God Came Knocking

When God knocks on the door of your heart and calls you to act, do not turn your back.

Since my retirement, I've found myself avoiding writing time. I find time to write blogs, post on Facebook, but when it comes to working on my manuscript, I've been finding excuses. Yesterday, I carried my laptop outside and started working on a newly developed story idea. When I stopped, I had nineteen pages completed and it felt wonderful. I've been turning my back on God's calling for me to write. Now, with prayer, I'm finding my joy of writing again.

But, God didn't stop there. He has called me to ministry within the church as well. I'm coordinating the publication of our weekly bulletin, coordinating the typing of a revised Church Staff Handbook, visiting with members who are in nursing facilities, crocheting prayer shawls and lap robes, and I'm a member of the Staff Parish Relations committee.

God has blessed my life so many times in recent months. And, He's opened doors to utilize my talents. I may be retired from one job, but I've been called to others.

Have you been listening to God's knock on your heart?

HIDE AND SEEK

Romans 10:20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, "I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me."

When I first became a Christian, I loved the feeling of being among fellow believers. Church was a warm, safe place to go and have my spirit renewed. All my friend spoke the same language, asked the same questions, sought the same reassurance. I opened my heart and welcomed Jesus to bless me. He has provided for me in my times of need, carried me through my times of trouble, and restored my faith, time and time again.

Lately, I've started to worry that I'm not carrying His word to others to bring them into His fold. I'm not a preacher. I'm a faltering Christian. But, I know that I am doing His good deeds when I reach out to others and share what I can--a smile, a helping hand, forgiveness, love.

Just as the scripture above says, I am showing God's love to those who may not be seeking Him, and in doing so spreading good seeds for His harvest.

Thank you for visiting and remember to thank Him for all the blessings He bestows.

When God Calls...

When I began the journey of moving my mother into our home, it was with great trepidation. She hadn't been the ideal mother. I'd never felt loved or cared for. She wasn't demonstrative, except for her bouts of anger and resentment, hair-pulling and fists on the back. But she is my mother. The only mother I'll ever have. So, we made plans and moved her here last May.

Over the past months, God has shown me how to forgive and move forward. In the first few weeks, she lashed out and said hateful, hurtful things. I cried. I wrestled with why I could never be good enough to earn her love. She told lies. She tried to create a wedge between my husband and I. But what she knows, and probably is the source of her resentment, is that my husband and I have a bond of love strengthened through our faith. None of her marriages were the kind I have. I know she's jealous. And I know the devil uses that as a weapon. But satan has no place in our house. Finally, I realized that I had to stand up to her and not let her run over me. I had become a martyr. She's changing. A little at at time. Through it all, I've drawn much closer to Jesus, and my faith has grown tremendously. God always has a plan for our lives, and even in the midst of the darkness, He walks with us and promises us a place in heaven if we accept Him as our only Lord and Savior.

Be still and listen, and when God calls, answer.