Help at hand

I talked with a friend today who is going through a rough time. The hard part is it seems like that is always the case for her. I've listened for years and at times feel like I am of no help to her. The only thing that encourages me is remembering her in my prayers each morning. As I spend time with the Spirit He hears my need to help her and He can do what I cannot.

Being a Christian does not get one a "get out of trouble free card". Being a Christian does give you all you will need to survive the trouble. This I have personal experience with. I am certain I would have been unable to make it to this point in my life without knowing God loves me. I know this because He sent Jesus to save me and the Holy Spirit to comfort and encourage me.

I have been trading emails the last month with a young man in Alaska. He has been asking me some tough questions. It all started with; "If the Holy Spirit is really part of God, what does He do?" With that query we began a bumpy journey through pneumatology. (Yes I had to look it up a few years ago) He is now delving into something many Christians never give a second thought. They accept the concept of a triune God but don't want to deal with what that means. Why is it so hard for someone who already claims to believe in God to believe in a fully functioning Trinity?

As odd as it may seem the the world is often doing more to search for wholeness in their spirituality than those of faith. I need more fingers than I have to count how many times I received a confused look when I asked a fellow believer how the Holy Spirit is working in their lives. Many concentrate on the gifts of the Spirit and never give the Giver another thought.

"If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me. I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. "

John 14 :24-27 The Message

I count on the peace, I listen for the voice to remind me of Christ's words and God's love. It's how I start my day. I know that whatever may happen after I leave my house, I grounded my day in what is True. This has eased my journey through life. If you are finding yourself with a need unmet ask for help from the Helper. I know He'll not fail.

Happy for the help,

-jene'

Darkness

This morning we had a big storm go through as I was trying to get to work. Nothing like taking a shower in the dark. Fortunately I know where everything is in the tub and on me so I did alright. I found myself chuckling in the shower as I replayed the scripture I read this morning in my head


Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 The Message

Just an early morning reminder that my God is a God of humor and He likes to give me a reason to smile.

Out of the darkness,

jene'

Timing is everything

...or is it. My time this week seems to have gotten away from me. I accomplished some of my goals but others have fallen by the wayside. Several people needed me and my choice was to be there for them and to let go of my to do list. You might think this means I have changing priorities but really this isn't so. Goals are good, plans are necessary, but a soul needing love takes precedence over all. For when it comes time to total up my life's acheivements I'd rather list people helped than tasks completed.

One young girl I have been mentoring needed a face in the audience this week. She was so glad to see me and asked how I had found time to get to her school program. I told her that goals are important but friends are more so.

A friend has been blessed with a new job she is enjoying, but needed someone to cover her shift on her old job to make it happen. So a day off gets offered up to Jesus to help her out.

In both cases I feel the choice I made was the right one. My niece and I having been trading notes on facebook about what it means to show the love of Jesus to others. I want her to know that treating others needs as greater than your own is one way to do so. It's easy to talk about love, but hard to do.

Tiredly,

jene'

God's day

I leave aside my shoes
-my ambitions,
undo my watch
-my timetable,
take off my glasses
-my views,
unclip my pen
-my work,
put down my keys
-my security,
to be alone with you,
the only true God.

After being with you,
I take up my shoes
to walk in your ways,
strap on my watch,
to live in your time,
put on my glasses
to look at your world,
clip on my pen
to write up your thoughts,
pick up my keys
to open your doors.

Graham Kings


This was one of the poems I read this morning during my meditation and it made me aware of just how much everyday belongs to God. I am thankful to call Jesus my friend but I think I need to realize anew that all I am and all I have, is His.

I spent some time today with a couple of his best creations. A sweet older lady who has outlived her family and a young girl who hasn't any family who care for her. As I was listening to each I thanked God for placing me where I could be and feel His love for them. It's quite a kick and it made my day!

Joyfully,

jene'

love playing with photos

I always have a great time learning new things.