If you asked most people if pride was an issue in their life they would probably reply no. But I would argue that pride is an issue in each of our lives. It is so much an issue that we don't even recognize it.
I know for myself I thought I was always pretty humble. Until God began to reveal to me areas where I was prideful. I needed to ask forgiveness and change my way of thinking.
First I want to give you the definition of pride. Pride is a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. (Taken from dictionary.com)
Pride is thinking highly of yourself. It's feeling you are superior because of something you did. Pride causes you to place yourself above others without even knowing it. You begin to feel important because of an accomplishment you did. Pride has brought about the destruction of many great men. Recently I was reading the story of King Saul in the Bible. His pride lead to jealousy which lead to his demise. He stopped asking God what he should do, and felt as king he could make wise decisions on his own. His first big mistake. False confidence in who we are can make us believe we know what is best for our lives. Wouldn't our Father who created us, know what is best? Then when David came along and he saw God at work in David's life, he became jealous. Often pride will lead to jealousy and vice versa. You become jealous because you see someone else doing what you want to be doing. Then you become prideful because you think you could do it better than them.
Think back to when you were a child. You parents had to constantly remind you that they knew what was best for you and that is why they set up certain rules. They wanted to protect you from facing unnecessary hurts. As a teenager I remember thinking of their rules and God's rules as just things they made up to keep me from having fun. I thought I knew what was best for me. You know where that thinking got me? I ended up a pregnant teenager forced to grow up before it was time. I faced a lot of hurts and hard times that could have been avoided if I was willing to listen to parents who love me.
God loves us,too. He loves us so incredibly much He sent His Son to die for us. He wants to be close to us. This is why so many times in the Bible, He cautions us not to be prideful. We can't have a true relationship with Him, when we are prideful. He gave us life. He provides every breath that we take. All that we do, we do because of Him. He has given us our talents and abilities. He has gifted us with everything. In return He wants us to remember Him. If you have a talent, thank Him. Even now as I am typing these words, it is not me speaking. It is God speaking through me. He has put the passion in me to write. He speaks to my heart and tells me what to share. I take no credit if my writing touches anyone. I am only being an obedient vessel for Him to use.
We all need to get to the point in our lives where we recognize God for He who is and what He has done. We would not exist if He chose not to create this world. He chose to give us life. He wants us to choose Him. Do you want to thank God? Then serve Him with all your heart. Give Him the credit for the work He does through you. Don't think more highly of yourself. Don't let your pride separate you from the One who can change your life. Stop trying to do everything on your own. Allow Him to help you. It's what He longs to do. He is our Heavenly Daddy reaching out His Mighty hands to us, waiting or us to reach back up to Him.
When you get to the place in your life where you become truly humble, you will find you are truly happy. We weren't created to rule the world. We were created to serve the world. Jesus is the greatest example of this. He got down on his hands and knees and washed the dirty, grimy feet of His disciples. He gave up His life for you and me. He didn't order anyone else to do it for Him. When you get the point when you surrender and say, “God take over,” get ready. He will do some amazing things in your life.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
In His Timing
You have 5 minutes to get to the store before it closes. You scramble to get your keys, get in your car, and head out the door. During this time you are thinking, please don't let anyone stop me. I have to get to the store before it closes. I don't have time for any interruptions. Whatever anyone else needs can wait. I just need to get this one thing done and then I will be available. Sound familiar? We all have moments like these. Imagine now the different scenarios that could play out, if we weren't so focused on the time.
What if your neighbor who you haven't talked to in a while happened to be outside that day. You have been wanting to talk with them and get to know them, but right now just doesn't fit your schedule. You are just running to the store surely they will still be outside when you get back. Maybe, what you don't know is that they really needed to talk to someone at that moment you happened to walk outside. Maybe they won't be outside when you get back. You may miss your opportunity to reach out to someone if your focus is on the time.
I have been guilty of this a lot. I will be in a store and see someone I just know I was meant to run into and I will say to myself, I'll catch up with them later. But I know what I felt in my heart. I know there was reason I was running into that person on that day. But I was too worried about the time.
Sometimes our timing isn't God's timing. Actually probably most of the time if we are honest. When He wants us to do something it always seems like there is time for that later. We say, “I hear you God. I know what You want me to do.” Then we put it off. And then there is the other end of the spectrum. We are hurting and need answers. We want the answer immediately and don't want to wait. Then we are like, “God, I need you to answer me right now.” We begin to throw tantrums like we are 2 years old all over again. What if He is answering slowly because it is for our benefit? What if He wants us to grow a little? And sometimes I think He does answer but we don't listen close enough.
I firmly believe that God knows ahead of time what will happen in our lives. Have you ever been going through something and then turn on the tv or watch a movie and it speaks to your heart? That is God's timing. Especially when it happens over and over. He knew you would need to hear He is thinking of you, but in a non confrontational way so He lets things around you speak to you. So many times in my life when I felt at the end of my rope I would hear His voice come through a song, a movie, a person. And I would know it what His timing.
At times right now, I would love nothing more to fast forward to see the ending to some questions I have but I know that would not be for my benefit. I would miss all the stuff He does in the middle and the ending wouldn't mean as much. When we are feeling frustrated and hurting we need to take a breath and realize its beyond our control. He is in control, and its His timing.
What if your neighbor who you haven't talked to in a while happened to be outside that day. You have been wanting to talk with them and get to know them, but right now just doesn't fit your schedule. You are just running to the store surely they will still be outside when you get back. Maybe, what you don't know is that they really needed to talk to someone at that moment you happened to walk outside. Maybe they won't be outside when you get back. You may miss your opportunity to reach out to someone if your focus is on the time.
I have been guilty of this a lot. I will be in a store and see someone I just know I was meant to run into and I will say to myself, I'll catch up with them later. But I know what I felt in my heart. I know there was reason I was running into that person on that day. But I was too worried about the time.
Sometimes our timing isn't God's timing. Actually probably most of the time if we are honest. When He wants us to do something it always seems like there is time for that later. We say, “I hear you God. I know what You want me to do.” Then we put it off. And then there is the other end of the spectrum. We are hurting and need answers. We want the answer immediately and don't want to wait. Then we are like, “God, I need you to answer me right now.” We begin to throw tantrums like we are 2 years old all over again. What if He is answering slowly because it is for our benefit? What if He wants us to grow a little? And sometimes I think He does answer but we don't listen close enough.
I firmly believe that God knows ahead of time what will happen in our lives. Have you ever been going through something and then turn on the tv or watch a movie and it speaks to your heart? That is God's timing. Especially when it happens over and over. He knew you would need to hear He is thinking of you, but in a non confrontational way so He lets things around you speak to you. So many times in my life when I felt at the end of my rope I would hear His voice come through a song, a movie, a person. And I would know it what His timing.
At times right now, I would love nothing more to fast forward to see the ending to some questions I have but I know that would not be for my benefit. I would miss all the stuff He does in the middle and the ending wouldn't mean as much. When we are feeling frustrated and hurting we need to take a breath and realize its beyond our control. He is in control, and its His timing.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Spend Time with God
Do you want to know who God is? Do you want to know what the will of God for your life is? There is only one way to do this. You must spend time with God. Fill your life with Him. The more time you spend with Him, the more you will get to know Him. You wouldn't marry just some stranger off the street would you? No, you spend time with the person. And even if you claim to fall in love at first sight, true love takes time to develop. The love that is able to withstand all troubles takes time to be established. Trust needs to be built. You need to learn what the other person is about.
The same can be said of your relationship with God. You need to spend lots of time with Him to build a relationship. He needs to see that you are committed to Him. When you wake up in the morning, thank Him that He has given you another day. Start out your day praising Him. Read His word, and fill yourself with truth to be able to battle the lies you will face during the day. Arm yourself with the Word of God. It is after all called the Sword. Pray to Him. Let Him know what is on your heart and mind. You matter to Him. He cares about what you're going through. He wants you to be able to pour out your heart to Him. He created that heart after all. He cares about every detail of your life.
Don't let your communication stop there. Put on some praise music on your way to work. Sing out loud. Don't hold back. Give all of yourself to Him. He will be blessed and in turn will bless you. When someone cuts you off or gets on your bumper, you won't be filled with rage if you are filled with praise. When you pull into your parking spot and head into the office, don't leave God in your car. Take Him with you. Put a smile on your face. One of your co-workers might need a smile that day. Just your smile can make a difference.
When you take your lunch break, take a walk and send up a little prayer to God. Let Him know you are still thinking of Him. Ask Him to help you finish your day strong. You don't have to have hours available at a time to pray. You can use just a few minutes. Whatever your day allows.
Soon, you will be heading back home, and singing your heart out again. There is no better way to travel than to do it singing to the Lord. It makes you smile and your heart feel light. When you get home you will enter your house with a good attitude and your family will appreciate it.
Spend quality time with your family. God blessed you with them for a reason. He loves to see families talking, having fun together. He created family. He was once lonely and created us. Relationships are special to God. At night pray again. Ask Him for protection for your family and you. Ask Him to fill your thoughts and dreams with good things.
The more time you spend with Him, the more you will get to know Him. Communication takes time and practice. We have to learn to listen as well as to speak. We don't come out of the mother's womb talking. We have to learn how to speak. I believe children are closer to God than any of us, because they learn at an early stage the importance of listening. Its how they learn everything. Its sad that as we grow we forget that importance and the focus is more on being heard. Make it a priority in your life to spend time with God. Don't let the busyness of life keep you from getting to know Him. It is the most important relationship you have. Treat it like that. Go and spend time with your Heavenly Dad. He is waiting for you.
The same can be said of your relationship with God. You need to spend lots of time with Him to build a relationship. He needs to see that you are committed to Him. When you wake up in the morning, thank Him that He has given you another day. Start out your day praising Him. Read His word, and fill yourself with truth to be able to battle the lies you will face during the day. Arm yourself with the Word of God. It is after all called the Sword. Pray to Him. Let Him know what is on your heart and mind. You matter to Him. He cares about what you're going through. He wants you to be able to pour out your heart to Him. He created that heart after all. He cares about every detail of your life.
Don't let your communication stop there. Put on some praise music on your way to work. Sing out loud. Don't hold back. Give all of yourself to Him. He will be blessed and in turn will bless you. When someone cuts you off or gets on your bumper, you won't be filled with rage if you are filled with praise. When you pull into your parking spot and head into the office, don't leave God in your car. Take Him with you. Put a smile on your face. One of your co-workers might need a smile that day. Just your smile can make a difference.
When you take your lunch break, take a walk and send up a little prayer to God. Let Him know you are still thinking of Him. Ask Him to help you finish your day strong. You don't have to have hours available at a time to pray. You can use just a few minutes. Whatever your day allows.
Soon, you will be heading back home, and singing your heart out again. There is no better way to travel than to do it singing to the Lord. It makes you smile and your heart feel light. When you get home you will enter your house with a good attitude and your family will appreciate it.
Spend quality time with your family. God blessed you with them for a reason. He loves to see families talking, having fun together. He created family. He was once lonely and created us. Relationships are special to God. At night pray again. Ask Him for protection for your family and you. Ask Him to fill your thoughts and dreams with good things.
The more time you spend with Him, the more you will get to know Him. Communication takes time and practice. We have to learn to listen as well as to speak. We don't come out of the mother's womb talking. We have to learn how to speak. I believe children are closer to God than any of us, because they learn at an early stage the importance of listening. Its how they learn everything. Its sad that as we grow we forget that importance and the focus is more on being heard. Make it a priority in your life to spend time with God. Don't let the busyness of life keep you from getting to know Him. It is the most important relationship you have. Treat it like that. Go and spend time with your Heavenly Dad. He is waiting for you.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
It's a Heart Matter
I remember as a young child my parents telling me that Jesus was standing outside the door of my heart knocking. He stood and knocked patiently until I would open the door and let Him in. I think of this story a lot and how much it rings true. Our hearts contain our passions. We love, we hurt, we feel everything deep in our hearts. Doesn't it make sense that our Savior would want to enter into our hearts? He wants our love, our emotion. He wants all of us.
It's a heart matter.
When we open the door to our hearts and let Him in, we should open it wide. At times, I think however we try and limit how much we let Jesus in. Its like we tell Him, He can come in this room, but not in another. It can't work that way. Jesus wants to be a part of our whole life. We cannot have a complete relationship with Him until we let Him occupy our whole heart.
It's a heart matter.
We all want to feel that Jesus loves us. We all long to feel that He is there. We want to know beyond a shadow of doubt that He really does occupy our hearts. How can we know all these things? Well, we can know He does love us because He willingly went to the cross for us, to die for us. Is there anyone else in your life who would do that? Who would be beaten, spit on, and tortured for you? I don't know of any. That is true love. We can feel Him, by spending time with Him. We need to give up our own selfish desires and want Jesus more than anything else. He wants a relationship with us, not just mere words. Yes, He longs for us to tell Him we love Him, but more than that He wants to see it in our actions. When we spend time worshiping, praying, and reading the Bible we will feel Him in our hearts. But first we have to open the door wide and let Him fully come in.
It's a heart matter.
My favorite poem is entitled “Footprints in the Sand.” The story it tells shows the heart of Jesus. It tells the story of a man struggling with why at the toughest times in his life he sees only one set of footprints. He feels like Jesus left Him when things got tough. He is so hurt. Then Jesus reveals to him, that when he sees the one set of footprints in the sand that is when Jesus carried him. I know this to be true in my life. When I have felt I couldn't take another step forward, Jesus has been there. He carries my burdens, my hurts, my fears. He takes it all and helps me carry on. In this life your heart will get broken. At times it will feel like the pieces won't ever go back together. That is when you need Jesus the most. That is when your heart will feel the need for your Savior the most.
Listen to you heart. Listen to the pounding beat. Open the door and let Him in. Open it fully. When we become most vulnerable that is when He can come in strength. When we truly say I need You to be a part of all of me and hold nothing back, we will experience the love of Christ.
It's a heart matter.
It's a heart matter.
When we open the door to our hearts and let Him in, we should open it wide. At times, I think however we try and limit how much we let Jesus in. Its like we tell Him, He can come in this room, but not in another. It can't work that way. Jesus wants to be a part of our whole life. We cannot have a complete relationship with Him until we let Him occupy our whole heart.
It's a heart matter.
We all want to feel that Jesus loves us. We all long to feel that He is there. We want to know beyond a shadow of doubt that He really does occupy our hearts. How can we know all these things? Well, we can know He does love us because He willingly went to the cross for us, to die for us. Is there anyone else in your life who would do that? Who would be beaten, spit on, and tortured for you? I don't know of any. That is true love. We can feel Him, by spending time with Him. We need to give up our own selfish desires and want Jesus more than anything else. He wants a relationship with us, not just mere words. Yes, He longs for us to tell Him we love Him, but more than that He wants to see it in our actions. When we spend time worshiping, praying, and reading the Bible we will feel Him in our hearts. But first we have to open the door wide and let Him fully come in.
It's a heart matter.
My favorite poem is entitled “Footprints in the Sand.” The story it tells shows the heart of Jesus. It tells the story of a man struggling with why at the toughest times in his life he sees only one set of footprints. He feels like Jesus left Him when things got tough. He is so hurt. Then Jesus reveals to him, that when he sees the one set of footprints in the sand that is when Jesus carried him. I know this to be true in my life. When I have felt I couldn't take another step forward, Jesus has been there. He carries my burdens, my hurts, my fears. He takes it all and helps me carry on. In this life your heart will get broken. At times it will feel like the pieces won't ever go back together. That is when you need Jesus the most. That is when your heart will feel the need for your Savior the most.
Listen to you heart. Listen to the pounding beat. Open the door and let Him in. Open it fully. When we become most vulnerable that is when He can come in strength. When we truly say I need You to be a part of all of me and hold nothing back, we will experience the love of Christ.
It's a heart matter.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Hearing God
Have you ever needed to hear an encouraging word and a friend happens to call you? That is God. Have you ever been listening to a sermon and felt it was just for you? That is God.
Sometimes I think we complicate how God speaks to us. We put God in a box and say, “Okay this is how God talks to people.” Why do we do that? Why do we attempt to limit the Creator of the Universe to our ways. His ways are so much better and are perfect. Why do we imperfect humans try and get in the way?
God doesn't have to speak from a cloud or a burning bush to speak to you. He can speak through every day opportunities, if only you will listen. Sometimes we need to also listen with our hearts and not just our ears.
So many times in my life when I have been dealing with a tough issue, I will turn on the radio. Playing on the radio just at that moment will be a song that speaks to my heart. It will be about what I am going through. This has happened to me too many times to count.
Some days I will just need a sentence to lift my spirits. I will open my daily devotional, and wham! It is exactly what I needed that day. My mom just sent me a desk calendar with a scripture on each day. As I turn the page each morning, it has been exactly what I need.
So many times things like this have happened in my life. Each time they do I can only smile and say “Thank-you God.” I know He knows my heart. He knows what I need and He provides.
When you put your trust in Him, He will not let you down. The key is putting your trust in Him. I have learned the hard way that you need to become vulnerable and let go of control. Know that He will speak into you and He will be there. He won't force His way in, however. You have to let Him in.
Will you try today to do this? Tell Him you are ready to listen. Be like young Samuel and say, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” Maybe you're reading this blog today and you don't know God yet. He is speaking to you now. Will you respond? Will you tell Him today that you want to be His? Its easy to do. Just pray:
Father, I know I am a sinner. I have made mistakes in my life. I believe you love me. I believe You sent Your only Son to die on a cross and that He rose again for me. His blood had made me clean. I know I need you in my life. Come into my life. I am yours. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
After you pray this, share your experience with a pastor of a Bible-believing church, or a Christian friend. And most importantly listen for God. He speaks through many ways. Don't put Him in a box and tell Him who He is. Instead, allow God to show you who He is. Your life will never be the same.
God bless you!
Sometimes I think we complicate how God speaks to us. We put God in a box and say, “Okay this is how God talks to people.” Why do we do that? Why do we attempt to limit the Creator of the Universe to our ways. His ways are so much better and are perfect. Why do we imperfect humans try and get in the way?
God doesn't have to speak from a cloud or a burning bush to speak to you. He can speak through every day opportunities, if only you will listen. Sometimes we need to also listen with our hearts and not just our ears.
So many times in my life when I have been dealing with a tough issue, I will turn on the radio. Playing on the radio just at that moment will be a song that speaks to my heart. It will be about what I am going through. This has happened to me too many times to count.
Some days I will just need a sentence to lift my spirits. I will open my daily devotional, and wham! It is exactly what I needed that day. My mom just sent me a desk calendar with a scripture on each day. As I turn the page each morning, it has been exactly what I need.
So many times things like this have happened in my life. Each time they do I can only smile and say “Thank-you God.” I know He knows my heart. He knows what I need and He provides.
When you put your trust in Him, He will not let you down. The key is putting your trust in Him. I have learned the hard way that you need to become vulnerable and let go of control. Know that He will speak into you and He will be there. He won't force His way in, however. You have to let Him in.
Will you try today to do this? Tell Him you are ready to listen. Be like young Samuel and say, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” Maybe you're reading this blog today and you don't know God yet. He is speaking to you now. Will you respond? Will you tell Him today that you want to be His? Its easy to do. Just pray:
Father, I know I am a sinner. I have made mistakes in my life. I believe you love me. I believe You sent Your only Son to die on a cross and that He rose again for me. His blood had made me clean. I know I need you in my life. Come into my life. I am yours. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
After you pray this, share your experience with a pastor of a Bible-believing church, or a Christian friend. And most importantly listen for God. He speaks through many ways. Don't put Him in a box and tell Him who He is. Instead, allow God to show you who He is. Your life will never be the same.
God bless you!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
If We Are His Body. . .
If We are His Body...
The Casting Crowns song has been playing in my head a lot lately, along with the words from a video series I am watching. John Bevere made a very good and startling point. If 80 percent of your body was not working, what would you call it. Invalid or cripple, right? Doesn't this apply to our church body as well? With only 20 percent of most church bodies doing the work, is it any wonder why we don't see any big revivals going on. We all want to see God at work, but are we willing to do our part to make sure that it happens?
When we become part of a local church we become part of that body. Our calling is not to just go to church on Sunday's, receive and uplifting message and return home. Every singe believer has a calling on their life. Every single person has a job that they are meant to carry out. And one job is not more important than the other. Without people cleaning the church, we would not have a welcoming environment for people to come into. Without the nursery workers, we would not have a service quiet enough to listen too. Without the coffee makers, there would be no refreshments to enjoy while fellowshipping with others. Without each member making a sacrifice, the work does not get done. Too many people face burn out, because they serve in all kinds of areas, and see too many others just sitting on the sidelines.
The church in Acts knew how to work together. They shared everything. People felt honored to be asked to do any task. Think of the seven men chosen to serve the widows. This is the story I heard recently in a video series by John Bevere. These men were delighted to be asked to serve the church in this manner. What was the result of their obedience? Many people began to believe. We all want to see God move in our churches. We want to see the miracles of the Bible happen among us. And some do. But, there could be more. The outpouring would be stronger if we all stepped up to the plate and started serving God. Others would see our love and caring and come to check it out. Then they would have the desire to get involved. You want God to show up? Then show up yourselves.
We have become to complacent in the United States to just have God around when we feel desperate. Then we have the urge to see Him at work and answer prayers. Why aren't we praising Him just for who He is? Just for what He did for us? Wasn't sending His only Son to the cross to die for us enough? Shouldn't this cause us to want to help someone?
The people who have the greatest joys in this life are people who are serving God. Who are not concerned with themselves, but think of their neighbors. When a missionary comes to speak at a church they all have a glow on there faces. They are a part of a mighty work of God. They have seen what He can do and they have come to trust He will always be there. They have given up the comforts of this life to serve others. And I bet if you were to ask any of them if they felt they were missing out on life, they would answer “NO WAY!” We could all take some good lessons from them.
So, I urge to search out your calling. We all have one. Like the song goes:
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
This song is about people who come into a church looking for hope and no one reaches out to them. We are ambassadors for Christ. We are suppose to be modeling Him to others.
Be the arms that reach out. Teach others about what Christ has done for you and what He has to offer them. Get your feet moving and go do something for God. When we do this we will see God move. We will see what third world countries see today when missionaries go over there. We will see the miracles of God at work.
The Casting Crowns song has been playing in my head a lot lately, along with the words from a video series I am watching. John Bevere made a very good and startling point. If 80 percent of your body was not working, what would you call it. Invalid or cripple, right? Doesn't this apply to our church body as well? With only 20 percent of most church bodies doing the work, is it any wonder why we don't see any big revivals going on. We all want to see God at work, but are we willing to do our part to make sure that it happens?
When we become part of a local church we become part of that body. Our calling is not to just go to church on Sunday's, receive and uplifting message and return home. Every singe believer has a calling on their life. Every single person has a job that they are meant to carry out. And one job is not more important than the other. Without people cleaning the church, we would not have a welcoming environment for people to come into. Without the nursery workers, we would not have a service quiet enough to listen too. Without the coffee makers, there would be no refreshments to enjoy while fellowshipping with others. Without each member making a sacrifice, the work does not get done. Too many people face burn out, because they serve in all kinds of areas, and see too many others just sitting on the sidelines.
The church in Acts knew how to work together. They shared everything. People felt honored to be asked to do any task. Think of the seven men chosen to serve the widows. This is the story I heard recently in a video series by John Bevere. These men were delighted to be asked to serve the church in this manner. What was the result of their obedience? Many people began to believe. We all want to see God move in our churches. We want to see the miracles of the Bible happen among us. And some do. But, there could be more. The outpouring would be stronger if we all stepped up to the plate and started serving God. Others would see our love and caring and come to check it out. Then they would have the desire to get involved. You want God to show up? Then show up yourselves.
We have become to complacent in the United States to just have God around when we feel desperate. Then we have the urge to see Him at work and answer prayers. Why aren't we praising Him just for who He is? Just for what He did for us? Wasn't sending His only Son to the cross to die for us enough? Shouldn't this cause us to want to help someone?
The people who have the greatest joys in this life are people who are serving God. Who are not concerned with themselves, but think of their neighbors. When a missionary comes to speak at a church they all have a glow on there faces. They are a part of a mighty work of God. They have seen what He can do and they have come to trust He will always be there. They have given up the comforts of this life to serve others. And I bet if you were to ask any of them if they felt they were missing out on life, they would answer “NO WAY!” We could all take some good lessons from them.
So, I urge to search out your calling. We all have one. Like the song goes:
But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way
This song is about people who come into a church looking for hope and no one reaches out to them. We are ambassadors for Christ. We are suppose to be modeling Him to others.
Be the arms that reach out. Teach others about what Christ has done for you and what He has to offer them. Get your feet moving and go do something for God. When we do this we will see God move. We will see what third world countries see today when missionaries go over there. We will see the miracles of God at work.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Lessons I Learned from A Young Boy
Recently I went to the movies with my family to see, "Letters to God." The movie changed my life. After it was done, no one moved in the theater for a few minutes. There was just silence. I know that I wasn't the only it touched.
After processing what I saw I realized some important lessons. First is my faith should not be based on my circumstances. This little boy has an aggressive brain cancer, and his faith never wavered. He wrote a letter to God everyday, some days he wrote several. He never got angry for having cancer, or questioned God's existence. He knew deep in his heart God was there, and he trusted God was listening. When he saw answers to his prayers, he said with great confidence, "See God is listening to me." He knew who to give the credit to. It made me realize who weak I can be. I let all kinds of tests shake me. I get angry. Now, I can honestly say I won't. I will remember the God I serve is in control. If a little boy facing death so bravely can do that, I can too.
Second I learned life is not about me. I always react to problems as attacks on me. I see how things affect me. I use to pray selfishly for things to turn around to make my life easier on me. When this little boy wrote his letters, he wrote them about his family and friends. He even asked God to take care of people he just met. He was concerned for others. His letters and prayers were the most unselfish ones I ever heard. You can't teach that kind of faith.
Also I learned how showing the kind of faith he did changed more lives than preaching at people ever could. He touched the lives of so many people. Children in his school, his entire neighborhood, and his family. And now with this movie he continues to touch lives. This is a true story. I think I forgot to mention that. So many times I have caught myself trying to shove God at people I love because I want to change their life. My time would be better spent, showing them how God has changed my life by my actions. By living my faith. Letting His joy shine for all to see.
And lastly I learned God uses all circumstances to show who He is. I won't spoil the movie but sharing the ending or too much more about it, so I will keep this short. I encourage you to see this movie, and I pray that your life will never be the same after watching it. I may even be inspired to write my own letters to God.
After processing what I saw I realized some important lessons. First is my faith should not be based on my circumstances. This little boy has an aggressive brain cancer, and his faith never wavered. He wrote a letter to God everyday, some days he wrote several. He never got angry for having cancer, or questioned God's existence. He knew deep in his heart God was there, and he trusted God was listening. When he saw answers to his prayers, he said with great confidence, "See God is listening to me." He knew who to give the credit to. It made me realize who weak I can be. I let all kinds of tests shake me. I get angry. Now, I can honestly say I won't. I will remember the God I serve is in control. If a little boy facing death so bravely can do that, I can too.
Second I learned life is not about me. I always react to problems as attacks on me. I see how things affect me. I use to pray selfishly for things to turn around to make my life easier on me. When this little boy wrote his letters, he wrote them about his family and friends. He even asked God to take care of people he just met. He was concerned for others. His letters and prayers were the most unselfish ones I ever heard. You can't teach that kind of faith.
Also I learned how showing the kind of faith he did changed more lives than preaching at people ever could. He touched the lives of so many people. Children in his school, his entire neighborhood, and his family. And now with this movie he continues to touch lives. This is a true story. I think I forgot to mention that. So many times I have caught myself trying to shove God at people I love because I want to change their life. My time would be better spent, showing them how God has changed my life by my actions. By living my faith. Letting His joy shine for all to see.
And lastly I learned God uses all circumstances to show who He is. I won't spoil the movie but sharing the ending or too much more about it, so I will keep this short. I encourage you to see this movie, and I pray that your life will never be the same after watching it. I may even be inspired to write my own letters to God.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Beauty in theEye of the Beholder
Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder.
Tammy Godin
As I look at a photo of me in my wedding dress, I see a story. I awoke this morning to God revealing so much to me just through a simple photo.
I was not a very pretty bride. I was a size 20, and in the worst shape of my life. But even more on than that I was mess on the inside. To simply and bluntly put it, I was crazy. I had so much jealousy, guilt, and anger in me that poor Leo never knew who he would be talking to or dealing with at any given moment. Here is the amazing part. He married me despite all of that. He married me at my worst. When the justice of the peace said, “for better or for worse,” I could only imagine what must have been going through his mind. Worse? Could it get worse? I would have run and run fast.
Then it hit me. Jesus is like this and even more. Jesus sees all of us. He sees the complete picture. He hears all our thoughts, he knows our every motive. Jesus sees our ugly inside. He sees through all the lies and the makeup. And you know what? He still wants us. He still loves us with an unconditional love. He still gives us oppurtunity after oppurtunity to become His. It makes me wonder, why? Why would He want to add me to His family as crazy as I can be? And then I hear His answer. I love you. I see your potential. Sure, I can see how confused, hurt, and messed up you are. But, I also see how beautiful you are. I see your potential. I see my child that I created. I see the reason I died on the cross for. Amazing isn't it. Just sit and take this in for a minute. Absorb this. Christ loves you wherever you are at. There is nothing to ugly for Him. He sees your beauty and He longs to make you His.
15 ½ years later, I am still married to the wonderful man who married me despite my imperfections. It has been a hard journey, but a very rewarding journey. And through it all I have found my faith again. I am inspired to better myself each day because my Savior, Jesus died for me at my ugliest and saw my potential. He deserves the best I can give Him. He deserves it from all of us.
Stop listening to the lies that you are not worth loving. Don't look in the mirror and see imperfections. See the child of God, created by Him, and loved by Him. See the beauty you truly are.
Tammy Godin
As I look at a photo of me in my wedding dress, I see a story. I awoke this morning to God revealing so much to me just through a simple photo.
I was not a very pretty bride. I was a size 20, and in the worst shape of my life. But even more on than that I was mess on the inside. To simply and bluntly put it, I was crazy. I had so much jealousy, guilt, and anger in me that poor Leo never knew who he would be talking to or dealing with at any given moment. Here is the amazing part. He married me despite all of that. He married me at my worst. When the justice of the peace said, “for better or for worse,” I could only imagine what must have been going through his mind. Worse? Could it get worse? I would have run and run fast.
Then it hit me. Jesus is like this and even more. Jesus sees all of us. He sees the complete picture. He hears all our thoughts, he knows our every motive. Jesus sees our ugly inside. He sees through all the lies and the makeup. And you know what? He still wants us. He still loves us with an unconditional love. He still gives us oppurtunity after oppurtunity to become His. It makes me wonder, why? Why would He want to add me to His family as crazy as I can be? And then I hear His answer. I love you. I see your potential. Sure, I can see how confused, hurt, and messed up you are. But, I also see how beautiful you are. I see your potential. I see my child that I created. I see the reason I died on the cross for. Amazing isn't it. Just sit and take this in for a minute. Absorb this. Christ loves you wherever you are at. There is nothing to ugly for Him. He sees your beauty and He longs to make you His.
15 ½ years later, I am still married to the wonderful man who married me despite my imperfections. It has been a hard journey, but a very rewarding journey. And through it all I have found my faith again. I am inspired to better myself each day because my Savior, Jesus died for me at my ugliest and saw my potential. He deserves the best I can give Him. He deserves it from all of us.
Stop listening to the lies that you are not worth loving. Don't look in the mirror and see imperfections. See the child of God, created by Him, and loved by Him. See the beauty you truly are.
Finding Joy
Have you ever heard such bad news that it knocked the air out of you? Something so utterly shocking and devastating that you felt you lost your reason to live? Where can you go from there? How do you find your way out of the pit before its too late?
If you are blessed as I am, you have something greater than any sorrow. Its so simple really but it requires action. Faith. Faith that the Creator, your Heavenly Dad is there for you. He is your Rock. The only One you can run to and have your tears wiped away. One whom you can put your trust in and not be let down. He becomes your source of strength.
Again you may ask how does knowing God do all this? Through the many blessings of having that relationship. He surrounds you with friends who have compassionate hearts and allow you to cry until you can't shed another tear. He has others praying for you, praying for your situation. The power of prayer is indescribable. Too lengthy to discuss now but I feel another blog coming on that subject in the near future. And, there of course, is always at least one person who speaks the truth into you, as painful as it might be to hear.
I am not God. I am not more powerful, more knowing, and strong. I am weak, easily hurt, mere human. I don't know what's best for people. I don't know the future. I do not have control over any one's life. And you know what, that's okay with me. Because the hurt I feel, the pain in me, is nothing like the pain God feels. His heart is broken even more than mine because of all the hurt, lost, searching souls today. He sees His children, whom He created, turning from Him and going there own way. Not just one, two, or three. But thousands. People you and I don't even know. He feels our pain and He feels the pain of the world. Yet He still has joy. Joy for the ones who have followed Him. Joy for the hope of the others that will come.
I recently have been knocked to the ground and shaken. The pain burned in my chest so bad. I didn't want to be awake for any amount of time, but I couldn't sleep. Are you there now? Do you feel like all hope is gone? Then stand up and trust in the One who has your back. People will let you down. People will disappoint you. It is a lonely place when your trust is in mere humans. So cry out to your Heavenly Dad! Don't fight against Him, join Him in the battle. Pray knowing He is in control. Don't tell Him what to do, let Him show you what He can do. He can restore your joy even in the storm. He can bring you peace when the rest of the world brings chaos.
When you fall, get on your knees and pray like you've never prayed before. I'm not telling you this after a storm. I am still in a storm. In one of the biggest storms of my life. I don't have the answers to when it will end. I only know that it will end. God is in control. He calmed the sea when the boat was rocking on the disciples with just a few words. Be still. His voice is heard above any noise, and His words contain POWER. He only gives us what we can handle. Sometimes it feels like too much, but thats where trust comes in. That is when we allow Him to carry us through. Allow yourself to become weak, so He can become strong.
Surround yourself with friends who know the Truth. Read your Word daily! Pray without ceasing! Draw strength from your Savior, and find joy!
Find joy in the smile of a child. Find joy in the warmth of the sun. Find joy in the promises of God. He will see you through. He will see me through. Claim it for your life.
May the God who gave you life, reach down and take your hand now and lift you out of the pit. May He hold you tightly in His arms, and let you hear Him say, “I love you my child.”
If you are blessed as I am, you have something greater than any sorrow. Its so simple really but it requires action. Faith. Faith that the Creator, your Heavenly Dad is there for you. He is your Rock. The only One you can run to and have your tears wiped away. One whom you can put your trust in and not be let down. He becomes your source of strength.
Again you may ask how does knowing God do all this? Through the many blessings of having that relationship. He surrounds you with friends who have compassionate hearts and allow you to cry until you can't shed another tear. He has others praying for you, praying for your situation. The power of prayer is indescribable. Too lengthy to discuss now but I feel another blog coming on that subject in the near future. And, there of course, is always at least one person who speaks the truth into you, as painful as it might be to hear.
I am not God. I am not more powerful, more knowing, and strong. I am weak, easily hurt, mere human. I don't know what's best for people. I don't know the future. I do not have control over any one's life. And you know what, that's okay with me. Because the hurt I feel, the pain in me, is nothing like the pain God feels. His heart is broken even more than mine because of all the hurt, lost, searching souls today. He sees His children, whom He created, turning from Him and going there own way. Not just one, two, or three. But thousands. People you and I don't even know. He feels our pain and He feels the pain of the world. Yet He still has joy. Joy for the ones who have followed Him. Joy for the hope of the others that will come.
I recently have been knocked to the ground and shaken. The pain burned in my chest so bad. I didn't want to be awake for any amount of time, but I couldn't sleep. Are you there now? Do you feel like all hope is gone? Then stand up and trust in the One who has your back. People will let you down. People will disappoint you. It is a lonely place when your trust is in mere humans. So cry out to your Heavenly Dad! Don't fight against Him, join Him in the battle. Pray knowing He is in control. Don't tell Him what to do, let Him show you what He can do. He can restore your joy even in the storm. He can bring you peace when the rest of the world brings chaos.
When you fall, get on your knees and pray like you've never prayed before. I'm not telling you this after a storm. I am still in a storm. In one of the biggest storms of my life. I don't have the answers to when it will end. I only know that it will end. God is in control. He calmed the sea when the boat was rocking on the disciples with just a few words. Be still. His voice is heard above any noise, and His words contain POWER. He only gives us what we can handle. Sometimes it feels like too much, but thats where trust comes in. That is when we allow Him to carry us through. Allow yourself to become weak, so He can become strong.
Surround yourself with friends who know the Truth. Read your Word daily! Pray without ceasing! Draw strength from your Savior, and find joy!
Find joy in the smile of a child. Find joy in the warmth of the sun. Find joy in the promises of God. He will see you through. He will see me through. Claim it for your life.
May the God who gave you life, reach down and take your hand now and lift you out of the pit. May He hold you tightly in His arms, and let you hear Him say, “I love you my child.”
Seeing God
Recently I began a journey of looking into my heart and finding out why and how I believe what I do. At night or sometimes early in the morning I am reminded of the things that I draw my faith and hope from. I began to realize how much I see God every day and not even notice. A friend reminded my of a verse lately about seeing God in nature and this is where my mind is going today.
Have you ever looked at leaf from a tree. Hold one in your hand some time. For me its a little more difficult since I now call Arizona home, but I remember doing this back in NH. Look at the leaf closely. There are veins running through the leaf, that carry nutrients to give it color. In that one little leaf there are all kinds of things going on with big names. I have been learning some of them again while homeschooling my 13 year old son. Then look at the roots of those trees. They dig deep into the ground. Spreading out to gather all the nutrients the tree needs to live. Amazing. I think to myself a rock couldn't have known the tree would need this. Would need the roots to provide for it. Someone with thoughts, would have to have known this.
The human body is my main focus. Now I want to warn you that at some points in my few paragraphs this might get PG. But to me this is the good kind of PG. Not violence and blood but of life. The human body has so many nerves. We can feel so many things. When you touch something hot it sends a message to your brain, “Ow, that's hot.” Its how little ones learn not to touch the stove. Everything in us and on was created for a purpose. Skin holds everything inside of us, bones give us strength, and muscles help us with the ability to move. The whole system is so complex. So much is going on inside of us, we can't even comprehend it. And what is more amazing we don't even realize it. We take for granted just walking. Do we ever stop and think how we are able to do that. All the messages our body has to send out before we can even take one step.
And all our senses. The things we can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. How is is possible? It blows me away to just dwell on these simple everyday things we do. For everything to work right and function takes a lot of processes that we don't even realize. People who study the human body do. We learn some of what they know if science classes throughout school, but sadly I think we mostly take for granted all that is required for us to take our daily breath. Our moment to moment to breath.
Ok, here is where it may get a little PG. Don't worry though I won't get too mushy on you.
Ever you ever stopped to think that there are male and female of all species that reproduce sexually? Could a rock know that we would need a male and a female to create life? And think of all the parts that each person has to create that life. I can only describe it in one word. Miracle. First I began to think on the location of the sexually producing parts. They have to be able to line up so that it is even possible to have sex. They were placed perfectly. Everything fits together just right. That is not an accident. God knew what He was doing.
After the couple has sex a baby just isn't instantly formed. Another long, sensitive process takes place. The sperm and egg have to unite in just the right place at just the right moment. Nothing can be off or it won't work. And then after united, all kinds of miracles take place. Everything has to happen at just the right time, for the developing baby to grow and nourish. Speaking of nourishment. Isn't it amazing how the mothers body has all the little one needs to survive. The placenta contains nutrients supplied by the mother, and attached by the umbilical cord. It is all so complex. And the body knows when the baby is ready to come. Most of the time anyways. Some come a little early and some a little late. Think back to before there were ultrasounds, to even before there were doctors. The babies came when they were done growing. The woman's body is equipped to send signals when everything is finished and life is ready to be born. Amazing.
And still after the new life comes, moms have the ability to feed their young ones. All the nourishment they need to survive their first precious few days, months of life are provided in breastmilk. There are too many things that were thought it about what it would take for human life to begin, sustain, create, and do all the daily functions for it to be just an accident.
My eyes are open wide now so that I can see God all around me in the little things of life. I can see Him wherever I look. Life is too precious, too fragile to have all been created by just an accident. It took a loving hand, a wise One, to put everything together so that it works just right. Take a walk and look at all the different animals, plants, insects, and people. Our universe is so complex and how everything works together and does so, so perfectly is nothing less than a miracle.
I hope you have enjoyed this and that it causes you to pause and wonder. It may be for the first time you hear this or maybe it just confirms something in your heart. Either way, I pray that God reveals Himself to you in the beauty and wonder of this beautiful world he created.
Have you ever looked at leaf from a tree. Hold one in your hand some time. For me its a little more difficult since I now call Arizona home, but I remember doing this back in NH. Look at the leaf closely. There are veins running through the leaf, that carry nutrients to give it color. In that one little leaf there are all kinds of things going on with big names. I have been learning some of them again while homeschooling my 13 year old son. Then look at the roots of those trees. They dig deep into the ground. Spreading out to gather all the nutrients the tree needs to live. Amazing. I think to myself a rock couldn't have known the tree would need this. Would need the roots to provide for it. Someone with thoughts, would have to have known this.
The human body is my main focus. Now I want to warn you that at some points in my few paragraphs this might get PG. But to me this is the good kind of PG. Not violence and blood but of life. The human body has so many nerves. We can feel so many things. When you touch something hot it sends a message to your brain, “Ow, that's hot.” Its how little ones learn not to touch the stove. Everything in us and on was created for a purpose. Skin holds everything inside of us, bones give us strength, and muscles help us with the ability to move. The whole system is so complex. So much is going on inside of us, we can't even comprehend it. And what is more amazing we don't even realize it. We take for granted just walking. Do we ever stop and think how we are able to do that. All the messages our body has to send out before we can even take one step.
And all our senses. The things we can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. How is is possible? It blows me away to just dwell on these simple everyday things we do. For everything to work right and function takes a lot of processes that we don't even realize. People who study the human body do. We learn some of what they know if science classes throughout school, but sadly I think we mostly take for granted all that is required for us to take our daily breath. Our moment to moment to breath.
Ok, here is where it may get a little PG. Don't worry though I won't get too mushy on you.
Ever you ever stopped to think that there are male and female of all species that reproduce sexually? Could a rock know that we would need a male and a female to create life? And think of all the parts that each person has to create that life. I can only describe it in one word. Miracle. First I began to think on the location of the sexually producing parts. They have to be able to line up so that it is even possible to have sex. They were placed perfectly. Everything fits together just right. That is not an accident. God knew what He was doing.
After the couple has sex a baby just isn't instantly formed. Another long, sensitive process takes place. The sperm and egg have to unite in just the right place at just the right moment. Nothing can be off or it won't work. And then after united, all kinds of miracles take place. Everything has to happen at just the right time, for the developing baby to grow and nourish. Speaking of nourishment. Isn't it amazing how the mothers body has all the little one needs to survive. The placenta contains nutrients supplied by the mother, and attached by the umbilical cord. It is all so complex. And the body knows when the baby is ready to come. Most of the time anyways. Some come a little early and some a little late. Think back to before there were ultrasounds, to even before there were doctors. The babies came when they were done growing. The woman's body is equipped to send signals when everything is finished and life is ready to be born. Amazing.
And still after the new life comes, moms have the ability to feed their young ones. All the nourishment they need to survive their first precious few days, months of life are provided in breastmilk. There are too many things that were thought it about what it would take for human life to begin, sustain, create, and do all the daily functions for it to be just an accident.
My eyes are open wide now so that I can see God all around me in the little things of life. I can see Him wherever I look. Life is too precious, too fragile to have all been created by just an accident. It took a loving hand, a wise One, to put everything together so that it works just right. Take a walk and look at all the different animals, plants, insects, and people. Our universe is so complex and how everything works together and does so, so perfectly is nothing less than a miracle.
I hope you have enjoyed this and that it causes you to pause and wonder. It may be for the first time you hear this or maybe it just confirms something in your heart. Either way, I pray that God reveals Himself to you in the beauty and wonder of this beautiful world he created.
Wonderfully Made
Did you ever stop to look at your body? Did you ever take just stand or sit and just carefully examine all the parts you have? I know for some of you the thought of looking at yourself that closely can be a scary thing, but I want you to try something. Take a look at your body, but don't search for imperfections. Look at how each part is perfectly formed and in just the right place.
Start with you head. You have hair on the top of your head, or at least most of us do. Without the hair heat would escape causing you to get cold. Without the hair, you would be forever getting a sunburn on the top of your head. The hair serves a great purpose and most of the time I believe we take it for granted. In fact I think we take most of our body for granted.
Then move onto your eyes. They are put in a location that is most helpful. Imagine if they were on the back of your head. I know most of us have been told my our mothers that they have eyes on the back of their heads, but wouldn't that be silly. Pointless even. Your eyes are placed in a position where you can see the easiest. Your nose and mouth which work closely together for eating and enjoying foods are right next to each other. And right in the center of your face. Anywhere else and dinner time could become a very comedic show. Could you imagine having your first kiss with your mouth on the side of you head? The intimacy would be removed. Having your lips on the front, right where they are allows you to look into the eyes of the one you love, see them, and truly enjoy them. Breathtaking.
Move around the sides of your head to your ears. They are placed perfectly on the side of your head so that you can hear all around you. There positioning serves as a great purpose to you. What you may not be able to see, you can hear. So our mothers may not see us misbehaving but they can hear us. Moving downward you have your neck. Your neck is flexible and can turn quite far in either direction. You can see so much. If your neck didn't have all the muscles and flexibility is did you would miss so much.
Continuing on, we have arms placed at our sides. Ever thought of what it would like to have them be in a different location. If they weren't spaced apart just right, it would make giving that special someone a hug hard to do. Picking up your newborn child could be an impossible task. Having the arms on your sides, gives us the ability to do so much. Everyday tasks would seem daunting if one arm was on your back and one on your front. Or if they were just a little lower, our poor backs would be in constant pain.
Take a good look at your hands. It is becoming one of my favorite spots. The hands are truly a work of art. With our hands, we do so many incredible things. Artists create masterpieces, authors write novels, and kids play in the mud. Lovers hold hands as an act of intimacy. You get the pleasure of touch with your hands. Holding the phone to talk to a loved one far away would be impossible with out your hands. For a blind person their hands become their eyes. They see the world with their hands. Amazing isn't it? Which brings me to another point. If one of our parts does not work correctly, our body is created so that it can still survive. Because everything was placed so perfectly and put together with so much thought, we still operate on a daily basis. Back to the hands now. We have 4 fingers and a thumb. All spaced just the right amount so that we can do what needs to be done. Right now I am typing. This I could not do without my fingers. Picking up items without fingers would not work. Think of all the daily things you do with your fingers. If you had a different amount, or if the thumb was just another finger, things would not work as smoothly. The hand is so vital, yet we give it so little thought. There is so much love in our hands, which is why it is becoming one of my favorite parts.
For women the placement of the breasts is perfect. At just the right height, the task of feeding her newborn is made special. A mother can look down at her child and spend precious quality time bonding while feeding. They can look into each other's eyes, and just get taken away into their own little world during those precious moments. Placed anywhere else on the body and those moments would be missed.
Continuing on our exploration, we come to the stomach and waist area. The first thing I notice is the bellybutton. Whether it be an inny or outy, have you ever thought of how special that bellybutton is? While you were in your mother's womb growing all your parts in just the right way you were fed through that bellybutton. It allowed you to be nourished so that you could grow. Your bellybutton itself is part of the miracle of life.
How you came to be that miracle of life growing inside your mother has to do with perfectly placed body parts also. When man and woman were created, they were created to fit together. Like a puzzle our pieces fit inside and finish the picture. Making love with your spouse is intimate, and special. And it is this way because everything is placed perfectly. Holding each other, and becoming one is only possible because of the way we were created.
Our legs on which we stand come next. They are used for balancing and holding us up. Again placed perfectly so that we can live in the most comfortable way. Without two legs moving together, yet separately, walking would be impossible. We would have to hop everywhere. They might be fun for a minute or two but not a lifetime.
Our feet, are our anchors. They hold us in position. Ever stop to think what would happen if you didn't have feet? You would fall flat on your face. You would not be enjoying the world around you. You would only be seeing the world beneath you. And your toes. At first glance them might seem pointless. Have you ever busted a toe? Is so then you know just how truly important toes are. For the toddler just learning to walk, the toes help to grip and balance. For us the still give us that same balance. And we have 5 on each foot perfectly spaced out so that if one does happen to get busted for a little while, the others help to keep you upright still.
Have you enjoyed looking at your body in this way? I hope that you look at yourself like this each day. I hope that you come to truly appreciate just how wonderfully made you are. Because of this I know that I know, that I was created by a loving, intelligent Creator. He knew exactly how the body needed to work to make life so enjoyable. He also put nerves inside of this wonderfully made body so that we could have the pleasures of truly enjoying life. The human body is so complex, and everything has to work in just the right way that I know it was no accident. It was nothing short of a miracle. You are wonderfully made and you are loved by your Heavenly Father. He would not have created you the way He did, for any other reason.
Start with you head. You have hair on the top of your head, or at least most of us do. Without the hair heat would escape causing you to get cold. Without the hair, you would be forever getting a sunburn on the top of your head. The hair serves a great purpose and most of the time I believe we take it for granted. In fact I think we take most of our body for granted.
Then move onto your eyes. They are put in a location that is most helpful. Imagine if they were on the back of your head. I know most of us have been told my our mothers that they have eyes on the back of their heads, but wouldn't that be silly. Pointless even. Your eyes are placed in a position where you can see the easiest. Your nose and mouth which work closely together for eating and enjoying foods are right next to each other. And right in the center of your face. Anywhere else and dinner time could become a very comedic show. Could you imagine having your first kiss with your mouth on the side of you head? The intimacy would be removed. Having your lips on the front, right where they are allows you to look into the eyes of the one you love, see them, and truly enjoy them. Breathtaking.
Move around the sides of your head to your ears. They are placed perfectly on the side of your head so that you can hear all around you. There positioning serves as a great purpose to you. What you may not be able to see, you can hear. So our mothers may not see us misbehaving but they can hear us. Moving downward you have your neck. Your neck is flexible and can turn quite far in either direction. You can see so much. If your neck didn't have all the muscles and flexibility is did you would miss so much.
Continuing on, we have arms placed at our sides. Ever thought of what it would like to have them be in a different location. If they weren't spaced apart just right, it would make giving that special someone a hug hard to do. Picking up your newborn child could be an impossible task. Having the arms on your sides, gives us the ability to do so much. Everyday tasks would seem daunting if one arm was on your back and one on your front. Or if they were just a little lower, our poor backs would be in constant pain.
Take a good look at your hands. It is becoming one of my favorite spots. The hands are truly a work of art. With our hands, we do so many incredible things. Artists create masterpieces, authors write novels, and kids play in the mud. Lovers hold hands as an act of intimacy. You get the pleasure of touch with your hands. Holding the phone to talk to a loved one far away would be impossible with out your hands. For a blind person their hands become their eyes. They see the world with their hands. Amazing isn't it? Which brings me to another point. If one of our parts does not work correctly, our body is created so that it can still survive. Because everything was placed so perfectly and put together with so much thought, we still operate on a daily basis. Back to the hands now. We have 4 fingers and a thumb. All spaced just the right amount so that we can do what needs to be done. Right now I am typing. This I could not do without my fingers. Picking up items without fingers would not work. Think of all the daily things you do with your fingers. If you had a different amount, or if the thumb was just another finger, things would not work as smoothly. The hand is so vital, yet we give it so little thought. There is so much love in our hands, which is why it is becoming one of my favorite parts.
For women the placement of the breasts is perfect. At just the right height, the task of feeding her newborn is made special. A mother can look down at her child and spend precious quality time bonding while feeding. They can look into each other's eyes, and just get taken away into their own little world during those precious moments. Placed anywhere else on the body and those moments would be missed.
Continuing on our exploration, we come to the stomach and waist area. The first thing I notice is the bellybutton. Whether it be an inny or outy, have you ever thought of how special that bellybutton is? While you were in your mother's womb growing all your parts in just the right way you were fed through that bellybutton. It allowed you to be nourished so that you could grow. Your bellybutton itself is part of the miracle of life.
How you came to be that miracle of life growing inside your mother has to do with perfectly placed body parts also. When man and woman were created, they were created to fit together. Like a puzzle our pieces fit inside and finish the picture. Making love with your spouse is intimate, and special. And it is this way because everything is placed perfectly. Holding each other, and becoming one is only possible because of the way we were created.
Our legs on which we stand come next. They are used for balancing and holding us up. Again placed perfectly so that we can live in the most comfortable way. Without two legs moving together, yet separately, walking would be impossible. We would have to hop everywhere. They might be fun for a minute or two but not a lifetime.
Our feet, are our anchors. They hold us in position. Ever stop to think what would happen if you didn't have feet? You would fall flat on your face. You would not be enjoying the world around you. You would only be seeing the world beneath you. And your toes. At first glance them might seem pointless. Have you ever busted a toe? Is so then you know just how truly important toes are. For the toddler just learning to walk, the toes help to grip and balance. For us the still give us that same balance. And we have 5 on each foot perfectly spaced out so that if one does happen to get busted for a little while, the others help to keep you upright still.
Have you enjoyed looking at your body in this way? I hope that you look at yourself like this each day. I hope that you come to truly appreciate just how wonderfully made you are. Because of this I know that I know, that I was created by a loving, intelligent Creator. He knew exactly how the body needed to work to make life so enjoyable. He also put nerves inside of this wonderfully made body so that we could have the pleasures of truly enjoying life. The human body is so complex, and everything has to work in just the right way that I know it was no accident. It was nothing short of a miracle. You are wonderfully made and you are loved by your Heavenly Father. He would not have created you the way He did, for any other reason.
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