What Are You Gonna Have?

Quick-Simple thoughts...

Today at work a father and son came in for lunch. The gentleman began to order a meal for his son. He turned to the boy and asked, “What do you want to drink? Dr Pepper, Coke, Sprite?” The little boy without hesitation asked, “What are you gonna have daddy?” The man replied, “I'm having Dr Pepper.” The young lad concluded, “That's what I want.” I was immediately inspired. What a perfect picture of what our relationship should look like with our Heavenly Daddy!

As we move about our day to day lives, that should be our attitude, What are you having Daddy? What do you want to see happen today? How do you want to use me today? And our response should be the same as the young boy, That's what I want! We should be lined up and tuned in to what our Father wants. We should want to be right by His side, doing what He's doing, going where He's going...

Maybe this concept seems foolish to you, or foreign perhaps. Maybe you didn't have a dad growing up, or maybe your father or father figure left something to be desired. I realize our backgrounds are all different. Think then on a hero, a great friend, or mentor. Have they ever done something or possessed something you wanted to have. It's the same concept with Jesus. He possesses, embodies, and encompasses all that we should want, need or desire. We should want to be like Him, be close to Him, and choose the things He chooses. And just think, His ways are higher than ours, His will is perfect, His actions are full of grace and mercy.... How can you go wrong saying, “That's what I want.”?

Saying a Prayer

Let me just preface this entry by saying this; This is in no way a rebuke, or reprimand. I never write with those motives. I write based on my own questions, shortcomings, thoughts, life lessons, or observations. This entry is based on observations over the past couple of weeks that have made me analyze my own walk and think on my own behavior!

Let's dig in!

What does the word pray mean? Do you pray? Have you ever told someone you'd pray for them?

The word pray is a verb. (That means it's an action word) The definition according to Dictionary.com is:

1.to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to (God or an object of worship).

2.to offer (a prayer).

3.to bring, put, etc., by praying: to pray a soul into heaven.

4.to make earnest petition to (a person).

5.to make petition or entreaty for; crave: She prayed his forgiveness.

6.to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to God or to an object of worship.

7.to enter into spiritual communion with God or an object of worship through prayer.

I started to analyze these questions recently as I began to see posts on facebook. Some were personal status updates people posted, asking for prayer. Some were just difficult situations people posted and friends began to message them and say they were praying for them. Then... Boston happened.... immediately, as with Sandy Hook, and other tragedies, people began posting pictures with candles and sentiments such as "Praying for Boston". As I was reading and scrolling through the various posts, I started to think, "I wonder how many of these people are REALLY praying?" Now, does this make me a "Doubting Thomas" of the faith, or my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ... I don't think so... and I say that because I'm not pointing a finger of judgment... It made me start to reflect inward... How many times have I told someone I was praying for them?? Did I really do it? Did I really stop to ask God to touch that person? Or was I doing lip service to a serious matter that did need prayer? Did I say a prayer or just send a message saying that I was, when in reality, the situation did cross my mind, but I simply thought about it!

The challenge I put before myself, I will present to you, and it is simply this. When I see that someone has presented a need ( where I am not there in the flesh to actually pray for them ) I will not simply say/type/write, "I'm praying for you", UNLESS I actually stop at that moment, and get before the Throne of Grace and bring the situation before God. This also, (for myself) does not mean that I will then stop and simply say, "God Bless Sally Sue", but I will, with intent, bring the situation before God. I will ask God to be in the situation, and with those involved. Currently I have a range of friends that need prayer daily for things from getting pregnant to healing their children, to bringing a financial miracle and God is showing me not to take these things lightly. I am only doing a disservice to my friends, (Christian or otherwise) to say I'm praying, if I'm really not. To pray, as I showed above, is an action. It means something TAKES PLACE. That means, something is required of me. Honestly though, what a privilege to help others by simply using my words. By simply talking to the One, who loves us so much, and DESIRES to communicate with us.

 I look forward to more opportunities to pray! Really. Truly. Pray! 

Thankful for Me, Thankful for You

Have you ever heard the question, "What if tomorrow you woke up with only those things you thanked God for today?" Kinda makes you think a little huh?? The first time I heard it, I thought man, that's pretty weighty! It put a little perspective on my praise and thanksgiving to the Lord on a daily basis; and made me realize, if that was the way it worked I better be a lot more thankful for things. My job. My groceries. My family. My friends...I mean think about it... who would you fellowship with, what would you eat ... IF it was solely based on what you had said thank you for the previous day!!!

I was thinking about the question again recently and the thought crossed my mind, "I wonder if I would be here tomorrow?" As in, I wonder if someone would thank the Lord for me today? Would I be around to see the light of day tomorrow?? Then the deeper question tagged on to that, "What have I done today to make myself a blessing to someone?" "What have I done today that would make someone say, 'Thank you Lord for Cas'?"

So, take some time to reflect today. Be aware of the things in life you are truly thankful for. Then be aware of your day to day actions. Take note of people around you who might need a helping hand or a hug. Give a little of your time to listen to a hurting friend. Lend a hand to that elderly woman loading her groceries by herself. Be the person someone is thankful for at the end of the day.

 *Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart*

Philippians 1 MSG Version

Change of Scenery

It's day one! Friday! My excitement is laced with exhaustion but it feels good. The joy out weighs all other. Seeing familiar faces is like fuel. There is some small talk and those getting acquainted or reacquainted...Some half asleep and some ready to conquer the world. I am the latter. I anticipate greatness. I stare out the window as others sleep, read and solve sudokus. I send a few texts and sleep... I stare out the window more trying hard to touch the heart of the Father without opening my mouth. I have so much welling up inside and I just want to spew it out with my mouth, but for now in this quiet van I will have to speak with my heart alone.

Today is Sunday. We are still traveling and the scenery continues to change. It becomes more rugged and mountainous. It's scenery that most would label desolate but it doesn't feel that way. Maybe I'm still running on adrenaline and joy. I'm not sure yet. With the outdoor scenery the indoor scenery changes! We've now added new faces and personalities. The energy has changed and the group has melded. We multiplied our numbers and got prayed up last night. It was invigorating to pummel the enemy in prayer and that means the scenery in changing in the spirit realm.

The days roll on and the scenery is ever transitioning. American food, American roads, internal expectations, the list goes on, only to have it all change right before our very eyes....without intermission! The daily “norm” has become nothing short of amazing, and the only thing “American” is us!! We're surrounded by loving church members, hard working locals, stray dogs, smiling children, and mountains. Change is the constant.

We're coming to the end but the change doesn't stop. Hearts are being renewed, freedom is taking up residency, and I feel the Lord stirring. The scenery continues to change, on the faces of those we've seen all week, out the window as we drive back home, crossing the border, and reflecting on my inward self.

I hope the scenery keeps changing!