The Choice to be Present
To do lists never seem to end.
Dishes.
Laundry.
Yard work.
Insert your household chore of choice here.
Being good stewards of what we have is not a bad thing.
In fact, we are called to be good stewards.
To offer hospitality to others.
But sometimes in doing so, we forget that being still is not laziness, but the act of being present.
Mary understood this.
Instead of choosing to help her sister, she sat at the feet of Jesus, drinking in His every word.
I really want to be more like Mary, but sometimes my Martha heart stops me from being fully present with Him and the ones He has graciously put in my path.
The dishes will not go anywhere.
The laundry can wait.
The grass will get cut.
Friends, I am talking to myself here, but in case you are like me and need to hear it, too:
Go outside and swim with your friends.
Play that game with your kids.
Have coffee with someone who needs a listening ear.
Sit quietly and read His Word.
And even if you struggle putting down that to do list, remember this.
Jesus still called Martha beloved, even when she got caught up in the distractions around her.
He calls you beloved, too.
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their journey, they came to a village where a woman welcomed Jesus into her home. Her name was Martha and she had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down attentively before the Master, absorbing every revelation he shared. But Martha became exasperated with finishing the numerous household chores in preparation for her guests, so she interrupted Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you think it’s unfair that my sister left me to do all the work by myself? You should tell her to get up and help me.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, my beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by all these many distractions? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet. She is undistracted, and I won’t take this privilege from her.””
Luke 10:38-42 TPTShare this:
Your Gifts
What gift do you have that you can share with others?
Maybe you are a good cook.
Maybe your gift is organization.
Maybe you love being outside and doing yard work.
Whatever that gift is, use it to bless someone else today.
That is one way to share His love.
“Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!”
1 Peter 4:7, 11 MSGShare this:
What Are You Grateful For?
It’s easy to complain.
Maybe too easy sometimes.
Someone cut you off while you were driving.
You had to wait in line longer than you wanted.
The outcome was not what you expected.
In reality, there is always something to be thankful for.
My kids will tell you I am like a “Positive Polly” – always looking for the good in every situation.
Truthfully, there are days I don’t always feel that way.
But in His word, we are told to be thankful and sing His praises.
God has been so good to me, I only need to open my eyes and take in a deep breath in the morning, and I already have 2 things to be grateful for each day.
And there is so much more.
So what can you tell Him thank you for today?
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening,”
Psalms 92:1-2 NLTShare this:
A Ready Heart
Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV) “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
The pearl was set between two kissing dolphins.
The perfect symbol of love.
During our first vacation together in Hawaii, my now husband and I stopped at an outdoor stand where you could pick your own pearl.
I carefully searched for my oyster.
Did you know that pearls are the only gems that come from a living creature?
I could not tell you what the necklace cost, but to me it was a priceless treasure.
That is what our heavenly Father considers us to be.
A treasure.
So much so that He sent His only Son to pay a huge price for us.
His life for ours.
In the beginning of Matthew 13, we see Jesus addressing the crowds, who had gathered on the shoreline while He was in a boat.
Jesus communicated through parables, weaving eternal truths into earthly stories.
It was through these stories that He helped to prepare the hearts of those who were listening, like preparing good soil for seeds to grow.
His disciples questioned why Jesus spoke in parables instead of just saying what He meant.
But Jesus did not look like or talk like the King that many expected.
His explanation from this version in The Message says this:
“The disciples came up and asked, “Why do you tell stories?”
He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward a welcome awakening.” Matthew 13:11-15 (MSG)Jesus knew the ones that His message was clear to were those whose hearts were ready to hear.
The ones who searched for Him, like a merchant searching for treasures.
“He who has ears, let him hear.” Matthew 13:9 (ESV).
Each of the parables Jesus shared pointed to eternal value.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13: 45-46 (ESV)
The pearl in ancient times was thought to be one of the loveliest gems.
Surely it made sense that one would want to possess something so beautiful.
Just like the pearl, Jesus is the priceless gem coming from a living God who wants nothing more than to welcome His children into His kingdom.
The way into His Kingdom is through His Son.
The pearl of great value.
If our hearts are ready, we recognize the value of this indescribable gift.
And like the merchant, would surrender all for something more valuable than any earthly treasure.
Jesus gave everything to pay the price for us.
A perfect symbol of His great love.
His Kingdom is precious and worthy of total surrender.
The cost of not surrendering our all to Him is spending eternity without Him.
Is your heart ready?
Father God, we are so grateful for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus. The pearl of great value. Ready our hearts and help us to recognize that the things of this world pale in comparison to Your immeasurable love for us. Help us to surrender our all to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
A little extra : Natural pearls are formed without human intervention. Cultured pearls are created by human methods. They often are substituted for natural pearls because while they still appear beautiful, they cost less. Jesus’ Kingdom is precious and comes at the cost of our total surrender. When have you substituted His genuine love for something of less value because it cost you less?
How easy it is to want the reward that comes quickly or to attach ourselves to what the culture deems valuable. There are times that I do not always want to give up my comfort and control, surrendering all to Him. But I know in my heart that nothing in this world has lasting value or compares to what God has given us.
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His
Sometimes we are recognized by our position or roles in life.
“This is so and so’s girlfriend.”
“Aren’t you so and so’s mother?”
“You were my 10th grade teacher!”
We even define ourselves this way.
But did you know that the Creator of the universe knows you by name?
God simply calls you His.
Years ago, I ordered a coffee mug with His on it.
Because you can never really have enough coffee mugs, although my husband might disagree.
When it arrived, it had a chip on the rim.
It was broken.
That mug has lived on the shelf in my family room ever since.
It’s a beautiful reminder that even though I am broken, I am still His.
God is not concerned with any of my titles or my perfection.
He has already called me His own.
Above all other titles or positions, that truly defines who I am.
Even though I love being known as John’s wife and Jon and Dan’s mom, I hope that is how you recognize me.
As His.
Friends, regardless of how others see you or how broken you may feel, remember this:
God knows you by name and calls you His.
“But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” Isaiah 43:1 MSG
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Put on Love
With the flurry of activity in the backyard, it took awhile for me to notice.
We were hosting a baby shower over the weekend for dear family friends and their son.
Everyone had contributed to the day.
Decorating an amazing balloon arch.
Creating a multitude of desserts that were as pleasing to the eye as they were to taste.
Making a buffet of food to serve the many guests who came to celebrate this special occasion.
And on grill duty, my friend Chris.
Our families had met at church over 20 years ago.
We have celebrated many occasions together over the years.
Today was the addition of a new memory.
But when I looked down to the yard to see my friend taking a break from the heat, I saw something that I had missed earlier.
Chris was wearing my Dad’s apron.
Behind my sunglasses, I could feel my eyes tear up.
My sister had made this apron out of one of my Dad’s shirts for me after he passed away.
It hung just around the corner from the kitchen.
If my parents were still with us, they would have been in the backyard celebrating as well.
With all the activity, I almost missed it.
My friend had put on love.
That meant more than I could say.
In our day to day lives, that is what we are called to do as God’s people.
To above all else, put on love.
In a world full of distractions, we are called to reflect kindness, compassion and patience.
Maybe it is through a kind word.
Maybe it is through a simple gesture.
It can even be by putting on an apron.
Whatever it is for you friends, don’t forget to put on love today.
It’s your most important garment.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:12-14 ESVShare this:
Pass It On
My son, Dan is working at Summer Camp now that his semester has ended at college.
The thought of camp makes me think back to my own experiences during childhood with camps and Vacation Bible School.
Snack time and crafts.
Meeting new friends.
But it is the music that stands out in my mind the most.
A song written by Kurt Kaiser will forever be embedded in my heart.
Pass It On.
As an adult, I realize now that it was also laying the foundation for what we are all called to do: share His love.
Once you have experienced it, you do not want to keep it to yourself.
Here are some of the lyrics:
“It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to ev’ryone
You want to pass it on.”Have you experienced His love?
Who can you pass it onto today?
It only takes a spark.
Share His love.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NLTShare this:
Entwined with His Heart
I could see my husband looking toward the sky this morning when he called me outside.
Shifting my gaze upward, I could see three eagles flying together overhead.
It is not uncommon for us to see one or even two at times, but three?
Oh how marvelous His creation is when we stop to notice!
My thoughts immediately went to this verse in Isaiah.
I love to read different translations of Bible verses, and this one spoke to me.
“But those who entwine their hearts with Yahweh will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their races without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up.”
Isaiah 40:31 TPTSome variations say those who trust in the Lord, wait on the Lord or hope in Him.
But to entwine my heart with Yahweh’s?
What a beautiful posture to start Holy Week.
Friends, my prayer is that as you entwine your heart with His, that you will find renewed strength and soar like the eagles.
Blessings in heaps.
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His Light
Someone shared this scripture that spoke to me.
Maybe it will speak to you, too.
Whatever darkness you are facing right now, remember His light surrounds you.“Listen, my enemy. Don’t gloat over me when I fall, for I will get back up even stronger. Whenever I feel darkness around me, Yahweh himself will be the light that surrounds me.”
Micah 7:8 TPTShare this:
Wherever You Are
I love when my husband sends me pictures when he is away.
However, this breathtakingly beautiful picture made me wish I was there instead of up north in a blizzard warning.
Who wants to be waiting for a blizzard?
Sometimes we all wish we were somewhere else.
Maybe we are living in the middle of our own personal storm, and long for peace and beauty in our lives.
But we are reminded in His word that God is always with us.
Both in our storms and our sunsets.
God knows exactly where we are.
And He delights in every detail of our lives.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Psalms 37:23 (NLT)That brings me peace.
Even in the middle of a storm.
Wherever we are, He is always with us.
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