Tapestry and Trust

Well I've managed to lose the post I wrote last night (can you relate?).  I do recall that my inspiration for writing was just being amazed by God's design and plan for my life, for our lives. I have had a few conversations recently with people who are struggling with difficult circumstances. My message has been to encourage them to trust God and be grateful for incredible care He gives to us in and through our circumstances.

Trust. My dictionary app tells me it is reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc. of a person or thing; confidence.

It's almost laughable to me as I read that definition in light of the small fraction I know of God. I say that because I am aware of how difficult it is for us to put our trust in God, yet He is undeniably trustworthy.  If I were 5 again, and I could have complete confidence that my big strong daddy could and would catch me when I hurled myself into his arms. How much less do I trust God with my life? I've made Him my Lord, accepted His gift of love and mercy? But do I really trust Him?

Last night I wrote a bit about why I had chosen to name the blog, "Tapestry".  I am inspired by beautiful things. I think my mom taught me how to see and appreciate beauty.  Tapestries are so intricate, the months, often times years given to designing, selecting, the colors, maybe dyeing the threads and then painstakingly weaving each one into place. Until one day the entire picture appears. Behold the beauty not only of the finished product but the beauty of the story written as it was being made.

I liken God's design and plan for my life to that of an intricate tapestry. Psalm 139:14 says "I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  As a mom, a Christ-follower and a sociology major I believe that the framework, like the sturdy welts of the tapestry, were created by God in my mother's womb.  The DNA, brown hair, procrastinating temperament, it was all there. The refining process has been going on for over 50 years. Through exciting experiences like 4-H fashions shows and awards as a very young lady. Through loosing grandparents, and uncles, a brother, a mentor, a sister in Christ, and parents. Through schooling, and a wide variety of jobs, recognition, denial, health, sickness.  My God, my strength, my certainty, my hope, has used each one with precision. Each event, each experience, providing what need for the next step in my journey. In essence, weaving the tapestry of my life into something beautiful.

Do I believe myself any different than you? Unique yes. Different no.  I'm as ordinary as they come, But, my God, He is extraordinary.  Do I trust Him? Nope, not completely but  I am a lot closer to trusting Him to the point of jumping off a cliff into His arms today, than I was a year ago.  Do I believe that all of the stuff that I've experienced is good?  100%!  Hard, bitter, lonely, at times, yes, but I believe in Him and know that He loves more than we'll ever fully know.

My hope and prayer for you today is that you will look at your life and appreciate how skillfully God has led you to the place you are today, and that you are learning to trust Him as He attempts to weave the tapestry of your life.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

New Year Ambitions

Welcome to my new blog, "Tapestry". I'll talk about the title some other time.

First things first. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Lisa. This little short journey began for me about a month ago. I began sharing a few words on Facebook to my friends, inspired by the devotional I was reading for advent from youversion,com. It really was the first time I had ever done anything like that but the Lord nudged me to share publicly mostly to keep me accountable for reading and spending time with Him, and maybe I could be an encouragement to someone else who might stumble across the post.  You see, my siblings and I had lost both of our parents over the past 6 month and knowing that it was going to be an especially emotional Christmas, I turned to my Comforter and wanted to stay focused on Him.  Makes sense, right?

The unexpected blessing was the support that came from so many people that had read and then began looking forward to my daily posts. So, here I am. A little, (well really a LOT) unsure about where to from here. But I'll begin with something simple, something that I know.

I love the Lord!

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 reminds me that my God is One, that I should not only love Him with all of my heart, with all of my soul, and with all of my strength but that I should tell people about Him.  Honestly, I fall pretty short. Most of the people I know do as well. ...Love Him with my all of my emotional energy, all of my personality, and all of my will-power,  Jesus adds with all of my volition later in the New Testament.  Hmmm.

With that thought in mind, at the beginning of each year I set my sights on some very high and lofty goals.  2015 is no different.  So to put this idea of loving God with my whole being into action I ask myself, self, are my interests, and skills, and ambitions. That conversation might go something like this.

Well, Lord, I would like to knit again, and have about 20 projects lined up in my mind and teach someone or two to knit.  I'd like to get my old and decaying body into shape with the promise of a belated Christmas present, it is practically done, (in my mind, that is) and eat clean food rich in anti-oxidants and fiber and low in all things bad for you. I'm sure those things will please You, Lord.  I would like to pursue photography and graphic design, redecorate a few rooms that I spend a lot of time in, that way I can create environments that are pleasant for others and myself. I should also spend more time meeting with people, oh and read because if I am  to write that would just be a good idea. Cooking would be nice, I haven't done very much and people like to eat, so there is some real potential there. Work less, isn't that what most people say? Enjoy life more, because You don't want me to be miserable. Travel to see more of creation.  Oh yes, let's not forget sewing. I'd like to make a few memory quilts for family members and put together shadow boxes too and while I'm at it make sure to be supportive of my family and be supportive in all of their endeavors.  Hmmm. I would like to becoming a better musician because I want to play skillfully to honor You.  Last but not least,   I want to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as my self.  May it be so!

Here's the problem.  I can plan and scheme and even pray for God's blessing upon my list, it is a great list after all. Unfortunately when my mind and schedule are so overbooked I get pretty stressed, tired, and not very effective.  Next, I get  frustrated with myself for not making enough progress. Honestly, what I think I've done is filled out my New Year's wish list and added God as the stamp of the goodness approval.  Now, rather than feeling great about my plans, I don't. I don't know what to do, where to start, or how any of this is going to happen.  I should just take a nap.

Here's the hope. God's plan is simple. If I go back to the verse again this is what it says to me. "Love Me." "Stay focused on Me." "Help people as if you were helping Me."  That the crazy ambitious, insurmountable list fades and when I breathe in His word.  It's like wrapping up in a warm blanket and melting into peace. And what about the list? Oh it's still there, with a new controller though.  He will order my days and my projects, and the ambitions that He's inspired in my life, and the skills He's allowed me to learn AS I keep my focus on Him.  

What about you?  Do you have high and lofty goals and plans made for 2015?  Have you added the Lord to that list?  Or have has He superseded it?

My prayer for you today is that you can take Him in, experience and express, the love of God with all of your being and that you allow Him to be your inspiration and your guide.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.