Mothers' Day

Since today's Mothers’ Day, I want to take a moment to publicly thank my mom, Jean Andersen, for all she means to me.   

We’ve always been close and to this day I consider her to be one of my most trustworthy friends. She gives me her time and makes me laugh.   

Mom’s an encourager too and sometimes says just what I need to hear. Sometimes I need a different perspective about something and other times I just want to unload on someone.  Her shoulders are broad enough for that too. 

So thanks for all you do and everything you mean to me.  You’re the best!

When Faith and Life Collide

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you.  Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.

This is a promise many of us have heard.  We want to believe it’s true, so how do we handle it when our circumstances seem to prove otherwise? Is this evidence that the Bible isn’t true? I contend that’s not the case.  Perhaps we’ve overlooked a piece of the puzzle. Maybe there’s something we haven’t considered.

Nowhere does it tell us how God plans to do to prosper us, or what that looks like. Nor does it tell us when.  It does say He’ll give us hope for the future.   That’s where faith comes in. Faith that God will fulfill his promise to us. And perseverance until we see how God works it through.

When it comes to many things in my life, I recognize that it takes time to see the fruit(s) of my labor. Building up a retirement account, deepening relationships with friends and family, or growing a garden, doesn't happen overnight.  It takes time, perseverance and commitment on my part to see it through to the end. 

So, why do we expect God to answer our prayers right away?  Because He can?  Fair enough, but what if He takes His time so that we grow in the process?  That’s been a tough lesson for me to learn, and I find I have to re-learn it many times over.  But God has proven that He’s faithful and has my best interest in mind, even when I can’t see it. 

How about you? What have you seen God do in times of hardship that you could only recognize after time had passed? How do you handle it in the meantime?

Our Need for Other People

If the only tool in your belt is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.

Abraham Maslow

I heard this quote referred to the other day and I realized it reflects how we go about most things in our lives. Not only do we tend to see difficult situations through our own set of lenses, we react to them with what we know, and only what we know.

While this seems obvious, its implications may not.  Not every problem is the same.  And each may require different methods to solve, or at least manage it. That’s why we need other people’s perspectives.  Others also have strengths and abilities we lack. I Corinthians 12:18-20 tells us this as it talks about the church having many parts in order to make it whole so it can function as it should.  If they work together.

I like to see myself as independent. But having moved into my new place less than a month ago, I find that others' ideas and perspectives are invaluable, especially since organization isn't one of my strong suits. And receiving their help and ideas also blesses them. So perhaps interdependent would be a better word.

How 'bout you? How do you see this reflected in your life? Don't forget to join the conversation.

Starting over

Everything’s new.  Well, maybe not new, but different.  I’ve just moved and I’ve gone from having one bedroom in a house to a two  bedroom townhouse.  My own kitchen, my own living room, and two bathrooms to fill. 

It’s a great change but any change has its challenges.  The first, and most frequent one at this point, is the problem of finding everything.  It’s like the game children play “hide, find the _____________. You fill in the blank.  Whatever you choose, you’re probably right. 

In the past, that would’ve upset me—A LOT. I would’ve been miserable these last few weeks, and the next several I imagine.  But I’ve realized it’s not that important.  If I have to spend extra time looking for a notebook that’s been in the same place for years, or a list I made just an hour ago, that’s ok. Even funny when I really think about it. 

Same circumstances produce very different responses.  It all depends on how I look at it. Makes me think what else this applies to in my life.

Challenging Our Perspective About God and Life

Yesterday I found a bookmark. What I read on it made me think. The author isn't listed so I'm not sure who to credit, but I think it may give you pause too.

I Asked God

I asked God for strength, 

that I  might achieve.

I was made weak, 

that I might learn to obey.

I asked God for health,

that I might do great things.

I was given infirmity,

that I might do better things.

I asked God for riches,

that I might be happy.

I was given poverty, 

that I might be wise.

I asked God for power,

that I might have approval.

I was given weakness,

that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things,

that I might enjoy life.

I was given life,

that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked God for,

but everything I hoped for.

I am among all people,

most richly blessed.

What  do you think of these words?  How does this strike you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Don't forget to join the conversation.