Just what you need

Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord.’ And do not do what I say?

I love going to Starbucks each week, the hot chocolate, the atmosphere, but most of all my time with God.  It is a precious time to read and be encouraged by God’s word.  Now, if they asked me to scrub the floors and do dishes before I left each day, I may not be too delighted to return or would I?

 Adonai means Lord and Master, He supplies our needs to do his will.  God was angry with Moses when he replied “Oh Lord, please send someone else to do it” Exodus 4.  He was angry because although Moses called Him Lord, he wasn’t willing to trust and submit to Him as his Adonai. 

Several years ago I was organizing a women’s retreat at my church and I felt God leading me to speak at it as well.  My reply was less than submissive as I argued, I’m planning this retreat, I’m not going to speak at it too!  A woman, out of the blue, even told me she thought I should speak at the retreat.  I finally surrendered and when I began writing, I told my husband even if I never speak these words it has been one of the most inspiring experiences I have ever had.  When you submit to God and honor and glorify Him in all you do, even scrubbing floors, He will supply just what you need and you may be more blessed then the people you are serving.

Expectations

Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.

Usually when you go into a Starbucks establishment a few times it becomes an “everyone knows your name” (and what you order) experience.  It becomes a place where you are comfortable, like a good friend’s home.  It’s a place where your expectations of it are usually met. 

Recently my interests have been drawn to meanings of words.  I often know them only because of the context I’m reading them, but when you look up the meaning, the depth and truth gives the word profound significance.  For example sovereign means: absolute; supreme rank, power or authority; being above all others in character, importance, excellence.  Yes, that is my God!!  El Shaddai – All Sufficient One. 

“Everyone” at Starbucks may know your name, but He knows your name the best, He knows all about you, we can come to Him and be comfortable, and expect He will always be there.  He’s all sufficient, He’s our God we need every minute of everyday who is more than adequate to exceed our expectations.  Come home to Him. 

Living Life Together

Some of the simplest things bring unexpected joy.  In this season of a hectic life with three teenagers and a 12 year old at home my time with George is limited.  So limited going on a date to the grocery store is a treat! Or even riding together to pick up one of the kids just to get 10 minutes of conversation in is worth it. 

Cultivating friendships can be tough too when you have an active family.  I am one of those strange people who enjoy going grocery shopping and sharing the experience with a friend makes it even more fun, I call it living life together.  You learn and grow and fulfill a part of yourself when you give your time to the people you love and enjoy being with.

This time of year is especially fun, we had a family outing apple picking a couple of weeks ago.  There is something about getting away, even if it is a one hour drive to the apple orchard in the mountains.  Returning home, making applesauce and eating it warm off the stove is the best!  Making apple turnovers for lunches, apple crisp for company, sigh, I love fall, even if it is 90 degrees here in the desert of California.

What's Missing

Isaiah 55:1 Come, all who are thirsty . . . Seek the Lord

As I sat down for my Starbucks appointment with God this week, I flipped open my bible and I read some notes I had written in Isaiah 55.  At a time when God was trying to speak to me and I was being stubborn and lazy, these words came to my mind, “You don’t know what you’re missing”.  I bolted up out of bed and realized God was trying to get my attention.  He’d been coaxing me to get up in the morning and spend time with Him.  I am not a morning person, and sleep is very special to me in the a.m.  My slumber lasts to the very final minute possible to give me ample time to get ready for my day.

Promptly God turned this woman into a morning person to the degree that was frightening.  For one who doesn’t usually see darkness before the dawn my eyes popped open and the energy I experienced at four a.m. had only to do with a God whom “all things are possible”.  I loved my morning time with the Lord, but as with all good things, disaster strikes (busyness and too many late nights) and the wonderful mornings with God went by the wayside.  I turned to evenings and began a great habit of praying while relaxing before bed time.  Summer came and my prayer time was obsolete. 

I adore my time at Starbucks, it’s a time for just me and my Savior and reflection upon my life.  I got the message loud and clear that day and once again my uninterrupted, focused prayer time has begun.  I hope that a habit of spending time with the Lord will be found in your schedule as well.

Sweet Memories

Sweet Memories

Psalm 31:19 How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you. . .

I look forward to drinking Starbucks hot chocolate, the memory of it’s goodness remains on my taste buds and brings me back for more.

My mother in law was one of those nurturing, caring moms who loved her children dearly.  She taught them to work hard, play hard and love the Lord.  She treated me much like her own, not one of those in laws who treats you like an out law.  She loved to cook and was a queen of hospitality, she fed my spirit and nourished my soul with the wisdom of making her house a home.  Sweet memories of her will linger in my heart. . . especially on those occasions like last week when dad sent us some of her old jewelry.  She passed away a couple of summers ago, she was a lovely woman who suffered a long time, but she never complained.  God gave her a spirit of gentleness and kindness. 

Sweet memories . . . what memories are you leaving on the hearts and minds of those you love.  (I often think of this and hope my children remember the sweet ones!)  How are you using what God gave you in talents, abilities, and personality that will linger on in the memories of those who know you?  God desires for each one of us to leave a legacy of His love with all we know. His goodness remains in us and continues to brings us back to Him.