What Do You Do With Your Trash?

 

Garbage. We all have it. We have it in the kitchen in the trash bin. We see it blowing along the streets sometimes. We might even view some people’s possessions this way – as garbage and not deserving a place in their homes (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure).

We have it in our minds. All the wrong thoughts, beliefs and lies we have tucked away in there amount to trash.

The Apostle Paul even considered all his earthly accomplishments as trash compared to the glory of knowing God. (Philippians 3:8)

Some people are fortunate to have compartments in their mind. Enjoying all the benefits of A.D.D. (I jest) all of my thoughts are sometimes scrambled together in one large room that could be labeled chaos. I seriously need to learn to put on the mind of Christ!

But if you sort through things and compartmentalize them, do you have a garbage bin tucked away in your mind somewhere?

Earlier today I was pondering this and realized it would be very effective to have a little trash bin in my mind – one like the one in my email, where I can just click on “empty bin” and it would all be gone in an instant. Like with my email, I’d have to pause and ask myself, “Am I sure I want to delete this? It’s a permanent decision.”

I recently shared a blog post about becoming organized and focused. That’s going to take some work. But how can I clean any room and organize without a trash bin (or Goodwill box) for what I no longer want or need?

The same goes for my mind.

There are plenty of unorganized thoughts I might want to forget about, but do I want to delete them forever? Well, yes – the lies I have stored up there need to go. But not necessarily all the unpleasant memories.

Let’s face it, some of those experiences brought me to where I am today. And today – I am quite happy. As a matter of fact, there’s little that could make me happier and more joyful than I am (despite the occasional bad mood or how much you might hear me complain about nothing).

So how do we tell the lies from the unpleasant memories or problematic thoughts?

Well, fortunately, that question has a pretty easy answer. It’s called taking all thoughts captive, something I didn’t understand for the longest time.

“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (KJV)

If I captured a bunny or a butterfly to enjoy its beauty and awe, I would momentarily release it.

If I captured a wild, angry rabid wolf, I would have to have it killed for safety’s sake.

When I capture a thought (taking it captive to take a closer look at it), how will I know if it’s something I need to hang on to or throw away?

I’ll lay it at the feet of Jesus in prayer and ask Him what He makes of it.

If He calls it a lie and reveals it should be tossed out, it needs to go into my mental trash bag. Yes, the one I need to take with me daily and empty before the end of the day. For me – this is something I’ll need to imagine every morning, or I’ll forget to take it with me.

But how will we know what Jesus thinks of my thoughts? He’ll tell you, and you will know His voice.

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” – John 10:4 (ESV)

This is where trusting in God becomes your faith.

This is a pivotal moment in your life; the moment you’ve looked for all your life. God has already hidden that faith in your heart. You just need to uncover it.

“ Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” – Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)

Learn His voice by listening for Him every day. Converse with Him. He’s always longing to engage intimately with you.

And bring along that mental trash bag. He’ll even throw it away for you, if you let Him.

Simply Put....

 

Simply put.

How can we simplify the chaos in our minds these days? We actually have a lot of options, and we should use as many of them as we can.

I run to the Word of God. Nothing can comfort me like God’s words to me. Nothing can calm me like His Spirit being present with me.

But sometimes I feel like I need to go looking for Him, as if He’s hidden in plain view but for me to accept the peace He has for me, I have to go in search of it. Silly, right? But, if I need to head out on a trail, or hike through a meadow or just go for a drive through the mountains or walk along a beach – that’s what my head needs to quiet down so I can listen. Those of you who know me personally know I can be loquacious. I admit it, I can be chatty. But if you think I’m talkative on the outside, you should hear what’s sometimes going on the INSIDE of my head! So, if I need to “get away” for a while, then that’s what I need to do. Dave (my wonderful husband) knows that taking me out into nature will always fill my “happy tank” – and he’ll take me there when he can tell I need it. Whether that’s a walk on the trail across the street from where we live, or someplace a little further away.

And that, my friends, is where I find the simple things that my brain needs to quiet itself and hear the still small voice of God. Might that be what you need today?

Go for a walk, alone or with a friend. It’s been my experience that when I take a friend (generally my best friend) I have to work more at being quiet. Chat with your friend – for a while. But leave time to chat with the One that loves you most and wants more than anything to soothe your soul, quiet your mind and love your worries away.

I thought I would share with you a few of my “simply” moments today.

“Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” - Psalm 16:9

“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: don’t worry yourself because of the one who prospers in his way, or because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass…” – Psalm 37:7

“The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17

“Therefor did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover, also my flesh shall rest in hope:” – Acts 2:26

“Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give unto you: not as the world gives peace. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

“…Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: and he shall have it, and his seed after him…” – Numbers 25:12-13

“…let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” – Isaiah 27:5

 

Comfort - able?

 

(picture from pinterest)

“I am filled with comfort…”  - 2 Corinthians 7:4 NKJV

Who doesn’t want to be comfortable? Our society has gone from wearing jeans to wearing spandex leggings, and even wearing pjs in public. On Thanksgiving, some of us are sure to wear our “big girl pants” so we can remain comfy even after overindulging.

Yet, we often push away comfort for our minds and our hearts. Why? Do we not deserve to be comforted? Do we somehow deserve discomfort or suffering or agony? We probably don’t hide it as well as we think we do, and it can come out as anger or disinterest, or rudeness and we can offend people without even realizing it.

How do you define comfort? Not that “from the comfort of your own living room” kind of comfort, but the comfort we need when we’re challenged in some way. Whether by grief, a loss or bad news of any kind, too many of us refuse to be comforted in the moment, as if putting it off till later will make it easier or more quickly resolved.

(from pinterest)

The internet tells me that comfort means: 1. A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint or 2. The easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress. It goes on to say that the meaning of “true comfort” is “to give strength and hope to; to cheer; to console. And further, a biblical understanding of comfort encompasses solace, encouragement, and strengthening in times of hardship, often signifying God’s presence and support.

To comfort someone, we need to listen to them, to show empathy and sympathy, be kind and supportive and offer help, we need to let them know we’re there for them, we need to give them hope and strength.

Interestingly, the all-knowing internet also tells us that comfort isn’t just a feel-good word; it’s a complex psychological state. Researchers define comfort as a sense of physical or psychological ease, often characterized by feelings of relaxation and tranquility.

But enough of what others have to say on the matter. What do you think?

(from praisecharts .com)

We’ll need comfort over big hurts and little offenses. We need comfort more often than we realize We tend to tuck our offenses into the far-reaching recesses of our minds where they’ll pile up without much notice until we stumble from the weight of it all.

Does it make us stronger than our friends or the general public when we “buck up” and keep pushing through with everyday life even though we’re wounded? Or does it make us less effective in our everyday lives than we could be? Carrying grief and wounds takes tremendous strength and saps us of the energy we need to live extraordinary and successful lives.

(from Pinterest)

Just as there are different love languages, there are differing ways of giving and receiving comfort.

When I hear you’ve received bad news of any sort, my first impulse is to buy you a gift (probably a bouquet of flowers) to lift your spirit. But those flowers may be a waste of money in your opinion. When I need consoling you may feel the need to give me a hug, but that might not be so well received in the moment.

There’s a title given to the One Who knows how to comfort all of us in exactly the right way: the God of All Comfort. He wraps our hearts in their "comfy clothes".

His love can be the comfort we run from most, denying that we even need it. Maybe we think it will be too messy or that we don’t have time for comfort right now. You know, stuff needs doing, decisions need to be made, and others need our comfort…

So, it’s actually a choice on our part to walk around with the weight of all of our wounds. If you don’t feel comfortable accepting comfort right now – schedule time for it. God will meet you wherever and whenever you’re available. He longs for your company, alone time – with you!

(from delightindisorder .org)

Are you comfort - able? 

But what will His comfort LOOK like, what will it FEEL like

Let Him show you. 

       I hear He’s found of the phrase, “Come and see…”

 

“God, You hear the quiet parts of our hearts that cry, even as we wail through grief we hide from everyone else.

You tenderly treasure our tears because they're tokens of our vulnerability; our need for You. Cover us with Your holy comfort, fill us with Your peace, quench the torment that seeks us night and day.

You see the anxious trembling that grief and fear try to smother us with, suddenly and without warning.

We know that You've not filled us with a spirit of fear.

You flood us with Your Spirit of love and power and a peace-filled mind.

Move in and remodel my heart until You're completely comfortable here and free to do whatever You'd like.”

 

(from Pinterest)

“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

-         Romans 15:5-6 NKJV

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

-         2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV

“Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

-         1 Thessalonians 4:18 NKJV

One Big Step

 

(from homedepot .com)

Have you seen those baskets designed to be placed at the top or bottom of your stairs? They’re pretty clever and helpful to those of us who suffer from problems with forgetfulness. I no longer have any of these baskets. But, placed on the bottom step, you drop things in it to “remember to take upstairs when you make the trip…” And placed at the top step to easily take the contents downstairs. In theory, it should work. Unless, like me, you forget to grab the basket – SITTING THERE IN PLAIN SIGHT – and think of it when you’re already upstairs without the items you meant to bring up with you.

How often do we find ourselves lying in our bed at night, thinking [always thinking] of the concerns of the day? The very same things we knew we should turn over to God but didn’t. Maybe we started to, we “put them in the basket” but didn’t get around to taking the basket upstairs and handing it over to God. Maybe we didn’t even get around to dropping them in the basket! Perhaps we simply stuffed them in the pocket of our mind thinking we’d drop them in the basket the next time we passed by.

(from Amazon .com)

And there we are, lying there in bed when the rest of the house is quiet, and our mind is outrageously noisy.

Remembering to take my books upstairs or to bring my teacup from last night down the stairs is one thing. But taking the troubles of the day, or even worse, the troubles of tomorrow to bed with me can bring no good. They cause my mattress to feel lumpy and my pillow to look flat and the room temperature to seem too hot or too cold. Trouble begets trouble.

Tossing and turning as the troubles roll over in my mind never brings solutions. Surely if it did, I’d forget that solution before my first dream was over.

There is a perfect place for those troubles, in the safe keeping of our Lord. Yet we either forget to drop them there, or we put off doing so. We somehow instantly get busier and other concerns get in our way and we don’t notice until bedtime.

Sometimes, we’re even hesitant to leave them there because secretly, we’re afraid He won’t do anything constructive with them. In that case, it’s simply that we don’t trust Him.

Admitting that can be hard. We WANT to trust Him. We know that He’s trustworthy. Yet we hold back. Giving these troubles or burdens to God immediately will go a long way in helping us to sleep better every night.

(from Amazon .com)

We have stepdaughters, stepfathers, and step stools, so maybe it’s time to grab a step-basket, in our minds if nowhere else.

Then, of course, remember to use it and use it quickly!

The more quickly we give our troubles to God, the more likely we’ll see what He does with them, which will help us to trust Him better with each next burden.

Building trust is key.

When we give our trust too freely, too quickly, we’re often disappointed and lose that trust. Watching what someone does with the things we entrust to them, whether secrets or possessions, we learn whether we can truly trust them or not.

Your step-basket may look more like a journal. If you’re like me, you have more notebooks and journals than you’ll admit to, and the one you need is never handy. So, I’ve begun taking notes on the notepad app on my phone. Try it!

Write down your troubles the moment they come to mind and hand them over to God quickly, where they can be dealt with best! If you’re “too busy” which, let’s face it, we all are from time to time, keep that journal on your bedstand. Better to give it to God quickly but later is better than never. Eventually you can read back over that journal and see all the wonderful things God did with your “problems”.

(from Pinterest .com)

Do you have a story for me about giving something to God quickly vs not giving it to Him at all?

I Miss My Time With You

While watching a heartfelt, poignant and powerful message on YouTube yesterday, I had to jot down a few notes. Tyler Hamrick was sharing on “This One Thing” – referencing the biblical story of Martha complaining to Jesus that her sister Mary wasn’t helping her with necessary chores. He pointed out that Jesus wasn’t mad at Martha and He didn’t chastise Mary. His loving response to her could have been delivered in a myriad of ways. We don’t have complete context of their conversation, but I imagine all sorts of love and compassion in His eyes when He said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But this one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV)

Tyler (Hamrick) pointed out that “God wants us to be busy about the kingdom, not spiritually lazy – but not at the cost of our intimacy with Him.”

I also noted that he said, that “we can’t be busy FOR Him if we don’t have intimacy WITH Him.”

What if God spoke to you the words He spoke to Tyler, when He asked him, “When was the last time you just sat with Me?”

How would you answer Him?

Are we listening to what Jesus is saying to us? Or are we too distracted?

Are we just too busy to sit with Jesus?

Martha was complaining that her sister, Mary was “just sitting there listening to Jesus” as He spoke to the group assembled there in her home. It had to be pointed out to her that the preparations for the Lord mean nothing without the presence of the Lord.

“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 (NLT)

Even in the Old Testament, God reached out to His people for relationship, for intimacy, which He tells us is more important to Him than “doing things for Him”.

Doing things for God is important, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20 KJV)

But if we don’t spend time in His presence, how can we know where He’s sending us or what He requires of us in this moment? Are we merely doing what we think He would want us to do? What if what we’re busy with is actually someone else’s responsibility…

We’re always busy, yet we wonder why we’re so tired all the time.

We become like drained batteries that never get charged when we’re too “busy about our Father’s business” to plug into the source of our power.

It can be hard for us to just “sit and be still” with Jesus. We need to explore why that is. We need to take that question to Him in prayer and listen to what He points out to us.

To hear Him, we may just have to push through and sit with Him and listen – which should be a joyful thing for us! But, for some of us, that may be harder than anything else we need to do in our daily lives.

But “this one thing” is needful: it’s necessary, it’s essential.

 

 

Making Time to Rest

(photo from wallpaperflare.com)

I used to think August was the best month of the year for so many reasons. Yes, the best reason was that it’s my birthday month. But, back in the day, we didn’t go back to school until after Labor Day, so we actually had the whole summer off. By August, it was hot in northeast Ohio; we didn’t have as many farm chores to do, because the heat was so stifling.

In my mind, August conjures up the “dog days of summer”. Laziness and rest in preparation for the new school year.

(factsite.com)

But, in adulthood, our schedules don’t allow us the summer to recuperate, unless we happen to work for the local schools. We’re always busy with our daily routines. Unless we’re fortunate enough to be able to afford vacations, have vacation days on the books at work, and are mindful enough to take breaks when we can, one day can look just like the last and just like the next.

God knew we’d need to rest. He designed us to sleep for about a third of our day. He instructed us not to work on the Sabbath (which doesn’t necessarily mean Sundays). He speaks of entering into His rest often through the Bible. Yes, rest is important. He also promises that unbelievers will not enter into His rest. (Hebrews 3) But to us, who believe, He promises rest. (Hebrews 4)

As you may recall, in the book of Genesis, where God describes for us how He made the earth and everything in it, He rested on the seventh day of creation. He didn’t just stop working after day six, He took day seven to rest. He didn’t rest because He was tired, in Psalm 121 we read that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.

So how does He rest?

God enjoys what and who He’s created. He enjoys Life! (Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life… - John 14:6)

How much time do you take to enjoy your accomplishments? Even more importantly, how much time do you make to enjoy Life (Jesus)?

(tinybuddha.com)

Our time is more quickly spent than our paychecks. Praise God, retirement has offered me more time to spend how I’d like, but I can still let busyness overtake me. When was the last time you entered into God’s rest and enjoyed all He has for you? Resting helps us better accomplish all the things God created us to do!

Peace Down a Cobblestone Road

(picture from ebay)

As I wind myself down the narrow cobblestone pathway, I feel goosebumps on my arms and a shiver in my bones, though the scorching sun and windless day envelops me. I’m containing my joyful giggles because my upbringing taught me to be quiet at church. I want to run the length of the path, winding around gangly shrubs and old, faded statues, chipped and neglected; yet I tiptoe, slowly, enjoying every step with ecstatic anticipation. Tears trace my nose. I lick them as they meet my smiling lips.

I’ve seen the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and Westminster Abbey; I’ve admired the spiral staircase at the Loretto Chapel and knelt in so many churches and cathedrals across the globe, large and small alike. I’ve been in awe of the structures themselves and the thought of so many prayers offered up over the centuries, knowing God has heard each one of them.

But, here, there’s a sweetness in the air, though no flowers in sight. The uncut grasses and unkept bushes are as welcoming as the arms of Jesus Himself. I might have missed the tiny sign out front if I’d blinked, yet I know that God’s Spirit has drawn me to this humble grotto behind the old stone wall.

Normally, I’d take pictures to share, but it feels this like this is a place for Jesus to speak to my heart. As modest as a manger in cold barn, yet, He’s here.

I’m standing before dirty stones, once stacked high; the cove for a large statue of Mary has been battered by many storms, making me wonder how it’s stood the test of time? Tears of tenderness swell from within me, I want to hold this whole place in my arms, I want to embrace everything that God has for me here.

I fall to my knees on hard dirt, baked by the sun, but with a pull I can’t resist. I can’t even close my eyes, fearing I’ll miss something, yet everything fades away.

I’m shaking as I rejoice in the middle of nowhere. I can see an old picture my father painted many years ago. Jesus sits in the midst of children. From the folds of His robe, I see my little sister, peeking out at me. She looks timid as her eyes meet mine; she clings to His robe. Sobs overtake me. My little sister! My precious little sister, in this life so filled with hurt and sorrow, fear and abuse – hiding in the robes of the King!

Without a word of prayer, I know she’s safe with Him there, secure in the folds of His garment. I’m at total peace.

(picture from pinterest)

Sing Over Me

(musicgrotto.com)

There are songs our hearts need to hear. What song is your heart longing for today? When you quiet your thoughts, do you hear it? Maybe it’s a song of comfort. Perhaps and song to energize your day? A song of rejoicing? It might be a song to distract you from everything that’s overwhelmed you today.

As I sit down to write this blog post, I hear a chorus echo through my thoughts, whispering, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord. It’s so familiar it could roll through my brain without much contemplation. But when did I last intentionally take time out of my busy day to close my eyes and just worship Him? Have I even slowed down enough today to adore my Savior? No. I haven’t. And you know what? He isn’t mad at me; He’s not holding a grudge against me or sitting up there in the heavenlies pouting on His throne because I once again allowed myself to get too busy for Him. He decided a long time ago to love me, no matter what, with His never-ending love.

Would He like me to turn to Him with my every thought, my every care or worry? Would He like me to include Him in my excitement and happiness? Absolutely!

Just as we like to be included in what our friends are going through, He too wants to share in everything we think, say and do. He wants us to honor Him with our thoughts, our words and our deeds. But He’s not going to punish us for getting too busy. He’d like to help, if we’ll let Him.

Whether He’s quietly calling us to Himself, or showing off in some ridiculously crazy way to get our attention – He’s waiting on us.

(psiloveyou.xyz)

And guess what else! The Bible says He never grows weary. Even I grow weary of my busyness, or my laziness or my forgetfulness. Any reason I can give for going on with my day without Him is no excuse at all. At bedtime when I lay my blurry-eyed head on my pillow, He’s patiently waiting on me. And if I fall asleep without thanking Him for my day, still, He waits on me.

He loves me no more or no less than He loves anyone else. Does He deal with us differently? Yes. Just as my children are all different and respond to me differently, God’s children are all individuals with their own personalities, needs and love language. He knows them all; every one of His children, their quirks, their joys, their needs and how they best give and receive love. None of us is beyond His reach. Not a single one of us slide under His radar, He loves us all.

No need to stand before Him with shame, Jesus took care of all of that on the Cross.

How would you like your child to come to you? Would it bless you if they poured their heart out to you? Would you love a hug? Would you like them to honor you, to receive from you all the wonderful things you’d like to give them? Would you like them to look lovingly into your eyes?

Before you close this blog post, share something with Jesus. He’s ever so patiently waiting for you.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”                                  -Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)

(thedodo.com)

What's in....your mind?

(from clipart-library.com)

“Your mind is the command center of your life. For your mind to guide you into a good future, it needs to be free from painful memories you’ve been holding on to. The battle for your happiness is inside of you, specifically in your mind. Other people matter and influence your life. Ultimately, though, your thinking more than any other factor determines your happiness.” -Eric Thurman

This quote comes from a book on retirement that Dave and I are currently discussing, Thrive in Retirement, Simple Secrets for Being Happy for the Rest of Your Life. (Click here to go to Amazon to check out the book yourself.)

My mind tends to want to wrestle everything that doesn’t line up completely with the Word of God. Sometimes I try to make it line up, other times, I pray about it and God shows me what He was saying through the person making the statement; specifically, what He was saying to me.

This quote though, I don’t really wrestle with it at all; I’m pondering it. I like it. It just makes sense.

(from owlcation.com)

I was chatting with a woman about her retirement years. She wasn’t encouraging at all. She made it sound like each day was merely a matter of existing; waking up to breathe for another day. I almost wanted to ask, “So, you’re just waiting for the day you don’t live through?”

I don’t want to live out our retirement like that.

I suppose, just like every day of life before retirement, we have to choose whether or not to be happy as the day unfolds. But this book gives us food for thought as to how to get the most out of our latter years. It could all be applied to our younger years, as well. I think he needs a different title.

On another page he wrote, “It is my ambition to be happy for all the years I have left, and I want to infect you with the same enthusiasm. A thriving life of delight and meaning isn’t going to come as a streak of good luck. It will happen as the result of deliberate choices and actions.”

Again. Makes perfect sense to me!

The Bible tells us that what we think is what we’re going to be. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on the good things. For my real fans, you know that’s part of my favorite chunk of scripture. Another portion of scripture tells us that “as a man thinks, so is he”. (Proverbs 23:7) Even secular books tell us this same profitable message.
Song: Think on the Good Things - The Gaither Trio

What we allow to roll around in our heads is going to shape our lives, whether we’re near retirement or just starting out in life.

(from me.me.com)

There’s a popular credit card commercial that asks, “What’s in your wallet?” Can't you hear him ask just by seeing his face? 

I ask, “What’s in your mind?”

You don’t have to answer out loud.

Many of us would answer that our minds are filled with our mounting problems. Or that we constantly think of how someone wronged us, or that we dwell on how unfair life seems to be.

Can many of us honestly say that our thoughts are filled with good things – all the time? That we dwell on our blessings more than our problems?

God tells us to “fret not” and to “fear not”. (Someone told me that the Bible says to “fear not” 365 times! Once for each day of the year.) God’s Word tells us to be anxious for nothing, that means not to worry about anything. It’s written there to be careful (full of care, worry) for nothing, because He does the caring for us. (1 Peter 5:7)

Maybe our enemy doesn’t have to tempt us with the “big sins” like murder or the like. Maybe all he has to do is get us worrying, about anything, actually.

(from Facebook.com)

I read a meme on social media, and then shared it myself. It read: “The serpent did not tempt Adam and Eve to steal, to kill, to commit adultery; he simply tempted them to question God’s Word.”

Ponder THAT!


Think on the Good Things Gaither Trio

Get Out of the Car

(Lake Dillon)

Get out of the car.

While driving through the mountains this weekend, having the most fabulous time ever, we saw scenery that took our breath away. I took lots of pictures as we hiked, and as we drove along the highways. We soaked in a hot tub to relieve our weary legs from the over-the-top hike. Hiking isn’t for the elderly unless you keep in shape! We had a wonderful time and I don’t regret a minute of it. (We’ll just have to work on the staying in shape bit a little more seriously.)

On our way back home we took a shorter, less scenic route, but enjoyed plenty of breathtaking views. While driving, I played around with technology and became frustrated. Even in the midst of such phenomenal beauty, I let myself get caught up in the pull of the world. 

(On the hike up to Lily Pad Pond in Silverthorne.)

I reminded myself repeatedly, “We’re having a great time. Calm down. Step away from the technology.” 

I was going to waste my day of relaxation and our quality time together getting mad at my phone.

What was really whispering through my head, there in the background, where I had to really listen for it, was, “Get out of the car.”

Once the whisper was loud enough, I said it out loud. Dave raised an eyebrow, but I said it again. “We need to get out of the car.”

We were coming upon a small lake to the south of the road, so we stopped. Needless to say, it was beautiful. The weather was perfect, like it had been all weekend. It got so warm I was glad I was wearing a sleeveless top. Yet, standing on a small bridge, the winds whipped down through a pass to blow my hair and caused us to snuggle into our jackets.

(I took this picture from the breezy bridge.)

A train whistle sounded nearby. That made both of us smile. The sound of a train brings back childhood memories. Within minutes of getting out of the car to walk around the lake, the frustrations I let my cell phone burrow into my soul were completely gone. 

The next time you’re feeling anxious or even angry – get out of the car!

Whether that’s literal or not, break the process. Your mind and your body want to let it go, help it out. Get out of the car. Put down the frustration. Leave the room. Count to ten? Well, maybe it’ll take a breath of fresh air, too. If you can, step outside. Count to ten out there. Breathe deeply. Feel the anxiety subside…

(Sitting next to the lake in Georgetown.)

And if you know your Creator, whisper to Him with your thanks and praise. If you don’t, talk to me.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

“…Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31 (NIV)