Worthy of Pursuit

February 19, 2012 by 6 Comments

“. . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11b

When you hear the word “pursue” what comes to mind? I think of going after something or someone—striving to capture or attain a deeply desired object, person, quality, or state of being. When we have to pursue something, it doesn’t just fall into our laps or happen naturally. “Pursue” speaks of action, involvement, effort.

From our earliest days, the world around us teaches us to pursue certain things. Money, education, good jobs, status, relationships, possessions, health, beauty, success—in other words, the American dream.

None of these things are wrong and can, in fact, be used for great good. But if we’re focused on what the world holds up as worthy of pursuit, chances are we’ll neglect things far more important.

In the scripture above, look at what Paul instructs Timothy to pursue: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. In using the word pursue, Paul must have known that these things would not come automatically to Timothy. He knew Timothy would have to go after them. He knew he would have to take action, that he would have to make an effort.

Take a closer look at Paul’s list. It’s filled with some biggies, isn’t it? And if these qualities are not easily manifested in my life, it shouldn’t surprise me—they take effort. I have to go after them. (Personally, I struggle with gentleness in certain situations so I’m encouraged to know that it does indeed take work. And isn’t it interesting that gentleness is keeping company with major spiritual pursuits like godliness and love? Wow.)

So what are we pursuing in our lives right now? Do we need to make some adjustments or additions to our lists? Let’s not reach the end of our days and discover we’ve spent all our efforts going after things that won’t matter in eternity. May all of our pursuits be worthy, may they all be guided by God.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 KJV

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 1. It’s still not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Flickr photo by Astragony

Filed Under: focus, goal, Word of God, work

Holding Still

February 1, 2012 by 9 Comments

It was a God-given moment. I had decided to brave the cold and take care of an outdoor chore so Don wouldn’t have to do it at the end of a long workday. As I stepped out on our back porch steps, a surprise awaited me. A beautiful bird perched on our nearby evergreen.

I expected him to whoosh away as soon as he caught sight of me or heard the cat-like squall of the screen door. But he stayed, holding still, allowing me to marvel in his beauty from just a few feet away.

As he continued to linger, I thought wow, I wish I had my camera. Would he stay long enough for me to go back in the house and get it? Would he be there when I returned? Would he hold still just awhile longer?

I took a chance and slid back inside, as carefully as my noisy door would allow. After grabbing my always close-at-hand camera, I turned it on while still inside so there would be one less noise to startle my little outdoor visitor away.

In spite of another screech from the door, the bird remained perched in the same spot. I raised my camera, zoomed in, and took several shots while he continued to hold still. He looked this way and that, almost as if allowing me to work a little more magic with my camera. He eventually flitted away but not before I was thoroughly blessed by this unexpected God-given treat for the soul.

For a few brief moments, I was an artist capturing a subject—a subject who was willing to hold still and let me do my work. I can’t help but wonder if I do the same for God.

When God wants to do some more work on me or just spend time with me and rejoice over His creation (yes, He wants to rejoice over me!), am I a willing subject? Do I hold still for Him and cooperate with His plans? Do I allow Him to work His magic?

May the Lover of our souls always find us willing to hold still for Him!

“‘The LORD your God is with you . . . He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.’” Zephaniah 3:17

*Can any of you bird lovers tell me what kind of bird (pictured above) paid me a visit?

*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out today. It’s not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!

*Be sure to enter the Cool Cash for a Hot Date Giveaway. Deadline noon Feb. 12.

Filed Under: blessing, creation/creative/creator, joy, nature, work

Undeterred – Roof Man to the Rescue

August 18, 2010 by 8 Comments

My husband’s summer break (July and the first week of August) usually finds him involved in some kind of major project around our house, and this summer was no exception. Don took on yet another persona to tackle this summer’s task. For nearly two weeks, in the midst of a major heat wave, he willed himself to become Roof Man.

Don has acquired many titles as a result of being married to a blogger :), but Roof Man may be the one that’s required the most will power to attain. First there was Canyon Man and then Paint Man. Next Tax Man made an appearance, and soon after that, Lawn Man and Marathon Man followed. Each of these super heroes had his own set of challenges and glories, but Roof Man was birthed out of sheer determination and perseverance — and the fact that Don can’t stand to hire work done that he thinks there’s any chance he can do himself :)

After gathering every ounce of will power he possessed, he attacked the beast — I mean job. This particular task — the repair of our carport roof — involved a black glue, much like tar but even stickier. So not only was it a blistering hot job, it was a filthy, sticky job as well. The only thing that kept him going was the fear of a summer downpour, Gatorade, and heaping bowls of ice cream.

Don could have ignored the problem or given up in the midst of the work when the going got tough, but he stuck with it. He worked night and day and accomplished a chore he didn’t want to tackle in the first place. He didn’t let the heat, the grime, or the long hours deter him. He persevered, and I’m proud of him — even though I couldn’t get him to use sunscreen! :)

I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the rest of us have some dreaded tasks (or trials) looming in front of us. Some things we simply don’t want to do. Will we ignore them and put them off, or will we summon every ounce of our will power and attack the beasts?

The good news is we don’t have to face tough times on our own. We have a Savior, a Father, a Pillar of strength who will give us the gumption and the help we need to meet our challenges. Let’s remember Roof Man and go forward undeterred!

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

*Have you entered the “Back At It” Giveaway yet? Scroll down to the next post and join the fun!

Filed Under: family, perseverance, summer, work

I Should Be Writing, But…

February 10, 2010 by 2 Comments

2907706117_5c3e032074_bAh, the things a writer will do to avoid the work of writing :) Okay, I haven’t resorted to hanging on surfaces by my fingertips like the gal in the photo above (yet!), but I’ve managed to get sidetracked with nearly everything else.

When it’s time to get down to some serious work, I can be up and down and out of my chair more than a kindergartner on a sugar high. And I’m not the only one. From what I can tell, it’s a condition common to all writers.

For me, getting started on a new project is the hardest part, though last week I even had trouble focusing while in the middle of one. The blank computer screen (or piece of paper) looms pretty large. So until I can get going on a piece, you might catch me flitting around, taking care of any number of tasks that suddenly have taken on a new sense of importance. On the other hand, you might just find me looking for a snack :)

You may be wondering why writers have difficulty staying on task. The answer is simple — writing is hard. The finished product is rewarding, yes, but getting there can be agonizing. Searching for just the right word, laboring over a paragraph just to end up cutting it because it distracts rather than builds, working alone day after day, not giving up… All of this and more makes writing a challenging job — and one that takes a lot of self-discipline as well as remembering why we’re doing it in the first place.

Do you have a challenge that’s looming large? Are you having difficulty staying on task with something in particular? Remember, the finished product will be rewarding. Even –and especially — if you have to agonize to get there. Keep to it, friend…and so will I.

“Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24b

Flickr photo by sweet mandy kay, Creative Commons License

**Don’t forget — the deadline for the “Cuddle-Up” Valentine’s Day Giveaway is noon Sunday!

Filed Under: perseverance, work, writing

Praise Party!

October 7, 2009 by 13 Comments

You’re invited to a praise party! It actually started a few days ago, but it’s still going on so come on and join the fun! The reason for the celebration? A long-awaited answer to prayer.

You may remember that in June I asked you to pray for Kristin and Shawn. A casualty of our struggling economy, he lost his job in late March and has been diligently looking for another one ever since. Well, our prayers have been answered — Arkansas Children’s Hospital offered him a job late last Friday afternoon!

When he called to tell me the news, Kelli and I were just introducing ourselves to a couple who were potential photographers for her wedding. Knowing Kristin and Shawn would be calling with job news that afternoon, I quickly told the couple I needed to take the call and then turned away to answer my phone.

Within seconds, I squealed to Kelli, “He got the job!” and then back to Shawn, “Oh, that’s wonderful! Praise God!” I told him I would call back after our meeting and then tried to calm down and look like a slightly more sane mother of the bride, but it didn’t work. I couldn’t stop the bubbling.

Before I knew it, the photographers knew the story of how our son-in-law had been looking for a job for six months. I eventually calmed down enough so we could get down to business, but I think they actually enjoyed being on hand for the kick-off of our own little family praise party.

God richly rewarded Kristin and Shawn’s perseverance and trust in Him. He provided the job just two weeks before Shawn’s unemployment benefits were due to run out. And not just any job, but a job in Shawn’s field. He’ll be working in the media services department (part of their communications department) doing video editing and shooting. So once again, let me just say, “Praise God!”

Let me also say, “Thank you” to each and every one of you who have offered prayers on Kristin and Shawn’s behalf. They’ve been greatly appreciated — and now needed again as they work out the details of their move and as Kristin begins to look for a job (she will, however, be staying and finishing her commitments this semester at the university.)

And if you find yourself in a similar situation of waiting for an answer to prayer, I hope their story will be an encouragement to you. Remember, “…weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b) Take heart — you’ll be throwing your own praise party before you know it!

Filed Under: family, joy, new thing, perseverance, praise, prayer, thanks, work
« Previous Page
Next Page »