It is late. The day has been long. As I sit in front of the computer screen, I glance a my LONG list of “To Do’s” for today that still didn’t get done. I add to the unfinished list more things that are on the agenda for tomorrow, along with a gloomy forecast, and I sigh. I find myself worrying about things next week, and questioning decisions I made two and three weeks ago. I know there is light, but I am allowing myself to see the darkness sometimes. Then I pick up my lifesaver, “Jesus Calling”, and turn to September 30th. (my bestie, Amory’s Birthday, who shares my love for this book) In all caps, the first words I read, “I AM PERPETUALLY WITH YOU”. I am reminded instantly that I am not alone. I walk side by side with the Lord, and when I need it He carries me. God know just what to serve you right when you need. He gave me this text to remind me of HIS plan for me. But I must first learn to live in the confines of today, and in order to receive and experience an abundant life. ”We must learn to live this day abundantly, seeing all there is to see, doing all there is to do.” Make a decision today to life for today. With that, fall is in the air. Fall marks a time of change for us all. We go straight from the hot, schedule-free days of summer to the jammed pack full calendar and cool weather.
There is little transition (besides the changing color of the leaves), it just kinda hits us like a ton of bricks. Honestly, and oddly enough, I kinda like it. I enjoy getting back into a routine and being busy. For some reason I become much more productive when I have NO free time on my hands. However, with that, it is easy to become yet again distracted by “tomorrows worries” and “past regrets”. Let’s all take this change in season to allow for a change in season of heart as well. Allow yourself to acknowledge today as a glorious gift. Live life abundantly, and allow yourself to experience God’s grace today, tomorrow and forever. And so folks, “Let’s SHINE on…”
What’s in a name? As the Park is to the City, so the Word is to Life. Central Park is comprised of 843 acres– an area that constitutes less than 6% of the entire island of Manhattan. Despite its small bite out of the Big Apple, the Park has a huge impact on the lives of New Yorkers. Similarly, the Word is life-restoring for Christians. Despite its small size, the Bible’s impact on our lives far exceeds that of any other book on our shelves. In it, we can run about in joy, explore meaningful truths, and delight in God’s promises. The founder of Park Forum, Bethany is an email friend of mine. She has a BIG heart the is bursting with love for the Lord, and I encourage you to support her work in the city!
So, that is where is all began. You might be wondering what that little 125 x 125 pixel square geometric grid of green, white and black is on the right hand side-bar. Let me tell you, it’s your direct link to The Park Forum. Whether you’re a New Yorker of not, the site is worth subscribing too. Their daily urban devotional, Morning Walk, serves up a warm dose of inspiration to me everyday! These quick reflections don’t take a lot of time to read through, but ADD a lot of “goodness” to your day. It is for sure to be added to your blog feed after you visit, also serving as a reminder that…”in whatever we do (even in reading online blog posts), in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)!
[if you feel called to support The Park Forum, you can do so by mail or you can choose from their online donation methods here]
I had a minor late night break down one night last week. I have decided that change is super exciting, but in reality it is straight up scary. I called my sister, knowing that she would be the only one up – at 11:30 PM – that I really wanted to talk to. I just started thinking about what is to come in the next few months, creating scenarios in my head, leading to worry. Ugh…I am such a planner, and sometimes that is just a flat out awful thing. My sister, and all her 16 years of wisdom, calmed my heart reminding me of Jeremiah 29:11. Then – yes the Lord is so sneaky – I got this email from Stan today via his work daily devotion emails, which coincidentally plays off of Sundays sermon I talked about here (@ the end of the post). I’ll interject in bold:
When the Future seems Uncertain by Rick Warren
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans … to give you a future and a hope … You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.” Jeremiah 29:11, 13 (LB) No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen this year, let alone in the next few weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses. [like James 4:14 tells us “…you do not know” and frankly worry is the result of assuming that “you know”] Change is not only increasing in speed and intensity, but also in unpredictability. The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future: Set goals according to God’s direction [as Tim Keller put it in the church sermon at Redeemer last Sunday, “let go of the American Life Control Illusion”] It’s foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who DOES know the future – and he’s eager to guide you through it. The Bible says, “We may make our plans, but God has the last word.” (Proverbs 16:1) In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do YOU want me to do in 2010?” Live one day at a time — While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today! John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow – God will take care of your tomorrows. Live one day at a time.” (Matthew 6:34) Don’t procrastinate – DO IT NOW! – “Don’t boast [boasting=corrosion of you from the inside out, see James 5:3] about what you’re going to do tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day may bring forth.” (Proverbs 27:1) Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days.” But “one of these days” is usually “none of these days.” What did you plan to get done last year that you didn’t do? When do you intend to start working on it?
My heart now rest in the fact that God WILL work out His sovereign will…submit your lives to him and let him be the perfect architect, designer, & crafter of your life!
