Let’s face it. Relationships are a two way street. This is true even with God. For what God does for us, he expects something in return. All relationships are this way. Look at marriage vows for example. Both the husband and the wife each vow to do certain things for the other. It is just a way of life. A little give and a little take.
I just want to look at a few things that God does for us, and what he expects in return.
He leads us. All we have to do is follow.
That’s right. He will lead us. There is a path laid out before us. And God will lead us down that path. He will lead us through good times and bad times. He will lead us through prosperity. He will lead us through sickness and health. There are many times that we try to make our own way. I worked for a certain company a few years ago. And I felt God was leading me down a path. But somewhere along the way, I stepped away from that path. I tried to take control. I was like a bull in a china shop. I left my job and took a job in a completely different profession. I knew what my dream was. I had an idea of what God’s purpose for me was. And this new profession did not fit the bill. But I went for it anyway. And I had to go through some pretty deep lows before I realized that I for me to get where I needed to get in life, I could not be in control. He has to be in control. And I had to give up control. I had to leave my job, before I had a new job. And for those of you who don’t know me, leaving something like that to chance is not me. “How were we going to pay the bills without my paycheck? What was I going to do?” And it wasn’t until I decided to do what I knew God wanted that everything turned around. I now have a job that is taking me further toward my goals and dreams then I could have imagined. God has given me opportunities in the past year and a half that I would have never gotten before. And all I had to do was follow Him.
He will take care of us. All we have to do is give it to him and lay it all at his feet.
He will provide for us. He will make sure that you and your family have food. He will make sure that the bills get paid. He will make that situation at work or at home better. I can’t tell you how many times Jimmy and I have done the bills and wondered how we were going to make it. I would get nauseous just thinking about going into the next few days with no money. All our bills were paid, but what would happen if something came up. And I finally decided that if God could always bless me with enough to pay my bills, even when our paychecks fluctuated, that He could make a way for anything that came up. I had to give it to him. I had to let go of the constant worry and trust that He would take care of my family. We have had checks and money come in that we were not expecting. Raises when it wasn’t time for raises. Whatever we have needed, he has supplied it all and then some.
He will speak to us. All we have to do is stop for a minute and listen.
He will tell you what you need to hear. I was on a plane recently, sitting quietly. I had been waiting to hear from God about a decision that I was going to make for my life. And as I was sitting on the plane, listening to some worship music, I just focused on Him and listened. And just like that, I got my answer. I had been toiling for a while about this decision. And all it took was for me to slow down and open my ears.
He forgives. All we have to do is ask.
No matter the sin. No matter the offense. God will forgive it. Think about that. We have all been hurt. And we will all be hurt. How hard is it for us to forgive. For a long time, I have lived life by the old adage: “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” I have held grudges for so long that I couldn’t tell you why I was mad the other person. Silly, right? Well not God. Big or small-He will always forgive you. And all you have to do is ask.
He will save you and give you eternal life. All you have to do is accept Him into your life.
Wow! Now I have gotten a lot of presents in my life. I stretch my birthday celebration to last about a week. Except this year. I turn 30, so I think I may celebrate this one with my head buried under my pillow. But I don’t think I have gotten a gift that will compare to His gift of eternal life. And we don’t have to go out and do anything to get it. Just accept Him into our hearts and love Him.
Now if you ask me this relationship is not evenly divided. It seems to me that God is doing most of the heavy lifting here. But that is how He operates. He loves us that much. And I for one am so thankful for that.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What are you waiting for?
I received an email devotional the other day that spoke so much into me. I just had to write about it.
Here is the verse that it was based on:
"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 1:3
With our faith we accomplish the good works in our life. And with our faith we motivate ourselves. That got me thinking.
We all have a purpose in our lives. God has a plan and path for us. And when I read that verse I thought about where I am in my life and where I want to go. And I realized that I can't just sit and wait for God to bring me to the finish line. No one just miraculously ends up at the end of the race.
You have to work hard to get there. God will give you the opportunities and the means to follow your path.
I have things that I am looking forward to accomplishing. And for a while I have been wondering why I am not there yet. I have been thinking "How am I ever going to get there from here?"
And I realized that the things that I am doing now are pushing me further down the path. God has presented me with opportunities that will take me where I need to go. I just have to keep my eyes on Him and my faith strong and that is all the motivation I need.
So today I am telling myself and you- Don't wait! Take advantage of every opportunity that God puts in front of you. Keep your eyes focused on Him and He will take you where He wants you to go.
Try to see everything as a stepping stone to where you are headed. And whatever you do, do it as best you can. Give 110% and let God do the rest.
Here is the verse that it was based on:
"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 1:3
With our faith we accomplish the good works in our life. And with our faith we motivate ourselves. That got me thinking.
We all have a purpose in our lives. God has a plan and path for us. And when I read that verse I thought about where I am in my life and where I want to go. And I realized that I can't just sit and wait for God to bring me to the finish line. No one just miraculously ends up at the end of the race.
You have to work hard to get there. God will give you the opportunities and the means to follow your path.
I have things that I am looking forward to accomplishing. And for a while I have been wondering why I am not there yet. I have been thinking "How am I ever going to get there from here?"
And I realized that the things that I am doing now are pushing me further down the path. God has presented me with opportunities that will take me where I need to go. I just have to keep my eyes on Him and my faith strong and that is all the motivation I need.
So today I am telling myself and you- Don't wait! Take advantage of every opportunity that God puts in front of you. Keep your eyes focused on Him and He will take you where He wants you to go.
Try to see everything as a stepping stone to where you are headed. And whatever you do, do it as best you can. Give 110% and let God do the rest.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The World's Great Talent Search
No this post is not about American Idol (although I do love it.) I have been thinking alot about my talent lately. And then we got on the subject at our life group last week. And then I got a devotional in my inbox about the very same subject.
"Okay God. I am listening"
So I started really thinking about talents. We explored this topic at our life group last week. After stewing on the topic for a few days, something hit me. People are confused about what talent actually is. There is talent by the world's standards and then there is the true talent that God gives us shine our light into the world.
Now I have always believed that everyone has a talent. That "something" (for lack of a better word) that they have a knack for doing better than most of those around them. Everyone has a talent.
Now this talent may be the gift of music- maybe they sing or play an instrument. It could be that he/she is a good public speaker or you can design great graphics on a computer. Or it may just be that you always have a good attitude. Maybe you just inject positivity into a situation.
That's right. Something so small as saying "Thanks and you have a great day" to the girl in the drive-thru at McDonald's is a talent. Holding the door open at church and greeting everyone who enters with a smile. That's a talent.
That's right. See it's the world that decided that a talent was some huge skill that only few people possessed. A talent is not something that everyone has, but something that sets a small group apart from the rest of us.
But that is just not true. To God (the one who gave us these talents in the first place), no talent is a small talent. Greeting people with a smile when they come into His house on Sunday morning is no less important than leading a rockin' worship service. Serving kids some breakfast in Kid's Church is no less than teaching the lesson.
As long as it furthers His Kingdom, as long as it is for His Glory and as long as we use it to bring others to Him, that is all that matters to Him.
It's not what we do or what we can do- it's what we do with it. That's all that matters. It's who we do it for. If we do it for our own glory, then we will get no where.
And for those of you out there who are unsure of what their talent is, don't worry. As long as you are focused on God, he will reveal it to you.
And I think that God gives us different talents for different times in our lives. You may have been afraid of speaking in public, but have been called to give your testimony in church. God will grant you the talent to match the situation you are in. If he wants to use you in such a way, he will provide you with the tools and talents that you need.
So stop the World's Great Talent Search, and start concentrating on the opportunities that God gives you to work for Him. Start looking for those whose lives you can touch. God will give you the words and tools that you need.
"Okay God. I am listening"
So I started really thinking about talents. We explored this topic at our life group last week. After stewing on the topic for a few days, something hit me. People are confused about what talent actually is. There is talent by the world's standards and then there is the true talent that God gives us shine our light into the world.
Now I have always believed that everyone has a talent. That "something" (for lack of a better word) that they have a knack for doing better than most of those around them. Everyone has a talent.
Now this talent may be the gift of music- maybe they sing or play an instrument. It could be that he/she is a good public speaker or you can design great graphics on a computer. Or it may just be that you always have a good attitude. Maybe you just inject positivity into a situation.
That's right. Something so small as saying "Thanks and you have a great day" to the girl in the drive-thru at McDonald's is a talent. Holding the door open at church and greeting everyone who enters with a smile. That's a talent.
That's right. See it's the world that decided that a talent was some huge skill that only few people possessed. A talent is not something that everyone has, but something that sets a small group apart from the rest of us.
But that is just not true. To God (the one who gave us these talents in the first place), no talent is a small talent. Greeting people with a smile when they come into His house on Sunday morning is no less important than leading a rockin' worship service. Serving kids some breakfast in Kid's Church is no less than teaching the lesson.
As long as it furthers His Kingdom, as long as it is for His Glory and as long as we use it to bring others to Him, that is all that matters to Him.
It's not what we do or what we can do- it's what we do with it. That's all that matters. It's who we do it for. If we do it for our own glory, then we will get no where.
And for those of you out there who are unsure of what their talent is, don't worry. As long as you are focused on God, he will reveal it to you.
And I think that God gives us different talents for different times in our lives. You may have been afraid of speaking in public, but have been called to give your testimony in church. God will grant you the talent to match the situation you are in. If he wants to use you in such a way, he will provide you with the tools and talents that you need.
So stop the World's Great Talent Search, and start concentrating on the opportunities that God gives you to work for Him. Start looking for those whose lives you can touch. God will give you the words and tools that you need.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
My Testimony
When I was trying to think of something to write about the word "test" came to mind. So I did a search for verses on testing in the Bible. Well, most of the verses that came up did not have the word "test," but the word "testimony." Now I find that strange because our church is currently doing a Wednesday night series of testimonies from some of the members of our church. This past Wednesday, Jason Hill kicked it off. If you weren't there you can check it out at www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com. Well, I started thinking that night, "What is my testimony?"
I mean, I know that I am saved and I know that God has done so many wonderful things in my life. But if I had to get up in front of people and give my testimony - what would I say?
To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what I would say. God has always been a part of my life. Since I was little, I have always felt His presence. Now, I am no saint. Just because I always felt God around does not mean I always listened to him or obeyed him. But He has always been there. I have always known Him.
I don't know about you but when I think about the word testimony, I think of a defining moment in your life. An AH-HA moment. So I looked it up. According to the dictionary, the word "testimony" means an open declaration or profession, as of faith. It's your proof. So my testimony is the proof of God in my life.
It's wondering how you are going to pay for something you just don't have the money for, but then all of a sudden you get some unexpected funds.
It's leaving a job that you took for selfish reasons and because you know that God created you for something different. And even though you have no other job to go to, you leave anyway, putting all your faith in God that he will work everything out. And then a week later, getting the call that you got a job that is so right for you and puts you directly on the path of fulfilling your purpose.
It's the everyday things. Like when in the middle of the day, you just want to go home and he gives you the strength to make it to quitting time.
Or when you have that one person, who no matter what you do, is just not nice to you. And he somehow you are able to put a smile on your face and speak a kind word to them.
It's all of these things. So I guess that is my testimony. All of the things that God has done in my life over the years to keep me safe and protected, comforted and loved, and strong and brave. That's my God.
Thank you God for always being there. For always showing up and never forsaking me.
I mean, I know that I am saved and I know that God has done so many wonderful things in my life. But if I had to get up in front of people and give my testimony - what would I say?
To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what I would say. God has always been a part of my life. Since I was little, I have always felt His presence. Now, I am no saint. Just because I always felt God around does not mean I always listened to him or obeyed him. But He has always been there. I have always known Him.
I don't know about you but when I think about the word testimony, I think of a defining moment in your life. An AH-HA moment. So I looked it up. According to the dictionary, the word "testimony" means an open declaration or profession, as of faith. It's your proof. So my testimony is the proof of God in my life.
It's wondering how you are going to pay for something you just don't have the money for, but then all of a sudden you get some unexpected funds.
It's leaving a job that you took for selfish reasons and because you know that God created you for something different. And even though you have no other job to go to, you leave anyway, putting all your faith in God that he will work everything out. And then a week later, getting the call that you got a job that is so right for you and puts you directly on the path of fulfilling your purpose.
It's the everyday things. Like when in the middle of the day, you just want to go home and he gives you the strength to make it to quitting time.
Or when you have that one person, who no matter what you do, is just not nice to you. And he somehow you are able to put a smile on your face and speak a kind word to them.
It's all of these things. So I guess that is my testimony. All of the things that God has done in my life over the years to keep me safe and protected, comforted and loved, and strong and brave. That's my God.
Thank you God for always being there. For always showing up and never forsaking me.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
FREEDOM
"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life." Galatians 5:13a
Isn't this awesome! He has called us to a free life. At our Life Chicks meeting, Angel talked about cleaning all of the junk out of our lives. All the junk that we keep hidden inside of us eventually weighs us down. We have all been there. I know that I have. You get to a point where you feel like you can't keep your head above water. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. And it will all go wrong on the same day at the same time.
But this is not how God wants us to live. He paid the ulitimate price so that we may life freely and abundantly.
"God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out." Psalm 34:22
When we turn to God, he frees us. He takes our burdens and all our "junk" and wipes our slate clean. He gives us a new life. All we have to do is accept it and follow him.
"But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom." Romans 6:17-18
By accepting his love, listening to his instructions and living life according to His Word, we will in turn live a life of FREEDOM. And that is a wonderful place to be.
Isn't this awesome! He has called us to a free life. At our Life Chicks meeting, Angel talked about cleaning all of the junk out of our lives. All the junk that we keep hidden inside of us eventually weighs us down. We have all been there. I know that I have. You get to a point where you feel like you can't keep your head above water. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. And it will all go wrong on the same day at the same time.
But this is not how God wants us to live. He paid the ulitimate price so that we may life freely and abundantly.
"God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out." Psalm 34:22
When we turn to God, he frees us. He takes our burdens and all our "junk" and wipes our slate clean. He gives us a new life. All we have to do is accept it and follow him.
"But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom." Romans 6:17-18
By accepting his love, listening to his instructions and living life according to His Word, we will in turn live a life of FREEDOM. And that is a wonderful place to be.
Grudges
"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Chinese Proverb
This is a common phrase. I have used it myself many times. This is no way to live. Although it seems harmless to use this phrase, making it a part of your way of life can really hinder us in growing into the people we want to be.
See holding grudges will get you nowhere. Now, keep in mind, you are hearing this from someone who never forgets anything. I can remember every wrong that has ever been done to me in my life. No matter how big or small. The difference between then and now is that I used to not only remember these things, but would base relationships on them. I could stay mad at someone for a good while. Stop talking to them (unless absolutely necessary, like for work), avoiding them and yes, I could be downright mean right back.
I have held on to many a grudge over the years. I finally realized the irony to this situation-Who does this hurt more? I was the one who has to control my actions and hold my tongue to not speak. I was the one who missed out on the fun because I wouldn't go due to the presence of another. I finally realized that it was just too much work. I needed to let go of these things and just get on with my life.
So if there is anything you are holding onto, I encourage you to just let it go. Forgive whoever it is that has wronged you, not only in words but in your heart. You will be a much happier person if you do.
This is a common phrase. I have used it myself many times. This is no way to live. Although it seems harmless to use this phrase, making it a part of your way of life can really hinder us in growing into the people we want to be.
See holding grudges will get you nowhere. Now, keep in mind, you are hearing this from someone who never forgets anything. I can remember every wrong that has ever been done to me in my life. No matter how big or small. The difference between then and now is that I used to not only remember these things, but would base relationships on them. I could stay mad at someone for a good while. Stop talking to them (unless absolutely necessary, like for work), avoiding them and yes, I could be downright mean right back.
I have held on to many a grudge over the years. I finally realized the irony to this situation-Who does this hurt more? I was the one who has to control my actions and hold my tongue to not speak. I was the one who missed out on the fun because I wouldn't go due to the presence of another. I finally realized that it was just too much work. I needed to let go of these things and just get on with my life.
So if there is anything you are holding onto, I encourage you to just let it go. Forgive whoever it is that has wronged you, not only in words but in your heart. You will be a much happier person if you do.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Potential
I have been thinking alot about life lately. I am turning (eeeeeek) 30 this year. That is so hard for me to say. I know that 30 is not old so to speak, but it is kind of a defining year. So that has me thinking about life and about where I am, where I've been and where I am going.
Now I don't spend to much time on where I have been. I used to. But I have learned that while it is good to reflect on the past and learn from it, it does absolutely no good to dwell on it. That will just get you in trouble.
So where am I? I have a great family-wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children. I have a great job. I get to travel and I am involved in the community. It's a great place to be and a great springboard to where I want to go. I work with good people-many of whom I feel privileged to call my friends. I attend an awesome church. A church that cares more about reaching the unchurched and hurting than anything else. A church that is open, honest and transparent. So I am in a good place.
So what about my future? What does life hold for me in the dreaded 30s and 40s and dare I even begin to mention my 50s? I'm not sure. I can tell you what I want and what I hope for. I hope to one day run for office. I'm not sure which office yet, but I just know that I want to help people and I think that is the way I was built to do it. I want to serve more at my church. I want to help bring others to our church and to Christ. I want to be a good wife and a good mother. I want to be an example to my daughter and a role model. I want her to see first-hand how a strong woman of God lives. I want to paint and I want to write books. I want to be a good leader.
I want to speak to women. I want to do so many things. I want to take the potential that God has placed in me and be a good steward.
Potential is a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed. We all have potential. It's just for different things. God gave us the specific abilities and talents to fulfill his plan for us on earth. So that is my plan for next few years. To take the abilities that God gave me and use them or develop them so that I can do all of the things that he created me to do.
We are all beautifully and wonderfully made. And we all have a great calling on our lives. And God gave us everything that we need to fulfill that calling, whether we know it now or not. So that is my new focus. To be a good steward of my potential.
So goodbye 20s and hello 30s.
(But just so you know-I will be in my bed with the covers pulled over my head on July 18 and I won't come out. Except to head to the fridge for a big tub of raw cookie dough!)
Now I don't spend to much time on where I have been. I used to. But I have learned that while it is good to reflect on the past and learn from it, it does absolutely no good to dwell on it. That will just get you in trouble.
So where am I? I have a great family-wonderful husband and 2 beautiful children. I have a great job. I get to travel and I am involved in the community. It's a great place to be and a great springboard to where I want to go. I work with good people-many of whom I feel privileged to call my friends. I attend an awesome church. A church that cares more about reaching the unchurched and hurting than anything else. A church that is open, honest and transparent. So I am in a good place.
So what about my future? What does life hold for me in the dreaded 30s and 40s and dare I even begin to mention my 50s? I'm not sure. I can tell you what I want and what I hope for. I hope to one day run for office. I'm not sure which office yet, but I just know that I want to help people and I think that is the way I was built to do it. I want to serve more at my church. I want to help bring others to our church and to Christ. I want to be a good wife and a good mother. I want to be an example to my daughter and a role model. I want her to see first-hand how a strong woman of God lives. I want to paint and I want to write books. I want to be a good leader.
I want to speak to women. I want to do so many things. I want to take the potential that God has placed in me and be a good steward.
Potential is a latent excellence or ability that may or may not be developed. We all have potential. It's just for different things. God gave us the specific abilities and talents to fulfill his plan for us on earth. So that is my plan for next few years. To take the abilities that God gave me and use them or develop them so that I can do all of the things that he created me to do.
We are all beautifully and wonderfully made. And we all have a great calling on our lives. And God gave us everything that we need to fulfill that calling, whether we know it now or not. So that is my new focus. To be a good steward of my potential.
So goodbye 20s and hello 30s.
(But just so you know-I will be in my bed with the covers pulled over my head on July 18 and I won't come out. Except to head to the fridge for a big tub of raw cookie dough!)
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Right Words at the Right Time
God always has great timing.
This past Sunday, my pastor, Joel at Life Church West Monroe, gave a great message called God 1st Career. It's part of his series, God 1st.
We should all strive to put God first, in everything we do. In our marriage, parenting and even our career. Not too long I went through something that taught me this lesson the hard way.
A few years ago I had a pretty good job. I was good at it too. But I let some things get in the way. I did not have a God 1st attitude. I had a ME 1st attitude. And let me tell you, that can stink up a place quicker than anything.
I had worked at the same place for a while. I had been there longer than alot of other folks in my department. People depended on me more than others. And I didn't let them down. It's not in my nature. If something needs to get done, I do it. And being the perfectionist that I am, I generally do it right or don't stop trying until I get there.
Basically it got to the point where I of course thought that I wasn't being paid my worth. Underpaid and overworked right? Well, that was my attitude. That and a whole lot more. I began thinking that I should be running things. Pastor Joel quoted this verse:
"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance." Colossians 3:22
Well, I always did what I was told. And I always did my best. But I did not work from my heart for God. I worked for myself and what I thought was owed to me. I didn't respect the authority of my supervisor. I will admit that. I was . . . . .wrong. Yes I said it. (Man is that hard sometimes.)
Anyway, I got so full of myself and thought that I wasn't valued and that I needed to find that value elsewhere. So I quit. I found myself another job with a big pay raise, no weekends, off every day by 5 pm. My success didn't depend on an entire group of people doing or not doing their jobs. Just me. All me.
Finally, I would be rewarded for all of my hard work, for all of my great talents. Or so I thought.
But guess what. I was wrong. I failed and failed miserably. For 4 months, I worked at a job where I had no successes. Now, you must know how hard this is for me to admit. I don't accept defeat. I just don't. But I can tell you that this time, there was no escaping it. I had never performed so badly at something before in my life. I am going to stop now for 2 reasons. One because I think you get the picture and two because I'm bringing myself down a bit just thinking about it.
God revealed some things to me. And Pastor Joel reiterated this past Sunday. One was that your mission is much bigger than your career. I feel it in my heart that my mission is public service. I have a plan and my new job took me in a whole different direction. It had nothing to do with my purpose.
The other thing that I learned was that I had to keep faith. God was testing my faithfulness. Seeing if I would trust in him or try to take matters in my own hands. I have learned that when you take matters into your own hands, for example, quitting a job for a new one that seems to be perfect, you really make a big mess of everything. I mean a big ol' ugly cry in your car in the parking lot of a doctor's office before you go in only to have the window shut in your face mess.
And lastly, I learned that no matter how bad I think it is, it can be far worse. I went from being the best to being the absolute worst. It took me 4 months to own up to the fact that I was wrong. It took me 4 months to admit to myself that I leaned on my own understanding instead of leaning on God.
And when I admitted that, and when I took all of my angst, all of my heartbreak, all of my failures, and laid them at God's feet, that's when he rescued me.
I now have a job that God made for me. I am able to do things that will lead me down a road to fulfill my purpose. I work with great people and get to go to amazing places.
But it's funny how the devil tries to creep back in. Oh, he remembers your hurts and your mistakes.
Lately, I have been feeling a little off at work. I have noticed things that used to, would have set me off. And for a moment, I let things get to me. I will admit, I put my guard down a little.
Anyway, Pastor's words were right on Sunday. Just the recap that I needed and amazingly, just the right time. So for those of you who were in the same service, put God 1st in your career. Don't go it alone. It works out so much better if you follow him.
And if you weren't in that service, check it out at www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com. It's a great message with alot of truth.
So thanks for reading the whole thing. I didn't mean to write so much, but once you get me started, it's hard to make me stop.
Good night all.
This past Sunday, my pastor, Joel at Life Church West Monroe, gave a great message called God 1st Career. It's part of his series, God 1st.
We should all strive to put God first, in everything we do. In our marriage, parenting and even our career. Not too long I went through something that taught me this lesson the hard way.
A few years ago I had a pretty good job. I was good at it too. But I let some things get in the way. I did not have a God 1st attitude. I had a ME 1st attitude. And let me tell you, that can stink up a place quicker than anything.
I had worked at the same place for a while. I had been there longer than alot of other folks in my department. People depended on me more than others. And I didn't let them down. It's not in my nature. If something needs to get done, I do it. And being the perfectionist that I am, I generally do it right or don't stop trying until I get there.
Basically it got to the point where I of course thought that I wasn't being paid my worth. Underpaid and overworked right? Well, that was my attitude. That and a whole lot more. I began thinking that I should be running things. Pastor Joel quoted this verse:
"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance." Colossians 3:22
Well, I always did what I was told. And I always did my best. But I did not work from my heart for God. I worked for myself and what I thought was owed to me. I didn't respect the authority of my supervisor. I will admit that. I was . . . . .wrong. Yes I said it. (Man is that hard sometimes.)
Anyway, I got so full of myself and thought that I wasn't valued and that I needed to find that value elsewhere. So I quit. I found myself another job with a big pay raise, no weekends, off every day by 5 pm. My success didn't depend on an entire group of people doing or not doing their jobs. Just me. All me.
Finally, I would be rewarded for all of my hard work, for all of my great talents. Or so I thought.
But guess what. I was wrong. I failed and failed miserably. For 4 months, I worked at a job where I had no successes. Now, you must know how hard this is for me to admit. I don't accept defeat. I just don't. But I can tell you that this time, there was no escaping it. I had never performed so badly at something before in my life. I am going to stop now for 2 reasons. One because I think you get the picture and two because I'm bringing myself down a bit just thinking about it.
God revealed some things to me. And Pastor Joel reiterated this past Sunday. One was that your mission is much bigger than your career. I feel it in my heart that my mission is public service. I have a plan and my new job took me in a whole different direction. It had nothing to do with my purpose.
The other thing that I learned was that I had to keep faith. God was testing my faithfulness. Seeing if I would trust in him or try to take matters in my own hands. I have learned that when you take matters into your own hands, for example, quitting a job for a new one that seems to be perfect, you really make a big mess of everything. I mean a big ol' ugly cry in your car in the parking lot of a doctor's office before you go in only to have the window shut in your face mess.
And lastly, I learned that no matter how bad I think it is, it can be far worse. I went from being the best to being the absolute worst. It took me 4 months to own up to the fact that I was wrong. It took me 4 months to admit to myself that I leaned on my own understanding instead of leaning on God.
And when I admitted that, and when I took all of my angst, all of my heartbreak, all of my failures, and laid them at God's feet, that's when he rescued me.
I now have a job that God made for me. I am able to do things that will lead me down a road to fulfill my purpose. I work with great people and get to go to amazing places.
But it's funny how the devil tries to creep back in. Oh, he remembers your hurts and your mistakes.
Lately, I have been feeling a little off at work. I have noticed things that used to, would have set me off. And for a moment, I let things get to me. I will admit, I put my guard down a little.
Anyway, Pastor's words were right on Sunday. Just the recap that I needed and amazingly, just the right time. So for those of you who were in the same service, put God 1st in your career. Don't go it alone. It works out so much better if you follow him.
And if you weren't in that service, check it out at www.lifechurchwestmonroe.com. It's a great message with alot of truth.
So thanks for reading the whole thing. I didn't mean to write so much, but once you get me started, it's hard to make me stop.
Good night all.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Joy
Just a quick thought.
Joy. Such a little word, but it's such a great thing. I looked up joy in the dictionary. Joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. What could be more exceptionally good or satisfying than God. I looked up joy in a Bible index, and the word is sprinkled throughout the Old and New Testaments. God gave joy, people worshipped with joy and took joy in the blessings of God. But it all came from one place-God.
I don't have to go very far to be reminded of what joy looks like. My son, Jackson, is as joyful as they come. This verse:
"A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart. . ."Proverbs 15:30
reminds me so much of him. He always has a twinkle in his eye. Take a look at this and tell me you don't see joy-
Joy. Such a little word, but it's such a great thing. I looked up joy in the dictionary. Joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying. What could be more exceptionally good or satisfying than God. I looked up joy in a Bible index, and the word is sprinkled throughout the Old and New Testaments. God gave joy, people worshipped with joy and took joy in the blessings of God. But it all came from one place-God.
I don't have to go very far to be reminded of what joy looks like. My son, Jackson, is as joyful as they come. This verse:
"A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart. . ."Proverbs 15:30
reminds me so much of him. He always has a twinkle in his eye. Take a look at this and tell me you don't see joy-
The devil works round the clock to steal our joy. He works very hard, but uses the simplest of tactics. It could simply be a person cutting you off on your way to work or someone at work could say something that ruffles your feathers. The devil knows what he's doing. He knows what gets under our skin. And he uses it relentlessly.
So the next time you feel your joy slipping away, take a second. Stop and tell the devil and yourself that he cannot get you down. Smile, laugh, do whatever you have to.
God gave us joy-it's up to us to hold on to it.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Happy Birthday Chloe Grace
Happy Birthday to my beautiful niece-Chloe Grace! Turning One is so much Fun!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Well Here Goes
Most of the people who know me will tell you that I tend to be a little over-dramatic. What can I say. My name is Sheila and I'm a Drama Queen. But its all in good fun. At least for those around me. I also fancy myself as some sort of celebrity-at least in my own mind. At our last small group meeting, the question was raised-if your spouse could have their dream job, what would it be? Immediately, my husband answered "Movie Star". Or politician. And he was so right. I often go through my day as if it were a movie and I was playing the starring role. That's not far from the truth if you think about it. Aren't we all the stars in our own lives?
How about I introduce some of my fellow players in the production that is my life?
This is my leading man, my husband Jimmy. Good-looking isn't he? He is a great husband and father. He is a Marriage and Family Therapist and has a gift for helping people.
Next is Jackson, our oldest. Well he's only 3. He is quite the little entertainer. (I don't know where he gets it.)
And here is our newest addition. Anne Marie. Isn't she just the most beautiful baby girl you have ever seen. I think so.
Well, I think this about wraps it up. This is my first post on this blog. I think it went rather well. (Amy-I hope you are pleased.) My goals for this blog are to entertain and inspire you all. Oh and of course-to bring about World Peace. (It's not a beauty pageant. It's a scholarhip program.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)