Breath of Heaven

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

Breath of Heaven

Today I began to really empathize with what must have been happening to Mary as she carried our Savior in her body. Overwhelming does not come close to what she must have felt. It is believed that Mary was somewhere between 13 and 16 years old when she was pregnant with Jesus. 

Although just her age alone would be significantly young by today’s standards, her innocence as a virgin made her even more vulnerable to such an overpowering responsibility. Imagine the questions in her mind. Why me? How can I be worthy to carry the Son of God? Who will believe me? Am I strong enough to carry out such an awesome obligation? What will it be like to give birth? What will it be like to give birth to God’s Son? What will my parents think? What will Joseph think? Is this real? Will I be good enough? How do I raise God’s Son? Will I be able to protect Him?

Then imagine her need for God’s comfort. How she must have plead with God to help her. Her pleadings must have included the request for peace and strength, but mainly for God’s presence. I can only surmise what a tremendous need to not be left alone, but to be surrounded by God’s reassurance. In my own mind I can perceive her needs to be protected, to be immersed in God’s love and mercy and grace, to find understanding of this miracle, and to feel worthy of this gift. And really, what does all this mean? 

Such a conflict of emotions must have ensued when on one hand she was presented with the privilege never given to any mortal before, but also the responsibility to bring to life the Son of God. How could she know about the life He would lead, or the miracles He would perform, or the love and compassion He would bestow to even the vilest of sinners, or the greatest sacrifice of all. Could she survive knowing that this precious baby inside her would die on a cross while she watched? She carried the SAVIOR of not only her world but of ours as well. She couldn’t know all these things could she? She was not much more than a child herself.

But God knew her tomorrows.  He knew what she would need and He would be there. He was already there, in fact. God knew that He was sending His own Son into the world to pay the price for all, then and today and tomorrow. He knew the grief she would endure because God Himself would endure that same grief of watching His Son die for the world’s sins. 

As His children, we have a Heavenly Father who knows every tomorrow we will face. He is already there, protecting, teaching, loving, and restoring. He sacrificed His Son for our salvation, so our tomorrows are already taken care of. I am overwhelmed and humbled by His love for me. Am I worthy? No, but by grace He has granted me this gift of becoming His child. 

So during this season of celebration of Christ’s birth, I am thankful and privileged to honor Him. My freedom to celebrate Christmas was not free. I am especially grateful for this freedom. It was payed for by many before me. Have a blessed Christmas!

TeeKay
 

Breath of Heaven

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done
Holy Father, You have come
And chosen me now to carry Your Son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now

Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan
Help me be strong, help me be, help me

Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy

Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven

I Can Do All Things Through Christ

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
King James Version 

In the last few weeks, this verse has appeared in public more times than I can remember in my lifetime, which has caused me to think about what it means to me. Sometimes the repetition of a verse becomes rote and I become complacent to the true meaning. 

I can do all things. That means I can fall and be lifted up through Christ’s strength. I can rejoice in adversity. I can learn from mistakes. I can have health problems and still have hope for healing. I can have peace in the midst of conflict. I can trust God even when all seems hopeless. 

I probably can’t stand on the highway in front of oncoming traffic and expect to be protected.  But then why would I attempt such foolishness? What about asking to win the lottery? What about asking to win a game? What about expecting perfection of myself?
Matthew 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God

The key words in the scripture which stand out for me are “through Christ”. If my mind is in Christ (think on these things), then my requests will be motivated by my desire to serve God. My requests will not always be about me. I can do all things THROUGH CHRIST.

I can love the unlovable, I can serve others even when I’m tired. I can be tolerant of the intolerable. I can give grace to the undeserving. I can walk the walk when the way is rocky. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

So when I see this scripture displayed in unexpected places, it is not my job to judge the motivation behind it. But it is my right to rejoice in the spreading of God’s word.

Matthew 21:16
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

TeeKay

THINK ON THESE THINGS

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

Think on These Things

Philippians 4:8
King James Version (KJV)
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

What a beautiful passage! The fruit of the spirit!  It absolutely confirms the theory that how we think determines our behavior.

 It also makes sense that OUR BEHAVIOR REFLECTS OUR SPIRIT.

 How often have we experienced ourselves or fellow Christians behaving in a way that gives Christianity a bad name? We can’t just talk the talk. We must walk it also because most people are visual learners. We represent something much greater than ourselves. We represent God. Others will see God in us or not.

Even psychological theories (Albert Ellis’s ABC theory) agree with this concept that our thinking  will dictate our behavior. If I allow my emotions to rule my actions, then I am letting the tail wag the dog.

Emotions can be fickle and change with the wind, which means I must rely on my cognition to interpret each individual decision and reaction. I see the fruits as my behavior toward others. If the tree is a lemon tree, it won’t produce peaches. Nor will a withered and dead tree produce fruit.

John 15:5
King James Version (KJV)
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Paul admonishes the believers to think on the fruit of the spirit so they can exhibit a loving and Godly behavior. Thinking on negatives usually produces negative outcomes like sadness, anxiety, pettiness, bitterness, or anger. Those negatives are the inner feelings and thoughts which will in turn manifest themselves in ungodly outward responses.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

If you let the tail wag the dog, then you won’t be able to see where you are headed and you will be out of control. That is the works of the flesh. Let your pure and Godly thoughts lead the way.  Think on these things! 

TeeKay

Eternally Grateful

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

ETERNALLY GRATEFUL

I just recently met 2 of my brothers. By recently, I mean last week. I was adopted by my dad, and never knew my biological father. So for the 60 years of my life I never met  these 2 siblings who grew up with our biological father.  I am the oldest of the three of us. The irony is that I probably look more like our father than they do. Not only do I favor him, but those genes were passed on to my children and grandchildren. We all resemble a father I have never known, nor will ever meet since he died in 1995.

How do we catch up on our entire lives in one meeting? Did I mention that God is an awesome God and His timing is perfect?  One of my dear friends likes to say she loves it when God shows off. I do too. And He made His presence obvious in this reunion. 

I may not know all the details of my brothers’ lives as they grew up, but God showed me their hearts in one meeting. Our hearts were one as we cried, laughed, and rejoiced in each other. It was like a revival. Nothing held back, we loved each other instantly and unconditionally. 

It is hard to even put this into words because the power of God allowed us such complete access to each other’s hearts. I don’t recall ever having this experience before. I have always loved the family and brother I grew up with, but we had many years to learn about each other: the good, the bad, the ugly. Yet in a brief moment, I felt an overwhelming knowledge and love of these 2 brothers. 

They opened their arms and their hearts to me like I have never felt before. Even though I missed all the previous years of their lives, God blessed this reunion with an acceptance beyond comprehension, and those missed years melted away.

I feel like I have experienced something rare and beautiful, far beyond anything I could have imagined. I know this is God’s handiwork. I am more than thankful. I am privileged and humbled that God granted me a glimpse of how complete and utterly selfless love can be. That is God’s love.

I am so grateful for this gift from God. I didn’t do anything to deserve such, but I will rejoice, cherish, and honor what God so lovingly gave to me.

Note to self: if I ever feel less than blessed, I just have to look at the majesty of God and His hand on my life to see His divine intervention. Nothing is impossible with God in control.

Eternally grateful,

TeeKay

Mark 10:27
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Be Anxious for Nothing

Be Anxious for Nothing

Philippians 4:4-7
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 
5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice! Not just in the good times, but rejoice always! Easier said than done, so we must rely on God’s grace to give our hearts the ability to rejoice even in difficult times. My eyes may be tearful, but my heart will still rejoice in the knowledge that God holds every one of my tomorrows in His hands.

Our compassion or empathy or weakness may appear as sadness, but again, our heart can still rejoice in the power and peace of God in any situation. This is possible because as Paul says, probably from his prison and shackles, that by prayer (conversation with God), and supplication (earnest request to our Authority), and thankfulness, we can ask God for ANYTHING.

Be anxious for nothing. Don’t worry, be happy! I have to constantly tell my mind to be still. When I say constantly, I mean every few seconds when my mind wants to take me to the “what ifs”. I have to keep repeating to myself to be still.

 Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God…

My children used to call me the ambulance chaser. As teenagers, when they were not home and I heard a siren, I would sometimes get in my car and try to find the ambulance to make sure it wasn’t for them. Psycho mom.

Sounds like I don’t trust God. 
Matthew 8:26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

So worrying is lack of faith, but my natural tendency is to first fret.  Such a waste of time and energy, when I have the answer to my prayers right there within reach. 

Peace beyond comprehension. Wow. I am granted a peace greater than I can even imagine just by talking to God and letting Him hear my requests. Now that is amazing. So why in the world would I ever worry? Must be because I am human and forget that God’s power is beyond my comprehension also. 

Reminder to self: BE STILL!  BE THANKFUL TO GOD! 

He is already there!

Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Great is Thy Faithfulness!

I will rejoice!

TeeKay

Work In Harmony

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

Work in Harmony

Philippians 4:2-3
New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
Do What Is Best
2 Here is what I’m asking Euodia and Syntyche to do. I want them to agree with each other because they belong to the Lord.
3 My true companion, here is what I ask you to do. Help those women. They have served at my side. They have helped me spread the good news. So have Clement and the rest of those who have worked together with me. Their names are all written in the Book of Life.

In this passage as Paul addresses the apparent conflict between these two women, he offers some wisdom for today in how we are to interact with each other as Christians. He did not say anything about which one might have been right or wrong nor did he mention the nature of the conflict at hand, but rather, focused on the thing these women had in common: their love of God.

I often hear the word consensus tossed about. I really like what it means, which is agreement, harmony, or even compromise. In other words, to come to a consensus does not mean to necessarily change your opinion, but to CHOOSE to come to an agreement about something. Look at the big picture or the end goal and concur for the sake of the mutual objective.

But Paul didn’t just admonish these women to agree with each other, he admonished the church members to help them. It was not necessary to agree with one or the other, but it was important to help them reunite because they both were Godly women with a common purpose.

That sounds easy, but I would not want to step between two hardheaded women and ask them to forget their opinions. However, that is just what Paul is asking. Every person is unique, with individual God-given talents and skills. It takes the unity of us all to accomplish the goal before us. We may not agree on the route, but we must agree on the destination. If we continually argue about the route, then we lose sight of the destination.

So the question becomes whether to stand firm in our personal opinions, or to come to a consensus about the big picture. It is so easy to get lost in the details of a project. The cliché; you can’t see the forest for the trees is one that comes to mind here. We lose sight of the purpose when we focus on which of us has the best roadmap.

There are many ways to get to the same place, but as Christians, we must always keep God first. It is our duty as Christians to help each other stay focused on the important issues of loving one another and supporting one another. Supporting, as in lifting each other up, carrying the load of another at times, or putting our differences aside to  maintain the integrity of the Christian principle of loving one another.

One of my favorite stories is The Sense of a Goose:
Sense of a Goose
Listed in: Inspirational Stories

Next Autumn, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in a “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily, because they are travelling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

If we have the sense of a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are heading the same way we are.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.

It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

What message do we give when we honk from behind?

Finally – and this is important – when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of the formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies; and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their own group.

If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.
(Roger Darlington)

John 13:34-35
“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.”

TeeKay
 

Upcoming Series – Life Lessons from Philippians 4

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

Upcoming Series – Life Lessons from Philippians 4

Have you ever felt you needed a life coach? A little help in your relationships with family members? Your thoughts? Your insecurities?
Help is on the way!

Every Wednesday in the month of September, my friends Auntie Em at Auntie Em’s Guide to Life and Juliana at simplyjuliana, and I are teaming up to do a series on Philippians 4. Each Wednesday we will all write on these topics.

Sept 5- Work in Harmony (Philippians 4:2-3)
Sept 12- Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:4-7)
Sept 19-Whatever.. (Philippians 4:8)
Sept 26- I can do all things (Philippians 4:13

Please join us as we share three different aspects of the same Scriptures. As we go, share your thoughts with us in the comments, or write your own post and link us to it!

Aha!

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

Perception

To Perceive is the ability to understand. However, perception is clouded or enhanced by life experiences and our own belief system, which can evolve depending on circumstances.

  In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul says that:
“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” That implies that we will gain greater understanding and clearer perception.

I remember numerous “aha” moments when particular insight became so clear, that I wondered how I had missed it. I get it! The lightbulb turns on. The circumstances didn’t change, my perception of the circumstances changed.

Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…

When my perception changes, my behavior changes. So, in fact, my reaction to situations is based on how I perceive the situation, not on the situation itself. That must be why eyewitnesses who see the same incident may have totally different perceptions of what happened. It also must be why attitudes can change with greater understanding of the event.

I have noticed that people facing similar trials may experience opposing reactions because that reaction is based on how they view the trial. Some will prevail, others will give up. Giving up is not an option for some people, while defeat is the attitude of others.

And giving it to God is not giving up. It is acknowledging God’s perfect understanding and timing, then allowing His will to prevail. Faith and trust that God is in control will change how we perceive any situation. We are never  helpless or hopeless when we allow God to be our strength. We are only helpless when we choose to be.

So we can’t change the way we act until we change the way we think. It’s not so much that we see the glass half full or half empty, it is that we know who holds the glass. Trust that God will give us the mindset we need if we let him.

As the old timers used to say, “Don’t wallow (wallor) in it”, whether that be in negativity or self pity or judgment of others. I will today choose not to wallor. I will choose to trust in God with an open heart and mind.

TeeKay

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

Listen to the Birds

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

Listen to the Birds

This is a lesson I learned from a very wise student of mine. I’ll call him German for reference to him. He shared his story with me several years ago, and I have tried to keep it in the forefront of my mind when circumstances around me get chaotic. German said that when walking from the high school parking lot to the school entrance he would be very quiet and try to hear the birds chirping. His explanation for this was that if he was quiet enough to hear the birds, then he might be quiet enough to hear God. Since the parking lot was a huge cement pad with few trees in sight, I wondered where he would hear birds. But not only did he hear birds, he saw them also. Specifically a cardinal would persistently sit on the lamp pole near his car. Yes, God is Awesome.

When life gets hectic, it is my first tendency to start planning, solving, fixing, when I should be listening. To really listen well, we must be still, both mind and body. Listen and be still, not listen and plan or listen and question. Such a simple theory, but so difficult a task. Keeping our minds focused on God’s plan is all He asks.

It isn’t that I must do nothing, but it is imperative to listen first, without the interference of emotions, fears, and the frantic urge to act. 

Thank you German for reminding me of the really important things. What wisdom in such a young person. So now when I hear birds chirping, I immediately wonder if I am being still enough and quiet enough to hear God. We keep a bird feeder in the back yard so I can sit on the porch and watch them. It is a great reminder of God’s creations, but also is a check point for me to listen and be still . That is when I can hear God speak to my soul. It always makes me smile.

TeeKay

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

GIVE ME A QUIET MIND 
When winds are blowing, waves are rising, falling
And all the air is full of dust and spray;
When voices, like to sea birds’ plaintive calling,
Confuse my day;
 
Then, then I know Thee, Lord of highest heaven
In newborn need discover Thee, and find
Nought can discomfort him to whom is given
A quiet mind.
 
When hopes have failed, and heavy sadness crusheth,
And doubt and fear would weave their deadly spell,
Then thought of Thee my troubled spirit husheth;
And all is well.
 
In midnight hours when weariness ignoreth
Heaven’s starry host, and battle wounds are mine,
Then Thy right hand uplifteth and outpoureth
Love’s oil and wine.
 
O Blessed Lord, beyond the moment’s sorrow
I see above, beneath, before, behind–
Eternal Love. Give me today, tomorrow,
A quiet mind.

  (From the collected poems of Amy Carmichael)

The Thief

This was a blog of mine that Auntie Em let me publish on her page before I had my blog up and running. I wrote this after some much needed introspection (also some counseling from Auntie Em).

A Thimble’s Worth of Wisdom

The Thief

The most competent thief I have encountered in my life is fear. It is sly, convincing, and paralyzing.  It is a master of disguise and camouflage. It mimics strength and protectiveness, but steals joy. Like a double-edged sword, it is useful in times of danger, but intrusive and crippling to the soul as an uninvited enemy.  It knocks at the door of our hearts like a friend and enters to stifle hope, creativity, and love. It whispers lies to us of our limitations and weaknesses, and plants the seeds of doubt in an otherwise fertile soil.

My head knows that this is not of God. Yet it creeps in so unexpectedly, that it has nested before I realize it’s even there. It is a shape-shifter, so it is able to take on the persona of legitimate concerns. 

I consider myself a strong person, but when fear creeps in, I then doubt even what I know is the truth. As in any recovery, the enemy has to be identified and acknowledged. Fear is real. I am human. Life is not perfect, nor am I. Fear tells me that I will lose respect if I make mistakes. God tells me that He is my strength, and no fear is bigger than Him. He tells me that He is Love and has already seen my tomorrow. He has prepared the way for me. Fear is just an obstacle. See it, acknowledge it, then move past it toward the Light.

As I write this, I breathe a sigh of relief that God pointed out the unrealistic fears of this day and replaced fear with a tender heart. You see, our hearts cannot be open when fear resides there. That’s the reason fear is a thief. It will steal our peace, and try to shake our foundation. 

A special friend told me today to choose love above fear of rejection. So I do that for today. I choose love and all its many facets of hope and joy. I choose to acknowledge fear and reject it. It is my enemy and a thief. I choose God’s gift to me. I will rejoice in His faithfulness. I choose this today.

Tomorrow I will have to once again make a choice. I must keep my eyes open and focused on God’s grace. Tomorrow is another day, but God is already there.

 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

TeeKay