Walking Carefully... Living Intentionally

This past week at church was yet another opportunity for God to speak with me. He had already gotten my attention through the music, and the words and actions of my church family. So, when the pastor started speaking, it was no surprise that the words seemed chosen especially for me. It was further confirmation of what I have been hearing through other people and in my own experiences.

I have been increasingly more aware of all the ways that I need to "redeem the time". Sorting through the clutter of my life includes the way I use my time. What things are there, but either don't enhance my walk with God, or distract from it entirely? They just gotta go. The things that are important in my life and in my walk need to be priorities. Need to.

Of course that involves honest evaluation and some planning. Living intentionally. Walking circumspectly. It was all I could do to keep my hands from signing "examine" over my heart as I sat in my seat listening.

Examining my heart, my life and becoming more intentional in what I say and do. Creating an environment that is suitable for "God-connect". Time to read, to listen, to pray. Time for service, time for self. Time to work and time to play. Time for family and friends. Time to rest and recharge.

May I walk wisely. May you walk wisely.

Thank You, God, for the reminder....


Ephesians 5:15-16

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16)Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. KJV


Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, (16) making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ESV

The Gift of Accountability...

We have begun a new sermon series at church. "Coincidentally" and conveniently enough, the concept the pastor has been discussing has been coming to me from other areas of my life as well. His words are acting as confirmation to the other messages surrounding me.

He was was talking this week about "Cleaning out the Cobwebs": Of giving God the go-ahead to thoroughly search our hearts and lives, and show us the areas that need a clean-up. Those areas that we have overlooked - either incidentally or intentionally.

I liken it to allowing Him open access to my heart, rather than giving Him a tour. I have spent many years giving God (and my fellow human beings) a tour of my heart and my life. I'd steer Him toward the goodness and beauty, and... "oh, no, Lord....let's not open that door!" Little did I know that He was there to redeem, not ridicule, me.

I kept other people at that "safe" (NOT!) distance as well. In trying to protect myself from their judgment and my shame, I did not allow others access to the truth of my life. What I didn't realize was what a toll it was taking on my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Finally, I was in enough pain to allow one woman - and then another - behind my wall.

Rather than run out of my life, they stood beside me. They helped shine the light into the shadows, exposing the cobwebs thick in the corners. They helped me inventory the "stuff" that I had been carrying - much of which really didn't belong to me. I had just accepted it, carried it, and soon adopted it as my own.

It was this that came to mind when we had some reflective time as he closed the service. I thought of the series of people who have come into my life, offering the gift of accountability. Those who have loved me enough to challenge my erroneous ways, to hold up mirrors, so that I can see myself clearly, and to shine the light into the dark corners of my life. Those women, with whom I can be completely transparent. And, if they see me heading off the path, they let me know.

It was later in the afternoon, still reflecting on the decade or more of "teachers" and friends He has sent, that I realized how blessed I have been. My life changed - significantly changed - when I accepted the gift of accountability. When I quit running away from the truth, overlooking "little things", and started some personal, spiritual house-cleaning, my life really, really improved.

I thank You for the gift of accountability, and those You have sent who offer it.

Come in, Lord. Welcome. Make Yourself at home...and if you see a cobweb, please, let me know...



Galatians 6:1-2 "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Confirmations

It is always greatly encouraging to me when I am given confirmations about some of my thoughts and plans.... especially in the times when I am trying to discern if it's a "Linda Original" (God help us!) or if it's me really hearing His will for me. It's as if I am hearing God say "Yes. That is what I mean."

There have been several that come to mind this past year, but I'll just share one or two.

The first one took me a few days to realize - thank God, or I would have fallen out of my seat or ran very fast from the room. I had agreed to meet with the interpreter at church for the first time. I was nervous. She was nice enough, but I'm not a big 'stranger' person, and definitely not a big up-there-in-front-of-people person, and if I were going to interpret, there I would be. She walked in to the room, and the first sign she showed me was "Up until now". I didn't think anything of it then. At home, a few days later, it hit me. "Up until now", in English, also translates "Thus far". My key phrase which always reminds me - I have no idea where we are going from here, but Thus Far, God has been with me.

The next example came shortly before my return to the State Park. I was at an event of Priscilla Shirer's. It was the worship portion of the program. There was a song I didn't know. But it had a phrase in it that I needed to hear - over and over again. And then she said these words:

"I'm here to declare to You that my past is over"

After that there was no NOT going. I definitely needed to. Whatever would happen would happen. I just needed to show up.

And most recently at church. It happens frequently, actually. The pastor will speak about something I've just blogged about (I mean JUST blogged about - that morning or the night before) - or something that I've been thinking about.

This week was the end of the year summary, look forward to the new year sermon. Many, many of the plans for the church - including some of the words and phrases that he chose to speak - are plans that I have decided for myself personally.... even in situations where the phrases have somewhat different meanings for a person, than for a church, hearing the words back, provided confirmation.

And as I was sitting there, listening - with my eyes and my ears - it occurred to me, how supremely blessed I am to be in a place where the corporate goals are so similar to my personal goals. It was again the "Yes. That is what I mean" that encourages me to continue to focus on the growth and continue on the path that I am on.

Thank You, God.