Go For It!!!

My sister was visiting from out of town.  At the time I was living with my mother, caring for her, and my sister's visit was a much needed reprieve from the full responsibilities of her care.  I had not been fully aware of the physical toll it was having on me until a spur of the moment trip to the grocery store and the incident that followed opened my eyes.

Upon entering the store with my sister by my side, I stumbled over one of those brilliant signs they use to warn customers of danger.  My reaction was to look back at the offending obstacle and wonder why I hadn't seen it.  I knew I was tired, but really who could miss that bright yellow sign?

After spending seconds staring at it, feeling it had been minutes longer, I realized my sister was doubled over in laughter.  Also, another customer who walked in right after us, upon seeing my demise, was laughing her head off.

I too began to chuckle, but not at myself or what had happened.  It was a moment of levity between my sister and I that had tremendous healing power, but more importantly there was an epiphany of my complete and utter focus on a task that caused me to not even notice the sign of warning.  What probably should have been a "life's most embarrassing moment" became a lesson of affirmation to just Go For It!

Warning signs, doubts, and inner messages of negativity hold us back from reaching our potential, but if we are able to disregard or look past these God helps us reach our objective.

Esther was faced with a decision to defy the kings law and save her people, or suffer the consequences. She knew the price to be paid yet she decided to go for it.  (Esther 4:16)

How many of us look at life, or our circumstances, and see the possibilities?  Do we know of others who are daring the odds to triumph over some obstacle?  We should be urgently striving to put the doubts and self-deprecating thoughts aside which are holding us back from fulfilling God's promises.

“take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Sometimes heeding a warning sign is good, but if it keeps us from growing in character or accomplishing a task God has called us to do then we should Go For It!

If you would like to participate grab a button and share how God is leading you to be A Woman of Noble Character.  This link is open all week, and to all denominations of the Christian faith.

Intercession

I have to admit that I know what "intercession" means, but I usually think of it in terms of Jesus Christ and His role in my prayers.  The way Charles Swindoll describes it, it's what we do when we pray for others.

I needed this chapter today.  It's an answer to my prayers.

With just finishing my college degree, I'm finding myself somewhat lonely.  I'm not sure how to jump back into the social life I left behind and traded for study time.  I feel unworthy of my old friends.  I feel like I ditched them and am not quite sure how to insert myself back into their lives.

Swindoll says, "When we pray for someone, we intercede.  That means we mentally get involved in their world as we deliberately make contact with God on their behalf" (p. 130).  He then shares how we should begin....

He suggests that we keep a card with a list on it with the person's name, and in parentheses, at least one reason why you need to pray for that person.  In the next column over, leave room to write the answers and the date of when your prayer was answered.

Review the list each Sunday, and continually add to it.

From what I understand, all things were created spiritually before they were created temporally.  Maybe that's the case for friendships too.  So grateful for tender mercies--answers to prayers.

Rooting for the underdog

When I was growing up one of my favorite things during the 70's, 80's, and 90's were the made-for-TV movies about ordinary people who made it big, or overcame great odds, Brian's Song, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, The Miracle Worker, and Orphan Train just for example.  Or how about the 1980 US Olympic hockey dream team that brought a sense of pride and wonder for everyone.

These were just a few of the David and Goliath stories that shaped my view of the world.  But more than that it was the story of a man who had it all; money, prestige, and a place in history.  He made an impression on me not because of all he had, but because he gave it all up to spread the good news.  He endured persecution and finally death for a higher purpose.  Who was this man?  Paul! 

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13 TNIV

I've always been fascinated with Paul's story and his teaching.  The love that he had for sinners and Christians alike.  He held nothing back once he had seen the errors of his Goliath ways.  He became a David, and there's no mistaking the truth in his message.  He became an underdog for Christ.

"The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy." Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT

If you would like to participate grab a button and share how God is leading you to be A Woman of Noble Character.  This link is open all week, and to all denominations of the Christian faith.

Two Memorable Minutes

I have a place in my house that's just for me....Me and God that is.  It is the place I go to talk to Him.  It's a secret place, and I sneak in there a few times a day to get direction.  At least, that's my goal.

In the morning, I usually have children in my bedroom.  I love that it's the first place they want to come at the start of their day, so I don't shoo them away.  I don't dare sneak into my hiding place then because it wouldn't be secret any more, so I make my bed and then kneel next to it.  Frequently, a child will kneel next to me.

At night, as I get ready for bed, before I pull the covers back and unmake the bed again, I kneel to pray again.  I don't go into my secret place because my husband's in the room, but on those nights when he's not there before me, I do.

When I do get the chance to go to my hideaway, I take pen, paper and flashlight.  It's a wonderful feeling that I have this one place dedicated just for this purpose.  Someday I will use it more often, but for now, its rarity makes it extra special.

Do you have such a place?  Do you go somewhere to spend a few precious moments to pray?

Swindoll, in this section of The Quest for Character, shares that it's depth, not length and makes our communication with God important.  It doesn't matter where or when but just that we take the time to pray to Him.  Every step, even if it is just a baby step, is a step in the right direction.




If you would like to participate grab a button and share how God is leading you to be A Woman of Noble Character.  This link is open all week, and to all denominations of the Christian faith.