When I Remember To

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2

     Recently I found out that when I was trying to remember scriptures that I had difficulty calling them to mind. Oh, they eventually showed up but I was a little disturbed by my seeming lack of ability to recall them, especially when I wasn't feeling all that good at the time. Now I realize the importance of going over them until it becomes natural and even then you must remind yourself daily to remember to go over them. Maybe it is a bit like walking, we don't quit because we learned how and have mastered it. We need to use it everyday.

     When I remember to "Set my mind on things above, not on things on the earth," I find that I am far more likely to remember God loves me and is taking care of me, instead of letting my mind wander around and feeling like He doesn't care. Little things tend to float in and out of my mind all day long and I tend to get side-tracked easily. I pay attention when I get behind the wheel of a car and drive somewhere, you'd think I would be mindful enough to pay attention to "keeping my mind set on things above," just like the bible says. It is like putting on glasses, everything comes into focus.

Misplaced

There are a good many things in life that get misplaced. It doesn't take long in my world for this to happen. I misplace even the things that I purposely put away in the proper place, all with the best intentions. Frustration is first thing that I feel along with a nagging sense that other people will become frustrated or angry right along with me. I misplace things like keys, forms that need to be filled out, receipts, journals, and grocery lists. It is annoying...

Tucked away inside of me is the feeling of not fitting in, of feeling less than whatever I am thinking I should be. It doesn't change who I really am, I just feel the sting of remembrances that dance across my memory of other times when I felt misplaced, as if I didn't fit or belong, much like the things in life that I misplace and the times I felt stupid and less than others.

I am grateful that God does not misplace me. He never forgets where I am. He never belittles me for my mistakes and He forgives me for my sins when I go and ask Him. He remembers where He has placed me in life. He doesn't misplace my tears when he collects them in His bottle, He always knows where they are. That is the good thing about knowing God. You realize that He loves you and that Jesus came and died on the cross for our sins. He never forgets that you are there. So although I sometimes feel misplaced and sad it is good to know that God always knows where I am, and I am not forgotten by Him.

Reminder of God's Love

It is a little strange when you are reading your bible and going over a passage you've read many times only to find one little verse that catches your eye. In my case it was John 14: 18 "I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you." What a kind reminder from the Lord, who knows at time we wonder and struggle with feeling alone or abandoned at times.

Christmas Llamas??

Last night I took a stroll through the parking lot at Michael's Craft Store. It was black out and the lighting wasn't the best. I noticed a lady walking a blonde pekingnese that looked a lot like my dog. So I hurried up to take a peek at it. The lady was scurrying across the parking lot with her camera out heading for the light post looking at something I couldn't even see. As I caught up with her she told me she wanted to get a picture of the llamas that were tethered at the lamp post.

Right about then I wished I had my camera too, for there they were, three dark brown llama's waiting patiently for what, I don't know. There was no trailer, no owner, no evidence that they were owned by someone except that they had harnesses and leads on. Kind of strange considering we were right in the big city. For a moment, I wondered if Santa had traded in his reindeer for a team of llamas. I guess you just never know what you will run into next...maybe next time I will have my camera with me:)

The Gift of Hope

I think one of the most comforting words someone could ever say to me is "God will see you through this." Somehow, it is the knowledge that someone else has enough faith to believe that, that God will see you through whatever you are going through. No matter how long you've been going through it or how long it continues, it is still comforting to be reminded when you are in the deepest pain and swimming in doubt that God is still who He says He is. When we feel shaken to the core of our being and it seems no solution is in sight, when you can't seem to get past how you feel, your hurt, your pain, and even your frustration, it is good to have a friend remind you that God will see you through it. It is like a precious balm to the soul, this gift of hope to the hurting.

Thoughts on Christmas Songs

One of my most favorite songs to hear anytime is "On This Very Christmas Night" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I thought I would share this version with you.

Pachabel's Canon in D always seems to calm my heart. Some songs always touch the heart, even when there are no words. It is that time of year when the airwaves are covered in Christmas music and it seems most folks are tired of it by Christmas. Sometimes I wonder if that is due to the fact that not a lot of Christmas music is written in this day and age. It might be helpful if Christmas wasn't looked at as if it was a sin to even say the word. To be politically correct in this day is a joy stealer. Christmas is still about Jesus' birth and the Heavenly Father's precious gift of salvation to us.

Remember

I am linking up with Gypsy Mama's 5 Minute Friday at http://gypsymama.com for 5 Minute Friday. The word is Remember.



Remember...





How many times have I sat looking out the window remembering when God walked me through something that was just too hard for me to fix. A steaming cup of coffee and a quiet moment with Him are all that is required for me to drift back to times of His strength when I not capable of setting myself free. Remembering His great love for me and his mercy to set me free.