Clarity

The fact that it has been 20 days since I posted anything on the blog is a clue to how much clarity I have been in need of lately! My adhd brain has been way over stimulated by life, and just this morning do I realize full clarity in all that has been passing through my gray matter at a rapid pace.

There are so many people in need all around us. My friend in Nashville has certainly experienced that as she has lived in the midst of the recent flood and its impact on those around her. Financial needs are obvious in the lives of so many, and in just a week's time, I was approached by 3 different people who were asking for assistance as I went along the path of my life. I had a class to teach at my church about the Holy Spirit that I felt so scattered about teaching, and I was amazed as I saw the Spirit Himself lead me with clarity, timing and peace. There is a young girl who needs a mama desperately, and I know that this summer I will be that mama, and I trust that the Lord is going to make clear each day what to do as my friend and I help her with academics and life lessons that she needs so much to change her world.

I am reading Frances Chan's second book, "Forgotten God", and I highly recommend it for your reading. Pick up a copy as you head for vacation or just a day away from working - or simply some reading each day. The Holy Spirit is living in every person who has given their life to Jesus Christ. He is the promised Comforter that Jesus said would come....and lead and sustain us. Surrender to His sweet leading in your life. You will never be the same!

Perfect Timing

I have spent the last 5 days at 2 different schools pampering teachers and administrators during Teacher Appreciation Week. What a blessing to me it has been! Some came and talked; others just sat quietly; some cried as the release of stress came so sweetly. I am so blessed to be able to love on people with the pampering tools of my trade - and to watch God work. It was in this very setting 3 years ago that God whispered to me as I was pampering strangers that though I did not even know their name I could pray over them as I pampered their hands. It wasn't about what I know or don't know about someone that matters. It is lifting them up to God that matters. Prayer is powerful because it is about God and not us or our list or our words.

It was holy time. When no one came, I was reading. By the grace of God, I was able not to think that my time was being wasted but rather appointed to rest in Him. Two books that have touched my heart so much this week are "The Hole In Our Gospel" by Richard Stearnes, President of World Vision International and "The Same Kind of Different as Me", which is a true story of loving people different from us. Holy time, indeed. God is shaping my heart for something new and yet very familiar, loving people. I am excited, peaceful and scared all at the same time as I wonder what He is up to and where He is leading my life. But I know it is good. So I will wait for the clarity.

I was really amazed at how several times I could have 4 people on the schedule but only 1 would come, and we would have the most amazing time together as she would melt into relaxation and peace. It could not have happened had the others come. It took private time with her. We talked, laughed, cried and worshipped as God allowed me to do His work among fellow humans. I was clearly affirmed by Him through the words of some to know that I know that I know I was right where He wanted me to be, doing what He has called me to do - encourage others in Him.

Peace for sure. Look to God to show you where your sweet spot in service to Him is. We all need to make a living. God has promised to provide that. Move beyond the cash. Look for holiness in your work each day whether you are a young mother at home raising little angels, a powerful executive affecting the lives of many or somewhere in between. It is all about God and all about His glory. Take up a towel and serve someone today. It will bring perfect perspective to your place in this world.

Reign in the rain

Nashville has experienced an epic flood. Just some 100 miles from our sunny days is a city in devastation. It takes our breath away to see the photos and to think of all the lives being changed forever by one rainy weekend. Lives have been lost, homes have floated away, and we have all witnessed something for the first time in our lives - much of Nashville, Tennessee underwater. Much of Tennessee in great travail.

My prayer is that God will be called upon to reign in the lives of many as they deal with this deluge. He so longs to reign in our lives - to rule our thoughts and motives and actions - to be the absolute authority over all we are and do and have.

My prayer is that He will do that in my life. I want all of me to be gone, making room for more of His Spirit to rule and reign. I know that He is providing an unexplainable peace for all who are looking to Him. I pray that their faith will bring many to salvation.

Send your reign, Oh, Lord!