Monday, December 30, 2019

Love. Far More Exciting Than A Hermit's Cabin(!)


"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."   ... Galations 5:6


******

Did you have a Career Box in any of your high school classes? I did. We were supposed to choose a job we'd enjoy, one we'd then research and write about.

My 5 minutes came to stand before the Career Box. I hesitated there then, eyes darting side to side, searched for the Hermit card.

Darn. There wasn't one. 

Yes, by age 16 I found folks annoying, mostly because my passions (books, God, music, ideas of fun) seldom matched theirs. So to make myself (me, me, me) more comfortable, I now dreamed of, after high school, living alone in a cabin in the woods. 

Oh yeah, and writing books to support myself there. So I fingered my way through the career cards, but didn't find one for Writer, either.

Gah. Story of my life.  ツ 

Well, years passed and God finally got me to lighten up. He expanded my heart, slowly pouring more divine compassion in there and now? I've no more hermit dreams and supernaturally I love (and pray for) even those whom satan uses to spoil everything.

I love almost everyone. God's still stretching this heart of mine--and I'm grateful, even though I still feel the squeeze at times.

Anyway, what I believe I heard this morning? In 2020 and beyond, God will mightily use the lovers. Of Him. Of His children.

Wow.

Faith does work by love, you know, and those who're filled with God's love and fling it freely in Real Life and online? Oh, what they will see.

Oh, what darkness they will help change into Light for all eternity!






These aren't the days to hide away, but rather, to share what we've been given by God.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."   ... John 13:35



Not certain of the gifts/callings God's given you through which He loves and heals people? Here's one of my posts which may help. 

And what I'm learning lately? Since these are gifts God never takes away(Romans 11:29), we'll also use them in Heaven. So let's make certain now that we're faithfully practicing them, ok?


*****






More of my favorite movies Tom and I watched in 2019---


Toy Story 4

The Aeronauts

Before All Others

Let there Be Light

Do You Believe?

Overcomer









******


Okay, this was so clever!





 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

3 comments:

Betsy said...

I saw that John Christ a while ago when my daughter sent me the link. She really likes him and his humor. I thought this was very imaginative.
I struggle to see my own talents at times. Sure I knit and crochet for others. A LOT! My hands are actually aching today but I have a pair of mittens to start and finish today because I've promised them by tomorrow. Sometimes I set myself almost impossible deadlines. I finished sewing the buttons on a toddler sweater about an hour ago that Dennis is taking with him when he flies off tomorrow.
Oh, speaking of that will you pray for me? I have to take him to the airport tomorrow morning at 5:00 and we're supposed to be in the midst of a snowstorm. I detest driving in the snow and the airport area has some terrible hills/mountains I have to drive. He's offered to just drive himself and leave his truck at the parking there but that's pretty pricy. So please pray that the snow will hold off or the roads will be clear. Thanks my friend.
Anyway, back to the talents God has given us. I wish I knew what more I cold do. I pray and I knit/crochet. And I try to love everyone. Boy, these days that can be difficult can't it?
Wishing you a lovely Monday afternoon my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Pam said...

Galatians 5:6 says it all! For many years I tried very hard to do the right things, but all those good intentions generally fizzled out. Gradually, God has gently guided me into the truth that I can't do anything that has lasting value, but He can really accomplish anything and everything through those of us who step aside and let Him take over. Living a surrendered life wasn't in my Career Box (love that, Debra!), but I am so grateful that the Lord has gotten me to this point in life where being surrendered to Him and His love is now my goal. Thank you for all the wonderful posts that you've given us this past year, Debra!! I enjoy and appreciate your willingness and faithfulness to share yourself with all of us! May God bless you, Tom, and Naomi in the new year!

Debra said...

Betsy--those gifts you mentioned sound terrific! It's so incredible that God can do huge things through our small gifts, right? Oh and I did pray for you, but was also happy to see at your blog that your hubby did the driving instead. :) Thanks for commenting!

Pam--loved all the truth you shared in your comment! Thanks so much for your kind words and your good wishes for my family. I appreciate it!

Thanks so much, Ladies, for your faithfulness in reading my blog and commenting. You'll never know what it's meant to me all these years, well, in Heaven, yes you will find out! :) .... Debra