Author: Christine

A friend recently sat on the porch of her in-laws and enjoyed being a “rain” spectator. Her new home state is very dry so on her return home, the rain brought back wonderful memories.

It is a rainy day today. Outdoor plans cancelled, postponed, rescheduled. Listening to the rain fall. Watching the puddles grow. Enjoying the cleansing, refreshing, cooling rain.

When rain allows us to slow down, to take in the restoring rain, I am drawn to think about how God has cleansed, renewed, and restored us into a right relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. His finished work at the cross cleanses us, our sins are washed away. Our new “born again” self looks to Jesus daily, hourly, and we are renewed in His Word as we continue to grow ever closer to Him.

Jeremiah 14:22 “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you,  for you are the one who does all this.”

If you work, you are a laborer. Working with your hands, working outside, working with children, working with the sick, the lonely, the down and outs. You are a laborer.

My husband is a Pastor so his work is leading the flock. Studying God’s word, sharing God’s truths, counseling the flock. His secondary job is our homestead. He built our house and is finishing up the garage. He enjoys working with his hands from the planning stage to the finished product. The physical weariness of a builder compares to the spiritual and mental weariness of a Pastor.

We all have a “day” job but our primary job is to be a laborer for the Lord. Sharing His truths, studying God’s word, being a witness for Him. How do we labor for the Lord? Taking part in community events that bring the community to the church. Spending time with the youth- teaching them, playing games with them, talking to them. Taking a meal to the sick or widowed, helping them get to the store or to doctor appointments. Speaking with your neighbor and co-workers about church, about lifestyle choices. Being a friend, showing kindness, holding your tongue, showing patience and restraint, honoring your parents.

God is at work in this world today. Join His work today and be a fellow laborer for God. Be willing. Be able. Be available for God.

Colossians 3:23-24: Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

Casual Gathering. Impromptu get-togethers. Last minute plans. Not much work involved to get ready. Comfortable and relaxed.

Going to a training with other professionals, the dress code runs the gambit: skirt, pants, jeans, leggings. The twenty-somethings being the most “casual” in their dress. Have an appointment or a scheduled time to meet, the attitude of “on time is late” to the “always running late” casual attitude of “I’m here now.”

There are times when having an attitude of casual-ness will serve us well… less stress, go with the flow, let it run off your back, in one ear and out the other. But can it be appropriate all the time? Are there times when our attitude needs to change? To be present, focused, on your game?

In our relationship with God, is it a casual attitude of “God is good with me just as I am?” “God loves me, I don’t need to go to church?” Or is there a reverence when approaching God in prayer? Is there a humbleness in service, a gentleness in our speech? The desire to know God more as we read our bibles, to worship Him with a lowly view of self and a high and lifted view of God?

Let us check our attitudes at the door as we approach God in prayer, worship, service, speech. He is the God of the universe. He created all things. The last time I checked, I do not have a universe that I created.

Isaiah 66:2 “My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine.  I, the Lord, have spoken!“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.

As adults, we are mindful of the battle our bodies are in. Watching our weight, eating right, working out, walking, biking. Trying to live a healthy lifestyle while also working, taking care of our daily responsibilities and finding free time to enjoy life.

As a child growing up in a house of eight, we had Saturday morning chores. Everyone had a bedroom to clean- stripping the bed and re-making it with clean sheets, bringing down the dirty laundry, and then cleaning another room with a sibling. Dust, polish the furniture, vacuum the floors. Then… freedom! To my surprise, my parents kept working… inside and out. Cleaning the bathrooms, mopping, cleaning out cabinets, straightening up the front porch, fixing the hanging baskets, yard work, etc…

As a child, the sweet relief came as my chores finished and I had free time. Why did my parents work so hard? It looked fine to me.

Now, as an adult, I get it. We work hard. We want our homes to look good, to last. We take pride in a job well done. This is not to say, on any given day, you will not see clutter in my home- you will. But the value of hard work was instilled in both me and my husband by our parents and grandparents. Hopefully our grown children are seeing those same work ethic values today in their own lives. Happy Adulting everyone!

Lying in the bed, I have a dog on either side of me. I want to turn, but I’m stuck in between two dogs. Time for them to get in their doggie beds.

Have you ever been stuck in the middle? Two friends talking to you, each separately about the other. You are stuck in the middle. Two children saying, “Mom, he did it.” “No, he did it.” You are stuck in the middle.

Confrontations are hard for me. It is not my strong suit. As I get older though, I realize it is necessary. Wisdom and experience give me the courage to address both parties with words filled with grace and truth.

God wants us to choose a side, as well. Do not be stuck in the middle. Living for God, then living for self the rest of the time. Confront your selfish desires. Be honest with yourself. What is keeping your whole heart from God? For me, my selfish desires range from working out, doing work at home for my job and just wanting to be alone doing absolutely nothing. Life is a balancing act. None of what I just mentioned is wrong, unless my pursuit of those outweigh my pursuit of God. Let us strive to put God first in our daily lives.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Matthew 22:37-39 “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Walking around our yard and neighborhood, I have been noticing many green pine cones falling from the trees. I asked my husband, “Is this ‘dropping’ season?” In many parts of the country, leaves will soon be changing color and “dropping” from the trees. Acorns are “dropping,” as well. Nature is preparing for the seasonal change. Are we paying attention?

What changes are happening in your life? Is God a part of your daily life or has there been a “dropping” season with God? Maybe you are reflecting and thinking it is time to get rid of some bad habits so it is “dropping” season for those habits. Maybe you have too much on your plate and it is time to re-prioritize and begin “dropping” some activities. Maybe you have started a new bible study at church, like my mom, and you have to “drop” that favorite television show in order to attend. Maybe you have built up a list of excuses as to why you cannot make it to church on Sundays. Is it time to “drop” the excuses and get back to worshipping God on Sunday?

We all need to take a moment, reflect, prioritize, clean up areas of our life and begin the “dropping” process. Let the season begin today.

Hebrews 12:1b-2: “Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Life is busy. Life is hectic. Life is… The list could keep going. Life is a verb. It is action-packed. Sadly, this has kept me from my daily devotional and prayer time with God. I’ve seen the results of this shift. It’s not good. Mouth loosened. Focus off. Priorities on self. Time to get back in tune with God. Hitting the re-set button. Thankful we serve a God of second, third, tenth chances. Thankful we have a forgiving God who receives us back and restores us into fellowship with Him.

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Psalm 25:4-5 “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God and Savior and my hope is in you all day long.”

How many of us grew up going to church with our families on Sundays? How many of us participated in youth sponsored events at church? Bowling, movies, ice skating, Bingo, ice cream socials. How many of us want our own children to go to church and allow our neighbors, grandparents, and bus ministries to get them there?

I remember a conversation I had with a neighbor. She said, “You are the family we know that goes to church.” Basically, what she was saying was, “I like that your family goes to church. We don’t, but good for you.”

I am happy to be known as a church-going family. Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors will come to me asking for prayer, advice, counseling. I want to be prepared. I want to go to church to be taught by a bible teaching pastor. Church feeds my soul, lifts me up spiritually, refocuses me on God and off worldly pursuits. Church brings me into fellowship with other Christians.

We are created to worship our Creator God. If you don’t go to church anymore, who or what have you replaced God with? If you want to go to church but don’t know how, message me. Let’s have a conversation. God is present. Be present with Him, even at church.

Ephesians 3:20-21 ^” Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Acts 2:42 “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”

Words that fill the page that are not my own. Words that remind me of Who God is. Words that touch my heart. Words that bring comfort.

“Only God is outside the boat, sovereign, stable, and strong enough to calm the storms.” Jennifer Benson Schuldt

“Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them. Let them exalt Him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation.” Psalm 107:31-32

“You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness; but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12

We’ve done the work. We’ve made the preparations. We are staying on top of the latest hurricane updates. We are mindful of the power of a hurricane. This is not our first rodeo. We take it seriously yet we are not panicking.

Now… we wait. I’ve been sitting on the front porch, enjoying a refreshing, steady breeze. Not a common occurrence on Labor Day in Florida. Making the best of the time. Thinking about the creative hand of God, the protective hand of God, the redeeming hand of God. This keeps me centered. This brings me peace.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12: ” Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours, O Lord, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as the One who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from You alone; for you rule over everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength.”