Provision: Needs -vs- Wants

A few times this last week I was surprised to wake up to a heavy wet spring snow on the ground. Not a lot, always gone by lunch time, but enough to get me thinking about God’s provision. We have been daunted by a drought and have had so many wildfires lately…that any moisture is not only needed but an answer to many prayers.

It reminded me of this picture taken by my friend, Randy. It captures a leafless tree with its vibrant red berries stark against the fresh white snow. These berries are food in the cold, long winters for many birds and ground critters.

I find it absolutely amazing how so many of us do not even notice these types of provision. We are so busy that we are oblivious to how many miracles are around us. We take such wondrous things for granted. Shame on us!

Throughout the scriptures it is made very clear that God provides all…and nature shows it in every facet. Even more than that, He provides for us! We silly humans tend to think that God doesn’t care about our needs. The reality is that He is so very concerned for us, that all of his creation was done with us in mind. In Matthew 6:25-34 we are told not to worry as God will provide our needs. Let’s look at that passage:

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

God is very clear that He provides all our needs. Where we tend to go wrong is we expect Him to provide all of our wants. I read something recently on another blog that went something like this…“If it’s a need, God will provide it. If God hasn’t provided it, then we don’t need it.”

In reading the passage of scripture in Matthew 6, I am convinced that I have been guilty of thinking my wants are actual needs. I am especially drawn to the 33rd verse, “but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” I am painfully reminded that it is in my seeking Him and His kingdom, that I am assured provision.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been deliberately practicing this principle. I have always heard this passage and believed it. However, I can honestly admit that I tend to think that my needs are my responsibility to supply. Please don't get me wrong, I understand that we have the responsibility to work and earn a wage which helps us obtain our needs and wants. But, the truth is that whatever I do, I must work at it with all my heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23) God is the one who provides me with the ability to earn a wage in the first place.

We have experienced a rather tough year... but, our needs have been met. What I have learned through this year is that my needs are not as numerous as my wants. In otherwords, my expectation of God's provision was loftier than my actual needs. In the last 24 hours or so, I have seen God not only miraculously supply some needs, but He has even provided several wants. I know that I could have never met these needs or wants on my own. Only God could make it happen. I believe that the manifestations of these things are God’s provision.

Are you willing to trust God for your needs? Are you willing to seek Him and His kingdom first? I can tell you, from experience, that if you can answer yes to these two questions, you are putting yourself in a place where God can really move on your behalf!

Bright is the Night

Photo (Bright is the Night) by Randy Pillion

I have been thinking a lot about the current events all around the world lately. There are so many things going on…wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and now Libya; the earthquake and tsunami in Japan; the continued aftermath issues from the earthquake in Haiti; flooding in California; record breaking winter in US northeast; famine in third world areas; pirates at sea; unemployment at all time highs; financial woes; fire dangers elevated in so many places do to drought conditions; and the list goes on.

The plight of humanity as a whole seems to be as dismal and hopeless as I can remember. I cannot imagine facing all that is going on without the help of the Lord. The world is dying and we are watching Biblical prophecy being fulfilled on a daily basis. Is it as dark as it is going to get? Nope! But, it is dark just the same.

For the last couple of nights the Super Moon has been visible. This is a rare phenomenon, so rare that it will not happen again until 2029! I stand amazed that in a time where all seems to be so bleak, that we can see something so unique. The light from this Super Moon was brilliant! You have to love it when you can physically see that the moon is shining more brightly than normal.

I see it like this…in the darkest of nights, there is a bright light. So, even though our current events seem very dark…there is a hope that shines bright. God promises to light the path of the righteous. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” The Word of God is like the Super Moon. The forest represents all the negative things that we are seeing here at home and round the world. With such a light, the forest is not as scary as it might be.

I for one have determined that I am going to seek God by being rooted in the Word and trust Him for provision. I also believe that He will continue his faithfulness, thereby, He is lighting up my paths. I choose to rely on the fact that He sends us a super bright light to break the curse of all the darkness that hinders us.

Be Still…Be Quiet…Do We Allow Ourselves to Hear God?

Photo by Randy Pillion

Last night at the small group we attend, we were asked, “How do you hear God? How do you get quiet before the Lord?”

It got me thinking this morning…Do I really get quiet before the Lord? I am loud by nature. I tend to talk twice as much as others. As if all that isn't enough, I am usually very busy doing things that are often times anything but quiet. Being quiet has just never been easy for me.

I believe that I have gotten quiet before God…but those times of real solitude without distractions are few and far between. So, what do we need to do to find more of those periods of time? Let’s see:

Purposefully set aside time for just me and God.
Being deliberate will help to set the tone for our time with Him. If we do this, we will reap the benefit of our sacrifice. Yes it is a sacrifice – obedience to the call to be in the quietness of His presence demands the exclusion of everything else.

Create peace or find a place that is peaceful.
For some, finding a place of peace is easier than creating peace. We all have seasons in our lives where distractions within our surroundings will not allow solitude and peace. So leaving and going to an environment that promotes peace is better. Others have the ability to find peace in their own home by filtering out everyone and everything. Wherever that peaceable place is, use it.

Let go of agendas.
This is a time where God is in control. We are to not have any agenda items that we bring into this time. This is probably one of the most difficult things to achieve. We do not need to fill up the quiet…our society is very afraid of silence. If more than a few seconds pass, we feel responsible to fill it with something. Something truly amazing happens when we allow ourselves to hear the wind rustle through the trees, the water trickling in a stream, the tick-tock of a clock, the sweetness of soft music mixed with sounds of nature, soda bubbles popping in a glass, the chorus of crickets at night…and the list goes on. Listening to such things brings the awesomeness of God into your quiet time.

Remember, God is a big God and He has more to say to us, show us, and impart to us. We just have to be willing to do what Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

New Hope of Spring

New Hope of Spring

Photo by Randy Pillion

Winter is nearly done and spring is just around the corner. Usually just before spring arrives we become very weary of old man winter. We start to complain about the gray, gloomy skies and how it seems like the dry grass and barren trees are never going to green up again. Our mood seems almost as dry as our surroundings. We have a very dreary outlook for the most part.

We need to remember that this time of year is very special…it is a time of anticipation. The trees have buds on them, don’t they? The birds are braving the slightly warmer days that still turn into cold nights, right? There are signs of green in the yards if we look hard enough. The days are getting longer, aren’t they?

It is that way with our spiritual lives as well…

Nature truly gives us insight to our spiritual life…This is the time of year that I often think of my dad. While he was alive, he rarely had dark times. But when he did, he still managed to find it within him to smile, laugh and face whatever came his way. His final battle was with cancer. Up until the very end, he managed to find purpose in his illness. He loved his family so much and he knew that God would provide the opportunity to share his faith with us all. It was like he had a mental checklist of everyone he needed to talk with.

Daddy loved the first flowers of spring…Crocus being his very favorite. He would watch with such anticipation for these beautiful little flowers. He knew that once they bloomed that winter only had a couple of more weeks to daunt us. Crocus meant that spring would soon be in full swing.

I think that he saw his opportunities to share his faith with everyone like that of the Crocus blooming. Each one of us was one little flower that was ushering in his final spring. It was no surprise that Daddy passed just hours after sharing his faith with the last of his siblings. With his Crocus garden complete…He went on to be with the Lord in heaven.

We have all gone through long winters, spiritually. Many of us face times when trials darken our countenance. Circumstances can affect us negatively if we let them. The scriptures tells us to be grateful in all things (I Thessalonians 5:18). It is not saying create seasons that are crazy and unfortunate. But rather it is a statement that says when they come, find the silver lining and trust that when it all passes – new life will spring forth!

What or whom represent the Crocus in our gardens? Are we looking with anticipation of the first signs of the changing seasons? Are we grateful in ALL things? Do we believe that there is purpose in our lives? These are just a few questions that we should ask ourselves. We need to look inside ourselves and find our purpose(s). Is the Crocus blooming in our lives?

The Heart of Love in Tough Times

The Heart of Love in Tough Times

Some of my favorite scenes in nature are the distance shots of the desert areas with mountains and plateaus, right here in the United States. I love the rust, brown, and gold tones and how they are warm and rich in the arid sunsets.

When you take a closer look at these regions of our beautiful country, you find lifeless sand, dry river beds, parched trees and wildlife which are fighters and cunning due to their environment. In the barrenness of this terrain there are plants that pull moisture where there seems to be no water. They bloom in vibrant colors against a muted backdrop. These plants have spines that protect themselves from their fierce surroundings.

So it is in our lives when we hit difficult trials. God promises to be our source, our water when we feel dry and barren. When we soak up His presence, we can flourish in the most difficult of conditions. He allows us to bloom in vibrant colors. He gives us His wisdom, guidance and protection when we seek Him and trust Him.

My friend, Randy Pillion, took this picture of some cactus…in the midst of what looks like a prickly and gnarly mess is a perfect heart. Just like in this picture, God shows His total and unconditional love in our lives in the middle of our driest times! It is then that we can see how God takes our rough patches and uses them to grow us and show others His presence.

Time...

It is Spring again and time to set the clocks ahead an hour tonight. I find it hard to think an hour ahead when my internal clock knows what time it actually is.

While knowing that I am losing an hour tonight has got me thinking about time in general. Things like:

Being just 5 minutes late to work 3 times a week - that is a total of 12 1/2 hours a year that we are robbing our employers of. What can I do in 12 1/2 hours...tons! Maybe it is what we could have accomplished that would have gotten us that raise.

Thinking that we do not have enough time to read the Bible - Television...There is a lot of mindless vegging going on in our country. For instance, I average about 5 hours a week watching TV. That means that I spend approximately 260 hours per year watching TV. If I were to cut that in half, I could spend about 20 minutes a day, reading his word.

How about the, "I cannot find the time to pray" crowd. Most of us have to drive 20 minutes to work at least 5 days a week that is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes a week that we could use for prayer time.

That is just a few...

Several years ago, I was impress to tithe my time on a daily basis. That is about 2 1/2 hours devoted to spend time with God everyday. That sounds nearly impossible. In reality, it is totally doable! It goes something like this:

6 am - 45 minutes reading the Bible
8 am - 20 minutes praying while driving to work
Noon (Lunch) 15 minutes reading the Bible
20 Minutes Praying while taking a little walk
5 pm - 15 minutes praying while driving home
10 pm - 15 minutes praying while taking a bath
10:30 pm - 20 minutes reading the Bible before bed

That is 2 1/2 hours with God. TOTALLY DOABLE!!!!

I challenge you to do this for 1 month and see what happens. I think you will be surprised at how you will grow in the Lord.

Dinner & Worship

What a wonderful evening at our church tonight! Food, fun and fellowship along with an hour and a half of Worship.

I especially like to sing the Revelation Song, Gateway by Kari Jobe

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat
[Repeat 2x]

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore You!
Yeah!
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/gateway_worship/revelation_song.html ]
Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore You!

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore YOU…

(Chorus) (Repeat at a cappella)

Come up lift up His Name
To the King of Kings…
We will adore YOU Lord…
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory


More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/g/gateway_worship/#share

Wow, I can hardly believe that Spring is almost here. These nice warm days are true teasers of what is to come in the very near future. Living here in the Springs has given us a very mild winter and now the new hope of a beautiful Spring and Summer.

Even though I am a Fall/Winter kinda gal...I have to admit that I am looking forward to green grass, bright colored flowers and yes, even some rain.

I hope ya'll enjoy these next few days of nice weather...as I am sure we will get alittle more snow over the next month or so.

Simple Days...

Being off work is never easy for me...I am one of those people who just doesn't like to take time off. When I do something, I do it with my whole heart. When I am put in the position to have to take time off, I tend to be just a little irritated. I mean, I feel like I am letting others down, and who can ever throw themselves into staying home because of a silly injury. It is terribly difficult to just sit around.

Today, I decided to "be good" and rest up. Not easy, but not impossible. So here is my take on the whole thing...No matter what God has you doing, do it with abandon. So, rest I did. I tried very hard to not over do. I sat...I read...I watched the news...I made a batch of Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies and I visited with my daughter when she came by. I had a simple dinner with my husband and we watched American Idol together. Not the most thrilling day I have ever had, but nice. I managed not to be too hard on myself...and allowed myself a free day. A day without any real expectations.

So, what did I learn today...God is in the simple things...Even free days.

Pain...

Several years ago I went through a multi-year process with a RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). This is a very debilitating medical problem. It robbed me of so much. Yet through it all God reveled himself in ways that I had ever dreamed of.

Recently, I injured my right foot and I have felt the some old familiar pains. I am not giving into them, but am reminded that God is in control. He knows me, loves me and is the one I run to!

Pain is something that we all struggle with from time to time. It may be physical, emotional and/or spiritual. Regardless of the type of pain, how we view it determines the outcome of its hold on us.

I for one, know that I am free...NOTHING can hold me in any bondage. I choose to trust the Lord for all of my needs, including a complete healing of this injury! Meanwhile, I will rest in the knowledge that I am one of God's kids...I know He has it all under control!!!!

Life is good...by Cara Lynne Vanderkolk

Origanlly written July 27, 2010:

I was just sitting here watching my grandkids play and my thoughts went to the days when my kids were playing together. My how things have changed as far as with what they play with, but the interaction has not.

I am reminded of the word legacy...I remember when I was growing up and how insignificant I felt. I was terribly insecure. I tried to befriend everyone, yet never felt as though I fit in anywhere. I had lofty dreams, which I have done very few of them. I felt like a wallflower and as though people could look right through and beyond me.

Who would have thought that I could live the life I have and find myself in the lives of those I gave birth to and their now kids. I may not have done all that I wanted or dreamed of or achieved the loftiness I thought that I wanted; but what I do know is this...

My kids are wonderful adults who have done more than I ever thought to do. They are an asset to this world. They are all wonderful parents who love their kids and want the best for them. And their children's young lives are just beginning their journey...they are wide open for the great adventure of life. The sky is the limit...

So, back to Legacy...I am forever significant through the lives of generations to come. My greatest gift to them is living what I believe and rooting them in the faith. To let them know that no matter how small they may feel in this great big world that they are important. What they bring to the table has value and will change the world forever.

I am blessed to have seen two generations after me so far, and am hopeful that I will see more! We are a family that loves, lives and inspires! What more can I ask for?

Beyond the Shadows by Cara Lynne Vanderkolk

Is our darkness as dark as we think?

There have been many times in my life where I thought that the darkness of a trial, situation or event would overtake me and cause me to lose focus. During such periods, there were times where I would fret, blame, complain, and live in denial. The shadows seemed to grow darker and more haunting to my soul. It seemed as though I was in a forbidden forest and couldn’t find my way out.

Over the years I have learned that those shadows were often times something that I invited. They were something that I was so familiar with, that I couldn’t or wouldn’t recognize that they were hindering me. I walked around putting on awesome performances of being more than okay. I had the ability of convincing others that all was well. The sad part was that I began to believe it too. Living in the shadows, even while totally busy and visible, became my norm.

Back in 1995, I had what some call a power encounter with my Savior, even though I had been a born again Christian since I was eleven. I always knew that I needed to take it all to the Lord in prayer, but during that special night I was shown I had been locking away so many hurtful and crippling feelings. Ever since that time, I have been victorious in chasing off the shadows.

Many people ask me why I still need to chase shadows off at all. My response is very simple…I am human, with real feelings, trials and failures. No matter what comes my way, I know that God is working something in me through those things. Being a Christian does not mean that everything goes along without some challenges. So, now, when the shadows come, I never loose sight of God…He is always the light that I see. There is always a blue sky on the other side of every problem that may arise…that blue sky is a beautiful place where I know to run to and leave the shadows behind!