Friday

Tax day is past. The weekend is ahead. This could be a really good day! But then any day that you spend with the Lord is a really good day. I hope to hear from you today. It's feeling a little lonely here.

Thursday

My spring break is almost over and my poor old body is beginning to complain from all the yard work, but it has been so fun! As I was falling asleep last night I was making plans for my last two days when I realized that I had not tried to encourage anyone that day. Remember my goal for this week? Encourage someone every day. That made me think about just how distracting this world can be. Gardening is a good and worthwhile thing as are many activities in our lives, but we must not let any activity distract us from our bigger goal - to bring God glory. For those of you with young children, caring for them and bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord IS bringing God glory. For those of us who are past that time in our lives, it's very tempting to feel as though we now deserve to focus on ourselves after completing that job and that it is time to play. We need to remember that HEAVEN is our rest. There is not rest here. Enjoy your activities, but keep your focus. Have a great day!

Wednesday

Sarah made some great points yesterday in her comments that started me thinking. We call God our Father - and what a privilege that is! We have been adopted into His family and stand to receive a great inheritance. Why should we be surprised that He uses our time on earth to bring us to maturity when we do the same with our own children if we are good parents? We let our children experience hard things as they are able to prepare them for adulthood. We punish them when they disobey to teach them obedience. We make them eat their vegetables so they will be healthy. It goes on and on but you get the point. We like to think of ourselves as "adults" who have arrived and don't need any more training but God has higher aspirations for us. He doesn't want just physical adults, He wants spiritual adults - and that takes a lot more training (also known as trials or tribulations). So the next time your child or grandchild throws a tantrum when things don't go his/her way, ask yourself if you do the same thing when your Parent lets you experience something to make you mature.

Tuesday

Thanks to Sarah for being the most loyal poster over the last few days!!! Julie is approaching the end of her tax push so I hope she will be back soon. Audrey is on vacation but will be back at the end of the week. Ann is just struggling to keep her head above water. Yep, it's a stressful time for many of you. I hope you will keep your eyes fixed on the One who can give you peace in the midst of stress and continue to study even if you don't post.

I am now reading through the book of Romans. The main message I received from yesterday's reading is that no matter what happens or what mistakes we make, God is faithful and righteous. I can count on that. After watching Clash of the Titans over the weekend, I realize what a great blessing that is.

Monday, April 12

What are you spiritual goals for this week? Have you set any? For myself, I hope to find someone to encourage every day as well as continue to do my daily readings. I would encourage you to set a goal. It doesn't have to be some huge thing - just something to press toward. You don't even have to actually reach the goal - sometimes we don't - but having one will give you some direction.