Lines, Lines, and Even More Lines

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. Proverbs 2:9 NIV

Road construction, it's every where or so it seems. The last few months I've watched as crews worked to improve a very busy intersection by my home. Lanes were brought down to one and sometimes the entire intersection was closed at night. A lot of fun, not.

I admit having three left turn lanes is nice, not having to wait through two or three light cycles is an improvement. A new road is fun to drive on; a smoother surface is a grand improvement.

The crazy thing they did at the end though is beyond wacky. There are dotted lines every which way across the intersection, I guess it's there as a guide. Instead it's more of a distraction. There are dots for those turning left each direction, and there are dots for those going straight each direction. I wish I could get a picture from the sky, but my van will have to do. This picture really doesn't even capture what it really looks like.

It has gotten me thinking though. I've thought about how crazy life can get at times. Sometimes it seems I'm going in a million different directions. I barely have time to think, and it's a good thing my body automatically breathes for me otherwise I could forget.

Is everything I do a good thing? I might think "it's for the church and therefore for God, right?" Or I felt God calling me to do this, so it's OK? Or sometimes I just end up doing it because no one else will and I don't want to let anyone down.

This past Thursday my schedule got behind. If you know me, you know I like schedules and everything to work out in a timely manner. I ended up home a half hour later then expected. The day care kids were going nuts. I needed to get dinner going. I asked my daughter for help and she was no where to be found. Everything ended up meshing together until I had no choice, but to let the stress of the moment come out.

Luckily, it was just tears. Like usual just as soon as I let the tears start someone tells me I don't need to cry. "Yes, I do," was my reply. I felt better after.

So what is one to do? What I've been doing, pray and keep my priorities in line with God's priorities meaning something might have to go. I will continue to follow His path for me like following the right dotted lines through this now crazy mixed up intersection.

Be Transformed, Not Conformed

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

They floated around in chairs; they didn't have to do anything but push a button. Until one day a robot knocks one of them out of his seat (John) and he realizes there's more to life than sitting in a chair. John became transformed and was no longer conformed.

Yes, this came from the movie "Wally". It's a cute movie and has a good message.

As I was reading in the Bible yesterday this verse popped out at me, could have been because it's highlighted or maybe it's because it means so much to me. You see, I am different. I don't read what everyone else is reading, I don't watch what everyone else is watching, and I don't try to be politically correct. Here's the biggest news-I don't drink coffee or soda. I realize that could be a crime, but I can't stand coffee and I gave soda up for Lent ten years ago and just don't care for it anymore.

Maybe I'm a rebel!

Seriously though, I don't conform to the pattern of the world.  People may make fun of me, but I'm OK with that. Because I'm not trying to please people, I am trying to please God. I figure if He's OK with me, than everyone else can be too.

God made each of us unique with our own special talents and gifts. He did it on purpose, just like he made the parts of our bodies different. Yet, all our parts work together not against each other. Even though sometimes when that sharp pain hits in the lower back it feels as though that parts trying to rebel.

So instead of conforming, how about we all try transforming? It'll be OK to go against the crowd. John ended up helping bring everyone back to Earth. Jesus went against the crowd and ended up saving the world. Just imagine what each of us could do if we became transformed.

Church a Chore?

Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV

Preparing Sunday School lessons, Children's church, the power point...I can see where I could think of church as a chore. Just another thing I need to do during the week, a requirement. Did they see I was there today so I can get marked as attending?

For me though church is so much more than any of these. Church is where I get to go and worship the Lord. I enjoy the singing even if it doesn't go so well sometimes, and I am more than likely off key. I enjoy teaching the kids their lesson and a lot of times I learn something as well.

Also, I enjoy seeing my church family. The hugs and handshakes can last quite awhile, and yes when someone is missing I do wonder where he/she is. I might even ask someone if he/she knows where they are. It grieves me when somebody misses a few weeks in a row because missing church can become an easy option. Sure there are a lot of other things one can be doing on a Sunday morning.

I understand when someone has to work. Quite a few years back, we got into the habit of missing church. To help make ends meet I had taken on a newspaper route, my husband and young sons went with me. Every night we'd get up around 1:30-2:00 to drive 30 mins to the location we had to pick up the paper. Then my husband would bag the papers and I'd toss them out the window. We arrive back home around 4 or 5 o'clock just to get up an hour or two later to work our full time jobs. Sunday became the only day we could catch up on our sleep.

Funny, how easy it became not to think about God. To pray my simple prayers if at all and not take the time to learn anything new about Him. Luckily, for us our absence in church left a void. A void that we quickly learned we needed to fill. I soon gave up my paper route and learn to trust God with our finances. We began fellowshipping with other believers who encouraged us.

Please don't see church as a chore, something you must do. See church as a place to learn, worship, grow, and be encouraged. Life can be tough and we all can use more encouragement.

Trouble's A Coming

Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, "A vast army is coming against you from Edom..." Alarmed Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. 2 Chronicles 20:2a & 3 NIV

Fear griped me as I entered the court room, this could be the day I lose my home or a day when victory is won. My lawyer told my husband and me to make sure we were current on our mortgage. I had managed to get a little behind again, but by this court date I had caught back up.

My husband and I had prepared for this battle long before we entered the court room that day. We had prayed and asked God to let us keep our home. We knew it was coming and we wanted to have victory.

Our turn came and the judge asked the lawyer representing the mortgage company what the status of our payment was. "Well it seems computers are down and I am unable to locate any of the current information."

Victory was ours. God was there fighting the battle for us. I am glad to say, 14 years later we are still residing in our home.

When I read this chapter in Chronicles last week, Jehoshaphat's faith struck me. A huge army was about to attack him. His first gut reaction wasn't to seek his military advisers, the priests, or even his friends. No, the first thing he did to prepare was to inquire of the Lord and to fast.

My gut reaction when hearing about something difficult, I'll admit isn't always to pray. There are times when I plan the battle out in my head. I form my own game plan. Then eventually I pray. Of course, my plans may change after I pray, and that's alright.

I wish praying was my first instinct. A lot of times I grow frustrated, angry. I want to lash out and fight the enemy back. Eventually prayer comes and God handles my battle. It'd just be easier on me if I sought Him first.

I'm a Disciple

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:17-18a NIV

Sometimes I sit and wonder: Have I done enough? Have I shared enough? Do I walk the walk?

There are some days when I probably haven't exactly done everything I can for the Lord. I get grouchy, mad, and tired. Sometimes I want to throw in the towel.

When I need a pick me up, God sends it to me just when I need it most. Sometimes it comes through a comment or a song, sometimes through reading the Bible, and sometimes from a little voice.

"Yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me, yes, Jesus loves me, Ms. Diana tells me so," came the little four year old voice behind me.

At first I wanted to correct him, I mean it's the Bible that tells us of God's love. Then I realized, wait a minute that's exactly what I'm supposed to do. I am to tell others of Jesus' love for them.

One of the ways I do this is by telling the kids in my day care or at church that God loves them. In fact, He loves them each so much that He sent us His son.

In less than three weeks we will celebrate Easter. A time when we remember exactly how much Jesus does love us. The reality of how much came when I watched "Passion of the Christ" the first time.

I knew Jesus was flogged and beaten. I knew he died on a cross. But when I watched that movie I understood just how much he endured for me. All so I could have a relationship with him. It broke my heart to watch. I still have a hard time watching that movie or even thinking about Good Friday knowing all that happened that day.

The story though doesn't end there. He died on the cross, was buried, and He rose again.

Christ is alive! He conquered death so that we wouldn't have to endure the punishment for the wrong things we do. All he asks in return is to believe and share.

I'm not afraid to say I am Christ's Disciple! And I'm proud to be a member of the royal family! Jesus wants you to know that Yes, Jesus loves you! And I told you so! Don't be afraid to believe.