Trust – Search – and Expect blessings

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Teresa Lasher
Crumbly, old stairway (Iowa)

Crumbly, old stairway (Iowa)

The challenge continually before you is to trust Me and search for My way through each day. Do not blindly follow your habitual route, or you will miss what I have prepared for you — Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young.

Let’s face it — we are creatures of habit. If it worked for us last time and the time before, why mess with the program? Why? Because maybe … just maybe … things could be better.

Sarah Young shares a few valid reasons to ignore status quo:

1.      Trust God. Why wouldn’t I trust him? He created me, sustains me and wants only the best for me.

2.  Search for God’s way continually. Not just once and say it’s done, but again and again throughout the day. Here’s the definition for search: to make a thorough examination of, look over carefully in order to find something. To come to know, to learn.

3.  Expect blessings and surprises! God loves to love us and give us the desires of our heart if we ask with the proper motives.

Dear God, forgive me for rushing into today without praying to you and asking what you have in mind for me. I intentionally seek your wisdom and your way. You know what’s best for me. Thank you for what you’re going to do.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” — Isaiah 55:8–9.

Do you feel you’ve got your life under control? Do you blindly go through your day without considering what God would have you do and say?

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From tears of sorrow to tears of joy

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

I began the day in tears thinking about missing my own dear Mom. One word that described my mother would be “Encourager.” My Mom was my biggest cheerleader. If she only knew how far I’ve come along with my dream of writing and publishing … she’d be waving those imaginary pom-poms and saying, “You go, girl. I am so proud of you!”

But she isn’t here to wish a Happy Mother’s Day. On July 23, 1990 (a very sad day indeed) God chose to bring her home to him. How could such a good woman, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter be taken from us at such a young age? Yet I know that God’s “thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8).

I wasn’t even sure I could hold it together enough to attend church, but I’m happy to say that the day ended with me feeling thankful and blessed! Our church orchestra and choir played and sang awesome music. God knew just what I needed to hear — He is all we need (Sing to the King). I spent time after the service chatting with some friends.

I felt blessed beyond measure on all counts by the end of the day. God is indeed awesome! God filled in the gaps of missing my own Mom with other’s love and generosity …

  • Amanda, our daughter, came to the house bearing cool gifts for me (she has excellent taste!). Steve’s (my husband) mother came over to visit.
  • The 4 of us enjoyed a picnic on the deck under beautiful sunny skies
  • Andrew, our son, and his wife called from Minnesota and wished me Happy Mother’s Day. I also received a lovingly hand-crafted card and bookmark from the family.
  • Steve grilled yummy steaks and asparagus on the grill
  • Chat time on our patio swing
  • Later, Amanda, Steve and I toured on our motorcycles up north and walked around Long Lake Park. The 2 photography geeks took photos of spring bursting forth.

***

Sing to the King

Come, let us sing a song
A song declaring that we belong to Jesus,
He is all we need.
Lift up a heart of praise,
Sing now with voices raised to Jesus,
Sing to the King.

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Experienced a God-sighting lately?

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

‘There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Einstein

I use a certain phrase regularly. Maybe you’ve heard of it: “That’s a God-thing.”  I try to go through my day looking for God-sightings. And when I look for them, I nearly always find God-sightings. Often more than one.

Like the other day when my doctor requested a blood sample. I didn’t want to travel far. If the medical facility was near work, I could swing by on my way to work.

I was considering where the nearest facility might be when my husband came up with the suggestion of a location very close to my work. My experience continued to get better. Read further to see what else I discovered:

*  Personnel: friendly and efficient

*  Beautiful, newer building

*   I got right in and right out again

*  Added perk: the nurse gave me a mini can of orange juice and my favorite club crackers with cheddar cheese after giving blood! (Note: I felt somewhat dizzy and she promptly produced a drink & snacks)

These seemingly “little” God-sightings add up to so much more. Even though I don’t always take notice of them, they are still there. Every day truly is a miracle gift from God.

Have you experienced a God-sighting lately?

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Writers just wanna tell you a story

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

Row of Old Books --- Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

Writing: a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while telling it. (unknown source)

I can’t say it’s always true that I don’t want to make eye contact, but it is true I usually want to re-tell my story. After all, how can I know if the story struck a nerve or called someone to action?  The saying goes that truth is stranger than fiction. I believe that’s also a true statement.

Writing is a lonely profession usually within the confines of an office. You can verbally tell your story after it’s been written, but generally speaking a writer gets it down on paper (or on the monitor screen) first.

It may be weeks or months or years before anyone reads the print. Writing is a demanding, sometimes thankless, way of life.

I have learned that EVERYONE has a story to tell. Whether or not they are brave and remain focused to tell their story is another issue.

How do you feel about this statement? Does it ring true with you?

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Glory to God

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (photos by Steve Lasher)

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters” – Psalm 29:2-3.

***

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One person sharpens another

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

Friend, we need each other! – part II Cats snuggling

3.)  Why I need others in my life. When I steer off the beaten trail, my friend pulls me aside and feels comfortable enough to address the issue. Our children are not the only ones in need of good companions. Even as an adult, I benefit from hanging out with people who may, on occasion, need to steer me in the right direction. They gently remind me of a past commitment or an applicable Bible verse. When I fret and worry about a botched relationship, my friend lovingly reminded me to give it back to God. God knows the beginning and the end. He knows and feels my heartache and is in control of the seemingly tragic situation.

4.) Reflection.  We need each other. God uses key characters in our life to affirm, remind, and sometimes to discipline us. It’s for our own good.

Dear God, is there someone in my life that you’ve placed whom I need to befriend? Someone I can be accountable to and for? Show me how to be a good friend to this person in a way that pleases you. Thank you. Amen.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

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Friend, we need each other!

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)    Friends

This quote has always intrigued me. Just what does iron have to do with people and friendships? So I did a little checking on the subject matter and thought I’d share with you a few thoughts.

1.)  What constitutes a good friend?  Honesty. Concern. Love. Remaining non-judgmental. Knowing when to back off and allow God to direct. I remember a time when I felt overwhelmed with my to-do list and didn’t hesitate to unload on Sharry. She reminded me that I didn’t have to always be the one to orchestrate family gatherings and suggested it was time for others to step in. I listened to her sage advice and stepped aside. Another family member hosted the event which relieved me of the bulk of the work.

2.)  Why should I choose carefully?  Being around and involved with good people — people with like values and motives is healthy. Good friends keep me accountable to do and say what is right. When my children were growing up, I continually prayed for friends (even one good one) who would be a positive influence and help steer them in the right direction. Unfortunately, they didn’t always choose wisely which led to disappointments.

Has someone spoken to you about a certain attitude or action they’ve noticed about you? Does it cause you concern or stress? Can you take this matter to God and ask him if this is something you need to deal with or something to set aside?

* more to follow in next post …

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Soaring – part III

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

Juvenile eagle flying with black bird - photo by Steve Lasher

My responsibility is to wait upon God. From past experience, I know it is wise to rise in the morning and say, I give myself and this day to you, God. You are in charge — not me. I can do nothing without your permission as the Creator & Sustainer of the universe. Use me as you see fit to accomplish your goals today. My desire is to honor and glorify you and not to promote my own agenda.

I must carve out the time to come near to God. Listen to him. It’s too easy to listen to outside noises that clamor for my attention. I am easily distracted from my prime mission. Consistent reading of his love letter (the Bible) to me is crucial. Otherwise, how can I come near and feel at ease in his presence. In this way, I am open to receive what he has specially planned for me for the day.

Why would I not want to rely on this source of direction and comfort? He is great in might, strong in power, and never fails!

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” — Isaiah 40:31.

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Continuing to soar – part II

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

Juvenile bald eagle perched on limb - Photo by Steve Lasher

I need to remember that my Source is in God ALONE. He is the renewable energy source with no beginning or end. We can count on God to see us through regardless of our past. He remembers not the “former things … I will do a new thing … I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” — Isaiah 43:18, 19.

Even when the going seems tough. Especially when the going is rough, God will make a way. He will see us through to the end. He will never leave you or forsake you. It’s not in his nature. And that’s a promise from God.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint “ – Isaiah 40:28–31.

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Soaring on eagle wings

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Teresa Lasher

Juvenile Bald Eagle flying - photo by Steve Lasher

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint “ – Isaiah 40:28–31.

I love this verse …partially because these verses in Isaiah were also my Mom’s favorite ones too. They speak of power and strength. Hope bursts forth in this chapter giving courage to carry on. I see at least three object lessons here:

  1. It is not in my own strength that anything is accomplished. All comes from a holy, everlasting God. I can make all the plans in the world, but if God does not wish it to happen, it will not. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” — Proverbs 19:21. I can be confident that my future is in good hands.  More to follow in my next post.

Juvenile eagle perched on limb - photo by Steve Lasher

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