Stay the Course

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Yesterday we drove into Miami under brilliant sunshine and the heat so typical of South Florida this time of year. Today, grey skies are dilligently pouring their offering of water upon the earth. It has not stopped or even slowed our journey. There was no debate whether we would get in the car and head back north. The weather did not change the goal.
Life gives sunshine and sometimes storms. Remain focused and don't lose sight of your destination. Press on and run the race with patience. There are clearer skies ahead.

WWJD Still Works

Some wise person once said, "people behave in ways that make sense to them." This explains a lot. Crazy or odd behavior may make us want to pass judgement or wash our hands of ...
Before we do that, just remember someone is thinking the very same thing about US. What's the solution? Love as Christ does, speak the truth in love as he would, and remember we are masterpieces in progress. Happy Wednesday !

Into all the world

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
The Word tells us to take the Gospel into all the world, or inyo every sphere of life. Are we systematically taking it to work,  to school, or wherever we are bound to be at this time of life?
What about praying for the institutions vital to our support and wellbeing? If Christians don't intentionally pray for God's will and purpose in our time, no one will.
Short word today, but would you join me in saying a prayer for medical personnel as they strive to bring health and wholeness to the sick and those who care for them. Pray for wisdom, strength, and grace so they may discharge their duties well.
Poinciana Medical Center in Kissimmee, Florida is our featured institution.

It's old, but it works

Jeremiah 29:11 is arguably one of the most widely quoted verses in today's Christian repertoire. Yet, most of us panic the moment the reins are yanked from our protesting grasp and we find ourselves going at high speed to who knows where. But that's the whole point. God has the pltoan and therefore the path; we are not out of control, or adrift, at lose ends, or any of those wonderfully descriptive ways we express being completely lost.

As we barely clear the first few hurdles of 2018 we may still be looking backwards asking, "what just happened?" The goals of 2018 never quite made it from the starting block or halfway down the track, tripped and fell to rise no more. To make matters worse everything around us, so far, only suggests more of the same. Hold up!!! God has a plan that involves hope and a future. He may not be sharing details with you at the moment but do you trust him?

Here's something very old, very "King James" but worth our time and attention.

Lead Kindly Light Hymn

Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I
Have loved long since, and lost awhile!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Healthy Emotions

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
God made our emotions and they are a reflection of the way we are wired. We use them in every sphere of life and they are what makes us different from each other, our own unique "human flavor." God is pleased when we use our emotions to respond to him in praise and worship. He also listens when we use emotions to cry out in our distresses. Being emotional is not a sign of weakness (not always at any rate). Sis. Earline Roseman-Martin perhaps says it best:
"Our ability to express our emotions with tears is a gift, and God keeps track of each tear we cry. Psalm 56:8 says, "you keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all tears in a bottle.  You have recorded each one in  your book." But one day we are promised God will wipe away every tear.
Lord, you have made us to laugh, or to cry to yearn, to love, and to miss those who have gone before us. Help us [use our emotions] to love even more deeply, confident in your goodness and in the resurrection you promised. "
Amen.

The. Power of Perseverance

Nothing teaches perseverance like walking. This morning the sun felt like it was in the middle of the sky though it was barely after 8am. By the time I got to my 3+ miles turnaround lightpost, it was hitting my brows with a vengeance.  I turned around for the trek home and just as suddenly found myself facing into a light and very pleasant breeze. The sun that was monents ago frying my brains was now working its magic on my stiff back and shoulders. I adjusted my pace to compensate for the energy loss from the heat and humidity, and kept walking.

I want to say, especially to my younger readers, circumstances can be draining like the sun. Adjust your pace. Maybe the five year plan may stretch into seven. Persevere. Stop and rest a moment in the shade of prayer and the support of family and friends. Then press on.

Oh, my timing was off today and I did the 7 miles slower than usual. But point is, l finished it in good shape.

Your brains may feel overtaxed from unanswered questions and your heart may ache from unreciprocated trust. Adjust your step, reset your timeline, but don't stop doing what you know is right. Persevere, keep your eyes on your goal, and you will make it home.