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.
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.
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