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It’s a Trust Issue

Jeannie Waters6 Comments on It’s a Trust Issue

Recently, our sweet two-year-old granddaughter stayed with us for a couple of days. We read books, blew bubbles, and visited a playground.

Knowing the independent nature of two-year olds, I allowed her to roam freely with few limitations. However, with safety and happiness as my goals, I offered help when she navigated steps or headed toward the street.

When I intervened, this precious little one would extend her arm, put up her little hand and say in toddler English, “I fine.” That was my signal to back off and let her assert her independence. I allowed her to explore on her own but insisted on safety measures knowing she couldn’t see potential danger.

When her parents took her home, I smiled about these episodes and realized that I’m sometimes like a two-year-old, either demanding my own way or simply ignoring advice because I think, “I fine.” God tells us to depend on Him rather than ourselves.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

                                                                                                                              –Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB

There are three directives in this familiar Scripture.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

There is no situation in which I can’t trust Him. Every day. Every circumstance. Every time. He is worthy of my trust. He is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient, and He is my Heavenly Father who loves me. Depending on Him for most things but counting on myself or other people for additional concerns is not trusting Him with my whole heart.

Do not lean on your own understanding.

God knows that total dependence on our own measures can be as detrimental as a two-year old falling down the steps. He created us with thinking ability and expects us to use the brain He gave us. However, He sees the past, present and future. With limited human vision, we know only the past and present and may not thoroughly understand those. We certainly cannot ascertain the future. We need His understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him.

How can we acknowledge God? We can read the Bible, pray, and focus our attention on Him in praise and worship. When we “hit the ground running” in the morning without noticing that He is with us and that He has a plan for our lives, we ignore Almighty God, our tender Shepherd who longs to guide us. Acknowledging Him involves paying attention to Him and seeking His wisdom. Looking “up” takes our attention off our ways and helps us gain heavenly perspective.

And now a comforting promise from these verses:

He will make your paths straight.

Life is difficult enough without detours on crooked roadways, right? Notice the verse says straight, not easy. Easy is not promised, but God’s guidance is assured. Our view of life’s pathway is like a toddler peeping over the edge of a high countertop beyond his reach, but God sees our life from Creation into eternity. What a view and what a comfort to have Him make our pathways straight!

I want to acknowledge God early in the morning every day rather than going merrily along my way with extended arm and hand thrust forward saying, “I fine.” I need His guidance.

Could you share an example of how acknowledging God resulted in your peace or safety? Let’s encourage each other to seek His guidance.

Seeking and Finding

Jeannie Waters4 Comments on Seeking and Finding

It’s okay for a grandmother to pray for her granddaughter to catch a butterfly, right? I hope so, because I did. Our budding scientist received a butterfly net as a birthday gift and she was trying hard to catch one of the insects while spending the afternoon with me. Efforts at her house had failed.

She wanted so desperately to capture one and then release it. That’s why I prayed. I wanted her to be delighted by the fragile and beautiful creation she longed to study.

This precious girl first swooped the net in the air as she chased the winged creatures around the yard. Then, she concentrated on a wiser approach. She tiptoed around the lantana bush and carefully slipped her net over the unsuspecting insects when they landed on a flower. Six butterflies managed to escape Houdini-style, unharmed.

Finally, the aimed whoosh of the net and persistence yielded success! The spotted orange butterfly didn’t fly quite fast enough. Victory for our girl! She transferred the insect to a bug keeper and observed it through a magnifying glass. After sketching him in her science log and admiring him, she opened the container and offered him freedom. (Had I not known her gentle nature and love of all created things, I wouldn’t have encouraged this effort.)

As I reflected on my granddaughter’s diligent search and the thrill of discovery, I thought about what I seek each day. As I pursue my dreams, check off my to-do list, and attempt to steward the gifts and responsibilities God gave me, what am I trying to capture? What do I want most?

By way of confession, in recent days my major aim became accomplishing tasks on that never-ending to-do list. Frustration and anxiety filled the quiet places of my heart because I couldn’t seem to get things done.

Although I prayed and read my Bible, I became distracted by everything that fluttered by and failed to set my aim on what mattered most—my walk with Jesus.  At the end of each day, my net was empty. There was nothing to show for my efforts.

God promises His help in Isaiah 43:13.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’

But I wasn’t experiencing guidance and peace. I wondered, “Why not?”

My loving Lord reminded me to seek Him—not just the answers to my prayer requests–but Him. His presence.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

                                                                                                    –1 Chronicles 16:11

I wanted God to capture my attention, my thoughts, and my heart. I longed for awareness of His presence as David did in the wilderness when he penned these words:

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

                                                                                               –Psalm 63:1

We can pray throughout the day wherever we are, but yesterday, I needed time alone with Him. A lot of time. After asking a dear friend to pray for me, I cleared my calendar and spent the day reading the Word, talking to God, and listening for His voice. I took deep breaths, sang His praises, knelt to pray, and prayed as I walked.

I pictured Him as the Shepherd He is, guiding and protecting me. Instead of following my plan, I began to seek His. He restored my soul and allowed me to capture His love, His peace, His guidance, and most of all, His presence.

Does daily life sometimes distract you from what you want to grasp? Please share the ways God leads you to focus on Him.

Encouraging Speech is Not “for the Birds”

Jeannie Waters12 Comments on Encouraging Speech is Not “for the Birds”

Sometimes I say too much. My intentions are good, and I realize the listener doesn’t need to know all that I know—or think I know—about how to solve her problem. But, sometimes I say too much.

Maybe God was teaching me a lesson when I saw a mockingbird who didn’t sing.

The bird flew across my neighbor’s yard and perched on a bush. Blue jays, cardinals, and sparrows were filling the morning air with musical notes but not this mockingbird. She simply turned her head from side to side as if listening intently and then flew away.

A few moments later she returned, gripped a limb, and sang her heart out as if she had a very important message to convey.

How like this wise bird I want to be—not chirping and singing out constantly as soon as I arrive on the scene but thoughtfully listening and waiting patiently for the right moment to share. Do you agree that our words would sound more melodious in the ears of the listener if we adopted this practice?

How often do we offer advice or interject our experience before a friend or co-worker finishes sharing her plight? I need to listen attentively and to pray silently for wisdom before responding. What about you?

The psalmist penned a prayer to help us.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

                                                                                   –Psalm 19:14 ESV*

One way to develop winsome speech is to study Scripture. Some helpful verses:

1. Avoid the “clanging cymbal” speech and speak with love.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

                                                                                 –1 Corinthians 13:1

2. Listen and wait before you speak.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

                                                                  –James 1:19

3. Watch the timing. 

. . . a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

                                                                            –Ecclesiastes 3:7b

4. Speak words that edify others.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

                                                                     –Ephesians 4:29

5. Select words carefully.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

                                                                      –Proverbs 25:11

I’m thankful the mockingbird observation reminded me of the biblical truths about talking. I want my words to be like “apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

Please help me and other readers by sharing your thoughts below.

*All verses are quoted from the English Standard Version.

The Pink Hat—Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2018

Jeannie Waters3 Comments on The Pink Hat—Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2018

I saw the pink hat with the breast cancer symbol first. A young woman and her husband sat on the hotel patio where I sought a quiet place to read. After saying hello, I sat in an unoccupied section and opened my book.

An older lady soon joined us and selected a chair. She asked the younger woman, “Are you a survivor? I noticed your cap.”

“No, but my grandmother died of breast cancer and I wear this cap to honor her,” the younger woman answered.

The newcomer said, “My mom died of breast cancer and I’m a two-time survivor myself. That’s why I like your hat.”

The chatter continued . . . so much for a quiet reading spot. I really didn’t mind though. As the conversation turned to gold (or should I say pink?), I smiled at the camaraderie the two strangers instantly shared. Common ground. Understanding. Sorrow. Victory.

I thought about how we relate to other people. The pink hat with a looped ribbon design was the first connection. There was also the look on their faces—one of acceptance, openness, and an approachable countenance.

I had nodded and said a quick hello before opening my book, but didn’t start a conversation. (My family will tell you I normally meet strangers and learn their life history, but this time, I wanted quiet, which was okay.)

However, I wondered if I was as approachable as these two ladies. Sometimes I’m too busy with my own agenda and desires, but I want to be available to listen when someone needs to talk. I smiled at my book—not seeing the words—as I listened to two women share their experiences.

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them . . .
                                                                 –Matthew 7:12 NKJV

My reflections about breast cancer

  • One of the first family funerals I attended was for a cousin who lost the battle to breast cancer.
  • My friend Cathy has been clear now for several years and approaches life with gusto and a winning smile. Our entire staff grieved over her diagnosis and celebrated the “all clear.” She recently told me she enjoyed the old-fashioned paper chain we placed in a break room to count down her days of radiation.
  • I’m praying for a friend’s daughter and Anne Graham Lotz who are currently enduring treatment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

My daughter, a mammographer, called this designation to my attention by posting a reminder for women to take precautions. I’m so proud of her dedication and compassion. She works with an excellent team which is committed to educate and care for women.

What about those of us who haven’t heard the breath-stopping words, “You have breast cancer?” What can we do for those who suffer with it now?

I’m dedicating my October Gifts of the Month post for this cause.

Here are suggestions for being a blessing to ladies who have breast cancer or for anyone who has an extended illness or disease.

Gifts

  • soft pajamas or comfy shirts
  • new robe and slippers for hospital stays
  • a new tote bag for appointment days
  • a devotional book and cheery bookmark
  • a new pillow or throw blanket
  • favorite foods that require little prep
  • an entertaining book she’d enjoy
  • a gift certificate for a manicure
  • flowers or a bulb in a ceramic pot

Acts of Kindness

  • Plan a home movie night with popcorn.
  • Offer to do household chores.
  • Run errands and buy groceries.
  • Take care of her children or visit her aging relatives.
  • Make protein smoothies and stock the fridge.
  • Send funny cards and encouraging texts and emails.
  • Prepare a stack of cards with encouraging Bible verses.
  • Just listen when she needs to talk.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

                                                            -Ephesians 5:32 NKJV

 

Would you share this post with friends?

And please add your thoughts or experiences below.

By the way, do you need to schedule an appointment?

 

For more ideas, see a former post about a friend who encouraged her sister through a tough time.

https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/caring-for-cancer-patients-a-sisters-touch/

Evening Rest

Jeannie Waters22 Comments on Evening Rest

Do you ever have difficulty “turning off” your mind when you lay your head on your pillow at night?  I know this happens to me from time to time. Our brains like to work overtime!

The human mind is fascinating. It can trap numerous facts, make decisions, and change focus from one second to the next. Our minds work so hard during the day that sometimes at night they just won’t quit. The brain can continue firing thoughts in bullet-like fashion until we “turn it off” and choose to let go of the day’s responsibilities. Otherwise, thoughts like these keep us awake:

When is my dentist appointment?

How will I ever get everything done? 

I wish I had helped her more.

I really shouldn’t have snapped at him when I was angry.

Did I move that frozen fruit to the refrigerator to thaw?

Sound familiar? I hope this post helps you remember to still those tumbling thoughts from your day and fall asleep peacefully.  Talking to God in prayer and remembering the thoughts below help me to rest peacefully. Maybe they will encourage you, and maybe you can use similar thoughts to help someone else who struggles to rest well.

Evening Rest

A vibrant peach hue glows through the branches as the sun nestles low in the sweet gum tree.

Firefly stars sparkle in the grass.

A feathered creature renders his solo announcing the coming darkness.

Crickets chirp with rapid yet peaceful cadence.

Frogs join the chorus of creation’s dusk anthem.

Day is done.

Finished.

Over.

Nothing more can be accomplished.

Let go of your troubles, child of God.

Worry not.

The dawn brings a fresh start.

Pull the sheet to your chin.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath.

Accept peace from the Prince of Peace.

Thank Him for today.

Listen as He draws the curtain closed on another day and whispers,

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

                                                                                                            –John 14:27 NASB

Thank You, Father, for designing days with an ending. Frustrations and missed opportunities abound, yet you offer mercy, forgiveness, and peace. May tomorrow’s words and actions be acceptable to You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

                                                                                                             –Philippians 4:7, NASB

What are your thoughts about peaceful rest? Please share in the comment section.