Seeds

“The Tiny Seed”, written by Eric Carle, is one of my favorite children’s stories.  It tells the story of a group of seeds that are blown from the center of a sunflower and the journey they take in search of new life.  As the seeds are blown away, a few fall into a deep, dry crack in the middle of the desert.  New life cannot sprout from the seeds because of the harsh conditions of the desert.  Lack of water and shade leave the seeds to wither away.  As the journey continues, the remaining group of seeds sails across the ocean with a few falling into the sea.  They soon are eaten by the fish below.  A handful of seeds remain, including the smallest seed of all.  It has remained safe because of being so small and light.  The winds continued to carry it away, while the others fell.  Soon all but the tiny seed were gone, the rest falling among a group of weeds with no room to grow.  The journey for the tiny seed ended when the wind gently sat it down in the rich soil of a flower garden.  Although it was the smallest seed of the group, it had survived the dangerous journey and would soon grow and blossom into the biggest sunflower in the garden.  The farmer was amazed and wondered why this sunflower stood so much taller than any of the others in the garden.  Perhaps it was because of the journey it had taken. 

There are many lessons we can learn from nature and the wonder of God’s creations.  It is amazing how a seed of any size can turn into the most beautiful flower or plant, or provide us with the gift of food.  But we all know as the story above suggest that seeds must be planted in the right place and taken care of in order to reach their potential.  Rich soil, life giving water, and warm sunshine help the seed to grow.  But of course before anything happens, we have to plant the seed.   So it is with the “seeds” that God has given us.  They may come in all shapes and sizes and may end up turning into the most amazing things, but nothing will happen unless we take them out of our pocket!  Once we do that, we have three choices. One, we can simply hold on to the seeds because we are too afraid that we may plant them in the wrong place. Two, we can plant them in a place that we think they will survive despite their surroundings, only to watch them wither and die. Or three, we can sow them in the garden of God’s love and protection. I think three is the best choice don’t you?  Of course there will be sunny days in the garden where all the seeds will flourish and grow, and there will be stormy days, where the seeds will cling to the soil so they won’t be washed away.  Whatever the condition of the garden, I feel so comforted in knowing that I’m not the master of the garden; Jesus is. If I allow Him to do His work in me, and grow where I’m planted, amazing things will happen.   Remember, you reap what you sow.

Peace, 

Kelly

Por fah vor

My husband and I recently went to Costa Rica on a mission trip.  It was amazing to say the least.  We worked in one church all week conducting Vacation Bible School, and doing construction work in the sanctuary.  In preparation  for our trip, our leader gave us a paper containing English to Spanish translations.  She titled it "Simple Words and Phrases".  Some of the phrases were, please, thank you, excuse me, and please help.  When I came across this paper last night, I reread it and realized that we have forgotten so many of the "simple things" in our lives.  We have forgotten how to say please and thank you, and we have forgotten how to ask for help when we need it.  We'd rather rely on a strange voice on a phone instead of interacting with a real person.  We'd rather use complicated words and phrases to get ahead instead of relying on the simple truth of Christ.  His word is real no matter what language it is in.  I saw that first hand on my trip.  I'm so thankful that I don't need a translator when I talk to Him.  And neither does anyone else.  We just need to get back to using "simple words and phrases". 



Dear Lord please open my heart to your simple words of love and truth.

Wisdom

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who eat her fruit.  Happy is the man who keeps on eating it. Provers 3:18

 

     We all know that we need food and water to sustain our life as we know it.  Of course we could go for a period of time without eating or drinking, but eventually we would see and feel the effects of the loss of vitamins and nutrients our body needs.  Studies have shown that lack of food for long periods of time not only affects us physically, but mentally as well. We become weak in the body and the mind.

        The Bible saids, “wisdom is a tree of life to those who eat her fruit.” Just as it is our responsibility to eat daily and make healthy food choices, it is also our responsibility to seek God’s wisdom.  God provides the tree of life for those who choose to eat from it.  The fruit of wisdom is sweet, but not without cost.  However the rewards are great.

 

“Lord please provide me with the courage and the strength to seek Your wisdom daily.”

 

Vacation Bible School

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 NIV

 

I love to read the daily passages of Bible Gateway.com

 

How appropriate this passage is today.  Our church began Bible School last night and we had around 65 children attend in spite of the rain.  The church was full of laughter and song the entire night.  Ms. Audra, our children’s minister along with many volunteers transformed the halls and classrooms in to “The greatest show on earth.” 

 

 I can’t help but to think about what it might have been like to be a child when Jesus was the greatest show on earth!  Just imagine running up to Him and having him sweep you up in his arms.  A gentle kiss on the cheek, a soft stroke on the head.  Talk about feeling loved. 

              

How wonderful it is to know that we are all His children!  Of course we cannot physically feel his strong arms around us, but we know he is there calling us, waiting for us to come to Him like “little children” expecting nothing more than to be loved. 

 

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them…”  Thank you Jesus for wanting me!

 

Peace,

Kelly

Give Praise

In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4

From time to time I will get on the "Bible Gateway" web site and read the verse for the day.  The verse above was posted for today.  As I read it,  I began to think of how I could apply it to my everyday life.  The first part of the verse would be easy; "Give praise to the Lord".  I do that now.  I try to remember to praise Him in any situation I'm in.  It's really not that hard because it is a personal thing.  Something I can do it by myself with no one watching. Other times I can do it among a group of follow believers. But the next part of the verse, "proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted", is more difficult for me.  I have never been one to really go out and witness to people and "talk about God".  As an adult I have been on mission trips with the youth including my two girls, and I have watched kids witness to strangers with a confidence that I still don't have.  I know that this is an area of my life that I really want to work on.  But I also know that while I may not be bold enough to witness with my words, I can witness with my actions.  I can continue to try and live a Godly life through Christ's grace and I can show others what it means to have a relationship with God by the way I handle myself in certain situations.  It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  I can see the picture of Jesus hanging on the cross everyday, and I am speechless.  He said very little on the day he died, but he showed us through his suffering who he really was.  Jesus "proclaimed His father's name among the nations" when sacrificed himself for us.  Such an unselfish and painful example of being a witness.  With that in mind, I can surely be a witness today with a kind word or a smile.  I can be a witness with patiences and understanding.  And I can proclaim that His name be exalted by giving Him and others the best that I have. 

Peace,
Kelly  

Where Am I Going

Even though I have been in my new town for almost two years, I am still trying to learn my way around.  I have been accustomed to roads with names instead of numbers as is the case here.  My poor husband has had to endure my directional challenges as I try to navigate from one place to another.   Over and over again he has tried to instill in me a sense of direction; odd number roads run north and south and even number roads run east and west.  Maybe that is true, but what road is Target on?  I don’t like the fact that this area is unfamiliar to me.  I also don’t like the fact that I have to ask for help sometimes to get around.  I am used to getting in the car and getting to my destination without worrying about making a wrong turn and going east when I should have been going north. I think what bothers me the most is that I really don’t want to take time to learn; I just want it to be easy and familiar.   

Isn’t that how we are as Christians sometimes?  We want to take the easy road, the one that we are used to and familiar with.  We want the ride to be stress free with no wrong turns.  But of course that isn’t how it is.  We are always making wrong turns and ending up in places we don’t want to be.  It would be so easy to just take a few minutes and learn our way around with the help of God, but like me, we don’t want to take the time.  We rather get lost and then complain about it. 

I have found that the more I begin to pay attention to where I am, the easier it gets.  I have finally given in to the fact that if I want to get to where I’m going without getting lost, I must give up my old way of “driving”.  I must be open to learning new routes and asking directions when needed. 

I’m so glad that God is patient with me as I continue to learn my away around in my life.  He is always there pointing me in the right direction.   It comforting to know that with His help, I know I will be heading in the right direction when it is time to go home; NORTH!

Peace,

Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solitaire

I must admit that I am hooked on playing “spider” solitaire on the computer.  Whenever I have a free minute during the day, I sit on the couch and start playing on my computer.  Before I know it, I have played several games.  Of course it becomes a challenge after a while to win just one!   I try to justify playing by telling myself that it keeps my mind active (I need that) and it causes me to think instead of just sitting and watching TV.   As I was playing just a few minutes ago and feeling guilty for spending so much time on the computer, it occurred to me that the game of Solitaire is much like someone’s life (mine).  Of course it is a game for one, but it is much more than that.  It is a game that requires one to think and make a move that will effect or cause another move.  If I move this card here, then I can move that card there.  If anything, the game has taught me to look beyond just one move at a time.  Isn’t that what we should be doing in life?  We shouldn’t be living life just one “move” at a time.  We need to be consistently looking beyond the “moment” and seeing what our actions may cause in the future. If we move the wrong card just because it seems to fit, we may be blocking our chances to line everything up just right.   Another thing I like about playing solitaire on the computer is that I can click the “hint” icon when I am stuck and don’t know what my next move should be.  A card lights up and I can see where I should place that card so I can continue the game.  The hint is usually so evident, that I can’t believe I missed the move on my own.  Many times I have to admit that it was a move that I was just too impatient to look for.  I usually wanted to draw a new set of cards to see if they were any better than the ones that were dealt to me. I often found myself in the same position and before I know it “game over”! 

So who is my “hint” icon in life?  Of course it is God.  If I just seek his advice in my next move, I wouldn’t lose so many games! And yes the advice may be something that I could have come up with on my own, if I were just patient enough.  But I’m not, that is why I need God.  Sometimes I must admit that I am too lazy to search for Him, and spend most of my times making the “easy” moves.  I may not be an expert in solitaire, but I do know that I don’t want to spend my life alone trying to figure out what my next move will be.  I don’t want to wake up one day and see the words “game over”  with nothing to show for it.  I want to constantly live my life seeking His advice for my “next move”.    I want to live the life I was dealt, and strive to seek His will daily.  We all have games that we play, but our life is not a game.  It is a gift from God and should be treated as so.  Follow the rules that God has set before you in your life.  When you do, you will see the rewards, and realize that “game over” is just the beginning.

Peace,
Kelly

The Valley

In the valley there is pain

In the valley there is rain

In the valley the sun sinks low

In the valley I lose my soul

In the valley my ears are deaf

In the valley there is no rest

In the valley my eyes are closed

In the valley of sorrow and woes

But a Savior stands close by

He is listening to our cries

Waiting for our cries of pain

Standing steadfast He remains

Hands stretched out He reaches down

Pulls us up to hallowed ground

Arms around us, peace within

Christ has come for us again

Always waiting, watching close

Knowing when we need Him most

In the valley I will see

Just how much He means to me

Footprints

Whose footprints are you walking in?  Who guided your live?  Is it a parent, or a brother or sister? Is it an Aunt or Uncle you have admired for years?  Or perhaps a person you don’t know very well.   Maybe it could have been a grandparent who raised you as their own child, or a teacher who believed in you.  Whatever the case, I think we have all known someone who has made an impact on our lives. Someone who has had a quiet voice,  but heavy footprints.   ]Someone whose work had not gone unnoticed, but was not talked about.. Someone who served but didn’t want to be served.  I have known someone like that, and he is no longer with me. I don’t’ want to dwell on my loss, but rather acknowledge his victory.  I want to learn from a man who I only knew for a short time, but a man that I admire for his quiet confidence and kindness.  A  man whose smile said hello instead of his words.  A man who showed his love by his actions.  A man who was always there.  Loss is sadness and sadness is loss.   But peace and understanding comes with the quiet confidence that God is in control.  We are left with the knowledge that God knew exactly the time and the place He  would call His servants home.  Do not mourn for those who are gone, but instead rejoice in knowing that they are helping prepare a place for us!  What a privilege for them, that they were chosen first to be waiting for us to join them In glory…Praise God!

Peace,

Kelly

Meeting God

We had discussion in Sunday school a few weeks ago about remembering how or when we became a Christian.  There were many wonderful testimonies that gave us all a lot to think about.  

We all look back on our faith sometimes and wonder how we got to where we are today.  I can’t remember a certain time when I said okay today is the day I’m a Christian, but rather remember just being raised to worship and love God.  I must admit that sometimes I envy people who have experienced that one moment when they got down on their knees and accepted Christ into their lives.  But I do feel that we all have very different and powerful ways of becoming God’s children.  He certainly wants that from the start for us, the moment we are born and even before!  But I also feel that it is a process that continues every day.  I feel that God knows exactly where we are in our walk with him.  Some may be jogging very slowly, just trying to finish another lap, while others may be in an all out sprint.   We all know someone (maybe us) who is standing on the sidelines just waiting for some encouragement.  And then there are those who are the constant cheerleaders.  The wonderful thing is no matter where we are, God will meet us there if we only ask. 

 I am reminded that when I taught Kindergarten, some of the children came to me in the fall knowing all of their letters and numbers, while others could barely write their name. As a teacher had to learn to recognize what level a child was on, and meet that child there in order to teach he/she in a way they could learn and achieve.  I didn’t expect every child to be on the same level at the beginning of the year or even at the end of the year. And I never made a child feel that they were “behind” if they weren’t at the top of the class.   I feel that is how God is.  He is there waiting for us to come ready to “learn”.  He doesn’t care where we are.  He doesn’t care if we were raised to know Him and made the decision years ago to be His, or if we just met Him yesterday.   He’ll meet us where we are, and raise us up. 

What a comfort to know that He accepts me for who I am, not for where I am. 

Peace,

Kelly

Colossians 3:12-14

 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
This is the verse that Steve and I had read at our wedding.  He reminded me of it the other day.  Just think how the world would be if we all tried to live by this!

Peace,
Kelly

Hello!

Okay, so it has been almost a month since I wrote anything.   I really need to change the name of my blog..but maybe not.  I do “daily follow Him”, I just don’t write about it.  That was the purpose of starting this blog, to hold myself accountable for quiet times and reflections.  Well I guess I can’t do it by myself. 

I am going to start reading a new book, Amish Grace.   It is the story of the murders of Amish school children that took place in the fall of 2006.  From what I can tell it will not only tell the story, but will also deal with the subject of hate and forgiveness.  One quote by an Amish farmer really struck me:  “The acid of hate destroys the container.” 

More to come

Peace,

Kelly

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Matthew 6: 25-27

                                                                      Birds

This morning I was sitting with a group of ladies on a front porch during a Bible study.  We commented on the beautiful flowers that surrounded us and the singing of the birds.  That led one lady to tell a story about a nest that a bird had built in a low hanging plant in her carport.  She said she enjoyed watching the young birds over time as the mother flew back and forth bringing them food.  As she watched them grow, she noticed that when they were ready to leave the nest and try out their wings, they didn’t go very far.  The nest was too close to the ground. You see young birds don’t have the ability to fly up, only out or down. All they could do was fly around the carport or sit on the ground.  My friend’s husband realized the problem and somehow put the nest with the young birds in it on the edge of the roof.  Soon they took off, flying high and strong. 

I started thinking about that story and realized that I was so much like those young birds.  So many times I have found myself in a “low” place..too close to the ground, and closed in.  I fly in circles, never going anywhere.  Then it never fails, my Heavenly Father reaches down and picks me up.   He gently puts me in a higher place where I can leap out in faith and fly. 

What a wonderful feeling!

Peace,

Kelly

Last night as we were walking on the beach we saw the most beautiful sunset behind us, and a full moon that appeared to be the largest of the year before us.  We watched as it slowly rose over the horizon, shedding light on the water below.  At one point it look as though there was a lighted path from as far as  we could see in the  distance over the water right up to the shoreline where we were standing.  (the picture doesn't do the moon justice).   As I stood there in awe, I imagined Jesus walking down that path on the water with his hands reaching out toward me.  I had a sense of peace as I thought of when He would return one day.  While no one knows the time or the place of His return, we know He is coming. But as I continued to look out over the ocean, I felt as if He were saying to me from the glow of the moon "I am here, And I am now".  We watched as the moon continued to rise, peeking in and out of the clouds.  I looked behind to see the last brush of color across the sky from the setting sun.  I was surrounded by glory.   It was a good night. 

 "......and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters".  Genesis 1:1

The Hike                                      

We had the privilege of spending last week in the mountains of South Carolina.  Needless to say the trails and waterfalls were amazing.  However I must admit that while I do enjoy short trips romping through the woods dodging low hanging limbs and tripping over large roots and rocks, the longer hikes are not for me.  Steve can hike for miles and miles and be in heaven while I try to contain my bad attitude and wonder why all the trees look the same.  

 However my attitude always changes when we finally come upon that one spot that we were looking for.  My eyes are open to the beauty that surrounds us as we stare at the waterfall ahead; a stream of water forcefully flowing over a series of rocks and ledges.  It is truly an amazing sight. We climb down to get as close as we can to the creation God has made.  Each time we must choose our steps carefully.  The ground is loose and the rocks are wet and slippery, but the view is spectacular.

While the waterfalls that we saw on our trip were as different as the trails were to get to them, the sound was always the same; the silent river above giving way to the crashing force of the water pouring over the rocks below.  In an instant that sound could wash away all my complaints of aching feet and bug bites.  How dare I worry about my own needs and desires, when I see what God has created before me?

The sight of water can be such a cleansing thing on so many levels.  Of course we use water ever day to physically wash away dirt and grime.  But the sound of water rushing over the jagged rocks of the falls makes me think of how God’s love rushes over the jagged rocks of our lives.  Nothing can get in the way of His love as he washes away our sins and doubts.  Just as the water flows over or around the obstacles of nature (fallen trees, rocks, etc.) God’s love finds a way to flow over the obstacles of our lives.   

Without a moment’s notice, the silent river that we have been floating on can turn into a rush of water that only God can guide us through.  That is when we should travel as close as we can to see His glory.  There may be some low hanging limbs that we must dodge, or some roots we will trip over, but the journey is worth it.  His love can reshape our lives just as the water reshapes the rocks of the falls over time.  God’s beauty is all around us.  We just have to make sure that we choose the right path so we don’t miss it. 

Let your love flow!

Peace,

Kelly

                                                                                                                   




A friend of mine shared this story...please read!

A Dog’s Purpose? (from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.”

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued,

”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”  If we could all live more like dogs:

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you’re not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

By: Karen McNeill

37.489498-122.238473

 Up To Your Neck

Have you ever felt like you were up to your neck in something and you didn’t know how to get out of it? I was looking over some pictures I had taken last year and I  came across this picture of our sweet dog Ellie.  As you can see it was taken in the fall after a morning of raking leaves.  One minute poor innocent Ellie was just watching me rake the front yard and the next minute she was buried in a pile of leaves up to her neck.  The look on her face told me she was not happy, but she had given in to her situation.  (I had to pull her out).    

I’m sure that she would have eventually wiggled her way out of the leaves, but I think it was easier for her to just lay there and wait for some help.  She knew I was close by and I wouldn’t leave her even though I was the one who put her there in the first place. 

Do you think that God puts us in some situations just to see if we can get out of them ourselves?  I am not one to believe that God “punishes” people for their sins by having bad things happen to them, but I do believe that it is God’s desire for us to grow in our faith.  I think that He may allow things to happen in order for us to seek His help.   Of course, just like Ellie, we make things worse for ourselves sometimes.  Ellie could have gotten out of the leaves before they got up to her neck, but she chose not to.  Before long it was too late and she was stuck. 

As Christians we get stuck all the time.  Things happen.  We wait, we watch and we do nothing.  Before long it is too late. We are blaming others, and at times God for “allowing” the leaves to fall down around us.  Instead of running, we stand there and get buried.   I don’t want to be that type of believer.  I don’t want to lay and wait for someone else to come along and help me when I can help myself through the power and strength of Christ.   I know that many days will come when I feel overwhelmed and buried in the struggles of life, but I also know that I can get out with His help!

Praise God,

Peace,

Kelly

In The Garden

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

     I just spent the last several hours this morning working in the vegetable garden that my husband planted a few weeks ago.  We have rows of okra, beans, corn and tomato plants along with peppers and squash.  We also have weeds!!!! 

     It may sound strange to people who haven’t heard this about me, but I  am not a big fan of vegetables.  I do eat some…but very few if they are hidden in a casserole with lots of cheese.  However I do love to watch them grow.

      As I was hoeing the weeds this morning, I couldn’t help but think of the song “In The Garden”.  We recently sang this song in church and it had been on my mind.  I thought of how peaceful it was for me this morning, working hard, but working on something as simple as turning the dirt over and getting rid of unwanted grass and weeds.  I wasn’t thinking about the problems of the world as I listened to the birds sing in the nearby trees.  I wasn’t thinking about my friend who just had surgery and has a long road of recovery ahead of her. And I wasn’t thinking of the regret and pain that so many of us face on a daily basis.  I was just “in the garden” working and thinking of how lucky I was.  No T.V, no cell phone, no internet.  Just the soft breeze, the gentle clanging of chimes, and the feeling of knowing my God was right beside me. 

     I hope that you will let God walk with you in your garden.  It doesn’t matter what kind of garden it is..all that matters is that you take time to be with Him..maybe while doing something you love.  You could be surrounded by a beautiful bed of roses, or the waves of the ocean.   Even unwanted weeds.  All that matters is that you are seeking Him, walking with Him, and feeling His presences.  
     We all reap what we sow, but time with God gives us the strength to continue the work. 
     I can’t wait for the day that I will walk through the gardens in Heaven surrounded by peace and joy.

Peace,

Kelly

Inspiration Comes From Discipline

Well as you can see I again have stopped writing my blog for some time now.  I was proud of myself, taking the time each day to try and focus on quiet times and reflection, but I let time slip by one day, and then the next…you know the drill.   I never wanted to think of spending time with God as a “habit”, and so I decided to hold myself accountable by writing.  After all I really enjoy it, but like anything else it takes time.  I was talking to my husband about this one day and trying to make excuses as to why I had stopped.  I tried to blame my lack of enthusiasm (and laziness) on a lack of inspiration.  After all isn’t that what writing is all about…you have to be inspired to do something that takes time and effort?  NOT SO.  My very wise husband made a very profound statement and put me in my place!  He said that inspiration comes from discipline.  When I thought about it, I got a little mad because I knew he was right. 

      We all know what the word discipline means, especially when it comes to our children, but I wanted to fully understand the other meaning of the word.  There were several definitions in the dictionary but I think this one was what I was looking for; “activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training”.

     I started thinking about this definition and of course understood it immediately.  A world class runner doesn’t win races when he feels “inspired” to run.  It takes years of training, running miles and miles even if he doesn’t feel like it.  A surgeon can’t perform life saving operations only when he feels “inspired” to.  He must spend years in med school putting in long hours and doing what he has to do in order to learn, not what he wants to do. 

     We all get the picture….and so I won’t rely (or use the excuse) that I’m lacking inspiration to do what I need to do.   As my husband said, true inspiration comes from discipline.  It comes from taking time each day to spend with God; praying, reading the Bible…being in His presences.  That does take discipline!   I have so many excuses, but none of them are good enough to justify my lack of discipline. How can I expect to hear God’s voice for my inspiration if I don’t spend time with Him?

     I’m so glad that Jesus didn’t die for us because he was “inspired” to, but because He lived his life everyday displaying dedication and discipline for what he knew was right. He knew what his heavenly father expected of Him.

     As for me, I will dedicate myself to Him, and pray for discipline in my life.  Good days, bad days, rain or shine,  He will be my inspiration!

Peace,

Kelly