Day of "Even Now"

When people attend Easter service, they usually expect to hear the traditional resurrection story. I'm beyond thankful that's not what I heard this year! Our contemporary service pastor allows God to work through him regularly to deliver messages far beyond what is just the "norm." Easter service was no different!

Before you fear resurrection wasn't discussed, let me assure you, it was not only discussed, it was captured as the cornerstone of what this Christian stuff is all about, but looking through the eyes of others. When Lazarus became ill, Jesus waited two days to embark on the two day journey to reach him. Jesus knew this wait was pivotal! Upon his arrival, Mary (who had previously washed Jesus feet with her hair) was dead in discouragement. She saw no point in greeting Jesus...what could He do now? She needed a resurrection of her faith! Martha ran to meet Jesus, but was dead in the delay of His arrival. She believed with four days passed, Lazarus' spirit had departed his body and would not be able to return. She needed resurrection of her faith! Lazarus lay dead (and, as Scott pointed out, likely quite stinky) and buried. He needed, well, resurrection of his life! Jesus demonstrated even now, when hope is lost, too much time has passed, and Lazarus is gone, He can resurrect! 

Remember, even now when you feel all is lost in your family, your marriage, your health, your employment, trust in Jesus' resurrection. Even now, He can guide the way!

Day 94: Heavenly Father, thank you for continuing to work in your humble servant to deliver the messages needed, despite what may be wanted! Thank you for your constant presence regardless of death in spirit and hope.

Lord, I plead for you to reveal yourself to someone struggling tonight. She desperately needs to see even now when her world seems to be crumbling around her, You have a plan for her life far beyond what human setbacks she may face. Father, I ask for your comforting arms to embrace her, encourage her, and reveal to her what seems like a step back may actually be a pivotal leap forward in her fulfillment of your expectations for her life. Watch over her, Lord! 

Father God, I trust in your compassion, love, and wisdom. But, for many, it is so difficult not knowing your plans. It seems when we face battles, we can hardly see how they are for our benefit. I know you aren't guiding our lives as a puppet master, but I think for those who struggle to trust in the big reveal even if they can't see it can be discouraged easily and could lose sight of you. I pray you work within me and use me to help reveal to others what I see without seeing. I trust in you even now when I may not see you.

I love you.

Source: http://gotleeks.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/living-into-the-yes/

Day of Sensitivities

I'm a sensitive person. I cry often, both in joy and sorrow. I've been this way all my life. Generally speaking, it doesn't bother me. I'd like to think God created me with an extra dash of sensitive to help me be more empathetic to people's struggles. What an honor to be able to show God's love being attentive to the pains of others!

However, admittedly, on rare occasions it irritates me! Sometimes, I would like to be able to not give situations a second thought. Despite being confident the intent of my actions and words are genuinely out of love and care for others, when I'm caught off guard by a reaction I wasn't expecting, I'm lost. I am compelled to question my motives which can be downright exhausting emotionally, even though I know I try to come from a place of positivity. (I'm certainly not perfect and always growing, but I think I do an okay job in this area.) If I was able to have a more take it or leave it attitude knowing my intentions are to show God's love, I would save myself time obsessing the "what did I do or say?"

Sometimes, I just want to just let things go, but I have this desire to be liked. I'm not talking the "I wanna hang with the cool kids" kind of acceptance, but rather being the person everyone knows  through whom they can always experience God's love. It physically pains me when someone doesn't feel I've bestowed God's love to them through my words or actions.

Day 65: Heavenly Father, please help me embrace fully my sensitivities as a gift to share your love for others and not as an irritant when I just may not be someone's cup of tea. Thank you for instilling in me a desire for self evaluation and the motivation to mend relationships I may have harmed by my words or actions.

Lord, is there a balance to be found between being too sensitive and indifferent? Should a balance be sought? Is it dangerous to be too empathetic if it can be wearing emotionally? I pray for knowledge in this area and clarity for situations in which I feel an internal conflict. 

Father God, despite my temporary discomfort when things may not go as I expected they might, I am thankful you have created me this way. I want to honor and glorify you always, even if I must experience pains or turmoil to do so.

I love you.

Source: http://wwweamonreillydotcom.deviantart.com/art/The-Story-of-a-HSP-Highly-Sensitive-Person-384626930