Chipped

Last weekend I had woken up early and was able to spend time in God's arms. Being loved through His Word and guided by His teaching. These quiet times renew my soul and spirit. As I jumped up off the couch and bounced into the kitchen it occurred to me that I was behind in my schedule for the day. I had spent too much time with God and now my schedule wouldn't be completed.

I reached and then yanked on the pull for the kitchen window blind and this motion jerked the blind forward. This knocked one of my favorite vases into the kitchen sink and it chipped on the top edge. This is one of those moments you wish you could take back. From elation to sorrow in one motion I stood there and looked at the chipped vase. Immediately God nudged me to reflect on how this relates to how I love my children, my parents, siblings, friends, and coworkers. Those God places me in front of during the day and week.

In my haste, my words and actions can leave a chip in the lives of others. Moving forward too quickly with my life and not slowing down to remember those around me are placed before me for God's schedule.
In contrast, my words and actions can also leave others knowing they are loved by a God who first loved them. I can stop to remember what is on their heart and what prayers are important in their life. And I can also remember that God's schedule is the most important of all. He slows me down for a reason. His reason, His plan.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

Living through Him, for me, is evaluating in myself, my motives and then my words and actions.

Are they edifying? Or do they leave the person chipped?

Are they thanking God for the love He has given me to then love others?

As I face another day, I seek Christ's love in His word so that I may apply it in my life to thank Him.

Blessings,
DIG (Discovering Intimacy with God)

God’s Kisses and Hugs

Warning – there is not biblical basis for these thoughts. But it does glorify what he has given to all of us.

The rain beat down on the house last night. It was louder than the noise from the 3 computers, TV, and all of us talking. We all fell silent just to listen to the roar. The TV was placed on mute, the computers too. We listened as it seemed to fall harder and the wind blew stronger. It lasted quite awhile.

I always sit in wonder and awe that the rain can fall so hard, fast, and so much. And always, someone will say – “Hey, if this were only SNOW! Think how much we’d have on the ground”. As much as I love watching the snow fall, I also love listening to the rain. More so, I love feeling the rain on my face. The rain drops always make me think of God kissing my face, only me. He gives me each one specifically where they need to fall.

Do you know of butterfly kisses? When a person “kisses” with their eye-lashes, not their mouth? The rain on my face feels like butterfly kisses from God. Each one perfectly placed as He is perfect. Kind, gentle and loving. I especially like the ones that fall on my eyes. As if God is getting my attention to continue and keep my gaze on Him.

Then there is the wind that blows strong sometimes when the rain falls so hard. As a single woman, the wind has become my physical touch from God. He’s wrapping his arms around me and reminding me that He’s ALWAYS there. I don’t even mind my hair getting messed up by the wind. I imagine God taking his hand and messing up my hair like we do with little kids. God is teasing me and playing. I feel He approves of me and likes me for me.

It’s raining and is windy again today. I can’t wait to get out and have God give me kisses and hugs, I love you too.

May God rain on you today.