Hi!
I pray you all had a great week. My week was filled with so many things that today I find myself worn out but very happy to be able to be part of God's plan for my life.
Sometimes ministry becomes so overwhelming that I tend to develop a cold heart towards the very people the Lord has called us to serve. Their problems overwhelm me and when they seek help from us they often don't want to listen to the Bible that has all the answers to their problems. God's word that has all the answers doesn't seem relavant to their current needs.
They can't get along with one another or are just too busy to be involved in the church.
For the past six years Jon and I have poured our lives into a minstry that has required constant attention. The church here didn't have a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. We have seen this church flutuate from 12 committed people who were here to keep the church doors open to 60 people a couple of years ago when the church was growing and maturing, now averaging around 35. The more Jon has preached the Word the more active Satan has been out to destroy what God has done here in Red Cloud. Divorce, Marriages falling apart, apathy, unbelief sums up what has gone on here the past two years. There are days that I am just ready to quit, because it all overwhelmes me and then the Lord allows me to see what is going on here through someone elses eyes.
Today those eyes were through Steven's our spiritual son whom the Lord put into lives by no accident. Through a series of events only the Lord could orchestrate Steven came into our lives and has served alongside of us for the past two summers. Steven preached for his first time for the summer this morning. His topic was on the Church body and what it means to be a part of a church body. The word that he used that caught my direct attention was devoted. Often we in full time ministry feel like we are the only ones devoted to the church. The congregation goes home to their own families and lives and for the most part you don't have much contact with them until the next Sunday unless they have a problem. Our lives revolve around this church body. My prayers go out each and every week for those within our congregation that they would see the truth and would take hold of all Christ has to offer them, not only for their salvation but for eveything they need to live godly lives. We give of ourselves 24/7 to be available for their needs. Sometimes we have had to forsake our own extended families in order to minister to someone. The other day Jon and I got away for a few hours on a date. We vowed that we weren't going to talk about minsitry, but as our time together went by we found ourselves talking about our lives and it was very hard to try to seperate that from ministry. Those of you that are involved in full time ministry I think will understand and maybe those of you who aren't will get a view from behind the pulpit of your pastor and wives hearts. You see this ministry that we are called to isn't a job. You can't just leave the work behind, you can't just not answer the phone or the door bell when it rings. This ministry is our calling. It's our life. So when we see the body of Christ hurting, or drifting away, or just apathetic we feel it deeply. I often feel disappointed in people and hurt because they just don't get it.
I see myself devoted to Jon as we have traveled this road for the past 20 years together. I know at times he probably justs wants to give up on me, but he doesn't because he is so grounded in his relationship to Jesus that he see's me through Jesus eyes and not his own. I am also devoted to the four precious young adults that the Lord has placed in my life. My heart hurt this week for Esther because she is far away from her homeland and living away from the life she has known the past three years. She needs to be with family. So because I am devoted to Esther we are praying for a way to bring her home for a week this summer. I know the Lord will provide if he wants this to happen. My heart wept today thinking about DeeDy being all those miles away from us over the big pond as we refer to it. She is graduating this month, spending a month in Spain and then getting married on September 5th. Talking to her on the phone today brought back so many good memories of her time with us and saying goodbye to her two years ago not knowing if I would ever see her again this side of heaven. Watching Steven preach today and seeing the passion he has for God's Word and the people brought me to tears as I searched my own heart for the passion for people that has gone cold in my own life. He sees people through a different lense than I do most times. And then watching Hannah grow and take root to the call of ministry that she feels the Lord is leading her into caused me to weep because when you give your heart out to people and their problems and love like she does I know their will be pain and disappointment ahead but I also know that she will run to the source of her life Jesus to find the comfort and will continue on in faith to that calling on her life.
Today I saw myself as I really am. Sometimes I am blind to what the Lord wants to teach me. Am I devoted to the minstry or am I devoted to Jesus. Being devoted to a ministry will be a roller coaster ride, but being devoted to Jesus will bring joy, peace, love for others and fellowship with them but most of all it will bring back the passion and love that only my savior can provide in my life.
You see this calling on my life is something much more that I ever dreamed or imagined it to be.
I want the long-term results of my life to be more than just events. I want to leave behind people that I have influenced for the Lord. I want them to have a deep, lasting love for God, strong relationships with family and friends, great character, and the knowledge of knowing they are loved by God.
1 Corithians 13 it says, "Love never fails." Love suffers long and is kind, it bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I want this kind of love to be my driving force in my life.
If I do this, it will be exciting for all the amazing things that will happen.
So I close with a prayer from Elizabeth George's book "A Woman after God's Own Heart"
"Lord it all comes back to priorities in my life. Some of them are good and I think you are pleased with them, but a lot of them could be better. Help me to choose the best over the good and see the amazing things You want to do through me." Amen
Blessings,
Deb
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Hi,
Well I survived camp and really had a great time. One of the highlights of my week was being able to share my story with the teens and young adults that were at camp. By sharing the story that the Lord has written for me it enabled me to be able to relate to them better I hope. It was also good for me to look back on all the Lord has done. If it weren't for Jesus my life would be a real mess. I am so thankful that I have to learn to rely on Him alone. When I try to do things my way I make a real mess of them.
Coming home I am spent out, tired and even on the cranky side. Often when I feel this way I just want to crawl in a hole and stay there, but that isn't what the Lord wants in my life. He promises to give me just what I need, when I need it, so that I can be better used by Him. So it is important that I keep my focus on Jesus and not myself!
Yesterday as Hannah and I were driving home from camp together we talked about personalities. The staff training last weekend for the counselors included a DISC personality test. As we talked about her results it was great to see how God created her to be who she is and that her personality is made up of some very wonderful characteristics. As she analyzed my personality she said something that really made me question how the Lord made me. She said she thought maybe I had a lot of C in my personality and that I like to speak the truth or give advice. At first I thought this sounded pretty negative but as I began to pray I asked that the Lord would show me if this was from Him or if it was an area of pride in my life that I needed to give over to Him.
Today in my quiet time he showed me an answer that I think I can live with.In Elizabeth George's devotional a Woman after God's own Heart I read:
Speak the Truth.
One of the richest blessings of a solid friendship is honesty. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, says Proverbs 27:6 and verse 9 adds, "The sweetness of a friend gives delight by hearty counsel." A lot of people would be critical of you, but very few will take the time and risk the effort of being honest. The hallmark of a great friendship is genuine truthfulness. I hope you have a friend or two who fit into this category! You also have the responsibility. Giving honest input is often easier than receiving it. Sometimes constructive feed back is hard on the ego! But if you don't listen, your growth will be limited and your friendship will remain shallow. Friendship is a two way street. So speak the truth in love. Let your friend know how much you love and appreciate them. She closes with this prayer. Lord, open my heart to the truth my friends speak to me. I'm not always eager to hear it, but I know I will grow if I receive it in the spirit in which it is given. Amen
Many times I find myself frustrated when I speak the truth and the Lord has specifically given me the green light to speak and someone misunderstands me or is too hard hearted and wants to do it their own way. I have to be so careful to listen to the Holy Spirits leading and not just give out counsel that no one wants to listen to. I told the teens this past week that so many times in my life the Lord has had to have someone who loves me as a friend and have them say the hard things that I need to hear. I am so thankful the Lord has put them into my life for this very purpose. Sometimes I get to the point of not wanting to put myself out there for family, friends, church members ...because I don't want to feel rejection that speaking the truth can bring along with it, but then I hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit saying I want you to speak Deb.
So today I am wondering how the Lord uses the personality characteristics He has given to you, to help him further His kingdom. Do you use them when it may be unpopular to do so or do you stay silent? Do you seek Godly counsel from other godly people? The Bible talks over and over how we can't be Lone Ranger Christians. We all need one another to help us grow in our journey with Christ. Praying you will be used greatly by our Lord this week.
Blessings,
Deb
Well I survived camp and really had a great time. One of the highlights of my week was being able to share my story with the teens and young adults that were at camp. By sharing the story that the Lord has written for me it enabled me to be able to relate to them better I hope. It was also good for me to look back on all the Lord has done. If it weren't for Jesus my life would be a real mess. I am so thankful that I have to learn to rely on Him alone. When I try to do things my way I make a real mess of them.
Coming home I am spent out, tired and even on the cranky side. Often when I feel this way I just want to crawl in a hole and stay there, but that isn't what the Lord wants in my life. He promises to give me just what I need, when I need it, so that I can be better used by Him. So it is important that I keep my focus on Jesus and not myself!
Yesterday as Hannah and I were driving home from camp together we talked about personalities. The staff training last weekend for the counselors included a DISC personality test. As we talked about her results it was great to see how God created her to be who she is and that her personality is made up of some very wonderful characteristics. As she analyzed my personality she said something that really made me question how the Lord made me. She said she thought maybe I had a lot of C in my personality and that I like to speak the truth or give advice. At first I thought this sounded pretty negative but as I began to pray I asked that the Lord would show me if this was from Him or if it was an area of pride in my life that I needed to give over to Him.
Today in my quiet time he showed me an answer that I think I can live with.In Elizabeth George's devotional a Woman after God's own Heart I read:
Speak the Truth.
One of the richest blessings of a solid friendship is honesty. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, says Proverbs 27:6 and verse 9 adds, "The sweetness of a friend gives delight by hearty counsel." A lot of people would be critical of you, but very few will take the time and risk the effort of being honest. The hallmark of a great friendship is genuine truthfulness. I hope you have a friend or two who fit into this category! You also have the responsibility. Giving honest input is often easier than receiving it. Sometimes constructive feed back is hard on the ego! But if you don't listen, your growth will be limited and your friendship will remain shallow. Friendship is a two way street. So speak the truth in love. Let your friend know how much you love and appreciate them. She closes with this prayer. Lord, open my heart to the truth my friends speak to me. I'm not always eager to hear it, but I know I will grow if I receive it in the spirit in which it is given. Amen
Many times I find myself frustrated when I speak the truth and the Lord has specifically given me the green light to speak and someone misunderstands me or is too hard hearted and wants to do it their own way. I have to be so careful to listen to the Holy Spirits leading and not just give out counsel that no one wants to listen to. I told the teens this past week that so many times in my life the Lord has had to have someone who loves me as a friend and have them say the hard things that I need to hear. I am so thankful the Lord has put them into my life for this very purpose. Sometimes I get to the point of not wanting to put myself out there for family, friends, church members ...because I don't want to feel rejection that speaking the truth can bring along with it, but then I hear that still small voice of the Holy Spirit saying I want you to speak Deb.
So today I am wondering how the Lord uses the personality characteristics He has given to you, to help him further His kingdom. Do you use them when it may be unpopular to do so or do you stay silent? Do you seek Godly counsel from other godly people? The Bible talks over and over how we can't be Lone Ranger Christians. We all need one another to help us grow in our journey with Christ. Praying you will be used greatly by our Lord this week.
Blessings,
Deb
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Gone again...
Hi!
I just wanted to let you all know that I am leaving again tomorrow for a week at Sr. High Camp at Camp Bethel near Wellfleet, NE. with our whole family including Steven.
I was to stay home for a quiet week but the Lord had other plans for me. Like getting out of my comfort zone!!
So pray for me as I teach the Bible Lessons each morning at 11:30. The theme for the week is God's Glorious Appearing. My topics are The Rapture, What happens to unbelievers during the Tribulation and their eternal destination and The Believer's Hope of Rewards and an eternal home in Heaven.
I have been teaching the books of Revelation and Daniel to a group of 70 year old women for the past 4 years so the Lord knew I was prepared. I spent the last two days praying and working on my lessons and they finally came together late this afternoon.
I have us packed so we can leave right after lunch tomorrow.
I would appreciate your prayers as I am obedient to the Lord and that what I have to share will speak to the hearts of these teenagers.
I will write again when I return.
Blessings,
Deb
I just wanted to let you all know that I am leaving again tomorrow for a week at Sr. High Camp at Camp Bethel near Wellfleet, NE. with our whole family including Steven.
I was to stay home for a quiet week but the Lord had other plans for me. Like getting out of my comfort zone!!
So pray for me as I teach the Bible Lessons each morning at 11:30. The theme for the week is God's Glorious Appearing. My topics are The Rapture, What happens to unbelievers during the Tribulation and their eternal destination and The Believer's Hope of Rewards and an eternal home in Heaven.
I have been teaching the books of Revelation and Daniel to a group of 70 year old women for the past 4 years so the Lord knew I was prepared. I spent the last two days praying and working on my lessons and they finally came together late this afternoon.
I have us packed so we can leave right after lunch tomorrow.
I would appreciate your prayers as I am obedient to the Lord and that what I have to share will speak to the hearts of these teenagers.
I will write again when I return.
Blessings,
Deb
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Finally Home!
Hi!
I was so excited to pull into our drive way last night and to be finally home. These past two weeks have been full of fun but there is no place like home.
Our last trip on Friday and Saturday took us to Omaha to meet up with an old class mate of Jon's. It was great to meet another one of his friends after being married almost 20 years.
It got me to thinking about connecting with some of my childhood friends again. I have found that Face Book has been a great way to do that. We spent the night in Omaha and then drove to Altoona, Iowa to pick up Jon's mom. She had been with her daughter for two weeks. It was good to hear how she really enjoyed her time away and she while ther she also got to see her grand daughter and great grand daughter too. Having a break from being her sole care giver gave us the time we needed to do some of our own traveling and for the three of us to reconnect before our busy summer begins.
Steven our intern with Moody and Village Missions arrives tomorrow for his 10 weeks with us. We are looking forward to what the Lord will do through him and us as we build into each others lives this summer. Our church is excited to also!
This week one of the devotionals I read during my quiet time spoke directly to me about resting in the Lord. I wanted to share it with you as we embark on a busy summer in each of our lives.
Resting in the Lord
"I'd love to do that for you, but I can't add one more thing to my schedule." We've all either heard this, said this, or both. We never seem to have enough time, do we? How are you handling the pressures of life? With peace or panic? I liken our lives to a "huricane of hyperactivity." And that's not always a good thing. The fact is, when we're running around in circles, we're not doing as the Bible says when it calls us to "rest in the Lord" (Psalm 37:7) Is your relationship with Jesus your first priority? Or are you just too busy to sit at His feet and enjoy His presence? The christian whos heart and soul are at rest is a christian who embraes this truth of scripture: Our time are in God's hands.
Lord, thank You for the gift of time. Help me use it in ways that honor and glorify You. Give me wisdom to know when to let go of my schedule, concentrate on Your guidance, and help others.
Amen
This is my prayer for myself and or you all.
Hope you have a great week!
Deb
I was so excited to pull into our drive way last night and to be finally home. These past two weeks have been full of fun but there is no place like home.
Our last trip on Friday and Saturday took us to Omaha to meet up with an old class mate of Jon's. It was great to meet another one of his friends after being married almost 20 years.
It got me to thinking about connecting with some of my childhood friends again. I have found that Face Book has been a great way to do that. We spent the night in Omaha and then drove to Altoona, Iowa to pick up Jon's mom. She had been with her daughter for two weeks. It was good to hear how she really enjoyed her time away and she while ther she also got to see her grand daughter and great grand daughter too. Having a break from being her sole care giver gave us the time we needed to do some of our own traveling and for the three of us to reconnect before our busy summer begins.
Steven our intern with Moody and Village Missions arrives tomorrow for his 10 weeks with us. We are looking forward to what the Lord will do through him and us as we build into each others lives this summer. Our church is excited to also!
This week one of the devotionals I read during my quiet time spoke directly to me about resting in the Lord. I wanted to share it with you as we embark on a busy summer in each of our lives.
Resting in the Lord
"I'd love to do that for you, but I can't add one more thing to my schedule." We've all either heard this, said this, or both. We never seem to have enough time, do we? How are you handling the pressures of life? With peace or panic? I liken our lives to a "huricane of hyperactivity." And that's not always a good thing. The fact is, when we're running around in circles, we're not doing as the Bible says when it calls us to "rest in the Lord" (Psalm 37:7) Is your relationship with Jesus your first priority? Or are you just too busy to sit at His feet and enjoy His presence? The christian whos heart and soul are at rest is a christian who embraes this truth of scripture: Our time are in God's hands.
Lord, thank You for the gift of time. Help me use it in ways that honor and glorify You. Give me wisdom to know when to let go of my schedule, concentrate on Your guidance, and help others.
Amen
This is my prayer for myself and or you all.
Hope you have a great week!
Deb
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Celebrations...
Hi!
I am running behind this week as we have spent seven of the past 14 days gone from home and we leave tomorrow to go pick up Jon's mom who has been visiting her daughter the last two weeks.
This past weekend we were invited to two celebrations. The first one was a graduation celebration. Jon was asked by the graduating class at Heartland Christian School in Colby, KS to be their comencement speaker. It was so fun to see Hannah's friends who were just in grade school six years ago, graduate. Jon shared a powerful message on God gives us four gifts and with those four gifts we have responsabilities. The first gift is His word, the second is Salvation, the third is His prescence in the life of the believer and the fourth is the calling on a believer's life. The three responsabilites in response to these gifts are 1. Dedicate ourselves to God and His Word, 2. Dedicate ourselves to Godly Living, 3. Dedicate ourselves to Godly Ministry.
It was a good reminder for me. Sometimes I can get so caught up in the day to day things that keep me so busy that I don't take the time to think or even thank Him for the gifts He has given to me.
The second celebration was a 25th Wedding renewal of their vows ceremony of some of our dear friends. Their eldest son who is a Sr in Bible College preformed the ceremony. What a joyous occasion to see a couple who are still in love after all these years. The vows they wrote were different than the ones they wrote many years ago, but they were written about what they had learned about one another hrougout these past 25 years. I had tears streaming down my face because far to often today couples are selfish and walk out on this covenant relationship before God. Jon and I do alot of marital counseling in our ministry. We hear alot of he said she said ugly stuff. Very rarely do we hear the good stuff, the stuff that you overlook because you love the other person, the stuff that says I'm sorry or will you please forgive me. The stuff that can hold a marriage together even during the trials of life. That is the stuff we heard last Sunday afternoon. Jon and I will be married 20 years this summer and I can truly say that I love him more today than the day I said I do so long ago. That is the good stuff!
Hope you have a great week and that you will find Joy in your journey.
Blessings,
Deb
I am running behind this week as we have spent seven of the past 14 days gone from home and we leave tomorrow to go pick up Jon's mom who has been visiting her daughter the last two weeks.
This past weekend we were invited to two celebrations. The first one was a graduation celebration. Jon was asked by the graduating class at Heartland Christian School in Colby, KS to be their comencement speaker. It was so fun to see Hannah's friends who were just in grade school six years ago, graduate. Jon shared a powerful message on God gives us four gifts and with those four gifts we have responsabilities. The first gift is His word, the second is Salvation, the third is His prescence in the life of the believer and the fourth is the calling on a believer's life. The three responsabilites in response to these gifts are 1. Dedicate ourselves to God and His Word, 2. Dedicate ourselves to Godly Living, 3. Dedicate ourselves to Godly Ministry.
It was a good reminder for me. Sometimes I can get so caught up in the day to day things that keep me so busy that I don't take the time to think or even thank Him for the gifts He has given to me.
The second celebration was a 25th Wedding renewal of their vows ceremony of some of our dear friends. Their eldest son who is a Sr in Bible College preformed the ceremony. What a joyous occasion to see a couple who are still in love after all these years. The vows they wrote were different than the ones they wrote many years ago, but they were written about what they had learned about one another hrougout these past 25 years. I had tears streaming down my face because far to often today couples are selfish and walk out on this covenant relationship before God. Jon and I do alot of marital counseling in our ministry. We hear alot of he said she said ugly stuff. Very rarely do we hear the good stuff, the stuff that you overlook because you love the other person, the stuff that says I'm sorry or will you please forgive me. The stuff that can hold a marriage together even during the trials of life. That is the stuff we heard last Sunday afternoon. Jon and I will be married 20 years this summer and I can truly say that I love him more today than the day I said I do so long ago. That is the good stuff!
Hope you have a great week and that you will find Joy in your journey.
Blessings,
Deb
Monday, May 11, 2009
Attitude
Hi!
Today we had our monthly VM pastor's fellowship. The following was shared and then in my devotions today I came across the attitude helpers. I pray that it will speak to you as it has to me.
Attitude by Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company.. a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past.. we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes."
Attitude helpers:
1. Pray for those you serve and for yourself.
2. Pray specifically about your attitude toward your work.
3. Make a list of verses that encourage you in joy.
4. Do your work unto the Lord.
5. Tackle each task creatively.
6. Be energetic.
7. Look for the benefits-this will lighten your load.
8. Value each day one step at a time.
How will you live today? How closely will you walk with God?
Incorporate these attitude helpers into your life. When you choose to live with a willing, happy heart, you become a source of God-given joy to all! Desire to be all that God wants you to be!
Praying you will have a great week in our Lord!
Blessings,
Deb
Today we had our monthly VM pastor's fellowship. The following was shared and then in my devotions today I came across the attitude helpers. I pray that it will speak to you as it has to me.
Attitude by Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company.. a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past.. we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes."
Attitude helpers:
1. Pray for those you serve and for yourself.
2. Pray specifically about your attitude toward your work.
3. Make a list of verses that encourage you in joy.
4. Do your work unto the Lord.
5. Tackle each task creatively.
6. Be energetic.
7. Look for the benefits-this will lighten your load.
8. Value each day one step at a time.
How will you live today? How closely will you walk with God?
Incorporate these attitude helpers into your life. When you choose to live with a willing, happy heart, you become a source of God-given joy to all! Desire to be all that God wants you to be!
Praying you will have a great week in our Lord!
Blessings,
Deb
Sunday, May 3, 2009
For I know the plans I have for You.
Hi!
This past week has been a week of challenge for me. I am typically a person who will say yes to about almost anything as long as it is biblical. So you can probably guess that at times I take on too much. Our ladies guest night was Friday Night and I was in charge of the program and the decorating. Two things that I love to do and fall into my gifts. I sometimes have a hard time asking for help so I just thought it would be easier to just do it all myself. WRONG...
I overdid and now am reaping the consequences of not asking for help. It is my own fault. As I cried out to the Lord He once again answered me with putting a song in my head from long ago. "He's still working on me to make me all He wants me to be... In my heartI cried not again Lord! What is it going to take for me to listen. He once again answered me with scripture "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 a hope and a future."
In the stillness of my heart I knew the answer was clear. To stop relying on my own self to accomplish things but to rely on Him. By not asking for help I miss the opportunity for others to be blessed using their gifts. By not asking for help I get myself so worn out that I am no good for my family. By not asking for help I am not relying on the Lord's provision to provide the help needed.
The cry of my heart is to live in obedience to His plan for me. So that He will prosper me and not harm me so I can enjoy the hope He gives and the future He wants for me.
The last stanza of that song says "How lovely and patient He must be. He's still working on me."
I pray that you will also enjoy the hope and future that He wants for each of you as you live in obedience to His plan.
Blessings,
Deb
This past week has been a week of challenge for me. I am typically a person who will say yes to about almost anything as long as it is biblical. So you can probably guess that at times I take on too much. Our ladies guest night was Friday Night and I was in charge of the program and the decorating. Two things that I love to do and fall into my gifts. I sometimes have a hard time asking for help so I just thought it would be easier to just do it all myself. WRONG...
I overdid and now am reaping the consequences of not asking for help. It is my own fault. As I cried out to the Lord He once again answered me with putting a song in my head from long ago. "He's still working on me to make me all He wants me to be... In my heartI cried not again Lord! What is it going to take for me to listen. He once again answered me with scripture "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 a hope and a future."
In the stillness of my heart I knew the answer was clear. To stop relying on my own self to accomplish things but to rely on Him. By not asking for help I miss the opportunity for others to be blessed using their gifts. By not asking for help I get myself so worn out that I am no good for my family. By not asking for help I am not relying on the Lord's provision to provide the help needed.
The cry of my heart is to live in obedience to His plan for me. So that He will prosper me and not harm me so I can enjoy the hope He gives and the future He wants for me.
The last stanza of that song says "How lovely and patient He must be. He's still working on me."
I pray that you will also enjoy the hope and future that He wants for each of you as you live in obedience to His plan.
Blessings,
Deb
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