Secretary Newsletter Signing!

Yesterday was such a busy day with getting the Sunday bulletin and worship folders typed, printed, folded and stuffed. I also had to put together the preschool application packets and finish up the May Timothy Times Newsletter. Believe me I kept both copy machines running a good share of the day. I am so thankful for the group of ladies that come in and assemble the newsletter after I finish gathering articles and information, typing and printing it! They are a real blessing and save me a couple of hours of work!

Now off to the post office this morning with two trays of newsletters to get in the mail so everyone at Timothy knows what is going on at the church next month!!! I just couldn't resist putting the Secretary Signing cartoon in my blog - that is how I feel sometimes after trying to get articles from the different church directors, nail down calendar dates & times, find other items of interest and announcements, etc. Whew - glad when it is finally done. Then, guess what? In two weeks I get to start all over again on the June newsletter collecting pertinent information, etc. . . . LOL!

Outside the Box

Today I had the opportunity to visit with a lady. She was sharing what was going on in her life and how she just didn't quite understand what was going on. She had some challenging questions she was trying to get answers to. She commented that she was trying to think "outside the box" hoping she would understand better if she looked at it from a different vantage point. Sometimes that is what we need to do - simply think "outside the box"!! Sometimes this is also easier said than done!

As I thought about thinking "outside the box" (how's that for at least trying???!!), it came to me. For the past several months I have felt like God was challenging me to not only "think" outside the box but also challenging me to "get" outside of the box!! That is a really big step for me and I must admit in some areas a real challenge. But God being God, and me being me - I decided to give it a try! (with His help, of course!) I realized a long time ago that I can't do much of anything worth while without Him. So, I asked God to help me and show me how to "get" out of my box. And guess what . . . He has been showing me and helping me.

I have got out of my box and started walking - 10,000+ steps a day - that would be a few short or long miles depending on how you look at it. I'm choosing "short" miles!!! HA! HA! By the time I drag up that last block toward home, believe me they seem a little on the "long" side. But in stepping out of my box, I am finding that I am actually enjoying this walking time. I'm loosing a little weight - which I never want to find again, and when I am done walking I feel really good. Maybe a little tired but actually energized from "within" and pleased that I put forth the effort.

I am usually sitting at the piano on Sunday mornings during the welcome time at church so I don't get a chance to greet and say hello to people during this time. Over the past couple of months I have sat there and noticed people across the congregation that I have not talked to for quite a while. I see them come in to church, sit down and then we all leave - lots of times never getting to visit with them. I realize this is my own fault. I can't blame that on the piano! But God has been challenging me to get out of my box and get to know this "family of God", get reaquainted with some I've drifted away from while I was "in" my box!

Sunday was a busy Sunday for me. While still sitting at the piano I was scanning the congregation looking for my teen-son, whom I didn't see sitting in the service. After the music, I sat down by Hannah and glanced around one more time to see if I had missed him. He was out in the foyer area earlier but evidently had not come in. And now I didn't see him anywhere. So, being the "mean-'ol mom" that I am, I went to find him and bring him into the service. After some gently persuasion . . . or is that called mom-threats . . . he reluctantly came in and sat down! Shortly after sitting down to listen to the sermon, I was reminded that I needed to be downstairs for the children's music time. So I went down there and finished that just in time to come back up and catch the end of pastor's sermon. I was feeling a bit stretched and stressed. But what I realized later that day was that through all of that God helped me get out of my box just a little bit more! I was able to talk to four individuals that I had noticed over the past few weeks sitting in the congregation. I had not talked to these four people for quite some time. No, I have not been mad at them or anything like that. It was just things like - they were on the other side of the church and I was over here and by the time I got over there, they were gone or talking to someone else and then I would get side-tracked with something or someone else and before long it is a week or two or a month or longer. No real reason for loosing touch just busy being busy and staying in my box! Well, it was so nice visiting with these four individuals and even saying hello to three other people that I do not know and have never said a word to before! Now that really is "getting" out of my box! But I felt good about this reconnecting with my church family, especially since I had been sensing God speaking to me about it for quite some time. I realized that it is truly good to get out of my box and quit hiding in it!

I also reconnected with three old friends on Facebook that I grew up with. We had totally lost touch. It was nice catching up with them and what's going on in each of their lives. Once again, I realize the truth to that phrase that "everybody is going through something"! I have - they each have - we've all gone through things and we all need to encourage each other. I was encouraged by them - hope I was able to encourage them a bit also. God has showed me - that also takes "getting" out of my box to do. Thinking about others and not always me and my box!

Blogging - who would have ever thought I would even try this???!!! Not me! But here I am, "thinking" out of my box and "getting" out of my box and writing my thoughts, feelings, observations, sharing, etc. Wow, this is really "out" of my box!! I'm not sure this is how you do it, not sure my grammer, spelling, punctuation and all that is correct - I'm sure it is not - but I am finding that I am looking at things and expressing myself in a totally different way - outside of my box. I remember a song that touched my heart a long time ago. The words said, "let me see this world, dear Lord, as though I were looking through Your eyes". That has always stuck with me and that is my hope today - that I think, look, see, and act "out" of my box and see this world and the people around me through His eyes and not through mine.

Jobs

Early Morning

This morning I woke up early and decided to get my walking out of the way since I had a busy day ahead of me. I find that when I am busy and put it off until "later" sometimes before I know it, it is "to late" and I'm too tired!! I'm off to a good start today since I already have my daily walk behind me. I can check that off of my "to-do list" for the day.



I must say, it was a beautiful morning walk! Full of sights, sounds, and smells. It was still semi-dark out when I left the house. You know how it looks just before the sun actually rises - a yellowish-light glowing across the sky. I had noticed the clouds in the sky and then looked down at the sidewalk. I have found that it is good to watch out for crooked, uneven, and broken sidwalks!! I just looked up when I noticed something flying overhead and heard the "honking" noise of geese. Wow! There were about 30 geese flying very low in their "V" formation! By the time I pulled my phone out of my pocket to take a picture, it was too late. They were gone. A couple blocks on down the way I saw another group of them but they were flying much higher than this first group. What a sight that was for starting my day!



I also love all of the lilac bushes and the flowering trees that are in bloom right now. Purple, pink and white. They are just beautiful and the fragrance is absolutely wonderful! These are scattered all over my "walking route" and most definately blessed me with not only the beautiful colors but the sweet smelling fragrance of God's special blend of perfume. Better than any perfume that AVON sells!!!! (Don't tell AVON I said that!!) LOL! The blossoms have been beautiful but I noticed they are falling quickly to the ground making way for nice green leaves - especially with the last few breezy days we have had. Under one particular tree it actually looked like snow covering the ground!!



Many houses were still dark but gradually by the end of my nice, peaceful, quiet walk, more and more houses lit up and more and more cars began making their way into the streets.

A new day was underway. Life and activity had surfaced and begun all around me. As I finished up my last block and walked up onto the porch, the sun had indeed risen and cast it's sunshiny rays of light down upon this place called earth - down upon "my world"! Now to go in and sit down to a nice hot cup of coffee and look at my "to-do-list" for the day.

Eagles

THE PUSH - By David McNally

The eagle gently coaxed her offspring toward the edge of the nest. Her heart quivered with conflicting emotions as she felt their resistance to her persistent nudging.

Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling? She thought. This ageless question still remained unanswered for her.
As in the tradition of the species, her nest was located high upon the shelf of a sheer rock face. Below there was nothing but air to support the wings of each child.
Is it possible that this time it will not work? She thought. Despite her fears the eagle knew it was time. Her parental mission was all but complete.
There remained one final task...the push. The eagle drew courage from an innate wisdom. Until her children discovered their wings, there was no purpose to their lives.

Until they learned how to soar, they would fail to understand the privilege of having been born an eagle. The push was the greatest gift she had to offer. It was her supreme act of love.

And so, one by one, she pushed them and . . . THEY FLEW!


As Zig Ziglar said: "You never know when one act of kindness, or one word of encouragement, can change a life forever."

Generic Hello

“HELLO” - Have you ever thought what this word stands for?

Do you know that a simple "hello" can be a more than just "hello"?

Someone once said that the word “hello” means:

H = How are you?
E = Everything all right?
L = Like to hear from you
L = Love to see you soon!
O = Obviously, You are my friend...

So many times we greet people with, "hi, how are you"? Many times not really wanting to hear all about how they really are. And many times we hear people greet us the same way knowing that they don't have time to hear all about how we really are and what we're going through, so we just answer "fine" or "good".

I went to the eye doctor last week and the nurse came out and called the name of a man sitting down a couple chairs from me in the waiting room. She greeted him with, "George". He stood up, walked over to her and she said, "hello, George, how are you"? He looked her straight in the eye and said in a very loud, booming voice, "I'm just terrible, my knees hurt, I can't see, my hearing is going bad, and I've come down with this terrible cold"!!!! The whole waiting room got dead silent and the poor nurse just stood there looking at him totally bewildered! He just stood there looking her square in the eye with a big smile on his face, and I might add, what looked to me like a twinkle in his eye!! Very timidly, she mumbled something back, laughed, and led him down the hall. Everyone in the waiting room just chuckled and laughed. He got his point across to all of us. His wife who sat there shaking her head, said, "he does that every time someone asks him how he is. He says they don't really mean it - they really do not want to know "how he is"!!

I thought about that and it really is true. Most, even some of whom we consider friends, do not really want to know what is going on in our lives. They don't really want to know if everything is all right. So many times it is just a form of greeting! Many times even when we know someone is going through tough times, we neglect to ask, we don't know what to say or do. We don't know how to handle the situation, we don't understand what is going on and we are simply afraid to question. . . so we say nothing - we just ignore the person and the problems they are experiencing! But to say "nothing" is to appear uncaring and unconcerned, to not offer support or encouragement - to simply ignore the other person's feelings, hurt, struggle, etc. I've been there when I felt like my life was being torn apart - feeling as though no one cared or even noticed! I've learned over time to look at people in a different way - to look into the eyes of their heart and say "hello, how are you doing" and really mean it - expecting an answer from them and ready to show that I really do care. Maybe they need to talk, maybe they need a hug, maybe just a smile or a pat on the arm. Something more than a quick generic "hello, how are you"? Who do you see regularly or pass by every week at the store, at church, or maybe at work that is struggling and in need of a "heartfelt hello"? A hello from your heart to theirs? It very well could be someone that you don't even know is going through some difficult times. Stop and look around you, it just might surprise you as you look into the eyes of their heart and see that they need your words of encouragement.

This has made me think about my “hello”. I now try to put some real heartfelt meaning into this simple “hello” as I look into the eyes of the one receiving my “hello” and sincerely ask and wait for an answer from them. Next time you say "hello" - stop and think about it, wait, and be a blessing to someone that needs a blessing from you! You will also experience the blessing!

$$ Raise $$

Tea Cup - The Potter & the Clay

I've always loved watching the potter forming pottery on the pottery wheel. The spinning and forming of the lump of clay. My daughter, Liz, received a little child's potter wheel for Christmas one year. It was messy but fun for a while. A few years back I found the box packed away in the basement. When I opened it there was a plastic bag of what used to be nice soft clay waiting to be made into a masterpiece!! Guess what? It was now a hard grey colored rock with large cracks in it. Not a pretty sight at all and doomed to never become the masterpiece it could have been. I thought . . . with some work it could have become a cup, a saucer, a vase, a bowl, etc. But with no forming, spinning, molding, firing - it became nothing!

Love this story or not, you will not be able to have tea in a tea cup again without thinking of this.

There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both liked antiques and pottery, and especially teacups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."

As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a teacup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me over and over, and I yelled out, "Don't do that."

"I don't like it!" "Let me alone," but he only smiled, and gently said; "Not yet!"

Then WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. "Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!", I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, quietly; 'Not yet.'

He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. "Help! Get me out of here!" I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet'.

When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! "Ah, this is much better," I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please, Stop it, Stop, I cried. He only shook his head and said. 'Not yet!'.

Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf, where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering "What's he going to do to me next?"

An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And I did. I said, "That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!!!"

Quietly he spoke: "I want you to remember, then,' he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you."



The moral of this story is this: God knows what He's doing for each of us. He is the potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will.

So when life seems hard, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this.

Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.

Healing or Quick Fix

I saw some kids having a water fight with squirt guns, hose and water bottles yesterday as I was on my daily walk. My thoughts went back to a water fight we had when we were kids. Mom had some things to do in town so she let my brother, John, and I go over to the Smith's farm for the afternoon. She would pick us up on her way home. They had kids our age, Dan and Julie. It was one of those still, hot, sun-beating-down-on-your-head kind of day, so we decided to cool off and have a water fight - boys against girls!! We didn't have any squirt guns but we did have access to a water hose, some buckets, and some empty pop bottles. Let me remind you... that was back before we had pop cans! Yes, I am that old!!

We were having so much fun running, chasing each other, getting wet, laughing and carrying on as kids do on such a care-free summer day. I can still remember so clearly sneaking up behind John with my filled pop bottle ready to unload it on him. Just as I started emptying the bottle of water on his back he quickly turned around. He also had his water filled pop bottle in his hand ready to get me. Just then our pop bottles hit and you guessed it - they broke right in our hands. I screamed not only because the clash of bottles scared me but because my left hand instantly turned bright red. John, Dan, and Julie gathered around me as the blood was dripping off of my hand. John got a small nick in his hand but I received the blunt of the clash. The guys pick up the broken glass and Julie and I slipped in the back door and into the bathroom to wash the blood from my hand and get the bleeding to stop. I don't think either one of us knew what we were doing but I remember filling the sink with water, dipping my hand into the water then draining the bright red blood/water and repeating this again and again until finally Julie's mother called through the door and wanted to know what we were doing. We had been caught! We opened the door and Mrs. Smith came in and quickly dryed my hand, examined it, and began wrapping it up tightly in long strips of what cloth to get the bleeding to stop.

The bottle had broken and cut right at the base of my thumb between my thumb and forefinger. I guess because it was nearly in the thumb joint, it was a little hard to see the extent of the cut. We finally got the bleeding to stop and changed the bandages again and tightly wrapped my hand once again. It wasn't too long before mom stopped to pick up John and I. The "mothers" discussed the water fight incident and then we went on home. Mom unwrapped the white strips of cloth that had been wrapped around my hand so she could see where it was cut - just a little over 1/4 inch but not quite a 1/2 inch in length. It had finally quit bleeding and because of the position of my thumb it actually pressed the cut closed when I held my thumb tight against my forefinger. So we wrapped it up and it bagan to heal.

I never did go to the doctor and it did heal quite quickly. But as it bagan to heal I noticed something strange. I could not bend my thumb. Mom realized that we should have went to the doctor and that something more than just the top skin had been cut. Possibly a nerve or a tendon but it was already healed now and there really was nothing we could do about it. The outside had healed nicely leaving a scar there at the base of my thumb. But there was something deep down inside that did not heal back the way it should have. From that water fight until now I have not been able to bend my thumb! WOW! I bet you didn't know that, did you??!! Well, it is neither here nor there and it hasn't kept me from doing much of anything. I just learned to grip things a little differently and maybe I do a few things different but bottom line is "I KNOW" that "I CAN'T BEND MY THUMB" no matter how hard I try - it just won't bend!

I've thought about that many times down thru the years. How sometimes we deal with our hurts, sorrows, and our pain much like we dealt with my cut. We put a bandage on them and we hope they all heal up just like new. We cover them up and let them heal. Many times the outside does heal and everything looks good on the surface or at least we think they have healed and they look good. But deep down where the hurt and pain began, where the problem starts it hasn't really healed correctly - just like my thumb. When something is wrong deep down and it isn't fixed right away and put back the way it should be, we go thru life knowing that something is wrong - it hasn't been dealt with, it hasn't been fixed, it doesn't work like it is suppose to, we can't get beyond the fact that . . . "we can't bend our thumb"! We know that something just isn't right.

It is only when we get to the real problem, the real thing that makes us react like we do, that makes our anger get out of control, that makes us say things and treat people in unhealthy, selfish ways, etc. that we can break the unhealthy cycles that hold us captive. When we fix what is going on under the skin and then let it heal - we are able to function in healthy, growing, loving relationships. When things are fixed on the inside - the outside will also be fixed. If I had gone to the doctor when I first cut my thumb and whatever was cut deep down was fixed maybe I would be able to bend my thumb today! A Bandage is only a quick fix if the problem is not fixed from the inside out. Look deep within yourself and let the healing begin where the problem started. Seek healing - not just a "quick-fix".

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" -Psalms 147:3

Maxine Moment

Seek His Face

I love art - it facinates me to see the many types of talent God has given people. No two of us are alike. We are all created so differently - each one of us is "wonderfully made" by the Master Creator" Himself! ("I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well" Ps. 139:14.) How awesome is that?? Some speak, sing, play instruments, write, draw, paint, design, build - all creating from the gifts God has given to each. As we "Seek His Face Contiually" (Ps 100), He will help us discover our true potential and those special gifts He wants us to use. I hope you are using those special one-of-a-kind gifts that God has given to you and you alone. It is only when you discover them, use them, and share them that you can reach your full potential as God sees you - as He created you to be. Then is the time that you will find the peace and contentment in using your God-given gifts to His honor and glory. It is then that you will discover that those gifts can bring healing, hope, honor, and blessing to you and also to those around you. What are your talents and gifts? How are you developing them? How are you using them? What have you always wanted to do but have been afraid to step out and do? Today is the day! Don't delay! Dust off your gifts, your special talents, and start using them today. You just might surprise yourself as you let God who created you, finish the work He started in you!

Like I said, I enjoy art. This is an amazing picture! The "longer" you look at this picture, the "more" you see.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Do you ever feel like you don't know what to do, where to go, who to turn to, which fork in the road to follow, which decision to make? Life is full of things that cry out to us for decisions, answers, and actions. What do you do when you don't know what to do? When we seek God during these times in our lives, we can trust God's wisdom to be revealed to us. He wants us to make wise choices and wise decisions. And He wants us to be able to make these wise choices and decisions when we are up against hard situations and circumstances so that we can say and do what is good, right and in our best interest. And more importantly, in His best interest for us. After all, He does love us with an unconditional love - so much so, that he died on the cross that we might have life in Him. We can trust God's wisdom to guide us and direct us no matter what we are up against. God wants to give us that wisdom every single day. Every hour, every minute of each day. Seek His wisdom and His counsel to take you through whatever you are going through today. He sees the BIG picture and you and I only see one small snapshot of that big picture. Trust Him to walk with you and when you need His help, His direction, His wisdom - just call on Him. He's watching and waiting for us to call His name, seek His face, read His word, and find wisdom and direction as we "graze" on through life!

Don't know where to turn - these Emergency Numbers are more effective than 911
When . . .

You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is bigger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone Mark 10:17-31
You are depressed, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small compared to you, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12

ALTERNATE NUMBERS

For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18

ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.
NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.
ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.
FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH.

Two Horses

My daughter, Liz, sent me this story today. She knows my love for horses. I bought my first horse, Babe, when I was in 6th grade for $125.00 with the money I made from selling my 4-H calf. Babe and I spent many, many hours riding over nearly every inch of the farm! I knew her well and she knew me equally as well. Especially after our many long talks, as I rode and she "grazed" the pastureland of dad's farm. When I needed to get away and just talk - Babe was always there eager to be saddled up. She was always up for the ride, always perked her ears up when I talked to her and many times turned her head to look back at me with her big blue/brown eyes as if to say, "Diana, I'm here for you!!"

This story touched my heart as I read it today. Hope you also are touched and encouraged to . . . "just be there".




Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing. Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

Good friends are like this. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle".

Mansion

Everyone needs a "mentor" - well, Maxine is one of mine!!! Tell me, why can I relate to her so well???? Never mind . . . don't tell me!! Have a wonderful day.

Pressing on - 10,000 Steps

Today I went out for my daily walk - I'm trying to walk 10,000 steps or more every day!! As I left the house I couldn't help but feel "spring" in the air. I looked at my flowers that were popping up through the cold, dry dirt bursting forth the message that "Spring Is Here"!!! I do a lot of thinking as I walk and my mind went back to yesterday - Easter - the resurrection of our Lord, and I wondered ... did He burst from the grave as my flowers were bursting through the dirt? Or, did he just float out from the tomb leaving it empty? I really don't know, and it really doesn't even matter but what does matter is that I know that I serve a living Savior and He is in the world today. I know that He is living whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer; And just the time I need Him - He's alway near!

As I continued walking, I couldn't help buy notice flowers and buds on the trees and bushes bursting to life after the long, cold, hard winter. Walking past yard after yard I noticed the ressurection of life. It was as if the birds were even announcing the news - "He Arose"! I couldn't help but think about the two Marys that went to the tomb only to find that Jesus had risen, He was not there! The angel told them that Jesus was going ahead of them to Galilee. And they ran from the tomb with fear and great joy and just then Jesus met them there on the road they were traveling down and said, "Good morning!" "Do not be afraid. Go and tell the others that I will meet them in Galilee." (Matt. 28:8-10)

That is the way it is for us also. There may be many empty tombs ahead of us or we may feel like we are alone in this empty tomb or circumstance that we are in. We may even be struggling to hang on. But if we experience the risen Lord, we can press on and meet Him even when the road ahead is rough and the climb is steep. When we find ourselves back to where we started or we've stumbled and fallen. When we don't understand and the choices are hard and we've given it our all, still we can "press on". Just as Jesus met the Marys along the road and said, "Good morning" He also wants to meet you along the road you are traveling and say "Good morning - do not be afraid" and give you instruction just as He did them.

So when the road is hard - don't give up, don't turn back, don't retreat but press on and meet Jesus on your life's road and rejoice in His resurrection. He died for us and He lives for us. Let's press on and live for Him! And with His help, I will do my best to make my 10,000 steps today count for Him!