Work is hard, LORD!

I have been looking for "work" for over 9 months without much success. Job hunting, writing and rewriting resumes, filing applications, going to interviews, trying to say the "right" things, getting frustrated and saying the wrong things (BTW, this strategy does not work for all you fellow job-seekers), getting "nice" rejections notes and phone calls (this is rare, wonder what has happened to this practice?), etc., etc., has been the theme of 2009 for me and I have not enjoyed it one bit. Okay, traveling a little has been enjoyable but to be honest the "work" part of job hunting has not produced a happy face, nor a job at this point :(

Then, of course, the LORD reminds me that "work" is not supposed to be easy, hence the word, "work." Decided to do a little digging on that one...

According to Google, work is defined as: 1) exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity (um, I was always taught not to use the word itself to define it, but oh, well, what do I know compared to Google?); 2) be employed (okay, I don't "work");
3) exercise...(I definitely don't "work" in this context); 4) move in an agitated manner (well, I surely do "work" if this is the definition ~ LOL).

These are just some of their definitions. But get the idea, work is generally hard, doing something that matters. Even mental work is difficult and sometimes physically exhausting. Goodness gracious, even talking can be work, believe me, I KNOW about that one. But the idea I am getting from the LORD is that work is supposed to be hard. Yesterday, this verse came to mind:

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible)

Those of us who love Jesus probably know this verse by heart ~ we use it whenever difficult times assault us. It brings us comfort to know the LORD is "working" all things together and fitting it into a plan for good. Now we know, nothing is really hard for the LORD but I think from our perspective, waiting for everything to work together is hard. My challenge was to think through the roughest thing I have ever faced and ask myself,

Did this work for good? ~ My answer is a definite "YES!"
Did everything feel good? ~ "NO!"
Was it pleasurable? ~ "NO!"
Was the "work" hard for me as GOD "worked" it for my good (and for the good of some of those involved in my life?) ~ "YES!"
Am I being blessed today because of the "work" done then? ~ "ABSOLUTELY YES, YES, YES!!!"
Would I go through it again ~ please, don't go there...

Anyway, I have to focus on the good that happened then while I am going through some difficulties now and the LORD Who brought good from awful ~

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion--to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit--that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (Amplified Bible)

Moreover, the LORD is telling me to trust Him for my family's, my friend's, and my loved one's lives. OUCH! That work is harder, LORD, somehow trusting You for them is even harder.

LORD JESUS,

Your work is easy; Your burden is light, forgive me when I have taken Your work to do myself. No wonder it is so hard. Forgive me when I have been lazy in doing my work because it seems too hard. Help me to see the difference between Your work and my work. Forgive me most of all for not trusting Your "work" in my life and the lives of those I love. Your name is Faithful and True. I believe, help my unbelief.

...that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

RePete

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my GRANDsons!! They are so precious to me and I really enjoy spending time with them. They are 21 months apart with the oldest being 3 1/2 and the youngest almost 2. The most fun we have with them right now is seeing the younger trying to imitate the older, in words and actions. It is just hilarious to see a clumsy 2 yr. old trying to copy a more adept older brother. We call them, "Pete" and "RePete."

Thinking of "RePete" brings to mind a scripture in which I always thought the apostle Paul to be a little boastful, maybe having a little swagger in his pen when he wrote it (Oh, come on, he was a man after all!):

Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. (I Cor. 4:16-17)

Can you imagine asking someone to imitate you with their Christian walk? I can't, God forbid! But what if they did? What if everyone participated in Christianity the same way you or I do? Would there be a church anywhere? Would anyone accept Christ as their Savior based on your witness and testimony? Providing quality, secure childcare during worship services? What about missionary support ... Sunday School, Bible study, small groups? ...monetary support of the Kingdom? ...help with the homeless, unfortunate, widowed, orphans, those who've lost jobs? ...those dying or grieving for a recent loss? Of course, I could go on and on...

What would others learn from how I treat people ...would they hear criticism, gossip, inappropriate humor, racism, hatred, bitterness ...Or would they hear positive thoughts, kindness, clean humor, compliments, forgiveness, support, truth, mercy, grace, love...

I've heard it said statistically, we influence 7 people in our lifetime (on average), either for the good or the bad ...what are your 7 people doing? What about mine?

Paul was certainly bold and probably not arrogant. If new Christians can't imitate seasoned Christians, what are we in the business for anyway? Of course, we ultimately need to point everyone to Christ, but could we say, "Imitate me" ... scary words ... who's imitating us?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (Amplified Bible)

Cash for Clunkers!

Recently, while at a doctor's office, my hubby asked if he was just getting "old!" For some reason the following quickly popped out of my mouth, "Well, I have heard of this program called 'Cash for Clunkers' where you can trade in old models.' " The doctor was greatly amused; his assistant was also amused; my hubby was not. I felt it was hilarious and believing humor to be stress relieving, I imagined I was being helpful. Guess not.

Some people have discovered there were parts of "Cash for Clunkers" they did not know: needing to own your trade-in car for a specific amount of time; your trade-in having to be from a certain time period; and paying tax on your "incentive" money. Wow, pays to read the fine print...

As I have mentioned before, my marriage has had its ups and downs (like a roller coaster!) but like "Cash for Clunkers" sometimes I felt cheated, didn't really get what I had bargained for ... didn't fully comprehend "for better or worse" ... and so on. Occasionally I think, "If I had known 30 years ago what I know now, would I have made the same choice?" I sure would have missed a lot of enormous blessings but would that have been enough or would I have bailed?

Then I think of what God must have thought before the foundation of the earth ... did He contemplate bailing because He certainly knew what I would do ... what a "clunker" I turned out to be ... how I would betray Him ... disgrace His name ... reject Him ... hurt His people ... lie ... seek my own glory ... judge His chosen ones so mercilessly ... be horribly selfish ... YOU even know the despicable sins I am yet to commit ...

Oh, Dear GOD, how could You know all of this about me and STILL choose to send Your one and only SON to die in my place????? I cannot, cannot comprehend it but I am so humbled and eternally grateful You did. Thank You for that great sacrifice and all that comes with it ... I am unable to even imagine what it must have cost You Both ... but I do feel so very loved (and, um, thank You that I can't see the future.)

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners,
Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.
Romans 5:8 (Amplified Bible)

Roller Coaster, ugh!

I recently celebrated my 30th Anniversary to my dear hubby and what a thrilling ride it has been, much like a roller coaster (although I hate roller coasters!) I like the beach, plain, beautiful, flat, nothing up and down, peaceful, quiet (if most of the other folks would leave LOL!) But the good Lord has not allowed my life to be a beach but a roller coaster, screamingly exciting at times, terrifying, fun, blessed, heart wrenching, etc. Ups and downs, ins and outs ... through my roughest trial, definitely a downhill, scary ride, the verses the LORD used to sustain me were Isaiah 43...

BUT NOW [in spite of past judgments for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior ... Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you, I will give men in return for you and peoples in exchange for your life.

When I was about 15 my mother and her sister took us kids to Atlanta, GA, to Six Flags. My older cousin and I got on the Great American Scream Machine and about midway through the ride I promised the LORD if He would get me off safely, I would never get on another roller coaster! So , see I am not comfortable on one. Likewise, I do not like the roller coaster ride of my life ... I don't like going through anything ... I just want the gentle peace of a beach ...

But God knows I need the roller coaster, else I would probably fall asleep, get sunburned and be worthless after a few days. But boy, going "through" is difficult, no jump overs, no free rides, no detours, no by-passes, just going through!

The promises are so true ... "You are Mine ... I will be with you ... they (waves) will not overwhelm you, you will not be burned or scorched ... because you are precious in My sight ..." So I have survived and continue to survive these roller coasters of life because of the promises. The LORD is truly there with me. And then there are some blessed "beach" times in my life and because of the roller coasters, I sure do appreciate them!

Now I am working on ...

"Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience." James 1: 2-3

Not quite sure I am at the wholly joyful stage yet....

LORD, Thank You that You are the Master Architect and know exactly what I need when. Forgive my distrust in You although You have proven Yourself so many times to be Faithful and True. Forgive me for trying to work through the roller coasters of life on my own; I truly need You to go through with me. I love You and am amazed that You call me Yours and I am precious in Your sight. May I be wholly joyful in whatever You set before me even though that is hard, LORD. And thank You so much for allowing some "beach" time in my life!!

Merry Christmas!

"Heaven's Loss" by Ron DiCianni

I am an avid participator of Facebook ~ I simply love staying in touch with so many people in such a simple way. I get a lot of inspiration and encouragement from it also. Today is one of those days. It is my Mama's birthday but it is the 5th birthday she has celebrated with Jesus, so I am a little melancholy. That added with being desperate to get a job (think it has been about 9 interviews and 8 rejections thus far this summer!), some family health issues, other stresses... Anyway, you get the picture but then on Facebook, someone posted this scripture,

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55: 8-9, Amplified Version

The person was speaking about God answering our prayers but usually in a way that we never expect. However, what really got me was a comment from someone else. They referred to Jesus being born in a stable.

So I'm thinking, "Wow, the answer for all the world, born in a stable!" What a surprise out of nowhere; who would have EVER imagined our Savior being born of such humble beginnings?

But wasn't it perfect? The timing, the place, the parents, the multitude of angels, the shepherds, the star, later the Wise Men? Anyone can relate to Jesus because He has been through it all. And later we learn that He humbled Himself for this ... because He was truly worthy of only the best. A picture posted from artist Ron Dicianni captures my feelings about the loss that Heaven must have felt ... but what gain for us!

So I am going to start looking in the strangest places for my answers ... hum, where should I start? In my least likely acquaintance? In a job that I don't think I could do? Listening to someone I don't think knows much? Listening to my husband ... oh, where did that thought come from??? Anyway, I am on the hunt ... Merry Christmas!!!

Dear Jesus,
Thank You that You humbled Yourself to become my Savior. I am in awe of Your humble beginnings ... a place no one would have ever expected but that was the exact right answer for the world! I know You are working on behalf of all my situations and I know Your ways are higher and better and more glorious than mine ... I can't wait to see what You are doing! May I have "eyes to see and ears to hear" and give You glory for answers in unexpected places!