7 Days... 7 Years...

Photo taken and post written 20 October 2009

I'm overwhelmed with a sense of God's presence today. The past 7 days have held much for me. I was able to get away with my husband for 3 days without kids and away from the house that needs a serious cleaning. 

Seven years ago today, October 20, 2002, I was at the side of my father for his heavenly homecoming. I'm thanking God for my dad's wholeness today & knowing that I will be with BOTH of my FATHERS for eternity. 

Today, I drove through Mounds State Park for the first time since my foot was broken in early August of this year. Last night I enjoyed a homemade meal with our entire family of four - which fills me with joy! God is so good to us. He's continually finding ways to bless us. Sometimes we don't notice all that is put in our paths by our loving Father. 

As James 1:17 says, "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike man, He never changes or casts shifting shadows. " Every good & perfect things come from our Heavenly Father! WOW! So today, from God's Word, "May the Lord continually bless you with heaven’s blessings as well as with human joys." Psalm 128:5 (TLB paraphrase).

Bonus video: God is Here 

Lyrics by Lara Martin:
In your presence, there is fullness of life
And healing flowing, for body soul and mind
God of miracles, God of the impossible is here
God is here

CHORUS:
God is here - Let the broken hearted rejoice (lift up your head)
God is here - Let the sick say I am well (all sufficient One)
God is here - Let the weak say I am strong (let the weak say I am strong!)
God is here - His wonders to perform In your presence, there is perfect peace

In the stillness, I behold your deity God of wonders,
God of power is here
God is here 
O His wonders, yes His wonders
His wonders to perform (Repeat)

I Don't Want To Pick & Choose. Do You?

I'm a "PK"... a preacher's kid. My father pastored a small country church in Hickory, NC for the biggest part of my childhood. I remember him stressing that although our numbers were small our little church could make a difference in our community and in our world. He encouraged regular attendance & faithful support. 

I remember a specific time when we were heading out of town (probably for Anderson Campmeeting) that he challenged our people to "not forsake the fellowship" in his absence. A few wonderful saints had let him know that church just wasn't the same without him there. 

It makes me wonder why we choose to attend our church homes from Sunday to Sunday. Is it to be entertained? Is it to hear only one type of music or one type of speaker? Is it to go in anticipation of what God has in store - through his speaker of the day, through the music of that day, through those beside us??? 

Hebrews 10:24-25a says, "Think of ways to encourage each other to outbursts of love & good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together..."  

So Christians, let's not rob ourselves of a blessing or someone else of a blessing by picking & choosing when we will be an active part of the church family. In truth, it's GOD'S church family -- not just ours.

I want to be willing to do whatever is best for God's plan... even if it's not necessarily what I'd prefer.

Related to what we are going through at this season in our church (2013)...
https://www.churchpost.com/view_mail.php?id=cp5149c299421 

He Walks Before & Behind

photo by T. Getz

I've been going through some especially rough days lately.  If I focused on the problems & challenges we are facing, I could consume all my energy battling the "what if's."  At some point in our lives - if we truly walk with the Lord - we need to focus on His enduring love for us.  And, we need to see the daily hugs & smiles placed in our lives by a loving Father. We HOPE for great things ahead in spite of trials today! I love that regardless of what we're facing, we can still have JOY and HOPE in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13 

So, do NOT be discouraged or defeated by the circumstances that seem to be sticking right beside you. God envelopes you with His love, care, blessings, and more as promised when David speaks of God:

"You both precede and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head."

 Psalm 139:5

Shared with the Ann Voskamp 1000 Gifts Community on 10/08/12

What EVER You Do...

photo courtesy T. Getz

(originally posted 10-02-09; re-published 07-23-15)
During a recent small group meeting, we were talking about how God gives us what we ask for in His name. We talked about how we each have to get down to what we consider the "bottom line" and ask ourselves what we want most though, before asking God for something.

The tough reply to that question (and my reply I've given to God in this "crazy, scary season" of life) is to desire to bring glory and honor to God -- whatever happens! 

I love this excerpt from the book, Practicing His Presence, by Charlie Riggs:

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - 3 No Strings Attached

About 10-15 years ago, a few things began to really "get under my skin" about a dear, cherished, beloved relative. I pondered those things & came to the abrupt conclusion that I too could easily slip into similar and perhaps the exact (gasp) behaviors. It was at that time that I began a new file entitled, "Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old". About 2-3 times each year, I send the file to a few "sister friends" in the hopes that they will NOT let me edit the entries as I get older to suit my fancy. I'm beginning with the first entry & will add others throughout the coming months, years, whatever :)

I began the file with a note to read each time I open it...

Dear "Old" Caitlyn,
As you continue to get "older", please DON’T FORGET the following these guidelines from...
"Young" Caitlyn

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old -- Entry #3

Solomon sitting on the Christmas bags so I couldn't put them away!

3. No strings attached please!  What does it mean to give a gift to someone? Does your gift come with conditions -- is there a cost? Are you giving to get a thank you or to make a big impression? Are you giving your gift with a hidden agenda? The same thoughts go with the intent of a compliment or an invitation to join you in an activity, etc. When growing up, 99% of the time, I felt like there were conditions to the approval & affection that I received. As, I grew up, that perception didn't seem to change much from that one person. Currently, I see that same thing happening in the lives of my children.

Why do we have to attach strings to so many things in our lives. When we give without the expectation of receiving something in return, the joy is immediate with our gift. We aren't sitting in a holding pattern waiting for recognition or accolades! Isn't this they way it was intended? None of us enjoy going on a guilt trip.

Old Caitlyn: DON'T send your loved ones on a guilt trip. Give freely!

Scriptures of the Day: A few scriptures that come to my mind. Acts 20:35: "You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Luke 6:38: "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving--large or small--it will be used to measure what is given back to you."

SO TODAY... as Deuteronomy 15:10 says, "Give freely without begrudging it, and the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do."

FORMER POSTS IN THIS "SERIES"

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #1 - Sleep Around

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #2 - The World Doesn't Owe Me

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old, #2 The World Doesn't Owe Me

About 10-15 years ago, a few things began to really "get under my skin" about a dear, cherished, beloved relative. I pondered those things & came to the abrupt conclusion that I too could easily slip into similar and perhaps the exact (gasp) behaviors. It was at that time that I began a new file entitled, "Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old".

About 2-3 times each year, I send the file to a few "sister friends" in the hopes that they will NOT let me edit the entries as I get older to suit my fancy. I began with the first entry & will add others throughout the coming months, years, whatever :)

I began the file with a note to read each time I open it...

Dear "Old" Caitlyn,
As you continue to get "older", please DON’T FORGET the following these guidelines from the ...
"Young" Caitlyn

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old - Entry #2   The world doesn’t OWE me! We all suffer injustices & should NOT expect to be compensated for those the rest of our life. What am I saying? Try NOT to act as if the world owes you – because of all the sacrifices you’ve made in life or because of all the unfair things you've experienced. LIFE AIN’T FAIR. How many times have we said those words to our kids as they grow up & encounter unfairness, hardships, persecution?? What gives us the right to "get back at the world" when we are older.

KEEP REMINDING YOURSELF...  eternity with God is much closer than it ever was. Heaven isn’t necessarily "fair" either-- we get to heaven based upon Christ’s sacrifice - not our good. It’s much more than we could ever imagine, hope, and dream!! The hardships & injustices we endure here make us better & stronger -- fitting right into God's plan!  They equip us to help others with their struggles... not make it so they must pay us for our struggles. Yes, Old Caitlyn, remember... the world does NOT owe you.

Scripture of the Day: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Gen 50:20 (what Joseph said to his brothers after their terrible treatment of him)

FORMER POST IN THIS "SERIES"

Caitlyn Young vs Caitlyn Old #1 - Sleep Around

Sweet Dreams

Trusting in Him enough to turn my cares over to Him during the dark times in my life (sometimes just the night); wow, what a concept :)

I've thought of a favorite scripture many nights when I was unable to sleep. I've claimed it.  

"I will both like down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

And, the perfect scripture for the following morning: 

"I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me." Psalm 3:5. 

As a friend of a friend says, "Turn it over to the night shift."

God's in control 24/7 and watching out for us 24/7. So, go ahead & turn your cares over to the night shift. See I Peter 5:7 too! He's got your back!

(written 14 Sept 2009)

I'd love to give this boot the BOOT!

Well, I'm not a happy camper at the moment! I got a second x-ray yesterday - after wearing my heavy, ugly to-the-knee boot for 3 wks & 1 day. The Report: No visible signs of healing (aka calcification)... at least three more weeks in the BOOT... at least three more weeks of no driving... no more step aerobics anymore - only walking around the block. Next x-ray scheduled for October 2nd.

The way I'm feeling at the moment, if it was up to me, I'd not leave my house for the next 3 weeks except with my hubby (church, choir rehearsal, and an occassional meal out). I'd be perfectly happy to just stay home & communicate via blogs, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter. The desire to get out & about for anything seems to be missing. I'm pretty certain that I'm in need of a slight attitude adjustment.

I'm SO thankful that it's not something really serious though. There are so many in this world who are suffering from serious illnesses or persecutions or losses. I'm thankful that I didn't reinjure the fracture in the past 3 weeks. I'm also very thankful that I can do everything I need to do around the house, albeit considerably slower. AND, I'm quite thankful that I look so fantastic wearing a bedazzled boot. But, I must admit, I was hopng to give my boot THE BOOT as soon as possible!

I don't believe that God "did" this to me to teach me a lesson. I believe that He allowed it to happen to me & that I will grow and become a better person through the experience. I believe that He will use this time in my life to grow in other ways. I also believe that this experience will allow me to be used of Him in ways that would not be possible if I were not experiencing this! What's the point of fretting about this little inconvenience? It's not going to make the healing go faster. I also refuse to let this little dilema pull my attention away from all the other people who have greater needs. So, for the present, I'm in a boot & spending some extra time praying for others!

"O Lord, you alone can heal me; you alone can save me. My praises are for you alone!" Jeremiah 17:14

Attitude... I'm Working On It!

It's been a great week -- not so much a great day. I learned today that there's no visible healing (although no further injury) in my foot. I had a second x-ray done & have to wear the boot until the next x-ray in three weeks. 

I can't drive a car. I can't do step aerobics anymore. I can't even walk for exercise. I'm not thrilled but, I'm not devastated either. It could be SO MUCH worse. It's just gonna be a pain for a little longer than I had hoped. 

Several scriptures come to mind & I'm reminded that this life on earth is going to be a challenge. 

Christ spoke in John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." 

So, what do we DO about those trials & sorrows? I look further into the Bible. 

We're told in Matthew 6:34, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."

That second verse might seem to have a negative connotation to it. But, the way I look at it is that there's no need to fret about tomorrow, worrying will NOT change things. Sometimes we need all our energy for just what's thrown at us today! So, I attempt to deal with today's challenges with God's help and claim His help for whatever tomorrow throws at me! It's all I can do. 

Okay "stuckinindiana"... breathe in & out; ask God for a positive attitude about the foot & a few others things! I'm standing on the promises -- and leaning heavily upon His Word!

My attitude... I'm working on it!

A human being can alter their life
by altering their attitude.
~ William James 

Parenting is NOT for the Faint of Heart!

In our adult Sunday School class a few years back, one of the couples (parents of 3 children) were beginning the summer after their oldest child's first year in college. She was coming in late, being noisy, not reporting where she was, requesting QUIET in the morning hours, and more! I remember my husband & I "giving them advice". While doing that, I was silently wondering what will we actually "do" if we faced that!!

I guess we learned that when our oldest came home after freshman year of college. When we began experiencing the same things our friends had told us about all those years ago, the LOML and I recounted the "advice" we'd given to our friends. We'd said something like this...