FGHart

“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.”(Proverbs 16:2)

Isn’t that the truth? We can all rationalize away the things that we’ve done. “Gee! I didn’t mean to!” That should make it all good, right? Maybe…maybe….

The key message today is “Examine your motives.” Don’t kid yourself. Look within. Shine a cold, hard light into your core and be sure that when God weighs your motives you are considered righteous. This is not something that is subject to the judgment of others – it’s just between you and the Almighty. But it’s not a deal you want to jack with. You know what I mean?

I love when “Then Sings My Soul Saturday” dovetails with “Cafe Chat”. Today I’ve been thinking about fulfillment, and how we are each called to fill a need. God empowers us, enables us and calls us. It’s our job to listen and step out in faith. I’ve got something to say, and I’m saying it. I’m living it. Sometimes I’m writing it. I need to be doing more of that.

“Something to Say” by Matthew West

Wake up, 7:32 AM
Can’t believe it’s time to do it over again
Yesterday, it took all that you had
And you’re wondering if you’ll ever get it back
But the whole wide world is waiting for
Waiting for you to step out that door
Come on, and let your life be heard today
You’ve got something to say

If you’re living, if you’re breathing
You’ve got something to say
You know if you’re heart is beating
You’ve got something to sayA
nd no one can say it like you do
God is love and love speaks through you
Got it, you got it
You’ve got something to say

Listen up, I got a question here
Would anybody miss you if you disappeared
Well your life is the song that you sing
And the whole wide world is listening
Well the answer to the question is
You were created, your life is a gift
And the lights are shining on you today

Today’s topic (first, view this video):

This morning I went to a service to celebrate the life of a fellow parishioner who passed away. After our minister’s eulogy, his daughter got up and added her comments. I thought, “Wow! I don’t want to think about what my children would say about me if I passed away today.” This topic is timely for me, because I’d much rather think about what God will say about me when my time on earth is finished.

I used to play it safe. I went to church once a week. I taught Sunday School. I served on the Vestry (like Elders). In the last year or so I’ve taken it to the next level in many ways. I talk openly about God and my faith. This blog has become a place where I regularly express my beliefs. I write for my church newsletter. I was very uncomfortable when I first started writing about scripture and about God’s will for us. “Who am I?” I asked. “Why would anyone listen to me?” I definitely felt exposed to criticism and I certainly felt unqualified for what I was doing.

Then I began to realize that God has been bringing me here; training me to think analytically and preparing me to be open and honest in His word. There’s a term for what I write: exegesis.

Ironically, now this is starting to feel safe so I’m now taking it up a notch again. I do not want to be the gymnast who clings to the balance beam! I want to push myself knowing that no matter how it feels, no matter how tricky and daring the maneuver…if I’m acting, speaking, writing in God’s name, I’m still safe. But as our judge, he recognizes that trusting Him is an act of faith and our faith will be rewarded. I look forward to hearing Him say “Faithful servant, well done.”

“Today we celebrate Fran’s passing. She lived her life as an apostle, loving everyone and bringing Christ’s light into the world.”

“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” (Proverbs 15:30)

There was a time when I wanted no part of constructive criticism. I lacked the ability to tease out the constructive part – all I heard was the criticism. I had the bad habit of trying to explain my behavior. “If you only understood why I did this, then you’d see it was okay.”

If we listen to the Holy Spirit that lives within us, we will hear and receive constructive criticism. I have on more than one occasion ignored what I’m hearing and refused to receive. I’ve argued with myself and explained away my decisions. Sometimes the Holy Spirit stops whispering to my soul and speaks to me through others. We must listen and discern in order to hear the voice of truth. Then, of course, we must obey.

God gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to the discerning. That’s a promise (Daniel 2:21). It’s all about the upward spiral of positive reinforcement, taken one step at a time.

Trout Lily (an endangered Minnesota wildflower)
Dandelions
Trillium (this one was new for me – a wildflower of the north. Very striking. Grows in the drainage ditch along the side of the road.)
Dogwood Tree
Tulips in a planter in front of a flower shop. They were so strikingly beautiful they looked almost fake. Almost.

We spent the weekend in Onamia, MN visiting with hubby’s family.

Mostly 5 uncles he didn’t know and an aunt in declining health. We left early-summer weather in TX and arrived at early-spring weather in MN.
We stayed at a joint called the Soo Line RV & Camping Hotel. Sounds like a good time? It turned out fabulous. The hotel was quaint.

I learned about things like “Off Sale Liquor” but completely forgot to ask about rutting. I think they mean the roads. I’d hate to think this was a warning about deer behavior.