Here and Now.....

So many times in life we get caught up in the tomorrows, whether it is a vacation, weekend, special holiday, wedding or job etc. We are on a treadmill going through the motions, with a sense of urgency to get to the next spot, without enjoying where we are.

The bible puts it like this. "This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24. We are on God's scene today, for a higher purpose than this moment, yet it is this moment that we are given.

Our highest calling in life is not about us, and we will never have fulfillment in satisfying our own wants and desires, but rather using our gifts and talents to help others along our path, where God has placed us, this very moment.

So I ask that we consider the here and now, with a bigger understanding that the here and now is fleeting, and we are made with a purpose that only we can do today, and when that moment is gone, it will not return.

Lord open our eyes to the world in which we live, that we may live life fully, here and now.....

Story: Life is like a cup of coffee. http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-106-Life+is+Like+a+Cup+of+Coffee.html

Heaven's View...

The other day we received word that a recent colleague that worked at the school where I currently teach, was mercilessly murdered while attempting to help the less fortunate in Nepal. The initial thoughts were, what a waste of such a young life, a sweet spirit, a giving soul. Maybe with more forethought she could have avoided this situation and truthfully, maybe so, but let's take a look at heaven's potential view....

Now this young lady was an art teacher by profession, and the person who murdered her brutally was also a teacher in Nepal. Could it be that Dahlia's life was a sacrifice for countless children, by losing her own life she has likely saved hundreds of children in this poverty stricken area, because this evil person will no longer be allowed to be around other helpless, vulnerable children? Could it be that God sent his special angel, to save his children in Nepal?

As a parent, of a daughter close in age, I would never wish to sacrifice my own in such a way and would warn of all the dangers in doing what Dahlia did, but from heaven's view, perhaps she was called and answered that calling deep within her soul.....without even fully understanding herself.

John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends".....

We may never understand everything on this side of heaven, but I pray for healing and comfort to Dahlia's family and friends during this time of personal loss, here on earth.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOqBVnsnHTU


http://www.kvue.com/story/news/local/2015/09/07/austin-teacher-killed--nepal/71839072/

I Will Cast My Cares on You!

Each day is a chance for us to grow in our walk with Christ as a result of casting our "cares" on him, or become stressed at not being able to control our circumstances. As I was talking to my daughter the other day, I explained our hardships are a way of making us better, if we allow ourselves to stay in the "fire", of discomfort and address the issues that are difficult, trusting in God to see us through and teach us how to become more like him.

When we learn to cast our cares on Jesus, we are letting go of the outcome and trusting him to care for us in a loving way. If you had good parents this is easier, but if not, it may take some positive experiences to teach you to trust in your loving, heavenly Father.

There are times in this life, whether young or old that we will face injustice, hardships, hurt and disillusionment. How we handle those circumstances will speak volumes to where our hope is. I pray this day you will be encouraged to cast your cares on the one who loves you the most!

Psalm 55:22: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc9pEb-Ej7U

He Knows.....

As a parent, I am grateful to be a Christian first, because when I am prone to worry, I can pray about whatever it is and be peaceful in otherwise uncertain conditions. The other day my daughter told me, who is away at grad school by herself for the first time, that her boyfriend of a year or so had kinda broken up with her. As a parent I was concerned with her being alone, and so far away, with few friends close by. Well I texted to check in on her last night, and she said she had locked herself out of her apartment, but that a new classmate close by had taken her to another new friend's house to spend the night.

As a mom I said a huge thank you! Not that my daughter had locked herself out, but that through that mishap, God was able to surround her with friends, so she wasn't alone. An answer to a mother's prayer...

Yes, God knows how to direct our footsteps, even in our difficulties.  Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

Matthew 6:26, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29–31).

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsccUg4TDd8