More From MountainWings

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Once again, I quote an issue of MountainWings:

Hard To Beat
===========

It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.

~Babe Ruth~

Refuse to give up, and you will eventually triumph!  Just remember that your idea of triumph and God's may be vastly different, but since He's the one in charge and knows what's best, you WILL triumph!

http://mountainwings.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56cdd86c581eb86e6f41d9540&id=7fa6ef4f4f&e=ca4409480a

 

 

Crickets and Scorpions--Courtesy of MountainWings

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Here's another MountainWings issue that spoke to me:

Crickets and Scorpions
===================

I usually spend time in prayer at five a.m. each morning.

 

I shall relay a lesson that God taught me very dramatically

during one of those early morning sessions.

 

I pray in a closet that is actually the vocal booth of our

former home music studio. It is soundproof.

 

As I entered clad only in shorts, I heard the sound of a cricket

chirping. There in the shadow, I saw the cricket.

It was very close to where I sit on the floor each day.

 

"Sit down and don't bother the cricket,"

I heard a soft voice speak in my spirit.

 

I obeyed.

 

I turned out the light and sat in total darkness and silence.

 

I felt something crawl up on my leg.

 

"Don't bother the cricket," I heard the voice say again,

"I am trying to teach you something."

 

"You need to learn to distinguish the difference between

crickets and scorpions in life. Don't bother the cricket."

 

The cricket crawled. It is an eerie feeling to say the least.

I wasn't afraid of the cricket. I knew it couldn't harm me.

It wouldn't bite, sting, or even so much as scratch me.

 

It was just a highly annoying and extremely icky feeling.

A cricket crawling all over you.

 

I let the cricket crawl for almost a minute until I couldn't

stand it anymore. I brushed the cricket off, turned on the light,

picked it up in my hand, and took it outside and let it go.

 

I understood what God was trying to show me.

Life has scorpions and crickets.

 

Scorpions are the things that can hurt us; things that are truly

destructive and dangerous. Crickets are the things that have

absolutely no power to hurt us, they are just irritating.

They get on our nerves; they try our patience.

 

I saw things differently after emerging from prayer that day.

 

I realized that the vast majority of the things that really

irked me

 

...were crickets.

 

The vast majority of the things that irk you

 

...are crickets.

 

Don't bother the crickets

and don't let the crickets bother you.

 

 

~A MountainWings Original~ 

http://www.mountainwings.com

Easier said than done, huh folks?

Twas The Day After Christmas--Courtesy of Mountainwings

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I've shared several issues of MountainWings daily thoughts over the years, and here's another one I recently received in my inbox:

Twas The Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,

Every creature was hurtin' even the mouse.

The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;

Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

 

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor,

While upstairs the family continued to snore.

 

And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,

I went into the kitchen and started to clean.

 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.

 

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.

 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror.

 

The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;

The patch on his jacket said "U.S. POSTMAN."

 

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox.

Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.

 

Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.

Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

"Now Dillard's, now Broadway's, now Penny's and Sears

Here's Robinson's, Levitz's and Target's and Mervyn's.

To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,

Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!"

 

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.

He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.

He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,

Driving much faster with just half a load.

 

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,

"ENJOY WHAT YOU BOUGHT.......

 

YOU'LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!"

 

~Author Unknown~

 

Check out MountainWings for yourself!

 

http://mountainwings.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56cdd86c581eb86e6f41d9540&id=ec600601a4&e=ca4409480a

Closed Doors

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Here we go again!  I haven't posted in several weeks because I've once again found that I had nothing new to say.  It seems as if I've been on this treadmill forever, trying every "trick" I can think of, as well as ones others have suggested.  I'm running up against nothing but closed doors, and it's getting on my last nerve! 
The other day, after I literally vented a Charlie Brown-style, "Ahhhhhhhh!" I prayed aloud, "Lord, who is slamming these doors--you or Satan?"  I'm still waiting for the answer to that one, but the bottom line is that doors are closed.  I'm left praying, doing what I can, and claiming the biblical promise that if I keep knocking, a door will open.  My poor knuckles are raw at this point, but I'm not giving up!

Comfort Those Who Mourn

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I recently found myself in the middle of one of those "interruptions" that upon reflection seems to have been a "divine appointment."  Suffice it to say that I wasn't even "supposed" to be where I was, when I was, but that "circumstances" had me in a place where I encountered a young woman grieving a recent loss. 

I was minding my business, mentally running through my "to do" list when I passed her in a store.  Being one of those people who likes to speak to complete strangers and share a smile and a moment of sunshine, I complimented her outfit and said I hoped she was having a great day.  She candidly noted that she wasn't and wilted before my eyes.  I hugged her until she calmed, assuring her that she would be okay, even if circumstances might suck for a while.  She thanked me for listening and apologized for crying; I said, "Any time," and we parted.

As I left, I thanked God for the opportunity to share a tiny glimmer of love with someone in despair.  I was glad I could offer a little comfort, and I've continued to offer prayers for her and her family as they learn to live without the precious soul they lost.

Lest you think I'm some super-spiritual, always-in-tune-with-God marvel, I'll tell you right now: don't.  I noticed that dear lady, but I wonder how many others there have been in need whom I haven't seen.  I'm sure there have been many, because I know there have been many people who have either failed to see my pain or failed to make themselves available to help in even a small way.  I know it's a cliché, but I've felt alone in a crowded room. 

Sometimes we don't know what to say to someone who's hurting and don't want to say the wrong thing.  Sometimes we're too busy to take the time.  The people who take time to reach out really don't know how much good they can be doing, simply by listening, offering a hug, and sharing a few words of encouragement.  I can think of several people God has used to brighten my blacker-than-black day over the years, and I want to be one He uses to brighten others' day.  Especially those in mourning.       

 

Weeping and Reaping--Again

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I was talking with a friend about how sometimes it seems as if we'll never see improvement in a situation that has seemingly caused nothing but excruciating headaches for as long as we can remember.  We toil; we pray; we gnash our teeth.   
The child gets into still more trouble; the profit margin goes from barely-there to nonexistent and keeps dropping; those stubborn pounds won't go away and bring friends into the party.  As I've written before, we've all been there, and it can be tempting to think God has forgotten us when we've been there forever and think we'll never get out.

I still believe one of the "tricks" is to never give up.  Hold onto God, your friend, your teddy bear.  Remember that God sees you and cares.  He sees your tears.   http://biblehub.com/psalms/56-8.htm

Keep going, and eventually, you'll see progress.  http://biblehub.com/galatians/6-9.htm

I believe the other "trick" is to view "progress" on God's terms and not yours. 
Sometimes, "just" having peace about a situation is progress.

What's Up With That?!

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I learned something Tuesday that I'm not sure what to make of.  Some people might think it's a good thing, but I'm in analysis mode, trying to digest what it all means and what to do about it.  The news was something like when you get one of those "back-handed compliments" like, "You look so good since you lost weight!"  (Yes, I have lost weight; and no, that isn't what I'm talking about.  I used that "compliment" as an example.)

So, dear readers, I leave you with my question of the day: How long does it usually take you to discern who is really talking to you (God, Satan, or people) when surprising comments, events, or news makes you seriously rethink your opinion of and/or approach to something?

Success--Again

Never give up; you never know until you try.

A recent post on one of my Linkedin group discussions was about what one piece of advice we'd give people who wanted to "achieve success."  In my response, I noted that my first response would be that there is no "one thing," because "success" requires several activities and mindsets.  (I didn't even address the fact that different people define "success" differently!)  I also stated that my second response is that if I had to choose, maybe the "one thing" I would advise is to be true to yourself, which still requires more than one activity, because you must first know who you are.  Convoluted, much?

Ah--another of my favorite topics!  Knowing and being true to yourself can be hard in a world where you're told who you are and aren't; who you should be and shouldn't; and who you can be and can't.  (As someone in transition, trust me on this; I know from whence I speak!) 

My advice is to learn who God says you are and to be that person, regardless of who tries to remold you, because God knows what He's doing.  He made you a certain way for a reason.  Embrace who you are!  That's true success!     

Lumosity

Never give up; you never know until you try.

As you know if you've read or even scanned my blog any time in recent months, I'm looking for a job.  It's a disheartening, confusing, demeaning process that can make the strongest of us resort to thumb-sucking, sobbing, tantrum-throwing, and quitting altogether. 

I own up to at least one of the above, but I refuse to give up.  God didn't put me here and equip me with the abilities that I have for me to crawl in a hole somewhere.  I know that someone, somewhere, will appreciate and use my abilities and not just stick me somewhere doing a job that I can do in my sleep, for pay that wouldn't support the average tween.  I just have to keep looking.

I was going over my agenda for the week, having spent (wasted) several hours in fruitless job-searching activities, when I checked out "Lumosity," which I'd seen on television.  As I figured, it is in part a fee-based program, but there are free games, as well.  I don't know about the claims of "train your brain," but it did offer a few-minute respite from my negative-thinking spiral.  Check it out!

  http://www.lumosity.com/

 

Confusion

Never give up; you never know until you try.

We've all been there--so confused that if someone were to ask our name, we would have to think a minute before giving it.  I've seen it in my students, and I've felt it myself when faced with a multi-faceted problem that seemed to defy all attempts to solve it.  We all hate that feeling.  We like being in control or at least having the illusion of control.

What I frequently tell my students and remind myself is that eventually the confusion clears and understanding comes if we stay with something long enough.  I think it often means leaving the "problem" alone for a while and focusing on something else.  It's hard to "get" the answer when we're churning like a boiling pot.  Focusing on something else allows our previous lessons learned to come to the surface and help us with the situation at hand.  Then, while we're cleaning the house, or working on vocabulary lessons, or just sitting quietly, resting our minds, we "suddenly" understand the steps to solving the math problem, or what to do about our unruly child, or where to search for a job. 

As a friend in human resources development said to me recently, the key is persistence. 

You Gotta Love Words!

Never give up; you never know until you try.


I've said it before, and I'm saying it again: I love words!  Words are my "thing!"  One obscure or under-used word leads me to another, as well as to double-checking the definitions, which leads me to another word, and another . . . Please; somebody stop me! 

I sent someone an e-mail recently that was so long that I self-deprecatingly noted that it was like reading "War & Peace."  Then I observed that commenting on the length and thoroughness could be construed as an example of my sardonic wit.  You can guess what I did next.  Yep--I checked the dictionary for the definition of "sardonic," discovering that it has a decidedly more negative connotation than I meant, but I went with it, anyway. 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sardonic?s=t

I noticed the word origin notation, which said that the word is an alteration of one that refers to a plant that, when eaten, causes convulsive laughter and death.  My juices were really going by this point, so I googled "kill with laughter," and I ran across some interesting results.  Try it!  You might have as much fun as I did!  Or not.  You might have a less twisted, dark sense of humor than I do. 

Fame At Any Cost

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I recently caught part of an episode of the game show "Family Feud" that started me to thinking about fame & fortune.  The question called for the contestants to name a celebrity they were completely tired of hearing about and who they wish would just go away.  The answers included people famous for being famous and those whose most recent activities have made them infamous for being in legal trouble due to substance abuse.

I've observed before that it seems all a person has to do to be rich, famous, or both in today's world is to have a complete lack of self-respect--to consistently do outlandish (illegal, immoral, or both) things & be sure that it's reported to as many people as possible. 

I hope I'm never so starved for attention that I resort to getting it in such a negative, self-destructive way.  I hope I'm never referred to as someone who people wish would just go away. . . unless they wish I'd go away because God is using me to try to turn their attention toward Him, but that's another post for another day.

What Do You Think?

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I read a book recently that addressed the introvert/extrovert topic and found myself feeling completely vindicated.  I've often felt that the world seems geared toward extroverts and paints introverts as backward, weird, even lazy.  I've felt that American society, in particular, coerces introverts into going against their (our) true nature.
The book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," by former corporate lawyer Susan Cain, argues that introverts are unfairly maligned, and I agree. 

Check out the article, and give the book a try.  If you're an extrovert, maybe you'll understand us introverts a little better.  If you're an introvert, you might just find yourself feeling a little vindicated, as I did.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/how-an-introvert-can-be-happier--act-like-an-extrovert--175713001.html

Redemption

Never give up; you never know until you try.

This past weekend, my church family and I spent many happy hours celebrating our centennial.  We ate, drank (tea, lemonade, soft drinks,) played games, sang, and  thanked God for allowing us to be a family and for using us for His glory.

We felt some sadness amidst the revelry as we remembered those who aren't with us now, and we looked hopefully forward to what lies ahead for us in this world and the next.

I felt a special warmth Sunday as I realized the date, somewhat marred in my mind by a personal tragedy many years ago, has now been redeemed by an historic celebration that will stay forever in my heart and mind.  A memory of death and fear has been overshadowed by a memory of life and love.  Don't get me wrong; God has comforted me and brought healing since that tragic day so long ago, but as the anniversary has rolled around each year, the events that transpired that day have flitted across my mind.  Next year, as mid-July approaches, I'll be transported back to this year and the memory of smiles, hugs, laughter, and redemption. 
 

Dependence Day

Never give up; you never know until you try.

No, that's not a typo in the title.  Americans celebrate Independence Day this July 4, but I'm extra mindful this year of how dependent I am on God. 

We humans like to think we're in control, and we try to be in control, but it's an illusion.  Sometimes when we whine like children, God lets us have our way to show us that His way really is best.  We have the illusion of control, but we're only getting our way because God allows it.  Then, when we make a mess of things, we cry to Him to help us.  Oh, how patient He is!

This Independence Day, I'm trying to be less whiny and more trusting, and celebrate my dependence on God.

Change

Never give up; you never know until you try.


This week, I'm sharing another MountainWings.  It's about we should question the status quo and not just follow along blindly, never questioning why things are the way they are.  I believe we need to question, now more than ever, because despite more technology, educational attainment, and more riches than ever before, we seem to have more problems than solutions.  Enjoy, everyone, this bit of food for thought, courtesy of MountainWings.

http://www.mountainwings.com/past/3239.htm

Have Some Tea

Never give up; you never know until you try.

There's a quote, attributed to several people, that compares people to tea bags, asserting that like teabags, we grow stronger in hot water and don't know how strong we are until we're in hot water.

I'm always telling people that they're stronger than they know, and I've had people say that to me during or after a crisis situation.  I guess when we're tunneled in, hunkered down, trying to navigate through something tough, we can be so in "survival mode" that we wonder if we're strong enough to meet the challenge. 

Henry David Thoreau is quoted as saying, "It's not what you look at that matters; it's what you see."

I believe that, but I guess we've all been in places so scary that we not only didn't feel how strong we were, we didn't feel able to see anything except the issue we were trying to survive devolving into something even worse. 

Sometimes options are all around, and we're so caught up in fear, frustration, and/or fatigue that we miss them.  When that happens, stop and have a cup of tea.  Take a few deep breaths and ponder how much you're like the beverage you're drinking. 

Speed and Pace-Setting, Courtesy of "Mountain Wings"

Never give up; you never know until you try.

As I've noted before, I subscribe to several e-mail devotionals.  "Mountain Wings" is one of them, and a recent one spoke to me so much that I thought I'd share it. 

http://www.mountainwings.com/past/3230.htm

To Read, or Not to Read

Never give up; you never know until you try.


You all know that I'm a voracious reader and that words captivate me.  I ran across a  quote from Mark Twain that struck me:

"The man who does not read has no advantage over the man who cannot read."
Reading opens doors you never dreamed possible.  It opens doors into worlds you didn't know existed.  Go have an adventure today!

Stereotypes

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I had an interesting conversation with a friend the other day.  A friend and mentee of hers, "C," had told her a story about a new colleague, "M," and how "M" had casually made a religious reference in a meeting one day.  I wondered where the office conversation had gone after that, because you never know what will happen when someone mentions religion.  I knew it must be something unusual or provocative, because my friend was telling me about it with her "You've got to hear this!" tone.   If "M's" comment was made so casually, what mayhem ensued, I wondered?

Fortunately, nothing bad happened.  No blood was shed.  No insults were hurled.  (Seemingly) no one even was offended.  Something good happened.  At least one person's eyes were opened.  At least one mind was broadened.  At least one person realized her presupposition.

It seems that when "M" shared her religious beliefs, "C" was surprised that "M" subscribes to that particular belief system.  Why was "C" surprised, when "M's" religious group is among one of the major religions practiced?  "C" admitted that she had fallen prey to racial and ethnic stereotyping.  "M's" beliefs didn't match the profile that "C" had in her head.  "C" realized that, while she is in many ways an open-minded, non-judgmental person, stereotypes and prejudices are still alive and kicking in her thinking. 

"C" felt bad that she had fallen prey to narrow-minded thinking, but my friend pointed out to her that at least she had realized her mistake.  It happens, and I wish that everyone would be as aware and teachable as "C" and realize, regret, and work to correct their erroneous, often harmful, beliefs. 

"C," I applaud you.  As "they" used to say, "You go, girl!"

Play Together, Or At Least Play Nice

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I subscribe to a number of email devotionals, among them one from Dr. David Jeremiah.  In a recent edition, he focused on unity and closed with a quote from Richard Baxter, an English Puritan church leader:

"In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity."

Obviously, both pastor Baxter and Dr. Jeremiah were referring to unity in the Christian community, but I think it's a good lesson for everyone.  Maybe our problems occur when we disagree on which things are necessary and completely forget (ignore) the idea of charity.  Granted, we won't always agree, but as I've written before, it's better to disagree agreeably. 

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Never give up; you never know until you try.

In the insanity that has been my week, I realized that I hadn't scheduled this week's post.  So now, as some have forgotten American Mother's Day, and some are still stinging because they were forgotten, or felt forgotten, on Mother's Day, I salute all "mothers."  You may be male, female, young, not-so-young, parents of children of all ages, parents of pets you adore, just a concerned human being showing love and parental guidance and nurturing to someone who needs it.  Whoever you are, wherever you are, if you have "mothered" some creature in some way, I salute your caring.  God bless you!

A Good Week

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I had a chance to substitute in a class last week and had a great time.  I didn't do brain surgery, and I didn't find a cure for cancer.  I didn't wave a magic wand over anyone's life and fix all her problems, including mine.  Last week I  listened to and encouraged some people, and I had someone listen to and encourage me.  It was a good week.

I'm not subbing this week, but I still plan to listen to and encourage someone.  That will make this week good, too. 

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Never give up; you never know until you try.

The last couple months, I've been participating in a women's Bible study at a friend's church.  Our study guide is "Wonderstruck," by Margaret Feinberg, which is divided
into 7 sections: "The Wonder of Divine Expectation," "The Wonder of God's Presence," "The Wonder of Rest," "The Wonder of Prayer," "The Wonder of Friendship," and "The Wonder of Forgiveness," with 5 homework lessons for each section, and a final "Celebration Gathering" to wrap things up.  It's been a good experience; I recommend this study for everyone. 

Last week's section was on friendship, and it was an amazing time of sharing, encouragement, and reflection.  Each night's homework was about a different facet of cultivating and maintaining healthy friendships, and all were thought-provoking, but the lesson on choosing our words carefully really hit home for all of us. 

I've written before cautioning us all (again) to "watch" our words, because they can cause great harm, as we all know.  We've all been wounded by someone's careless words, and we've all been guilty of crushing someone with our words, sometimes not even knowing the destruction we've caused.  Most of the women laughed when our facilitator posed the question of why we should be careful of our words and what can happen if we aren't, and I answered, "Mass destruction!"  We spent a few minutes discussing various Scriptures relating to how our tongues can cause so much trouble.  Proverbs is a great place to study up on the subject, but the verse that always comes to my mind when regarding the destructive power of the tongue is in the Book of James.  The tongue really is a fire, and it's so easy to get "burned" or to "burn" someone else.

http://bible.cc/james/3-6.htm  

Try Not To Think Too Much

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I wrote a post a year ago entitled, "Think!"  Now, I'm telling you to not think too much.  What's up with that?  The other post was about . . . (Hey, go read it!)  This one is about . . . (Keep reading!)

As anyone who really knows me knows, I readily admit to liking "chick flicks," especially holiday-themed ones.  One of my favorites is "Undercover Christmas," wherein an FBI agent ends up taking a witness he has in protective custody home to his parents' house for Christmas.  You know how these movies always turn out, so I'll spare you the details.  Today's post title comes from something the witness, Brandi, says a couple times in the movie, and I think it can be good advice.

Like overworking dough, oversteering a car, or over-medicating, over-thinking can lead to bad results.  I've written about it before--that dreaded malady of "analysis paralysis."  I could break the writer's cardinal rule to avoid clichés and not say avoid the malady of thinking too much like you'd avoid the plague, but I won't.  You  get my point.

Check out the movie  "Undercover Christmas" if you're a fan of Christmas, romance, or any of the actors in the cast: Jami Gertz, Shawn Christian, Cameron Bancroft, Tyne Daly, and Winston Rekert.


http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/undercover-christmas

We Never Know

Never give up; you never know until you try.

A woman I know is dealing with the sudden death of her mother, whose own mother died suddenly from the same type of accident.  My acquaintance didn't know the circumstances of her grandmother's death, which occurred many years ago, until after her mom's tragic death.  What are the odds that the same thing would happen in the same family twice?  They're probably better than most of us would think.

The story is an example that you never know what circumstances someone is facing or has faced in her life.  Some people--and families--seem to be protected from even the slightest hint of trouble, while others seem to be cursed to spend their lives struggling to survive.  It's a challenge to us all to give everyone a break and use a little empathy, because unless we know someone and she shares her personal issues with us, we never know what pain may be lurking in the shadows of her heart and mind.  We just never know.

Dug In With God

Never give up; you never know until you try.

My last post was nearly 3 months ago, when I was hanging by a thread emotionally.  2012 ended on a decidedly uncertain note, and 2013 began with several crises in rapid succession--BOOM!  BOOM!!  BOOM!!!  I could handle 1, 2, even 3 issues, depending on the gravity of the situations, but I was hit with several major things practically at once.  In the consoling words of a dear colleague, I was at rock-bottom, with nowhere to go but up.  She assured me that God would lift me from the muck. 

While I've been dug in, hunkering in this bunker with God, I've felt confused, scared, angry, hopeless, hopeful, abso-freakin-lutely nuts . . .  I've also held onto faith that God has a reason for everything and a plan for my good.  I knew He would lift me in His timing; I was just wondering when that timing would occur. 

In ways, He has lifted me, though I'm still mired in something.  The initial barrage of issues has been resolved, so I'm so relieved that "relief" isn't even the right word.  There are still 2 issues still stubbornly refusing to be resolved, though, so I'm still plowing my way through.  I've dug in with God, too stubborn to give up. 

When I started blogging, I had 1 thing in mind: I hoped that by using my gallows humor, willingness to openly share my (like everyone's in this fallen world) screwed-up life and struggles, and my creative (sometimes offbeat) descriptives, that someone might stumble onto my blog and recognize herself and feel more hopeful about her situation.  I wanted to take lemons and make lemonade, if you will.  The experience helped me, and I hope it helped someone else, too.  I've missed it, but I've been too busy unscrewing my life to keep up with blogging. 

I hope I haven't lost everyone out there in my absence; I have no idea how many people ever paid any attention.  I do know God has paid attention, as He always will.  My words today are what they always were: I know God can.  Just dig in with Him and let Him do it His way, in His time.

Job

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I hope everyone is having a better year than mine.  I emailed a friend earlier today that faith and fear are warring inside me; I feel like that much put-upon Bible figure, Job.  No, I haven't lost everything, thank God, but several major calamities have struck since last week, and I've felt completely overloaded.  The least of the issues is that my computer croaked.  I'm typing this at my parents' house. 

Thanks so much to everyone who has read my posts, indulging me in my flights of fancy, my delusions of being in possession of something that may be of use to someone.  I hope someone besides me has gotten something from my blogging experience.

I may not post for a couple weeks, but God willing, I will be back.

Until then, be blessed, dear readers.

Watching and Waiting

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I know several people who are seeking God's guidance in how to handle some serious issues.  We've all been there at one time or another (if we try to follow God, that is.)  We've all heard the advice as to what to do during the waiting period, and we've all given the advice to others.

The truth is that the only thing we mere mortals can do is try to be open to what we believe God says and trust that He will answer if we ask.  Then we have to muster the faith to do it, no matter how strange it may sound or how it may not match up with our ideas of the "best" way to handle a situation.  It's easier said than done, but with God's help, it's possible.  We watch, we wait, and we (hopefully) praise.  Just like one of my favorite hymns, "Blessed Assurance," by Frances J. Crosby:

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
   Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
   Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
   Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
   
   • Refrain:
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long;
     This is my story, this is my song,
     Praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
   Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
   Angels, descending, bring from above
   Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
   I in my Savior am happy and blest,
   Watching and waiting, looking above,
   Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.