     - Psalms 68:19 (NKJV)