What Love

Here's a question: Have you ever heard of Orange Hawkweed? How about Meadowsweet? Daisy Fleabane? Probably not. Neither had I until today, when I did some research.

This past weekend, I ventured to northern New Hampshire and took a walk along a moderately quiet dirt road in the country. All along the road were bushes and vines, flowers and trees. I picked some of the flowers to admire them... And wow, were they gorgeous. Each flower was delicate and fragile, yet so intricately designed and amazing. The Hawkweed popped out of the grass with its vibrant orange coloring, while the Meadowsweet graced the bushes with its tiny white petals and ready-to-open buds. The spiky Daisy Fleabane added a different style to the terrain.

Each of these flowers put me in absolute awe of God's creation. Yes, I've walked by plenty of flowers in my lifetime. And yes, occasionally I have stopped to admire them or pluck them for a vase. But studying these flowers made me wonder... How many parts of my Father's creation have I merely passed by? How many of the gifts He made for me have I failed to thank Him for, or even acknowledge?

It is so incredible to think about the fact that He made each part of nature--every gust of wind, every blade of grass, every flower petal--for me. For you. If you or I had been the only human created, He still would have made the masterpiece we call Earth. And what love is that!

To Say or To Do?

Have you ever thought of doing the Word? You know, instead of saying it. There is, in fact, a difference.

I was reading the other day in the book Growing Slowly Wise by David Roper. He quoted a passage from an incredible man, James. In his book, James writes that we are to "not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive [ourselves]. Do what it says" (James 1:22). THroughout this first chapter, James informs Christians that we are to take note of the Scriptures and live by them (James 1:22-25).

"James is concerned here," Roper writes, "with our tendency to approach the Bible as an object of intellectual curiosity--to study it assiduously, to talk about it incessantly, but to do nothing with the data we collect....We believe the Word, but we do not think in terms of repentance, faith, and obedience." Yet as we allow ourselves to view the Word in this way, we gradually but surely become numb to its teachings. God seems more distant.

We can say the Gospel and the story of King David and the incredible flood. We can say that the Ten Commandments are crucial parts of life and that faith like a mustard seed is precious. But what do we do? When God provides examples of the consequences that follow lying, do we heed them? When He tells us to be still and listen, do we shut the door and await His voice?

It is so important for us to take His Word seriously and abide by it. To see it as a living Book, one that we can--and should--learn from. Think about it. Consider actually doing the Word. You won't regret obeying God's commands!

My Special Place

My favorite place to be is in the quiet of God's creation, soaking up the wonders of nature, away from the busyness of "life". Sometimes I wish I could stay there forever. God is constantly knocking on my heart waiting patiently for me to listen. When I open the door or "unplug" myself from everything distracting, God begins to teach me. He shows me His never ending love, His wonder. This is my getaway, my special place with God. The crazy thing is it's all around me and God never leaves but it's me who needs to take the time to listen. When I do, God lifts my heart, I'm overcome with wonder. This is the most amazing experience! Take the time to listen, be still, be quiet. "Be still and know I am God." -Psalm 46:10a

As an outdoorsy person it's no surprise that I am super excited about a week long backpacking/hiking trip I'm taking soon. But am I excited? Being out in nature with plenty of time to think and listen to God makes me overwhelmed with the amount that God will teach me during a week of pure listening. Sometimes I wonder what more can God teach me. Plenty! I like to be independent and I have a hard time with trusting. So on a previous hike it was no surprise that multiple times God reminded that I need to trust Him. One instance, a flooded river created a problem of crossing as the trail showed. One of the adults crossed first and stood on one of the rocks in the middle. He held out his hand for each of us to grab as we jumped across. I looked down at the raging river that I was to jump over with a 30lb backpack on my back. My heart started beating and I began to doubt that I could make it. I could hear God telling me, "Trust me! I won't let you fall. I love you, you just need to trust me." I took that leap of faith and safely crossed. After safely making it to the other river bank, I looked back and saw the distance I jumped. It seemed so small. How could such a small distance cause so much fear? When everything around you tells you it is impossible, take that leap of faith and trust God. TRUST! God, our Heavenly Father has his hand there, if we keep our eyes on him he won't let us fall.

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." - Matthew 14: 28-33

Yes

It's 7:30 and the day is coming to a close. The birds out my window are still chirping, but one by one they find their nests. A cool breeze ripples through the trees, and the sun continues to fade. It has been another beautiful day here in my Papa's creation.

Soon the light disappears, the birds become silent, the stars work their way through the clouds. My house turns quiet and still as everyone finds their beds. The cat curls up on my lap, the dog finds her place on the rug. Now is my time with God.

As I look back over the day, once question appears in my mind: Did I live today in full submission to my Master? I am afraid I don't want to answer that question, because I know there was more I could do. I could've encouraged the girl who was down, spent more time helping another learn, or given a smile to those I passed. I should have loved the least of these, should have seen them through God's eyes, should have let go of my pride and selfishness.

And it's now that I feel a tug on my heart, a tug from my dearest Lord.

"Be still, My child, and know that I AM God. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I created your inmost being--I knew you before you were born. I know full well that you are not perfect--that's why I came and died in your place. When you're tempted to beat yourself up, remember I love you so. I ask you to work your hardest, to allow Me to shine through your life. Let Me use your imperfections and mold you to My will."

His words have left me speechless. How can I ever thank Him for what His love has done? I'll give Him what I have--I'll give Him back the life He gave me.

From now on when I wake in the morning, I will give my day to my God. When questioned if I submitted to my Master, my response shall be yes; yes, I did.