Waiting for Daddy

While my boyfriend's out of town for a week and a half, I'm being a sweet girlfriend and dogsitting his dog Fletcher. It's actually not a chore at all; I adore Fletcher and he loves me and my own dog loves him as well, so we're all one big happy furry family right now.

Even though Fletcher is enjoying my big fenced-in backyard and the companionship of a fellow canine while I'm at work (not to mention lots of attention and treats from me), there are times when he sits at my front picture window and stares at the world outside. Most likely he's looking for signs of his daddy's return. I try to tell him that his daddy will be home next week, but let's face it, dogs don't quite comprehend the concept of time. For all Fletcher knows, his daddy could walk in the door at any second. Or he could never return. Who knows what his doggy brain is thinking?

I think this is a good analogy of how my life should be--living in the moment, enjoying where I am, but when it gets right down to it, I should be eagerly awaiting the return of my Master. There are times when I feel a restlessness within me that I can best describe as homesickness, longing for where I'm truly meant to be. For the time being I can adapt to my temporary home and even enjoy it for the most part, but at the end of the day, I want to be watching for signs of my own Father.

Food for Thought

"How can we understand the road we travel? It is the Lord who directs our steps."
Proverbs 20:24

This Bothers Me

I don't mean to sound insensitive. But...

For the past couple of weeks, we as a nation (and a great deal of the world) have followed the case of Natalee Holloway, the Mountain Brook teenager missing in Aruba. This is certainly a tragic situation and I don't mean to downplay it or make light of it.

But my question is, why are we (and I lump myself into that "we") more concerned with her physical whereabouts than her spiritual wellbeing? Why are we intrigued by news stories about people who are kidnapped or missing, but don't care as much about those who have been lured away by Satan, or who are spiritually missing?

I struggle to have a heart for the lost. It seems to come so naturally for other people, but I honestly don't view people as being lost or being saved (at least, I rarely do that). And that bothers me that I'm not more sympathetic or trying to save souls.

The real tragedy is that there are millions, perhaps billions of people around the globe who are lost right now, and that rarely hits home with me. I WANT to be concerned with that. I want to spend as much time praying for the lost as I do reading news stories about Aruba.

Constructive Criticism

I’ll admit, I don’t take criticism very well. My gut reaction is usually to start becoming defensive (in my mind, at least, if I don’t verbalize it), turn pouty and withdraw. I suppose that no one really wants to be criticized, even if it’s “constructive” criticism, but I think others handle it better than I usually do.

I had to take some constructive criticism earlier in the week. It always stings, even when it’s coming from someone who I know loves me and has my best interest at heart.

But criticism is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, God espouses its virtues in Proverbs:

“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject criticism, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” Proverbs 15:31-32

O God, teach me to not shy away from criticism, but to graciously accept it and even welcome it.

Flowers from God

Yesterday on my way to work, I was doing my usual morning prayer time. (Yes, I DO pray with my eyes opened while I'm driving!) Anyway, as I prayed over my day, asking for the typical blessings (productive workday, few distractions, etc.), I kept thinking about flowers. You see, yesterday was my birthday. I knew that I'd be getting plenty of cards and gifts from friends and family, but I was also hoping to get some flowers.

I felt rather sheepish asking God for flowers. I mean, I didn't NEED them. It wasn't like I wasn't expecting any gifts. I knew that I was loved and appreciated. But for some reason, that desire was on my heart. So I asked.

Less than an hour later, my mom and niece showed up at work with a pot of velvety deep purple African violets. Answered prayer! As if that wasn't enough, a couple of hours after that, a bouquet of flowers arrived from some dear friends in Texas.

How good God is to not only meet my needs, but also to fulfill the desires of my heart, no matter how petty they may seem to me! Maybe this year I'll open my heart more to God, to trust Him with EVERY desire I have.

You Say It's Your Birthday...

...it's my birthday too, yeah!

Well, yes indeed, today, June 8, I hit the big 3-1. I'm actually excited about it. It's been a good year, and I fully expect that the blessings will continue to flow in my 31st year.

Unlike a lot of people, I didn't dread turning 30 last year. In fact, I was sort of looking forward to it. I think I feel more comfortable with who I am, more comfortable "in my own skin", than I did in my 20s.

I guess that one of the side effects of getting older is a propensity to reflect on the past. It's funny how intense and serious some things can seem, and then a few months or years later, they don't seem like such a big deal. Maybe I'm loosening up as time marches on. I think I'm trusting God more to meet ALL my needs and answer my heart's desires.

My 30th year was certainly a year of surprises, most of them good. A new relationship, renewed friendships, opportunities to travel (and I can't forget to mention, a new blog!), etc. I had a few friends move away (I miss you, Susan and Jason and Lesley and Brett!). A lot of changes going on. And a huge amount of blessings.

Today I'm feeling extremely thankful for all that God has done for me, this past year in particular. I realize I should really do more reflecting and thanking on a daily basis, not just at milestones such as birthdays or New Year's. That's one of the many goals I have my 31st year, to spend more time thanking God and praising Him, focusing on the blessings He's given me.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above ye heavenly host

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Have a good one!