​Teach us to make the most of our time.                                                                                                       Psalm 90: 12   (NLT)
 
 
Hello Friend,
            Soon we will be entering another new year and another new decade, 2020.  Makes one stop and think about the importance of time.   Usually we take time for granted thinking that there is always plenty of time.  But the clock is always ticking.  On January 1, Jim is turning 79, and this year we’ll be celebrating our 54th wedding anniversary.  Seems like just yesterday we were a young couple with little children.
            Each day can be used or misused.   Each moment can be invested or wasted.  Most of us take for granted that there is always plenty of time.  Yet, the clock is always ticking.  Go to a cemetery and look at any gravestone.  Underneath the name you will see something like this:  1921 – 1984.  A date of birth, a date of death, and a dash to represent everything in between.    That’s all this life really is, the short   little --– between the time we show up and the time we depart. That thought can either make you depressed or it can inspire you to action.                                                                                            My question to you this morning is:   “What are you doing with the short little dash of your life?  Recently I ran across these words from C.S. Lewis:  “Never commit your happiness to the future.  Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment as to the Lord.”  So go ahead and make your resolutions, but don’t put off your happiness till you get slim, till you take that vacation to Alaska, or till you get that promotion.  Enjoy today.  Enjoy this moment.   So jump in, grab hold, and do whatever task you have to do with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.  Make the most of your time.  Remember the clock is always ticking.
            Finding joy in the mundane tasks; not waiting till tomorrow to be happy,                                                                                                                         Linda

​Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you. 
                                                                              Jeremiah 1:5 (Amplified)
Hello Friend,
                I hope you woke this morning feeling really great about yourself.  Not feeling it? Let me be the first this morning to tell you that you are wonderful.  And I’m not the only one who thinks you are super special.   No matter how you may be feeling right now, no matter whose approval you didn’t get on this earth, Almighty God loves you and approves of you today which is why He sent his Son into the world.  John 3:16 tells us, “God so loved the world (you) that he gave his only begotten son.”
            You may be thinking, “I’ve made so many mistakes, how can God approve of me?”  Understand that when God sees you, He separates you from your behavior.  Whew!  Aren’t you glad that God sees you as forgiven, perfect, and white as snow?  He knew you were going to make mistakes; otherwise, there would have been no need for Him to send His son as your Savior.  Of course, God wants you to continue to grow.  Allow God to empower and strengthen you to live in victory all the days of your life.
            So I’m wondering if you could do something special for yourself this week. Celebrate the wonderful creation that you are.  Have an “I like me” mindset. Be kind to yourself.  Cut yourself some slack.  Rest if you need to.    Get a pedicure.  Take a day off from work and enjoy the beach and the Florida sunshine.  Whatever will make you feel good, do it this week.  Don’t delay.  You deserve love and acceptance and adoration.  Receive it today.                     
A PRAYER FOR TODAY     Heavenly Father, thank You for approving and empowering me by Your love. I open my heart and mind to Your truth and invite You to have Your way in my life. Remove anything that would hold me back from all You have in store.                     In Jesus' Name. Amen.
                                                                                                                                                                            Basking in God’s approval,                                                                                                                                                                                                     Linda
 

​How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing.                                                                                                                                        Matthew 23:37
Hello Friend,
            When was the last time you just slowed down and rested in the shelter of God’s tender wings?  I understand that it is Monday morning and you are off to work or you have a mountain of chores to be done.  You lead a hectic life.  Don’t we all!
             I hate to slow down.  I have a lot I want to accomplish, and in my mind, it’s all important.  Yet, my fast-paced lifestyle is not in keeping with God’s design.  Even God rested.  My devotional yesterday was based on Mark 6:31, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”  Do you think God is speaking to me?   And the reading went on to list verse by verse the times that Jesus escaped the enthralled masses, the teaching moments, the people seeking healings, and went away to a deserted place to pray.  Jesus was willing to leave his work to refuel, recharge, and refresh.  And his ministry was really important!  But even more important to Jesus was time spent with his Father. 
            We are now in the season of Advent.  The time set aside to await the birth of Jesus.  This is an opportunity for us to contemplate our willingness to travel to Bethlehem—a time of spiritual reflection. Or this could be a season so filled with activity that there is no room in the inn of our heart for Jesus.  Are you willing to rest in the shelter of God’s wing?  We don’t have to do it all; the important tasks will get done.  Slow down, take a few deep breaths, and relax knowing that God will bring rest to the weary.   Now doesn’t that feel better.
Prayer:  Lord, I am willing, I really am.  Teach me to pause and ponder.
                                    With resolve, I hit the pause button and relax,                                                                                                                                                           Linda

​Be content, I pray thee, … and let thine heart be merry.                                                                                                                Judges  19:6, (KJV)
Hello Friend,
            How many times have you wished your loved ones, friends, neighbors, or co-workers a Merry Christmas?  And you meant it!  But what about your heart?  Is it merry?  Do peace and contentment reign in your heart and mind?
            This time of year, too often, we are focused on gifts—the ones we want to receive and/or the quest to purchase the perfect gifts that will make our loved ones happy.  What is on your Christmas list?  Is there a special gift that will make your Christmas morning merry?  Can your gift be purchased from Kmart or must it be from Macy’s.  Would you be content with a handmade sweater or a jar of freshly made peach preserves? 
            I’m serious, give this some thought?  What will make your Christmas merry?  The Wise Men did not purchase their gifts from the closest Bethlehem Walmart.  They brought the most precious gifts they had—gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Does your child really need an iPod Touch or the precious gift of your time?  Would your father or mother rather have a Fruit of the Month club coupon or a phone call or a family portrait with a note from each grandchild?  We often select gifts that will satisfy the soul (our mind, will, and emotions).  Too often, in our mind, we think we need a Kindle or a cashmere sweater.  Our emotions tell us that we simply must have the latest Iphone or video game system.  But our spirit longs for heart connections.  When the Wise Men saw the star, they were filled with joy because it was going to lead them to the Christ Child.  They sought the heart of God first and then presented gifts.  Seek to touch the heart of your loved ones first and foremost, and then any gift you give will be precious because it came from you.
                                    Seeking to make wise decisions,                                                                                                                                                  Linda

​Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth:  the Son can do nothing on his own.”                                                                                  (John 5:19, TEV)                                                                                   Hello Friend,
            I was talking with my friend, Gale, and she recited a quote attributed to Dr. Dyer that I was unfamiliar with:  Ego is edging God out.  Isn’t that interesting!  Perhaps you have already heard that quote, but it merits some reflection.
            Fill in the blank:  I’m a ___________________.  Did you say artist?  Or great teacher?  Or an architect?    Do you take great pride in your accomplishments? That is fine--as far as it goes.  We should be proud of our hard work and the rewards of our labor.  But I affirm to you, without God I can do nothing.  It is the Father who gives gifts, talents, and abilities.  Jesus knew this truth, do you? 
            You might think you are doing well on your own—earning a good salary—living in a lovely home—driving a nice car, but how much more could you accomplish if you allowed God to work in and through you?  Or, perhaps you are struggling to make ends meet or clawing your way up the ladder of success? Either scenario, you need God. 
            Jesus is completely dependent upon God; He does none of his works on his own, and He tells his audience just that.  Jesus, who could have really bragged about his accomplishments, knew the secret of his success.  He claimed God as his source and gave Him the glory!  This week, I ask you to consider your ego—the times you are edging God out.  As Dr. Phil likes to say, “How’s that working for you?”  Might your week, your work, your relationships be better, if you let God in?
Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me to understand that there is nothing that can happen this day that you and I together cannot accomplish—or overcome.  Amen.
Relying on Jesus,                                                                                                                 Linda