2012 Christmas Letter

A Laugh and a Reason to Shout!

Was up very early today, 3 am... so I went "Treasure Hunting" through the Psalms.

Here is my Treasure for today! This passage made me LAUGH! And then made me SHOUT, "God is GREAT!"

Read it and let me know if you laughed. Just picturing vs 26! Love how David is so "real" with God. Sounds like something a "kid" would "wish", but isn't that how we all often feel? Reading through the Psalms has enhanced my prayer life, as I learn to be "real" with God. He knows my thoughts anyway... I might as well talk them over with Him. 

After I got done laughing, I had to focus on verse 28.... do I say "over and over, and over... God is GREAT"? Again, it reminds me of a little kid who likes the sound of something and continually repeats it. I should "like the sound of "God is GREAT!" that I WANT to SHOUT it over..... and over..... and over... and over.... and never get tired of SHOUTING it or repeating it. 

Psalm 35:23-28 (MSG)

Please get up—wake up! Tend to my case.

My God, my Lord—my life is on the line.

Do what you think is right, God, my God,

but don’t make me pay for their good time.

Don’t let them say to themselves,

“Ha-ha, we got what we wanted.”

Don’t let them say,

“We’ve chewed him up and spit him out.”

Let those who are being hilarious

at my expense

Be made to look ridiculous.

Make them wear donkey’s ears;

Pin them with the donkey’s tail,

who made themselves so high and mighty!

But those who want

the best for me,

Let them have the last word—a glad shout!—

and say, over and over and over,

“God is great—everything works

together for good for his servant.”

I’ll tell the world how great and good you are,

I’ll shout Hallelujah all day, every day.

Just KNOWING the FACT that God is GREAT, adds a wonderful positive aspect to my day! 

My Agenda or God's Agenda?

Monday. Was just planning my agenda for today as I try to get things accomplished before surgery on Thurs, Dec 20. I had to stop in the midst of "MY PLANNING" to realize that I need to make sure "MY AGENDA" is what God wants me to accomplish today.

I want to spend my day "God-looking" not "Rhonda-doing". For if my focus is on me and what I want to get done, I'll miss the wonderful things God wants me to accomplish and the blessings He has waiting for me. 

Time to pause and talk my day over with God to make sure He's included in my plans and I'm listening to His directions as I go throughout my day.

When I include God in my planning that makes a positive day!

Well-Thought-Out Plans

"God, you are my God.

I celebrate you. I praise you.

You’ve done your share of miracle-wonders,

well-thought-out plans, solid and sure."

Isaiah 25:1 (MSG)

I'm claiming this verse for my 'surgery week'. My goal is to celebrate and praise God and share His miracle-wonders...knowing that no matter what the outcome of the surgery it's all part of HIS well-thought-out plan...very solid and true! What a peace and comfort that provides! 

And the very thought that God has a specific plan for me sure makes the day a positive one! 

Note: On December 20th I'm scheduled for back surgery number nine. I'm trying a new Spinal Implant Stimulator Company. The goal of this surgery is to see if the Dr. can place wires without removing the 'paddle' from the other Stimulator. I'll be "wired" for a week to test the placement. The wires will be removed in back surgery number 10, on or about December 27th. If the new wire placement works in helping reduce my leg pain, I'll make then decision whether or not for permanent placement.

God-Looking!

Had to run some errands the other day, one being getting my hair cut. I stopped into the place and asked if my stylist was working today... not for over an hour. OK. Figured I'd go finish my errands and come back.

On the way out of the salon, I stopped to look at some pics of shorter hair. I mentioned to a lady waiting, that "I'm going shorter... just now sure how short." She asked, "why?" I replied, that with upcoming back surgery, shorter hair is easier to care for.

She then asked if I was in an accident. I briefly explained and then her expression changed... and she said "Wow, you must be in pain.... but you are smiling." I replied, "That's the joy of the Lord. God loves me and cares for me in amazing ways." After we talked for a bit longer, she thanked me for sharing about God's goodness. We parted with "Merry Christmas!" 

And I thought I was "just running errands" today... but God had something more specific in mind!

"If you want to know your calling, don’t go “calling-looking.” Go God-looking. God knows where He wants you, what He is calling you to do, when He wants you to do it, and how He wants it done. Therefore, if you want to find your calling, look for God. When you find God, His calling will find you." Tony Evans

It's fun going "God-looking" and sharing His awesome love with others. And when I'm "God-looking" that makes the day a positive one.