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Breathless Expectation
I sit this morning and ponder of my Great and Mighty God and wonder.How does He feel when He looks down and sees man?Surely, our sins are many; like grains of sand.Yet, He made a way. For forgiveness, for a relationship with Him today.He sent His only SonTo die for our sins; the Chosen One.Jesus paid the price. He was the sacrifice.He rose againTo defeat death, give new life; forgive sin.Now, we wait in gracious uncertainty For His return-heaven-eternity.We wait with breathless expectation,for Him to come. A celebration!We watch and pray His return is imminent, any day.We do not know the day or hour.But we must be about His business;sharing hope, His love and power. His light must shine through the darknessPiercing the hearts of hardness.Calling people to “Come.”Dying to self. Surrendering our lives for him to run. Trusting as a little child.Laying down pride; becoming meek and mild.Letting go of this worldLike sails before Him, become unfurled.
Following Jesus
Jesus said 2,000 years ago and He says now: “Follow me.”To be a follower of Christ, you must develop “Holy Spirit sensitivity.” You must be able to absolutely discern His voice.So you can willfully obey; make the right choice. To follow means you must be willing to serve.Dying to self and from His way not swerve. You must give yourself away.Do His will every day. Following Jesus comes with great sacrifice.What is He asking you to lay down? What is the price? We must deny ourselves, our plans and desires.We must share in His sufferings; walk through the fire. We must suffer, grow and learn; bleed to be blessed.He builds our character so we can encourage many before we rest. He rewards those whom follow. The rewards are great.He gives you the choice to follow or not; to determine your fate. Wrtitten by Kim Clodfelter Photo Credit: Sue Wilson
Porch Swing
From the porch swing,I talk with GodPray and Sing.I sip a cup of tea And listen as He speaks to me.He shows me beauty all aroundFlowers, trees a variety of birds abound.He loves and cares for all Rich, poor, big or small.He has a plan.He wants me to share His love across all lands.He teaches me how to live And shows me how to forgive.He causes me to rememberSo I can trust him, be humble, patient and tender.He is never hurtful, forceful or loud. He convicts me when I am feeling proud.When I am lost, He shows the way.He assures me that I will be with Him one day.He gives confidence and hope. He tells me to “Be courageous”; givesstrength to cope.Yes, from this porch swingI am learning many things! Written by Kim Clodfelter Photo Credit of Porch Swing: James Garcia
Fruit Inspectors
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Today I want to share a memory of my dear friend, Lisa. She was not only my friend, but my colleague, my prayer partner, mentor and so much more! Lisa was vibrant! Her personality was effervescent, contagious! She never knew a stranger and deeply cared/loved everyone. She was authentic, honest, real! She had a deep relationship with Jesus and was always introducing people to Him! Lisa would stop on the street; ask people their name and if she could pray for them. For a short season of about two years, we had the opportunity to work in the same building complex. At lunch, we would put on running clothes and run through the neighborhoods within a few blocks. The area had seen “better days.” Houses were in disrepair and garbage abounded. As we ran, we prayed. We asked God for renewal of the area, revitalization of hearts and minds for the people living there. We prayed specifically for revival. At times, we would stop and chat with people and pray with them. Sometimes, we were able to help individuals with specific needs. One of Lisa’s favorite things to say was “God tells us not to judge others. But He wants us to be fruit inspectors.” As I write, I smile. My memory can still hear her laugh as she said the quote. Many times, I have thought about this quote. Spending time with people, you get to know them. As I spent years with Lisa, I knew she was genuine. Her love for Christ literally poured from every pore in her being! I was able to observe all of the good fruit in her life. She overflowed with the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Why? Because she spent time with Jesus. She would read the Bible, pray, and obey. I have found that you can’t “hang out with Jesus” without being filled with His Spirit! The more you surrender your will to Him, the more He fills you with His fruit. We are called to love and become more like Jesus. It is good to become a fruit inspector so that we can identify people that are like-minded; bearing good fruit. First, we need to start with a self-evaluation. What does the fruit look like in my life? Do I love, truly love the unlovely? Am I faithful to read my Bible, pray, surrender my will? Do I forgive? How do I treat people? How are you doing so far on the quiz? I know that I could do far better. I want the fruit in my life to be good. When picking fruit from a store, I want my apples and grapes to be crisp and sweet, not mushy. I want my bananas to be yellow and firm without brown flecks and soft spots. Likewise, I want my life to be filled with the sweet fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5: 19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. It’s important when you do a quality check on anything to understand the difference between high and low quality. Galatians 5 provides a list of “bad fruit” for our inspection checklist. It is no surprise that the bad fruit is completely opposite from the fruit of the Spirit. Am I jealous, harsh, selfish? What would the people that know me say? Do my words and actions match? Am I authentic and real? Five years ago, I lost my friend. As I attended both her visitation and funeral service, I heard testimony of all the good fruit. There were countless lines and crowds of people testifying to all of the good fruit her life had produced in Christ. Many of her community service projects she started continue to this day! And I am happy to tell you that God answered our prayers for both the neighborhood and many people where we ran. There has been revival, renewal and transformation. What is in your fruit basket? Photo Credit: Nick SarroPhoto Credit of Apples: Vera DePhoto Credit Fruit Baskets:Alex Meier
Work for His Glory
Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. Last evening I had a “texting conversation” with a dear friend. After battling a serious illness, she will be returning to work in six weeks. She is not looking forward to going back. She is exhausted. Her journey has been long and hard. She is ready to retire, rest, and not have a structured work schedule. She is ready for a break; simply enjoy life. But, sadly, she is unable to retire for another year. As I have thought back over my career, I asked myself “What encouragement, if any, can I possibly offer? What instructions have I given my kids? What would I tell them now?” At different seasons of my life, I had differing needs when it came to my job, different perspectives. My attitude is the only thing that I can control so I will start with it. I made a conscious choice each day to be grateful and have fun in my job. I have always told my children “If you find a job that you love, then, you never have to work a day in your life.” I tried to find something about every job that I loved. Most of the time, for me, it was the people. My goal was always to be the best at whatever I did, put my whole heart into it and help someone. Honestly, people are difficult. But I remember the wise advice from my grandmother “Always take the time to find the good in every person. Even the worst person in the world has at least one good trait. Look hard to find it. Encourage them with it.” So, I have tried to start with and maintain a positive “can do” attitude. I apply Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I truly believe He strengthens me and sustains me every day. he is with me, for me. Each day, I would wake up early, read my Bible, pray and journal. I don’t think there is anything more important than focusing on God. Beginning with and ending each day with the LORD is like “book ends”; it allows God to hold you and your life firmly together. It took me years to realize that life is NOT about me and I am NOT in control. Once I learned this it was an “Ah Ha” moment. I surrendered my will to Him and began laying the burdens at His feet. Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The Bible tells us that we are in a spiritual battle. This is a battle of epic proportion! We have an enemy that is out to kill, steal and destroy! We have to develop our awareness and be alert at all times; staying on guard against his schemes. How? By fixing our minds on Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Deuteronomy 11:18-19 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when your get up. Hebrews 3: 1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. I am a morning person. So, I would be one of the first people at Corporate Center, arriving between 5:00 and 6:00 am. My desk sat inside a cubicle with multiple colleagues surrounding me. At my desk, I kept an open Bible, a daily devotion calendar that I read and I began my day by reciting Psalm 27. Psalm 27 The LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance againstme to devour me,it is my enemies and my foeswho will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me,my heart will not fear;though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD,this only do I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the LORDall the days of my life,to gaze on the beauty of the LORDand to seek him in his temple. For in the day of troublehe will keep me safe in his dwelling;he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tentand set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above my enemieswho surround me;at his sacred tent I will sacrifice withshouts of joy;I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, LORD;be merciful to me and answer me.My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me,do not turn your servant away in anger;you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.Teach me your way LORD;lead me in a straight pathbecause of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this:I will see the goodness of the LORDin the land of the living. Wait for the LORD;be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. I would pray for my “cube mates” and would often walk around the office praying over the conference rooms and offices before my team members arrived. This was not a “nice” jester. This was my battle plan and tactic. The daily warfare was intense, to say the least. The darts and arrows were replaced with cannons and nuclear bombs! I knew I could not do one second of one day without Jesus in the workplace. The enemy is fierce and relentless. His time is limited! If we think differently, we have bought into his lies. We have to constantly remember that we are in a battle. But, we must also remember Jesus is victorious and we are never alone! He goes before us, is in us and follows behind us! 1 Peter 5: 7-8 Cast all you anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prows around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray continually The roaring lion is always ready to pounce on us and devour us. We cannot let down our guard! To stay alert we need to pray continually. Many of my prayers are not lengthy or eloquent. They are honest and authentic; from my heart. “Help me, Jesus!” I watched Jesus work in me. He took difficult people and used them as sandpaper to hone me and sand off my rough edges. He taught me to love the unlovely and bless those that curse me. I watched Jesus take impossible people, circumstances and do miracles. He would remove boulders and obstacles; creating highways of openness and opportunity. Where there was “no way”, He would create a way. I watched Him and open and close doors. Only God! I experienced, first hand, His power of turning “an enemy” into a dear, respected and trusted friend. Only God can change hearts and minds of what we perceive to be the most difficult individuals. He can take the bitter and make it sweet. Each day He has a plan for our lives. At the time we are going through it, we may not see it or understand the purpose. We don’t have to. We need to “fix our eyes on Jesus”; daily walk in His ways. We need to surrender our wills to Him. Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight. Jesus says “Begin and end your day with me.Keep your eyes fixed so you can see.I will show you the way.To walk with me, each second of every day.Keep your mind fixed on my word.So when I speak, my voice is heard.Be obedient. Do what I say.Talk with me. Continually pray.I will make your path straight.I will open doors to a closed gate.I will take all of your sorrow.I will give bright hope for tomorrow.Put your spiritual armor on each morningIn your heart a new work, I am forming.Follow me.I am leading you through this lifeto your home in eternity.” Photo Credit: Dawid Zawiła
Gray Hair
Proverbs 16:31Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. At the start of the pandemic, life came to a screeching halt! All non-essential business doors were closed. When my hair stylist had to close her shop, at first, I felt a bit of “panic”. Although my hair only requires a trim, I was more concerned about my hair color. For 30 plus years, I had my hair colored. In my twenties, I was one of the “fortunate” people to start turning gray. At first, I had it highlighted. As time went on, it became a trip to the salon every six weeks. It was hours of preparation, solutions, chemicals to obtain the desired effect. As the pandemic drew out longer and longer, my hair grew too. At first, there was a gray root streak on the top of my head. I started to notice predominant sparkles. Then, as weeks turned to months, I had a three inch growth of salt and pepper. At that point, I made the decision to be authentic and keep my natural hair color. For some time God has been speaking to my heart about being authentic; real in every area of my life. Being honest, I have struggled (like many women) with my self-esteem. I am my worst critic and tend to judge myself harshly. At some point, I bought into the cultural lie that I could not be beautiful unless I dyed my hair, tanned my body, did excessive workouts to stay fit. Working in corporate America a number of years, only cemented this mindset. It is a lie. A trap. Let me clarify, I don’t judge anyone for coloring their hair, staying in shape or tanning. It was about my heart attitude. I was more concerned with the way people looked at my outward appearance and what they thought, than what God thought about me, my heart. God has been performing surgery on my mind and heart attitude. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) I am created by God, in His image. He created me uniquely to be me, gray hair and all. There is a new found freedom and benefits in embracing this change. I am saving over hundreds of dollars a year and not exposing myself to potentially harmful chemicals. I am also learning that true beauty comes from the inside. I am beautiful, lovely, loved and valued just the way I am.