One-sided Conversations

 

One-sided conversations: we don’t usually find them pleasant unless we’re the ones doing all the talking. And for you non-talkers, they must be agony to endure.

While I’m confident God loves it when we come to Him chattering with excitement, or when we come to Him asking for help with a problem, I think He’s equally if not more excited when He sees us listening for His voice.

So, this post may be mostly for all the people out there that are members of the Chatty Club; those of us who talk more than we listen. I prefer to call myself loquacious instead of verbose, it just sounds sexier and more flattering. We’re a pretty big club. You’ve probably run into more of us than you thought you would.

We sometimes interrupt what you’re saying to get in our two cents. We sometimes let our minds wander while you’re talking so we’re prepared with something when it’s our turn, if you have a chance to interject at all. Yes, we can be incredibly rude. For that, I apologize in the pithiest way possible: Sorry.

We don’t mean to do it. We wish we could stop ourselves, and sometimes we can – till we hear our own voice again and realize, “Oops – no, I didn’t shut up yet”.

We need to quiet our mind long enough to adopt some method of listening.

Some suggestions include writing out all that’s on our mind first thing in the morning; a “morning dump” if you will.

Perhaps we could wait until evening for important conversations, because, surely by then we’ll be all talked out. (Ha! Can that even happen?)

Snap that rubberband on our wrist every time we hear our own voice?

Ah, we need a sidekick who can motion to us to shut-up when we’ve droned on for too long! Or someone who will pull us aside repeatedly to remind us that yes, we’re talking too much again.

Whether we like it or not, we chase away friendships (or potential friendships) because people will turn and walk the other way when they see us coming.

We can lose out on a lot of valuable information when we’re the one doing all the talking. Believe it or not, the other people in the conversation have valuable input, too! Maybe even more worthy of being spoken than what we’re spouting off about.

Listening. It’s not a hard concept. Some of us just seem genetically predisposed to find it difficult to process into something we routinely do.

I’m no psychologist, but I’d venture to guess that our constant chatter is attempting to fill some need in our lives.

Maybe as a child we were told that ‘children should be seen and not heard’, so now we’re making up for lost time.

All of that rambling to say ---- we need to practice listening. To become good at anything, it usually requires practice. This is no different. Even when talking with our heavenly Father.

Practice listening. God can work with a good listener.

The following verses bring up anger, too. We’ll get to that at another time.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak [and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires].” – James 1:19-20 NIV

Or – check out the wordier, more poetic version in the Message Bible: “Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, [and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger].”  – James 1:19-20 MSG

Listening With Purpose

Listening. How well do we listen? Odds are, not as well as we think we do.

According to the all-knowing Mr. Google, “The average person hears and retains only about 25% to 50% of what is said during a spoken conversation.”

There are plenty of jokes about women complaining that men don’t listen, but do we do any better?

How many conversations have you “hanging on their every word”? Perhaps not that many.

In a normal day, you may listen to your friends chat about how bad things are at work, or about how their children or grandchildren are doing, most of whom you’ve never even met. Or they may take time to catch you up on their health conditions, their failing finances, or how hot it is, or how cold it is. I may bore you with details about the most recent plant I bought!

Many of those topics may not be at the top of your interests, so you’ll hear and retain even less. If we share a common interest, you may listen to me a little more attentively, unless you have something heavy weighing on your mind.

Even if I’m speaking with obvious passion, you may still be easily distracted by all that’s going on around us, wherever we are.

If I’m going to win your attention, I should probably ask you what’s going on in your world first, so that you can ‘let it go’ long enough to eventually hear what I want to tell you.

The key here will be me taking the time to pay attention and listen to what you have to say to me first.

Most of us are not patient people. If the drive-thru lane at our favorite coffee shop or fast-food restaurant takes more than a few minutes, most of us get antsy and may even complain out loud, even if we’re alone in the car. Please, don’t tell me I’m the only one.

No wonder the Lord tells us to, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

How can we know God if our listening skills with Him are as pitiful as they are with our family and friends?

Maybe this is why we have so much turmoil and confusion in our lives. “God is not the author of confusion.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33

Today, how can we make time to quiet our hearts so that we can listen to God and hear what He wants to say to us?

Do we need to spill our guts first? No problem! He’ll listen intently and pay attention to everything we have to say, even though He already knows our thoughts before we think them.

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.  You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” - Psalm 139:1-4

He delights in hearing our voice!!!

“He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” - 2 Samuel 22:19-20

“He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” – Psalm 18:19

“He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness.” - Job 33:26

“As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”” – Psalm 16:3

He takes great joy in us when we make the time to sit with Him and share what’s in our heart.

How can He can give us the desires of our hearts (show us what our hearts truly desire) if we don’t take the time to sit with Him – and delight ourselves in Him?

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4

Be still. Listen. Delight yourself in the Lord.

Selah. (This means to sit with this; ponder it; think on it.)

Are You Listening?

 

(photo from vedictruth.com)

I’m going to be transparent with you today. Maybe a little too transparent.

As a child, we see things differently than we do as grow ups, but sometimes those childhood thoughts stick with us. Even when we have the perspective of an adult, silly thoughts from yesteryear can wander through our minds at the most unexpected times.

I’ve always processed my thoughts differently than most people around me. In our decades of marriage, Dave has often told me he doesn’t know anyone who thinks like I do. I never took it any other way than complimentary. Sometimes, he even seems to admire the way I think.

I would guess, though I’ve never looked into it, that I’m somewhere on the autism spectrum. But perhaps we’re all somewhere on the spectrum. They say there’s a fine line between autism and genius. I’m not saying I’m a genius, but maybe I dance on that fine line. I’m not talking about common sense or even intelligence, but the way my brain processes my thoughts.

As a child, I just saw myself as different. Most children probably go through that phase at some point. But, I’ve carried the thought, intact, with me for the past 60 years or so. In childhood, I was convinced that I was “retarded” (the word used in that day), but that no one would tell me or admit it to me. Silly? Perhaps.

Over the years, the thought has crossed my mind from time to time.

Last night I was worshiping God with other women as praise music filled through the room and I prayed for those I love most. (I’m guessing your name was whispered to God, backed by volumes of faith for your every need.)

At one point, when God spoke to me, He shared a little secret with me. He said, “You know, Dave would still love you, even if you were retarded.” (I’m guessing He chose that word because it’s the word I used as a child.) It instantly took me back to feelings of insecurity. But then just as quickly, filled me with laughter.

(picture from coolcatteacher.com)

Yes. Dave loves me that much. He’s definitely the man God created to be my husband. No one else would do. Not everyone marries the person God created specifically for them. Some of us get ahead of God or don’t even consider asking Him if the person they plan to marry has His approval.

Somehow, even though I didn’t know the voice of God way back when, I knew on our first date that Dave was the man I’d marry. There are plenty of times when we frustrate each other, even to this day, but neither of us has ever second-guessed our decision, even in the hardest of times.

The whole point in my vulnerability today is to tell you that God really does speak to us. His Word states, “Anyone with ears to hear, should listen and understand!” -  Matthew 11:15 (NLT) God isn’t merely saying that if you have globs of skin to hold up your glasses, you’ll hear Him. We have spiritual ears. We need to learn to listen with THOSE ears.

As a teen, on our first date, did I know I was hearing from God? No. But that didn’t stop Him from speaking to me. Like me, He always has something to say. Not so much like me, what He has to say is always worth listening to.

So, whether there’s praise music on or not, whether you’re alone or in a crowd, He’s talking to you. If you’re listening for His voice, you’ll hear Him. Listen! His Word also tells us, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” - John 10:27 (NKJV)

(photo from alabamasinus.com)

You may be tempted to say that you never hear Him. Or that He doesn’t bother to speak to you. You’re mistaken. There’s so much He wants to share with you. He wants you to know the depths of His love for you. It’s His desire to impart to us His knowledge, His wisdom and His understanding.

Pay attention. Listen. You’ll hear. It may surprise you. But, you’ll hear Him!

Circles of Listening

(photo from unsplash.com)

Welcome to my circle.


My circle gets larger each day, the people within my sphere of influence; the people I meet daily – at the supermarket, or a political gathering, at church or at the gym. 

My circle gets tighter, too. As the needs of the people around come to my attention, I pray. Sometimes God has me praying for people without even knowing their needs. He’s good like that, He doesn’t need to let me in on everyone’s business just so that I can pray for them. 


I may look impatient in a long line, until I look around at all the people around me. They may be impatient, too. But, many of them are hurting with concerns they’ll never share with me. That doesn’t stop me from praying for them, once I allow God to get my attention. If I’m fussing about the slow cashier, or that my ice cream is going to melt or that the child behind me won’t stop whining, I’m not listening for that gentle prompt from God.

(photo from west.com)

But, when I let all that distraction fall by the wayside, it’s much easier to hear and even discern who needs prayer and a smile or a kind word. Sometimes, even who needs me to buy a gift card for them, or just the quiet suggestion to buy a gift card and trust the cashier to give it to whomever needs it as they pass through their line.


Am I rich? Yes. Beyond measure. That doesn’t mean my bank account has an overflowing balance. But, you can’t out-give God, His idea of thanks or payment are very different than ours.

Listening for His still small voice always pays off, whether I see the payment or not; whether I know who needs the benefit of my listening ears or not.


As my circle broadens, so does my heart.

(photo from Edutopia.org)

Sometimes when I’m privy to someone’s story, I can get anxious. Many are tragic. Evil raises it’s ugly head too often. Life doesn’t always seem fair, not by a long shot. So many times, I question, why? But, that’s a question that doesn’t always abound with answers.


As my circle broadens, my compassion grows and my mind can be drawn into serious drama that surrounds me. But, my blood pressure can come right back down, when I’m listening for God to show me what to do, because I trust that He’s is in control!

(photo from Edutopia.org)

So, as my circle grows and grows tighter because I connect with people who have no clue someone is praying for them, it’s lined with the soft carpeting of a listening ear. Without that ear, this large circle can feel like a cold, comfortless prison cell.


Fourteen times in the NIV version of the Bible, we can read, “Whoever has ears, let him hear…”


Listening and hearing from God connects us to God. Listening and hearing God speak to our hearts connects us to the others around us, whether we know them or not.


Ever feel disconnected? Now, you see why. Those are the times you’re not listening. Or perhaps you’re listening to wrong voice; the one who tries to fill your head with lies – about yourself and others.


You may want to tune into what scripture says, so I’ve listed those fourteen verses here so you can find them easily.

Good night, friends. I’m listening…

(photo from skillshare.com)

A Peek Inside

(photo from pinterest.com)

Now, looking back, I see I may have set out to do something without asking God if it was even something He wanted me to do. It seemed like the right thing to do. It was something I would do instinctively; surely, it would be easy enough to do.

However, I don't actually remember asking for God's input on the matter. You know, you don't ask God if you should stop at the next traffic light. If it's red, you stop without giving it a second thought.

Then, I heard God weigh in on the matter.

After wrestling with my version of failure and questioning everything remotely related to the issue at hand, and redundantly asking the input of others, I opened my heart up enough to listen.

God's 'still small voice' said, "That wasn't your assignment."

No explanation necessary.

Surely, He might have frowned at the look of astonishment that overtook my face. Like a teacher who's stubborn student just 'doesn't get it' no matter what teaching approach they use, He might also have wanted to roll His eyes. A lesser god could even have given up on me.

But, no. He's long-suffering. He's patient. And, no, He didn't bite off more than He could chew when He took on loving me and drawing me to Himself.

He didn't scratch His head and whisper to the rest of the Trinity, "What do we do with this one?"

He didn't scrap His plans for my life.

He didn't rethink the purposes He created in me.

Instead, I felt His warm presence wrap me safely in the mantle of His mercy.

Shame fled.

Anger fell away.

Frustrations faded.

Loss was once again replaced with purpose. This time, I eagerly inquired of HIS purpose, pushing my puny human plans aside. Plans, mind you, that I'd thought ideal.

If you’ve ever found yourself sitting on this very same step, tell me your story…..please?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

(pinterest.com)

Expanding NEBAI

(aecinfo.com)

Eons ago, in 2001, actually, I wrote a prayer that revealed my need to slow down, even if it was just the few relaxing moments I spent in the bathtub.

Today I filled the tub, plopped in a fizzy ball and sank into the hot water, relaxing inch by inch, as I submerged myself. “Sermons in the Tub” came to mind with full gusto, again.

“Lord I always seem to hear You….

when I’m listening….

when I’m listening to what You want to say to me…

I never seem hear You at all 

when I’m listening for what I want You to say,

the way I want You to say it.

I hear You when there’s very little 

if anything else at all that I can be doing.

You increase Your Word, only when I’m using it, not when I need it, 

not when I want it; but only when I’m using it.

When the widow fed Elijah, it was Your Word, Lord, that sustained her, only when she relented 

and gave up what she could do to sustain herself.

When Your disciples fed the multitudes from a basket of a few fishes and a loaf of bread, did they grow tired of feeding before all were fed, or did their level of excitement overwhelm their weariness –

because they saw the increase of Your Word…as it was used?

Today is a great day, without it of course, tomorrow would not come.

Today is a day of release, of letting go...of using Your Word,

so that You can cause the increase as I need it.

If I don’t let go of what I no longer need,

where will You give me what You want me to have now?

If I don’t let go to death, where will You give life.

If I’m listening for only what I want to hear You say,

where will You speak, that I would listen?”

I need to listen more and talk less. I get that. I also need to do better at being honest with myself.

(memorise.org)

 Using dietary illustrations again, there have been occasions when I’ve eaten something sugary or fatty and felt horrible afterward, and not just from conviction or guilt over eating it. I felt bloated, lazy, sleepy, queasy, sometimes even nauseous. (Then add to that, being mad at myself for consciously putting that poison in my mouth.) Those are not the words I want to use when describing how I feel. Yet, the time comes when I’m tempted to eat those very same things again – simply because my taste buds crave them or I’m feeling lonely or frustrated. If I were honest with myself when contemplating what I should do, I’d admit that those foods won’t comfort me, they’ll make me feel worse than I may already feel.

I know how those foods will make me feel. But, when I’m too busy for my own good and my focus is all over the map, not only do I not listen to what God wants to say to me, I don’t even listen to what I have to say to myself.

(by Eleanor Craig)

If you look at my life from an outsider’s point of view, you’d never guess I’m too busy. Even as I survey what I get done in a day, it’s not really all that much, most of the time. So, it’s not that I’m too busy doing things; my mind is too busy.

So, not only when I find myself being tempted to eat something that won’t be good for my body, but also when I catch my mind rushing around in pointless circles, I’m going to try to incorporate my NEBAI practice. (See my last blog post here for more on that.)

The catchy part will be noticing when my mind is evading me. Ha-ha!

Okay, Lord – I’m listening. For now.

(kickvick.com)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (KJV)

I’m thankful that God is so patient with me, working everything together for my good and His glory. I think it’s His very good pleasure to work in us; with us, fulfilling His promises in our lives.

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, 

as some men count slackness; 

but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, 

but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)

(enjoyingthejourneys.com)

Silly Sounding Obedience

(My obedience plant.)

Don’t take for granted that because it’s good, it’s God.

God may have someone right around the corner He needs you to speak with or pray for right now, perhaps someone who’s contemplating suicide. So, when we stop to chat with the homeless man begging for quarters just to be nice, we may be “chasing rabbit trails” instead of heeding the voice of God.

This is where listening for His voice; His guidance, is crucial. Every time He speaks to us, His words are worth hearing and living out.

Sometimes God speaks to me about seemingly small things, but they can have monumental effects.

A dear friend of mine tells a story about a time when God spoke to her about wearing a specific dress. At first she was taken aback, asking God, “Don’t You trust me to pick out my own clothes for the day?” But, obedience prevailed, and she wore the dress, which was a bit out of place for her day. She walked out to check her mail and a woman came shrieking with excitement across the courtyard. “My mother made me a dress when I was a girl and it looked just like that one, where did you get it?” she asked. Now, the dress was of little importance in the grand scheme of things, but being invited to a conversation with this woman was where God had some seed planting to do. My friend was able to share some truths about our living Savior, Jesus Christ, with a woman she’d never have spoken to otherwise.

God knew as my friend got dressed that morning who He would bring across her path, and just how He would draw the two together – over a dress.

We may never know the opportunities we’ve missed to share the gospel message or to be a blessing to someone, simply because we ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

What joy can we bring into the lives of others by acting in obedience, no matter how silly or petty we feel God’s instructions for the day to be. Obedience is so much easier, too, when we trust that the results of that obedience are His responsibility, not ours.

I think I’ve shared this story before, but perhaps someone who needs to hear it missed it the first time.

Decades ago, while living in Illinois I crossed paths with a beautiful young Asian woman who spoke little to no English. How could I have been of any earthly good to her? This delicate creature was berated daily by a brute of a husband in the parking lot of our apartment complex. I wouldn’t say those words to my worst enemy, let alone scream them at my spouse!

But, one day I knew God was instructing me to stop at her apartment and tell her that He loves her. I put it off until it was time to walk up to the school and collect my children for the day. As a matter of fact, I put it off so badly that, upon arriving at the corner near the school, I had to inform God that if I went back to talk to her, I’d be late for the kids. Almost as if He was shaking His head and laughing at me, He said that if I’d obeyed Him sooner I wouldn’t be in that dilemma. I turned around and went back.

I was anxious and knew she wouldn’t understand a word I said, but I knocked on her door. No one answered. With a sigh, I was relieved to believe that God merely wanted my act of obedience, but that He wasn’t going to require me to actually talk to the woman. After knocking a second time and getting no answer, I turned to walk away. One step into my retreat, and she opened her door with a fearful, questioning look on her face, half hiding behind her door.

“Jesus wanted me to tell you that He loves you,” I said. (Or something to that affect.) Immediately, she seemed to understand. She nodded her head repeatedly and thanked me over and over again with a smile of joy on her face and tears rolling down her cheeks.

I never saw her again. But who knows what was going on behind her closed door when I got there? Could she have been contemplating suicide? Could she have been mustering up the courage to leave her lousy husband? Could she have just been staring at the results of a pregnancy test? I’ll never know. But, I do know that God used my words - His words, to bless her greatly. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such a look of joy since.

By the way, I was at the school before the bell rang.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thin own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

"...to obey is better than sacrifice..." - 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV)

What were His instructions today? What was the outcome? If you’re not too shy, share it with us!

(The "fortune" from my last fortune cookie at Panda Express.)

Am I Listening?

(photo from vividhearing.com.au)

Am I listening? Do I hear God when He speaks to me? Do I hear you when you speak to me? Or do your words flutter past my ears as if you’re speaking a foreign language? More than that, do I miss what your heart is saying despite your words?

‘They say’ we hear what we want to hear. In the Bible, Timothy even mentions this when he refers to our ‘itching ears’.

In 2 Timothy 4:2-4 we read: “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (KJV)

Bringing this to a personal, relationship level between us and those we love or choose to interact with daily – how much of what they’re saying to us do we miss? Do they perhaps think they’re communicating one thing, while we’re receiving something else completely?

All sorts of internet memes are created to joke about what a woman’s words really mean; that sometimes when she responds ‘fine’ to the question ‘how are you?’ it’s simply a mask for her PMS-self. But, let’s face it, we’ve all responded with that answer, whether we’re male or female; and we haven’t always been honest. We may have thought the person asking the question really didn’t care how we’re doing, but simply using the question as a greeting. We may have wanted to hide how we feel because we didn’t trust the asker. We didn’t think we had time for a conversation, or thought they didn’t. Perhaps we thought the person asking couldn’t handle the truth in our honest response and we’d make them uncomfortable. There are plenty of reasons why we might have withheld the truth. But most of these reasons include ‘we thought’. What if [gasp!] we’re wrong?

Is this why we don’t share the gospel as freely as we believe we should? Is our thinking getting in the way of our sharing? Not that we shouldn’t think, God gave us phenomenal brains for good reason. But, some things come more naturally than others. Like breathing. When we take time to be conscious of our own breathing, beautiful things can happen, like relaxation or even exhilaration. But fortunately, we don’t have to ponder breathing in order to fill our lungs as needed. We just do it.

What if we could share the gospel of Jesus Christ like that?

True; we want to know our audience. But even more profound; we need to LOVE our audience. God already knows them and prepares just the right words for us to speak to their hearts…if we’re listening for them.

At least ten times the scriptures share this message, “Then Jesus said, whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” –Mark 4:9 (NIV)

Listening and speaking; two awesome tools to share God’s love – are we using either one of them?

Make time to love through communication today, even if you don’t use words.

Hearing God

In my last post I said I’d share some of Loren Cunningham’s points to remember on hearing the voice of God. For the rest of them, click here to go to Amazon to buy your own copy of his book, “Is That Really You, GOD?”

Mr. Cunningham points out that if you know Jesus as your personal Savior, you, in fact, have already heard God’s voice. For it was that inner leading that led you to Him in the first place. Through story, he unfolds how he learned to listen for and to God’s voice. And at the back of the book, he summarizes the points he’s made. He backs up his points with scripture.

He, by example, shows us that we need to submit to God’s lordship; asking Him to help us silence our own thoughts and desires and the opinions of others that may be filling our minds. (2 Corinthians 10:5). He candidly says that even though we have been given good minds to use, right now we want to hear the thoughts of the Lord, Who has the best mind!

Next, he tells us to resist the enemy; this point is backed up by one of my favorite scriptures in God’s Word. James 4:7 tells us to “resist the devil and he will flee from us…” But, too often we dismiss the beginning of the verse, almost not seeing it there at part of our instruction, the part that says, “submit yourselves to God, therefore…” Without submitting ourselves to God and His lordship, we resist the enemy in vain. We need to use the authority that Jesus has given us to silence the voice of the enemy. He indicates Ephesians 6:10-20 here, as well.

And then: expect an answer! Mr. Cunningham declares that after asking the question that is on our mind, we need to wait for Him to answer! We need to expect our loving heavenly Father to speak to us in whatever way He chooses. He will! (John 10:27; Psalm 69:13; Exodus 33:11).

I found this book to be very encouraging and promising. I recommend it to everyone who needs to hear from God. Be prepared, He will call you…..

In My Impatience

(photo courtesy of sheddinglightonthepath.blogspot.com)

Having just finished reading Loren Cunningham’s journeys through learning to hear God’s voice, I’d like to share with you a few points from his book, “Is That Really You, GOD?”

I bought the book a few Sundays ago, after listening to what Fred Markert had to say to our congregation about the days we’re living in. I’ll admit, both emotions of excitement and angst mingled within me that day, and have in the days since. I so want to be sure I’m hearing from God, and not submitting myself to any voice with a thin disguise begging at my senses to be the voice of my Father.

His stories filled me with awe, though some sounded so surreal as to be concocted in his own mind to fill the pages of his book with God-sounding sagas. Yet, I believe each story he told with conviction and feel them stirring an eager anticipation in my own soul.

Lately, I’ve grown weary waiting on God to move me to do something, or to plainly display before me the plans He has for me to fulfill; anticipating doing something worthy of a child of the great King. Yet, admittedly, the responsibility or being called to some noteworthy feat is more than overwhelming. I hate to advertise it, but some might rightfully consider me to be a rather lazy person.

That said and out of the way, I’ve been listening for God’s roar or His still, small voice to resound in my ears this week, as I’m away on a trip, mostly by myself with time to focus more on Him and less on day to day routine.

I began to fret as the minutes turned into hours and even days, without as much as a whisper from on high. As if I could hurry God and needed to spell out for Him that my alone time here is limited, I read through scripture, sifting His Word for some special nugget that would speak to me now.

Yes, the words in Loren Cunningham’s book have satisfied my hopes and I plan to share some of his points…..tomorrow. But, more so, my dear friend Desire Cruz sent me a text this afternoon, clearly prompted by God that saturated my hunger and encouraged me to tears. Right away, I sent it to my husband, who quickly ate up the message as a prophecy from God just for him. Timely words from a devotional book called, “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young:

“I am the firm foundation on which you can dance and sing and celebrate My Presence. This is My high and holy calling for you, receive it as a precious gift. Glorifying and enjoying Me is a higher priority than maintaining a tidy structured life. Give up you’re striving to keep everything under control, an impossible task and a waste of precious energy. My guidance for each of My children is unique, that’s why listening to Me is so vital for your well being. Let Me prepare you for the day that awaits you and point you in the right direction. I am with you continually, so don’t be intimidated by fear. Though it stalks you, it cannot harm you. As you cling to My hand, keep your eyes on Me, enjoying peace in My Presence.”

Selah. (Ponder THAT!)

Parenting Afterthoughts

 

I think sometimes wanting the best for our children comes back to bite us. It can be perceived as expecting too much from them.

I read somewhere to expect more and a child will usually measure up. If you set the bar low, hopefully the child will at least meet that measure, but they may not grow up thinking they can do better. You can encourage a child without pushing them off the deep end. You can go overboard as well; demanding perfection from an imperfect being can prove destructive both to the child and your relationship with that child.

Clearly none of us is perfect. No one parents perfectly and no one grows up the perfect child.

Most of us want more for our children than we had. Unfortunately, they can’t learn from our mistakes. It would be great if our children didn’t have to suffer the hurts we have. But they have to learn for themselves the high costs those mistakes can sometimes impose. I think the hardest part of parenting is watching your children hurt - and then there’s the tormenting yourself over what you could have done to prevent their pain. Sometimes it’s just not preventable.

You’d think I’d learn by now to speak less, while saying more. But I still put my foot in my mouth all the time. I ramble. My conversations sound trite to my listeners. Honestly, I don’t know how certain people put up with me! I think sometimes parenting has more to do with closing my mouth, than pointing out from experience what’s proven hurtful to me; most of the time the warnings go unheeded anyway. Most of us want to explore and learn and understand for themselves. I can’t say I’m any different.

So to the children of this generation and the next, I will try, and I won’t be perfect at it, but I will try to sit back and watch quietly. I’ll always be in your corner – praying for you as you navigate life’s rivers.

I’m always here if you need me. I love you.

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (KJV)