Shock Absorbers

My car is bucking like a mad bronco. The shocks are shot. Do you like the play on words? Anyhoo, it makes for cautious driving. Normally I’d fly down the back roads around here with nil a thought. Not any more. 

It started with a banging, thumping sound in the rear. A bit alarming, but I wasn’t too concerned. But then one day it sounded so bad I thought a vital piece may fly off the rear end. Adding to the onslaught, the back end was bouncing like a wild trampoline. 

So I need new shock absorbers. You don’t think about shocks until they are broken, and boy you know it then. I can’t drive down the country roads. I have to crawl over bumps. 

Check out this definition of a shock absorber: “A device used to absorb mechanical shocks, as a hydraulic or pneumatic piston used to dampen the jarring sustained in a moving motor vehicle.”  The Free Dictionary

Are you dealing with some serious bumps in your path? How about jarring potholes? Rough roads? Yea, so am I. What absorbs these violent bumps? What keeps me even keeled? 

My life is anchored in Jesus. He is my shock absorber. Without Jesus, I would not be strong and stable. Without Him, I have no peace, no joy...I could go on but you get the point. Without Him, the bumps and and potholes of my road would leave me unstable, tossing here and there. 

Just because I am a Christian doesn’t mean I’m immune from trouble. There’s going to be trouble, pain and hurt. But I can be strong and rise above this. 

I so love the passage in Romans 8 that tells us, 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If I want my car to be stable again, I have to take it to be fixed. It needs new shocks. Obvious I know, but I make a valid point. 

If you want to be stable and secure through this life, then you have to trust Jesus with your life. You have to let Him hold you secure. 

You will keep in perfect peace

    those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever,

    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 25:3-4

He alone is your anchor. He holds you secure. You want to go it alone? Push Him away? It’s your choice. 

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Rambling Thursdays

It’s been awhile since I wrote a Rambling Thursdays post, so I’m indulging today. This time of year is always kind of bittersweet. I’m sad to see summer end, but I love Fall. 

It’s been a great summer. The flower gardens have put on a wonderful display. I’ve ate some tasty tomatoes. Gazed on Yosemite. Sat around some campfires. Ate savory BBQ. Rocked on my porch. Ate homemade ice cream. Had some awesome cookouts. Is it any wonder I’ve put on a few pounds? 

Fall is here. It smells and feels different. Wet leaves. A whiff of smoke. Tangy apples. Crisp air. Yes, crisp; lovely crisp air. What a wonderful sensation that is after enduring hot, humid, sticky days. Combine this with hot flashes and you have misery. 

I pulled out my Fall/Winter clothes and decided I needed a couple of pieces to add. Of course there may be the occasional “I have to get this now”. You’ll always have that right? Will this be the year I buy a poncho? 

I hesitated last year due to the hot flashes I mentioned above. Why would I wrap a blanket around me? #hotmeltingmess 

I received a box of Tulip bulbs and Grape Hyacinth bulbs in the mail. I  ordered these in the spring. I looked at the catalog with excitement, Oh wouldn’t that look great in this garden? I love this combination. Then reality hits in October. This means I have to plant the bulbs. I’m talking about approximately eighty bulbs. What was I thinking???

Football is here and I’m loving it. I miss it so much after the Super Bowl. But alas, my beloved Colts have sputtered at the beginning and lets not talk about Notre Dame. I’m not even going there. Nevertheless, I am enjoying it.  I am a loyal fan regardless. Best reality TV EVER! 

It’s soup making time! I made chili last week and I’m making chicken noodle soup tomorrow. I love soup. A large pot will last a couple of days. Saturday was our annual Chili supper/Hayride. We have had this for years now and what a time we have! Such fond memories of pushing the hay wagon up a hill, to avoid being stuck. Then the time the tire blew a mile from home. There’s always some unexpected excitement. 

This hayride was amazing. A beautiful sunset glowed on us, with the moon adding to the aura of the evening. The silhouette of a deer on a hillside with the glow of the sunset behind. Seeing the sparks of our bonfiire from afar flying upward. It was wonderful and I’ll never forget it. 

Anyway, I hope you get out there and make your own fall memories. Take a hike, gaze on the autumn colors, drink apple cider, go on a hayride, enjoy a football game. You get the idea. Fall lasts just so long. Enjoy it. 

Wait for it...

This has been a summer of waiting, with some anxiety mixed in. Throw in fear of the unknown, some sleepless nights and a dab of family drama and you have a nasty tasting stew.

Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been all bad. It’s been a great summer. I’ve made some great memories too. But I am ready for a change of season, just as I am for fall, football, chili soup, sweaters and autumn colors. 

Perhaps you’ve noticed I haven’t written much this summer. I just haven’t had the inspiration much. But today I’m feeling it. Let’s talk about unbelief, about waiting. 

In 2 Kings 6:33 this unbelieving captain sent from the wicked King of Israel spoke these words to Elisha, “This trouble is from the Lord! Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” 

Samaria was surrounded by the Syrians in a siege. It was really bad. But instead of repenting and seeking God’s face, the King blames Elisha and ultimately God for this mess. And then like a slap in the face, why should I wait any longer? 

Here’s where I’m going to get transparent and admit to you that I’m no super spiritual giant who has done and said all the right things through this challenging summer. I haven’t. I’ve doubted, and perhaps even entertained the idea of just giving up. I’m just tired of getting my hopes up and then have them crushed to the ground. 

But then, I raise my head and pray “I believe, help my unbelief.” Sometimes that’s all you have strength for. And you know, it’s enough. It was enough for the Father with the demonic bound little boy. He said this to Jesus in Mark 9. Did Jesus get upset and disappointed with him? No. He freed the boy and he was healed. 

I do believe, really I do. But I feel weak. I don’t want to give up on You Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?  The best answer I have for this is in Psalm 73:25-26.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

    but God is the strength of my heart

    and my portion forever.

Indeed, yes, amen. Wait for the Lord, be strong. Let your heart take courage. Wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

This is my anchor through the storms. This holds me steady and strong. Are you going through a tough season? I pray this encourages you. Don’t give up on your God. 

He has delivered us, He will deliver us, and we have our hopes set on Him that He will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:10

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Thoughtful Thursdays

Open my Eyes

Summer is ebbing away and it makes me sad. But I’m glad to see Fall come. Glad to see another season change. It’s been a challenging summer for our family. 

We faced a lot of unknowns. Unexpected changes. Uncertainty about the future. It’s been a lean season.

Unknown, unseen, uncertainty, uneasiness...this has been my reality the past couple of months. But is there more going on than I know? Once again the Word has spoken to my heart and encouraged me. When hasn’t it??

Dotham is surrounded. The King of Syria is determined to capture Elisha who seemingly confounds his every move, and announces his secret plans. 

In the night his army came and encircled the city. When Elisha’s servant discovers the looming danger in the morning he is panic stricken. “What shall we do?” he asks Elisha.

Elisha is unafraid at the threat. He sees something the servant doesn’t. He prays that the eyes of the young man would be opened. Enlightened, he saw the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. “Don’t be afraid.Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 1 Kings 6:16

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. Psalm 27:3

Are you surrounded by fear, despair and the unknown? Is this what you are facing this morning? Can I tell you that there is more going on than you know? You have the heavenly hosts fighting for you.

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is the world.” 1 John 4:4

I’ve felt weak at times. Fearful other times. “I believe, help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24 I’ve prayed this feeble prayer a few times this summer. 

Elisha’s servant did not see the chariots and horses of fire. He did not realize deliverance was at hand. I pray along with Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:18 that the eyes of my heart would be enlightened, that I may know the hope...the riches of His glorious grace...immeasurable greatness of His power toward me who believe according to the working of His great might, that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead.

May I see the truth and not go by my natural senses. May I really know what is going on. Oh Lord, open my eyes that I may see.

When I look back on this summer, I see Him at work. He’s been there step by step. In each tomorrow His grace was there anew. I’ve rested in His care and trusted His guiding hand, when I couldn’t see. 

Does this speak to your heart? I pray it does. Be encouraged not just at my words, but by His glorious Word. 

Unknown, unseen, uncertainty, uneasiness...All will become clear when you know the truth of His Word. That’s all you need to know. 

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Dig Ditches???

Valley of dryness, lifeless, thirsty....The armies of Israel and Judah were in a bad way on the march to a battle with Moab. Now at a standstill with no water for the army or animals. It was a desperate situation. 

Jehoram King of Israel blames God for all this. “He did this to ensure our defeat!” Gloom and doom was his theme. 

But Jehoshaphat speaks up, “Lets pray to God Almighty.” And so they show up at Elisha’s doorstep. And he tells them something remarkable. 

“Dig ditches.” Yes in this desolate valley, in faith, dig ditches. 

“You’re not going to see wind or rain, but this valley will be filled with pools of water. You’re going to have plenty to drink. This is a light thing in God’s sight. And by the way, you will defeat the Moabites.” 

It didn’t make sense, it sounded crazy. But they dug the ditches. And the water did come. It filled the valley and the dug up trenches. They drunk deeply, moved on and did defeat the Moabites. Just like God said. 

What do we do when we are in a lean, dry season? Prayers seem unheard, passion waning and God seems afar. Do we blame God? Is it gloom and doom? What do we do? Dig Ditches. 

Make room for God. Dig in faith, believing the water/blessing will come. Dig as deep as you want to receive. Continue to get in the Word, pray, worship, attend church, etc...

God will supply the water and fill those ditches you’ve dug. He will bring times of refreshing. “It’s a light thing for God to do.” 

Rain is coming beloved. Dig in faith. You will drink deeply. 

You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13-14

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Thoughts on the pauses of life

Two years ago this week I began my blog, “Notes along the journey”. It doesn’t seem possible. So much has happened in those two years. I’ve enjoyed sharing my heart with you; especially encouraging you with God’s powerful Word. 

I kept plodding along with this blog. I may not post as often as I did in the beginning. I’ve just been too busy with life, as I’m sure you are. I hope my blog has been an encouragement to you. I pray it spoke to your heart. Perhaps I was able to speak just the right word to you. 

Every now and then on my Rambling Thursday’s edition, I’ll share something lighter, maybe even make you laugh. I also started an Instagram account. Check me out at: flowergirlluv2 

For today I thought I’d share my second blog, dated August 4, 2014. I thought it would be fitting as I been speaking on wilderness experiences the past two Sundays at church. This theme has been on my heart the past few weeks. 

Thank you friends for supporting my blog. I appreciate you all so much. 

“You have such a good attitude”. He looked at me sympathetically. Ordinarily, I would smile generously and feel warm, fuzzy thoughts that someone would take notice. But now, after a couple of months of struggling with the oncoming day when I would have to leave my job and move to another position, I didn’t take it so kindly. 

I grimaced a smile, muttered thanks, and turned away. “What good did it do me? This positive attitude?” It didn’t seem to do good at all. Yep I was indulging in a pity party. Please leave me alone while I retreat and lick my wounds in misery. You probably never been there right?? Yea, I thought so.

I was in complete shock when told I’d be transferred out of my present job. I didn’t see it coming. To be honest, it broke my heart. It was a dream job for me. I loved my job, loved my boss and my co workers. Now, my job would be to clean the office I previously worked in. No, I am not kidding! It was a hard pill to swallow. 

I spent the first month or so wallowing around in disbelief, hurt and anger. Then there came a point when I began to look outward instead of focusing on myself. I sought my Lord’s face, and enlisted my friends to pray. It wasn’t long before He lead me to Joseph. The Joseph in the book of Genesis. 

Joseph, Jacob’s favored son. The one who had a special, beautiful coat made for him. Who was doted on, at the expense of his other brothers. Who had vivid dreams given to him by God Almighty of a bright future ahead of him.  

This same Joseph now found himself sold as a slave material and is led along bound in a caravan heading for Egypt. Add to this misery the stabbing pain of betrayal committed by your own blood brothers, and you have all the material for a angry, bitter, hardened heart. 

Joseph’s life had shifted hugely. As he was led off in the distance, you had to feel that this was the end of the story. His life was over, the unknown stretched out ahead. And those dreams God gave him? Well, we all know that can’t happen now... And where was God while all these ugly things happened to him? 

You and I know how it ended. But when you find yourself helpless in the face of a dramatic change, it can be quite hard to see any silver linings. It’s oh so easy to feed upon those ominous thoughts that the enemy of our soul so eagerly puts before us.  The more we feast upon the tasty but sickly stuff, the worst we feel. 

On the long journey to Egypt Joseph had to struggle with all this. And probably continued to do so afterwords when he worked for Potipher. But how long does those raw emotions remain just below the surface? You’re okay now, and then something is a trigger point and you feel it all again.

How long before the raw wound is healed and we don’t feel the stabbing pain anymore? 

I guess what I’m saying is that ultimately it is a choice. Do we want to remain in our misery. Do we want to continue to wallow in the ugliness? Or do we choose to put that aside and turn to our God. Do we trust Him to give us what we have need of? Will He be enough? 

I have to choose daily sometimes to turn away from the ugly thoughts and turn to my God. I have to choose not to vent and whine. Because really, does it make it feel any better? 

I don’t want to walk around with a chip on my shoulder. It isn’t all about me and my issues. Other people are affected by my attitude. 

Joseph had to struggle with all of this. Somehow he settled it within himself. The Bible tells us clearly that God’s hand was upon Joseph and He granted him favor wherever he was. 

I want to encourage those of you that are in an ugly situation. God’s got this, and He has you. You will come through this stronger. You will once again testify to His faithfulness. His hand is still on your life. All is not gloom and doom. I can’t see beyond my nose, but my God sees it all. He’s got this!

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I don't know what to do.

A great multitude came against Judah for battle. Overwhelming disaster seemed unavoidable.  How can Judah overcome? What to do?

King Jehoshaphat responded by seeking God’s face. Listen to his prayer that is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:

“O Lord, God, are You not God in heaven?”

“You rule over all”.

“Did you not, our God....?”

“We will stand before you...and cry out to You.”

“You will hear and save.”

I love how they stood in front of the temple and declared the promises of God. They reminded themselves of God’s power and provision.

How will we respond when our backs are against the wall? When life is chaotic? Tomorrow seems so uncertain. 

I want to encourage you today to stand and remind yourself of God’s promises. Declare to yourself His power and faithfulness. Hasn’t He been faithful to you? “He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 

 But look at what Jehoshaphat prays next:

“For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m well acquainted with this feeling powerless. 

I don’t know what to do. 

I’ve felt this just a few weeks ago. I had a bombshell lobbed at me concerning my job. I was transferred to another department.  And not where I wanted to be. I had no choice in the matter. 

I was wrenched emotionally. I could see change ahead on the horizon and I was afraid. 

I don’t know what to do.

But my eyes are on You. 

Oh yes, I am powerless. But my eyes are on my God. He will hear and save. My hope is in Him. “God is my refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

God spoke to Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah, “Don’t be afraid, Don’t be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf.”  Needless to say, God fought for Judah and a great victory was won. 

A month ago I sat in a meeting afraid, angry and shocked at what was happening. It was nowhere on my radar that all this was about to happen. Ironically, I was studying this chapter for my Sunday School class before all this went down. 

It was an ugly situation. But God...I love this. Insert Almighty God in the situation and watch what happens. I stood firm and sought His face. In a week after this meeting at work, I had a new job. My life is different and change can be a bit scary. 

He has been with me every step of the way. He kept me strong. 

Beloved take this to heart. He will not leave you. He will fight your battles. He is sufficient. Do you feel powerless today? Have no clue what to do? Look to your Almighty God. Trust Him to take care of you. 

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