Monday, January 14, 2013

Lessons From My Lap Dog

Yes, that really is my dog, Riley, with his nose stuck in a glass up to his eyebrows...

To say he's spoiled doesn't begin to paint an adequate picture. Let's just say he has his humans well trained.

I love him very much and most of the time don't mind that he's a lap dog. He loves to snuggle and loves being held so much that sometimes he will follow me around the house just waiting for me to sit down so he can jump up. Most of the time it's cute, but sometimes - like when I've tripped over him for the tenth time in as many minutes - it can be aggravating. He's such an attention seeker. 

I got to thinking one day - or maybe it was God' Spirit speaking to my heart - that I could learn from Riley. What if...

  • I had his persistence in seeking the company and attention of God
  • I Loved being with God more than anything else in the world
  • it distressed me to be away from God too long
  • my greatest joy was to be with Him. Not doing anything in particular, just being with Him.
  • I lived in the moment - every moment -  with God.
  • I trusted Him for my every need.
  • I wanted more than anything else to please Him
What if...

Now I don't want to over-simplify things. Riley doesn't worry about the future because he's a dog and doesn't think about it. It's not right in front of him yet, so why worry? Oh, wait a minute... isn't there something in Matthew 6 about the birds of the air not worrying? Yes, I think there is. Consider that...

If my word for this year is Freedom, then I can take a lesson from Riley; a reminder that worrying about the future is pointless and a joy killer. The birds simply do what they were created to do. So does Riley.

I was created for fellowship with God. To know Him, love Him, worship Him. Everything else that I do must come from that relationship or it is meaningless.

The story that I'm writing right now, the things I will do at work today, the way I deal with a total stranger this week, all of these things must take a back seat to time I spend sitting in the lap of Jesus, listening to Him speak, feeling how much He loves me just the way I am.

My journey is not about what I will do for God. It is about what I will allow Him to do in me and through me. Why is that so hard to remember?

Maybe we should stop trying to be "good" and just keep our focus on our Creator. The rest will take care of itself - He promised.

I hope this new year is beginning well for you, and that you are starting it in the lap of Jesus. If not, then do it now. There's no time like the present and there's always room. Seek Him not to ask for things, just to be with Him. He'll take care of everything else.

Following the plan,

Sherri

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Word for 2013 - FREEDOM!

The holidays are over - thank goodness!

There's a new year out there, all sparkly and fresh just waiting for us to step into it and begin... what will you begin this year?

I want to live this year in the freedom of Christ. Maybe I'll make that my word for the year. FREEDOM.

Freedom from fear.

Freedom from second guessing myself.

Freedom from the little box I've been living in.

Freedom from guilt.

Freedom to love others as Jesus loves me.

Freedom to speak my heart.

Freedom to try outrageous things.

Freedom to laugh.

Freedom to become whatever is next.

Freedom to try and fail...and try again.

Freedom to live according to God's mandates, not the world's.

Freedom to step out of the rat race and live a life of abundance and fullness.



"If the Son sets you free, you
will be free indeed."  John 8:36

Sometimes I forget that my cell door has been unlocked and not just flung open, but knocked completely off its hinges. It will never be closed again!! I  remain a prisoner - un-free - only because I have yet to walk out of my cell.

This year I'm walking out! Will you join me?

In my dictionary the word "indeed" means "certainly"  or "truly".

I am certainly and truly free. I like the sound of that. What about you? What would you add to the list above? Add it. Write it down. Say it out loud. Then live free in Jesus.

Following the plan,

Sherri