Greater Purpose

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 90. Here is what I learned.

You sweep mortals away. They are a dream. They sprout again in the morning like cut grass. Psalm 90:5 (GW)

You sweep people away like dreams that disappear. They are like grass that springs up in the morning. Psalm 90:5 (NLT)

You release the waters of death to sweep mankind away in his slumber. In the morning, we are blades of grass. Psalm 90:5 (VOICE)

Our lives are but fleeting moments. When we wake up in the morning, we don’t know what the day will hold. Each day has 24 hours, and once the day is over, it’s gone for good. Some of us may live for 60 or 80 years, others may die young. God doesn’t promise us a certain number of years, rather He does promise us eternal life, if we place our faith and trust in Him. 

24 hours. It will be gone in the blink of an eye. What will I do with this 24 hours? Will I use it wisely, or will I waste it? 24 hours. 

I am a  planner. I have my lists or goals of what I'd like to accomplish each day. Yet, as well throughout out my plans are, I don’t know all the aspects of what a day will bring forth. For example, I had planned to clean the apartment today. But, since my last surgery, I’ve had increased pain in my back, and today it was even more intense, creating muscle spasms. So, I had to forgo the cleaning. Sometimes, my plans change due to my pain level, other days my plans change due to weather, or the schedules of others. 

The other day I wrote on Facebook... “Looking forward to seeing what God has planned for me today. His plans are always so much more thought out and have a greater purpose than my plans.” I have to remember as I plan my day, that it’s best to follow God’s leading and see what He wants me to accomplish each day.

Just as soon as this day starts, it ends. What I accomplish doesn’t really matter, if I didn’t accomplish God’s plan. And knowing what God wants me to accomplish on this fleeting day, means that I have to be willing to listen to His leading. 

To create a positive day, I need to see what God has planned for me today, for His plans have a greater purpose than mine—His plans have eternal benefits. 

Smile Time

What makes you smile? 

If you take a minute and think about smiling, something will come to mind and you will start smiling, and may even start giggling. It could be a joke you heard, or an incident that happened, or something silly you did. No matter what, there are certain things, which when we remember them, make us smile. 

I think it's time we schedule

"smile time" into our days. 

There is something about a smile that makes you feel good. It's been said that a smile is joy bubbling up from inside. I agree. 

The other day a friend told about her son wanting "rooster juice". She had no idea what he was talking about. So the little boy went to the frig and pointed to the Apple juice box with "Big Bird" on it. Each time I think of that I smile. How cute, Rooster Juice!

If you've been reading my blog, you know that I've been dealing with a higher than normal pain level as I had to go off my medications for a new treatment. I was finding it harder to smile, when I just wanted to cry.

God realized this and provided  something to help! I stopped at a store to buy a new pillow. However the store didn't have the pillow I wanted, but did have a VERY CUTE little Snowman! (See picture) As I passed the display I smiled, and even giggled. I continued shopping, but couldn't get that snowman out of my mind. I returned to the display and put one in my cart. "SnowCone" now sits in the living room where I can see him. Each time I look at him, I smile. I have no idea why. It could be his silly smile.

I wonder how many other times, God has provided something special to make me smile, but I was too focused on my pain, or worry, or whatever, to see it. Each day God provides exactly what I need. And that includes things to smile about. 

Psalm 16:11 "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."

Proverbs 15:30 "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

"SnowCone" is a good reminder to smile. No matter what is happening, God is greater than the situation. Even if the situation seems hopeless....God provides HOPE! God loves EACH of US with an unconditional love. That fact alone makes me smile. 

Yes, there are 'bad' things in the world. But God has overcome the world to provide Hope, Love, and Eternal Life to those who believe in Him. 

If you really want to enjoy a positive day, then schedule some SMILE time. Take a moment to remember something special that makes you smile. You will feel better and your day will take on a new focus.

Creating
a positive day

is as easy
as smiling

at a silly snowman!

God's Timing

The past couple of days,

I've been very aware of God's timing.

God's Timing #1: On Friday, due to the accident and coming home via an alternate route, (see post below) God led me to a dumpster FULL of boxes. Exactly what I needed to help with my "non-move". (My apartment is being remodeled, so I'll have to move out for a few days.) The boxes are heavy duty and various sizes... couldn't ask for better boxes. All very clean and were waiting just for me! If I had come home my usual route, or if I had stopped at the store as I had originally planned, I would have missed the boxes. But God led me home via that route and I was able to FILL my car full of boxes (even cut down so more would fit!!). Now, I'm ready to start packing. 

God's Timing #2: As part of the "non-move" I've been purging stuff. The past few days I've been shredding TONS of papers. Today, my shredder jammed and broke. I went online to see what I could find and Office Depot was having a TRADE-IN Special through TODAY!! I was able to get $25 for my broken old shredder!! Again, God knew if my shredder was going to break, today I'd be able to get $25 for it! Plus the shredder I bought was on sale!! A double savings! The new shredder is working great.

It's fun to notice when God does things. Sometimes...okay more than often....I'm frustrated with God's timing. Why do I have to wait so long? Why can't He work faster? Yet, I know that God's timing is best. I don't always understand His timing, yet since God does love me, He works on His time frame....for my good. Sometimes, His timing is to teach me, and sometimes He uses it to teach those around me. No matter the reason, God does know what He is doing and will accomplish His work in His time frame. 

When I allow God to work in my life in His time frame, my life is less frustrating and more enjoyable. If I want to create a positive day, I have to remember that God uses delays, detours, and distractions to accomplish His will. If I go about my day using God's schedule, it is a great day!