Concerned

It is Sunday evening. Yesterday I had a granddaughter turn 16 and another turns 14 tomorrow. That is exciting to see them growing into young women!! I am still burdened with concerns of others--families that are struggling--most in more ways than one. Problems between spouses, with children, financial and other. It is hard to let these go but I need to learn to trust God more and turn to Him at every turn. Perhaps I need to "practice" what I am learning in my Bible study?! I need to let go of my Martha--fretting over every little thing and be like Mary "choosing what is better." I pray that God will help me to turn EVERYTHING over to Him and just rest in Him. My worry doesn't seem to help any at all. It just gets me in a dither. Lord I trust YOU to take care of all my concerns.

Just coming off one of the busiest weeks I can remember. It has taken me about one and a half days to recooperate! There were many fun things this week--they were just all lumped together. I got to see every person in my family (there are 19 of us) except one granddaughter--who is turning 16 today--that couldn't come with her family because of a conflict. Although I didn't have all my children in the "nest" together--I spent time with all of them. Maybe that is why I can feel so centered now. We started our new Bible study--what a blessing to study together with other women. We are trying to get a heart that thirsts after God and working on our quiet time. I'm learning!! A wonderful special luncheon for widows this week also was a highlight. We pray that each lady felt special and God's love coming through the wonderful women that cooked and served them a special meal. A grandson just surprised us on his way to dinner and then homecoming bringing his date to meet us. That was a fun surprise!!

I'm very happy to know that tomorrow is Sunday again and I can be rejuvenated by time with fellow Christians. My friends with the problems are working on them and we trust God is directing them each step and they will make decisions that will positively impact their lives and the lives of their families. God is so so good!

September

Well, I was anxious for school to begin because I like the routine. This week was the first week of school for the children and it was anything but routine! The school part was fine but there were so many other "incidentals" and most of them were not pleasant. I find myself stressed and worried and running from this to that. I know that I need to trust God more and look to Him. Usually the "incidents" are not so bad after a few hours or the next day. It is just making it through the moments!! God must be trying to teach me something. Also, I am so burdened down by the problems of several of my younger friends/family members who are facing such turmoil in their lives. We did have a lovely successful dinner at our church last evening. There were many new faces there. Tomorrow ten people will be baptized by immersion and that is always a joyous occasion! I'm always happy to go to church and worship with my friends and be reminded of what God is doing in people's lives. God please help me to look to YOU and not to the circumstances as they seem to be at a given moment!

A Woman After God's Own Heart

I'm currently reading A Woman After God's Own Heart--Elizabeth George--in preparation for a Bible study of the same name in September. In 1 Samuel 13:14 we find that David, in spite of his many failures as we also have, was a man after God's own heart. Wow!! Psalm 37:4 says we should delight ourselves in the Lord and He will give us the desires of our heart.

I will be so thrilled to regularly study the Bible again with the ladies!! I'm reading, praying about whom to invite and just trying to get my heart ready--a very BIG order.

I am sad to see the summer vacation end as it is my favorite time of year but will relish the regular routine that usually comes with school resuming. For many years as a teacher and then a school administrator, I lived on these rhythms and I guess I'm still in that same frame of mind. Oh, blessed routine!! I welcome you!!!

Jerks (Selfish people)

I've just completed reading "Don't Let Jerks Get the Best of You" by Dr. Paul Meier. This is a heavy book. I find myself analyzing myself and almost everyone I know!! (mostly family members) There are 1st degree jerks (everyone is one of these sometime except the most "spiritually" mature of the universe.) Second degree jerks are pretty nasty (very selfish) Nth degree jerks don't even feel guilty when they abuse others. Dr. Meier is an Christian MD and a psychiatrist. He is a partner in the Minirth Meier Clinics. Some of us are masochists who set ourselves up to be hurt, victimized, or taken advantage of. (I don't see me here)

This book really makes you think about your family of origin, traumatic experiences you may have had in your life, and your immediate family. I'm still reeling from a lot of it but it is a very interesting and informative book! I would highly recommend it. Now I hope I can go on to some "lighter" fare. I'm so thankful for great books that teach us so much and can inspire us to change!

Giving Your Life for Jesus--No Compromise

Every year I try to read some biographies. I am currently reading the biography of Keith Green, a Christian musician and songwriter from the 80's. This book has been in our library for probably 20 years. I am only beginning to read it and I can't put it down!! This guy was radical. He was only a believer for a few years before he tragically died but he had been searching for most of his young life. I can't wait to finish this book and find out how it ends.

It is so inspiring to read about any of the great people of our world. I don't just read about Christians. I read about journalists, political people, etc. I believe that biographies give us insight into others and the world around us.

The Secret Place

Just recently did a Bible study on Matthew 6--"Keeping a Secret Life." Something happens in the secret place. In the secret life God comes to restore my soul! The secret life with God, will give me power in my life. I must be intentional about spending this time with God. There will be an audience of one there. I will be made righteous with God in the secret place. When it feels like all hell is coming against me, I must break heaven loose in my secret place.