Just Be

 

What do you think of these quotes?

“Be still..."
"Cease striving..." 
"Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop striving..."

These words are different versions of a line of the song recorded for us in Psalm 46.

Do you believe it is possible? 

Being still and silent is possible. 

But, cease striving?

I try.

There are places and times where it comes naturally for me, like sunrise on the beach on the east coast.  But the problem is - 

            I live in Central Ohio.  

Perhaps it’s the American way to try to make things happen, to continually be striving.  Many times we do not even realize it. As Nike says, “Just Do It!”
However, those quotes were recorded in the Bible thousands of years ago in the Middle East. It looks like being busy, striving and noise might just be the 'human way'.

In all of those versions, the second half of the line is exactly the same, "... and know that I am God." 

Aha! That is the reason those words are so important. 

Be still. ‘Just be’ with God, no matter what is happening around you. It can mean time alone in a quiet place or simply closing your eyes and breathing for a few moments when everything around you is chaotic or stressful. It is the place inside where your trust and peace are renewed.

If you read the whole song, you will see it starts by declaring that God is our refuge. He is present with us in our troubles.  Then the writer says we will not fear when

• mountains crumble into the sea, 

• the earth quakes,

• waters roar  AND

• mountains shake because of the raging waters.

Ummm - To be honest, I might be a bit afraid if I witnessed that.

Can you imagine the 2020 version of those two verses?  It could start like this.         

Therefore, we will not be afraid when swarms of locust destroy the crops, when a terrible virus hits every nation or when wildfires ravage the land.
I'm sure you could add your own lines to this.  There are plenty of events to choose in 2020.

Is it possible that all of the shaking, whether physical or emotional, is actually good?
Is it possible, without the shaking, we will not get to a place  where we regularly are still and cease striving, so we can know and trust God? 

It makes me think of Joseph, the favorite son of Jacob. He is often known as “Joseph with the coat of many colors”,

As a teenager, God gave him dreams of his future.  But Joseph was unable to "do" anything to accomplish them. His life took a turn that looked like it was the opposite direction of his dreams.
He was -rejected by his own brothers
    -sold into slavery
    -falsely accused and imprisoned
And then, forgotten for years by another prisoner that promised to mention Joseph’s plight to the pharaoh. 

That is some serious shaking!

Even though others could see God's favor on Joseph, while he was a slave and a prisoner, Joseph had to think he had misinterpreted his dreams.  His dreams showed him as the greatest star and the largest stalk of wheat being worshipped by stars and wheat that represented his family.

There was absolutely nothing Joseph could do to "make" his destiny happen. No planning or striving could get him into a position where others would bow to him, especially not his family.  He may have been promoted when he was a slave and a prisoner.  But he was still a slave and a prisoner,

Joseph's future and Joseph's life belonged to God. 

He just had to do the next task in front of him the best that he could. No amount of “striving” would accomplish God’s plan. Only God could give him favor and success.

So why was Joseph shown his future?

Was it so Joseph could start working on his 5 year plan to make it happen?  Or so Joseph could start promoting and positioning himself to be a great and powerful leader? 

I cannot tell you why God gave him these dreams.  I can only tell you, he continued to be faithful to God despite the terrible things that happened to him.  He trusted God when his "position" looked bad.  God gave him favor while he was a slave and a prisoner.  Then, in God's perfect time, Joseph was able to humbly and wisely step into his position of power.  

No matter his status among men, Joseph always remained God's faithful servant. 

Friend, in our current circumstances, we can cease striving and be still because God can be trusted. 
You are His precious child.
He delights in you. 
Most importantly, nothing can stop God's destiny for you as you continue to come to Him.
The very things that may be shaking you now are actually positioning you, both inside and out.  

I know it can be hard to believe.  I know it can feel like you need to DO something. 

But just like Joseph, you are dearly loved.
Just like Joseph, God has a purpose and plan for you.
AND nothing can thwart God's plan!

Are you familiar with Jeremiah 29:11?  It was recorded as the Israelites were being removed from their home and taken to another land as captives.
Things were very very bad for them at the exact moment these words were written.  From their view, it looked like their nation was being completely annihilated. 
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." 

If you read the history of Israel, you will know that God did have a plan to bring them back and restore them as a nation. 

Just like Joseph and the Israelites, there is a plan to prosper you and give you hope and a future.

When we take time to ‘just be’ before God, that hope is renewed.

Never Forget the Truth.....
Nothing can stop God's perfect plan for you. 

Corn Smart

Book Smart * Street Smart * Corn Smart

You have probably heard of the first two.  They  may even be words that have been used to describe you or someone you know.

But, corn smart????

My part of the country is known for growing many of our nation's staples, like corn, potatoes and wheat.  Therefor, the residents develop skills others around  the country may not have mastered as well, 
        like shucking corn. 


I had no idea this was a special skill until I moved to Florida. I was invited to a cookout with a friend from Miami.  We were at the store deciding what side dish to bring, when I grabbed ears of corn and described a delicious dish. She giggled a little but did not say anything until we were in the kitchen.  I began tearing the husks off of the corn and complaining about the pathetic tiny kernels. 
"I can't believe you call this corn. What am I supposed to do with these tiny little crumbs posing as corn?"
She laughed and laughed, then gladly shared the humor she found in the fact, her only friend from Ohio, not only knew the term "shucking corn", but complained about the quality of the Florida variety. 

Hey! In Ohio, you do not have to grow up in the country to have a lot of experience with fresh corn. If you travel between the 3 C's (Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland), you will definitely see corn fields and cows. 

Since that day, I felt kind of proud of my corn expertise. But this summer, my husband purchased 26 ears at a farm stand while visiting his family in northwest Ohio.  I was surprised by his correction of my corn shucking technique. After 25 years of marriage, it was clear we had never conquered this task together.

In my mind, I wondered if this is how he felt whenever I gave him driving suggestions (If you are a new bride, I do not recommend it).   I did not share my thought out loud. Instead, in a less than gracious tone, I responded, "Just because I did not grow up right across the street from corn, does not mean I don't  know what I'm doing!"

I know. Childish, right?
Perhaps, I'm not always "Midwest nice".

But soon I noticed he had finished cleaning four ears in the time it took me to clean one. 
Fine!

I swallowed my pride and took his advice.

  
Who knew you could get rid of the husk in 3 quick motions? 
Well, my husband did,

                as well as his family

                       and probably a lot of other expert corn huskers (They are not just in Nebraska).

Clearly, I should have been quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become..... irritated. 

But what about things more important than corn?
There is always more to learn in life, even about things we think we know.

True wisdom starts with a humble heart, a heart ready to learn from God first and then from others. 

One of my favorite Proverbs by King Solomon says,
"Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge. " (Proverbs 18:13).

It took ears of corn to remind me to be humble and keep my own ears open.

Others know more than me when I least expect it. LOL

My friend, we all have knowledge and wisdom that others need,
        just like they have knowledge and wisdom we need. 

Never Forget the Truth...... It really is better to be a listener.  

You are Equipped

You are equipped

I absolutely love when I catch myself having a wonderful thought just as I am waking up. Many mornings, I look at the clock first to see how much longer I can sleep or how much time I will have to myself  if I get up at that moment before everyone else in my house wakes up. 

But on occasion, I get the precious gift of a beautiful early morning thought that is clearly from God.

On one of these mornings, these words were going through my mind as I was waking up. "My God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus". I heard them in my mind three or four times before I ever opened my eyes.  When I was fully awake, I actually snuggled back down under my covers because it felt like a hug from God.  It was during the first few weeks of the social distancing protocol because of the CoVid-19 pandemic.  Since our sole income was from our own business, there were definitely concerns about our financial future.  But right then, I just knew God had that special message for me. 

Then as I was relaxing and snuggled down with my head on my pillow, another thought ran through my mind in the same way. 

"Consider the mountain goat." 

Wait! What?!

Then a moment later, the same thought.

"Consider the mountain goat."

No, no - That is not right. Consider the lilies of the field or the birds of the air.  (Matt. 6:26-30) 

Besides, I wanted to keep thinking the first thought I had about God supplying my needs. 

I relaxed one more time. Then it was back.

"Consider the mountain goat." 

"Fine! I'm up."  I knew nothing about mountain goats but apparently I needed to learn about them.  

Surprisingly, I found a few verses in the Bible that referenced the mountain goat.  

But I knew there was more to "consider".  So, within the next 24 hours I read several articles and watched random videos regarding this creature. 

Mountain goats are not like the farm goats you may know.  

I learned from Wikipedia and National Geographic, they are actually in the antelope family.  

They are specially equipped to travel in high mountainous conditions.  With split-toed hooves and rough padded feet that can grip, they are able to be sure footed on small, uneven rocky cliffs and steep slopes. They can jump up to twelve feet over dangerous chasms between rocky crags. They have a double coat that makes them able to withstand extreme subzero temperatures and high winds. As herbivores, they can find food to sustain them in high mountain crevices. 

As I was considering all of these facts, I realized God made the mountain goat fully equipped to climb high above its predators.  They were created to thrive in circumstances that other animals could not endure.  

If God created the mountain goat to thrive within the extreme conditions it will face throughout its lifetime, how much more has He done this for you?  

You are the one He loves and adores.  He knew you before you were ever born. 

If He has equipped this animal with all that it needs to grow and live above its enemies,  you can be sure that you are perfectly equipped for your own life, too. We are created to endure, to rise above and to flourish.  Psalm 18:39 reminds us that God equips us with strength for our battles. 

You, My Friend, are God's masterpiece.  

If you have asked Christ to be in your life, you are given the gift of Holy Spirit.  The Spirit will equip you for more than you can imagine.  

When you first believe in Jesus, you are similar to the new born mountain goat, aka 

"Kid". Kids are able to stand and walk just a few hours after birth.  Under the care of its mother, a kid gains the strength and skills necessary for its future.  It will be able to move from a lower area with grass to high-elevation and rocky terrain that will become its usual habitat.  It will learn to climb on mountains, find food and escape the animals that desire to devour it.

You, also, are continually being equipped for the circumstances you will face in your life.  The One who loves you the most is with you in the very best times and the most difficult times of your life.  He personally gives you what you need.  

You have God's Word, the Bible, to make you complete & equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Plus, He promises to "supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus". (Philipians 4:19)  

Never Forget the Truth .......
You are equipped.

God promises to equip you for every thing you will face in your life and everything He has called you to do.  

You are dearly loved 💕

2 Peter 1:3 NLT 

By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.

Protect Your Babies

Do you think there is something in each of us,
    well, most of us,
that feels protective and stirred up when we see someone or something being bullied or intimidated? 

Even in nature, I want the antelope to escape the lion and the mouse to get away from the cobra. 

I know, it's the circle of life. But, most of us can't help but root for the underdog, especially when the "underdog" involves children or a mom protecting her babies. 

This is how I became friends with the MaMa Bunny that lived in my yard.
(I'm not actually sure she knew we were friends).

I often see rabbits in my backyard.  In the spring and early summer, they make their little nests near the large bushes that placed a hedge between our yard and the neighbor's yard behind us.  I may see them dart through the front yard to the bushes on the side.  But my backyard is their usual hangout. 

So, when I came home one stormy evening, I was surprised to see a rabbit sitting up at full attention about 7 feet away from the corner of the front walkway that connects my driveway to my porch.  Even when I was at the closest point of the walkway to her, she did not move.  Later, when the rain started coming down much harder, I looked out the front window.  I was surprised to see she was still there.  It did not occur to me until the next morning when the storm was gone that she must be sitting on a nest of newborn baby bunnies.

Just a week or two earlier, my husband and neighbor got rid of the bushes at the back of the property so a privacy fence could replace them.  Instead of choosing the hedges on either side of our yard, the poor pregnant rabbit dug the small hole for her nest between our front walkway and a large tree.

The first few days, I loved observing her sitting in the same place several times a day, keeping watch and providing for her newborn babies.  But early one morning. I heard an evil noise right outside my window.
"Caw!!! Caw!!!"
I got right out of bed and went to the front window.
Just as I expected-
A big, black, evil bird with its head pointed right down at my new friend was trying to intimidate her to move, so it could snatch up her new babies.
I opened the front door, went onto my porch and told it to go. 
That mean bird completely ignored me. I clapped my hands and told it again.  It finally flew away. 
I was a bit surprised, the rabbit did not move.  She did not move at the loud caw of the raven.  She did not even move when I was clapping and talking harsh to that bird. 

Unfortunately, the bird did not find me intimidating enough to stay away.  The next morning it came back and brought its friends.  They were like a bad gang trying to take over my neighborhood. 
Oh no!  Not in my yard!
There are too many cute little creatures living there to allow predators to stay.  Unfortunately, my husband did not understand or appreciate my vigilance.  I was helping a mom and her babies.  I was taking a stand for the squirrels, the bunnies and even the chipmunks.  
If that mama bunny could have the courage to protect her babies in a storm or when a predator was perched right above her, I would do my best to help her out. 

This went on several days, until finally ......
my niece and her boyfriend noticed the tiny bunnies out of their nest.  I wanted to hold them and tell them to run before the demon birds came back.  Where was their mom?

Our family moved on to the rest of our activities.  By the time we returned, they were gone.

That mother rabbit may not have realized it, but she reminded me of almost every mom that I know. Moms will withstand anything to protect their children (no matter how old those babies are).  Even before they are born, parents baby-proof the house and get the car seat ready.  Throughout their lives, we want them safe from every possible harm. When they are little, it is easy to control their environment and protect them from many of life’s dangers. But as they grow, it gets more and more difficult.  The goal is for our little ones to become amazing adults.  This means with each new phase, parents have to let go and give more freedom. 

There is only one thing I know to do to protect them in each new phase, actually in every phase.

      Pray

Truly, praying is the most important thing we can do, no matter the age of the children we love. 
James 5 says, ".....the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective".

We can plainly see, the need to protect our children includes much more than physical dangers.

I Peter 5:8 NLT
Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Though the evils in the world sometimes feel overwhelming,  we know our prayers to God are powerful and effective.  God knows what is ahead for our children and what traps are nearby that could entangle them.  It is important as we pray to also listen. As you pray, you will sometimes get a sense in your heart of something you should pray that you hadn't even thought about earlier.

Friend, I have something really important you need to know and remember.
God loves you and He loves your children, even more than you do. 

Praying for your family is one of the most important things you can do.  Like the MaMa Bunny sitting on her nest of babies while the evil birds tried to intimidate her so they could devour the little ones, we need to be diligent in covering our own children in prayer.

Never Forget the Truth...
"Tremendous power is released through the passionate heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!" 
James 5:16b TPT