A Penny for Your Thoughts

Yesterday, while doing laundry, I found a shiny new penny in the dryer. I think this was God's way of saying, "A penny for your thoughts". 

I'm a planner.... I like everything in line, all my 't's" crossed, "i's" dotted, etc. I am learning, especially these past 13 years, that I can plan all I want, but God has His own plan and He likes to add twists and turns, just to make sure I'm FOLLOWING Him, and I don't take over the LEAD. 

I posted my poem, "What a day brings forth", the other day. A good reminder that God has a specific plan and purpose and will accomplish it all in HIS time. 

I talk with God often... yet at times, I find myself, "telling God" how I think things should happen. I know... like I know best!?? 

The shiny new penny was a reminder that I'm to share my thoughts, my desires, my concerns with God... but then I need to LISTEN and allow God to share His thoughts and plans with me. I need to take a step back and give God time to accomplish His plan. 

"A penny for your thoughts".... yes, I'll continue to share my thoughts with God... I only need to remember to allow God to share His thoughts with me too.

Wandering off on my Own

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 43. Here is what I learned.

Send me your light and ·truth [faithfulness] to ·guide [lead] me. Let them ·lead [bring] me to your holy mountain [Zion, the location of the Temple], to ·where you live [your dwelling]. Psalm 43:3 (EXB)

Send your light and your truth. Let them guide me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain and to your dwelling place. Psalm 43:3 (GW)

Guide: a primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport.

Lately there have been reports of hikers lost because they chose to leave the paths/trails and venture out on their own. Some hikers were found safe, others lost their lives. The paths provide a safe way to navigate through the wilderness. Yet, some think they know better, or want to prove that they are capable of making their own path, or are attracted/distracted by something off the path. 

The same is true in life. God not only has designed a path, but provides the light to direct me as I walk along. He provides guidance and will lead me safely. Yet, I too often am distracted by what is off the path, or I want to take a different path, because I think I know a better way. However, each time I wonder off on my own, I end up struggling, unhappy, dissatisfied at what I found, discouraged at mess I created for myself, and wandering around wondering how to find my way back to the path. 

Thankfully, God never loses sight of me as I wander off on my own. He is waiting to lead me back to His path, as soon I say... “help”. You’d think over time, I’d stop wandering off on my own, realizing that it only leads to trouble. But I’m a slow learner and quick forgetter of what I have learned. Thankfully, God is patient, gracious, and merciful. And no matter how many times I wander off the path and go out on my own, God is waiting and watching ready to lead me back to the path. 

To create a positive day, I need to stay on the path God has laid out for me, and not go wandering off on my own. 

Leave the Driving to Him—I’m Just Along for the Ride!

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 67. Here is what I learned.

The ·nations [peoples] should be glad and sing because you judge people fairly. You ·guide [lead] all the ·nations [peoples] on earth. ·Selah Psalm 67:4 (EXB)

May all nations celebrate together, singing joy-filled songs of praise to You because You judge the people fairly and give guidance to all the nations of the earth. Psalm 67:4 (VOICE)

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You will judge the peoples fairly and guide, lead, or drive the nations upon earth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 67:4 (AMP)

Guide: to lead, direct, to transport.

God will guide, lead, transport me in accordance to His will and purpose. As I read this verse, I thought, I’m along for the ride! God will do the “driving” so to speak. I just have to be willing to join Him and allow Him to lead and transport me! 

God has given me an amazing friend, who graciously and willing drives me to my doctors’ appointments and surgeries. When we go to a  new office, we have a choice. We can just drive around and hope we find the office, or we can print out the directions and maps and then know where we are headed and arrive at our destination. Really, my part is easy, I just read the directions, and recline back and relax. My friend, navigates the traffic, the road construction, detours, etc. But I have learned to trust my friend. I know that she will get us to our destination. 

The same can be true in life. If I allow God to guide, transport, “drive” me, then I can relax knowing full-well that He will get me to the destination He has chosen. However, many times I find myself wanting to do one of two things, 1) jump out and go my own way, or 2) move over into the driver's seat. However, either of those two choices will result in many delays, detours, and perhaps even heartache and/or misery. 

To create a positive day, I simply have to join God and leave the driving to Him—I’m just along for the ride!