• What we take in determines life
• Sometimes harmful things enter
• It is important to filter what comes in
• Ridding ourselves of harmful influences can be difficult
• Approach that which affects us with prayerful consideration
• We each have distinctive attributes
• It is important to determine what is central
• We are connected to others
• Shade and sunscreen can protect from overexposure
• Deeply breath in the Spirit in your daily walk
“Wait momma! Slow down!” Growing up just off the main street businesses in our small town, we often walked a block or two when we needed to go to the store or post office. I remember well my brothers and I trotting down the sidewalk with our mother. She happily strode down the sidewalk with all of us hurrying after her.
We also enjoyed walking on the trails at a nearby state park or on family camping trips. Walking is a good way to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and stretch our legs. It provides opportunity for time alone to enjoy the quiet or to contemplate life as well as time for companionship and conversation with friends or family.
I think of the time Jesus spent with his disciples and other followers. Living in Capernaum, he walked along the shores of the Sea of Galilee and he often walked to quiet out-of-the-way places to pray. As they traveled, can you just imagine them walking through those hills and valleys and stopping in small towns and villages along the way? *
More than just physically walking, “walk” is often used to describe “living.” Walk in his ways. Walk with integrity. Walk in darkness. Walk in the light. Walk in wisdom…
As we “walk,” we choose where we will go and who we will follow. Our walk reflects our values and our character. We choose to walk with others or to walk alone.
I think about my own life, where I have walked in the past and the path I am now following. My prayers are that I will walk faithfully, doing my best to show by that walk the great love of our Creator God. Wherever we find ourselves, may our walk be a daily reflection of Him.
* Matthew 4:12-13, 18; Luke 6:12
• Sometimes it is difficult to hold things together
• Help to gather loose ends is much appreciated
• Friends are appreciated when things are falling apart
• It is important to prepare ahead of time for tasks to be done
• Remember to keep a good supply of staples
• Good character and quality build lasting results
• Action and determination must be part of the project
• Sometimes we need to push ourselves
• We are not alone when we push ourselves
• Depend on the Stapler-maker to bind and strengthen
Bide a while
The time will come
Delay impatient
We do not welcome
Envision new opportunity
An interlude of discovery
Seeking insight
Finding treasure
Possibilities abound
When we wait
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Sunshine on a frigid morn
Warms the heart
And dazzles the eyes
Blue sky stretches
Like a shining banner
Spread in bright welcome
Cheeks and nose
Touched by chill
Tingle in response
Through the crystal air
Come sounds of life
Day’s song
Sunshine on a frigid morn
Warms the heart
And dazzles the eyes
“I hope they get here soon. I can hardly wait to see everyone!” There’s something about time together with friends and loved ones that satisfies us deep down. We wait in anticipation for visits or celebrations, yearning to see them. We’re thankful for opportunities to be with family and friends and for the support and encouragement of others.
Time alone is important too. I value and look forward to my alone times because those moments turn me and stretch me toward our Creator. Struggles and challenges in life make me aware of my own neediness. Quiet times allow me to listen from the depths of my being.
One of my favorite pieces of music is “The Yearning” by Craig Courtney. He expresses so well our struggles and our desire for a better future, for Emmanuel… God with us. “There is a yearning in hearts weighed down by ancient grief… hearts that in the darkness hide… a yearning for tomorrow.” We find joy in a “Lord who visited His own.”
Job longed to see God. He said, “I will see God. I myself will see him with my own eyes, I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job had a lot to face and yet he still looked to God!
Don’t we all want things to go well and to make it through any difficulties? We want full and meaningful lives. We yearn for God with us. May our yearning be satisfied as we approach God, thanking Him for His sacrifice and provision, and may we live in anticipation and fullness of life, guarded by His presence.
*Job 19:26b-27
• Select the best ingredients for life
• A little salt improves taste
• Tasting is discovery
• Careful blending produces goodness
• Adding character brings positive variety
• Each variety has something to offer
• Variety and unity are possible and desirable
• Joining seasonings produces great things
• Fellowship is important for growth and encouragement
• Positive accomplishment is satisfying
• Consider what ingredients are important in life
• What is put in the mix affects the outcome
• We pour out ourselves in offering and service
• Timing must be considered
• Watch for the bubbles to rise before turning
• Patience and a steady hand are needed
• Use a little oil and keep it hot
• Remember that splatters can burn
• Following directions improves results
• Toppings can sweeten the meal
• Enjoy the plain and savor the taste
• The Recipe-Maker forms the batter
“It’s broken!” the young child exclaimed when he saw the picture of the crescent moon in the boardbook we were looking at. “Yes, it does look broken doesn’t it?” I replied.
When I have looked at my own life and at the world around me, I too have exclaimed, “It’s broken!” Seeing only a part, I have focused on the sharpness and darkness of the crescent moon and not on its light. In the midst of struggles, it can be easy to forget that there is One greater than ourselves and our situations… that there’s more to the moon than we can see!
What can we do when overwhelmed with our own brokenness and the brokenness of others?
Jesus used several illustrations about brokenness… When the crowd of people who had come out to hear his teachings grew hungry, a few loaves of barley bread and some fish were offered. Jesus took those loaves and fish and broke them, not only providing for the needs of the people but also having basketfuls left over.
When eating with his disciples in an upper room, Jesus broke the bread and told them it was like his broken body, soon to be sacrificed for them. The two men from Emmaus were able to recognize Jesus only after the bread was broken. They understood that Jesus had been broken too and they were given the good news of life. Jesus sacrificed himself for all who come to him, seeking healing… seeking forgiveness.
By giving God our brokenness, we are strengthened and able to go on. Out of pain comes light. Like the people who followed Jesus, we too come together to support, share, and encourage.
Out of brokenness, hope and life is born! How amazing is that?!
*Matthew 15:34-37, Matthew 26:26, Luke 24:35
Stay alert
Observing all
Eyes and heart
Open and ready
Supplies at hand
Diligent prepared
Faithfully await
One coming
Look out and see life
Watch
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
The Still Small Voice 