Tag: jesus

O = Open Heart

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O= Open Heart

Before I start with the next letter in our G.L.O.R.Y. practice, I want to add something to the “L” (learning) from the last post. A wonderful verse that I found from Proverbs. In the 18th chapter, verse 15 we read: “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.” (KJV) The ESV translation sheds more light on this verse, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”  We demonstrate our intelligence when we seek knowledge. When we desire to learn something.

This Scripture also helps with the “O” that I will share with you today.

In the King James Bible Dictionary, online edition, the heart is described as this:

“According to the Bible, the heart is the centre not only of spiritual activity, but of all the operations of human life. “Heart” and “soul” are often used interchangeably (Deuteronomy 6:5; 26:16; comp. Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30, 33), but this is not generally the case.

The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and hence a man is designated, according to his heart, wise (1 Kings 3:12, etc.), pure (Psalms 24:4; Matthew 5:8, etc.), upright and righteous (Genesis 20:5, 6; Psalms 11:2; 78:72), pious and good (Luke 8:15), etc. In these and such passages the word “soul” could not be substituted for “heart.”

The heart is also the seat of the conscience (Romans 2:15). It is naturally wicked (Genesis 8:21), and hence it contaminates the whole life and character (Matthew 12:34; 15:18; comp. Ecclesiastes 8:11; Psalms 73:7). Hence the heart must be changed, regenerated (Ezekiel 36:26; 11:19; Psalms 51:10-14), before a man can willingly obey God.

The process of salvation begins in the heart by the believing reception of the testimony of God, while the rejection of that testimony hardens the heart (Psalms 95:8; Proverbs 28:14; 2 Chronicles 36:13). “Hardness of heart evidences itself by light views of sin; partial acknowledgment and confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; presumption, and general ignorance of divine things.”

The heart is always in the process of learning. From our very beginnings, we are being taught by those that care for us as helpless, weak humans, who to trust, how to trust and what happens when we trust in either the ones who love us or consider us a burden. The heart always knows. What the heart learns is who and what to open to and receive according to the experiences it has had in the past or witnessed in the lives of others.

Since the heart is the center of spiritual activity, and we are all born sinners, the most important thing we can do is open our hearts to the gospel. If this is something you have already done, you are a part of the regenerated family of God. Let us move on to the sanctifying process until we finish our journey. If this is something new to you, check out the section of this website that explains the gift of salvation, and share your thoughts or questions with me. I would be so happy to discuss the gospel with you!

In the G.L.O.R.Y. practice, opening your heart in prayer and praise prepares you for your purpose for the day. Day by day, week by week, month by month will turn into year by year of you, fulfilling the purpose for your life. Some seasons God’s plans for us will look different as the Lord leads you when He speaks to that open heart of yours.

An open heart is a soft heart that hears the Spirit of God speak. As opposed to the hard heart that rejects the wise instruction from the Lord. Before we pray our petitions, we need to open our hearts and ears to Him and set our heart for the day ahead to do His will, trusting in the only One worthy of it all. This process should not be skipped if you think it will take too much of your already overbooked time. God is in control of time and will always redeem whatever time you are afraid of losing. Believe me, it will be time well spent.

The eyes and ears of your heart will be open and aware of the blessings He gives throughout the day and make you ready to access His strength and wisdom with any of the challenges you may face. Your days can and probably will have both and that’s okay, because He is with you.

Thanks, for listening,

In Christ, Vickie

G. = Gratitude

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As promised, I am going to dive deeper into those 6 practices of G.L.O.R.Y. The image above is my personal tracking sheet to remind myself and help myself stay on track. I hope you create one of your own as a tool to show up each day as the best version of yourself. If you would like a copy of it, just leave a note in the comments and I will email you the one I use each day. Now on to the first letter of the G.L.O.R.Y. practice…

The first being G: Gratitude

I learned long ago that God loves a grateful heart. That He commands us to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. (Psalm 100:4) There’s something in the action of giving thanks that changes us from feeling entitled to being humbled and aware of the kindness of God and others. An acknowledgment of how we had a need, God came through and provided it for us. Whether we knew we needed it or not. This is unmerited favor, pure grace. The word gratitude comes from the word, gratia, which means grace.

I grew up singing “Count Your Blessings, name them one by one….” But it wasn’t until I read Ann Voscamp’s “One Thousand Gifts; A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are” that I fully realized that every single day, there are gifts sprinkled throughout to show us His love. The sunrise through the fog on my morning walk, the glitter of the frost on the grass in late Fall, the way water reflects the landscape around it, the special smile of that grandchild. Then the milestone moments when there’s a prayer answered that you’ve prayed for years and almost gave up. Take time to remember and write them down for extra validation of the good life you have. Number them. Just 3 a day will give you 1,000 by this time next year! I heard that “great lifetimes are lived one great day at a time,” to which I would add – one grateful day at a time. That is why I think it’s best to record these gifts early every morning to jump-start a great new day.

Gratitude changes your brain for the better. Those feel-good transmitters, dopamine and serotonin get released because God built them in when He created you, to reward you for having a grateful heart. By continually practicing gratitude, neural pathways are strengthened so that it is easier for you to be optimistic, even if you are a more “glass half-empty” type. Thinking about what you are grateful for activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This activation reduces stress hormones, and in turn, brings your body more into calm. Couldn’t we all use less stress, especially aging menopausal women?! Would you like more joy in your days? Gratitude studies have shown that when we actively engage in a practice of gratitude, not just the attitude of it, but practice it by saying those things we are grateful for aloud, or writing them down, we are adding to the amount of joy we experience in our lives.

You may be thinking, dear reader, some things are hard to be thankful for. I’ve been there, but I’ve learned that if I am kind to myself and allow myself to feel the bad and grieve the sad, hard things, I find that the adversities in life, when given to God, can cause me to experience the closeness of God and the kindness of others.

Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Now who couldn’t use some of that? Also, remembering the promises in Scripture, such as, “In everything give thanks…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) we are taught that thankfulness is a sure-fire way to be in the will of God. We can trust Him for absolutely everything else.

As a Christian, I know that God in His goodness, only gives me good things, even though some things don’t seem so good when they cause me to struggle, or crush my spirit to the point of doubting His goodness. If you feel that way, I get it, but let me tell you, the times when I have felt the most crushed, I have felt the greatest comfort and presence of Jesus right there with me in it. And that is truly something or I should say, Someone to be grateful for.

So, I encourage you, even if it takes a few minutes to think of one thing you can truly thank Him for, take the time, find the thing in your memories of yesterday or the reality of your present or the hope of your future and write it down. Once you start, I guarantee you that the next one won’t take as long to come to you, then the next, and the next, and before you know it your brain will respond, your soul’s load will feel lighter and your day will be on the way to glorious!

Thanks for listening, God Bless You, Vickie

G.L.O.R.Y.

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If you’re under 65, you might find these questions somewhat unnecessary, and this 3-minute read a little premature. That’s okay, just skip it for now. I’m trying to find my audience of aging women who are struggling a bit to move into a stage of life they were hoping would just take its good ole’ time. But if you’re there, and if you want to stay relevant and purposeful, let’s support and learn from each other.

What kind of life do you want to live with the time you have left on planet earth?

What purpose do you want to fulfill while you still can do so?

What would your life look like if you believed you were being your best self?

What is holding you back from living your best life now?

Are we living now in processes that will be completed later in eternity?

How do I accept and participate in the concepts of physical aging and spiritual developing?

Since the future is uncertain at best, shouldn’t I show up as prepared as possible and live each day to its fullest with those two concepts in mind?

Turning 70 is going to be hard for me. I can already feel the heaviness of it. I know it is just an indication of how many Earth years I have on this body. I know my life is a gift and every day God gives me is truly undeserved. I know that although my exterior is fading away, my interior is being renewed day by day. (2 Cor. 4:16) This day-by-day renewal is the epiphany I have experienced recently that has led me to develop this new way of living in and through my aging body.

G.L.O.R.Y. is an acronym for 5 practices that I try to live out each day that are aimed at the goal of living joyful and lined up with achieving my God-given purpose in my later years.

                G – Gratitude (first thing every day)

                L – Learning (reading, attempting or mastering something new)

                O – Open Heart (prayer, meditation, serving others)

                R – Reflection (review, journal)

                Y – You (nutrition, exercise, envision)

I believe that doing certain practices repeatedly will yield results that eventually lead us to achieve our dreams or goals that, in turn, bring us joy.  A byproduct of joy is strength that we need to be able to pour into relationships and the communities we are a part of. The cliché that “You can’t pour out of an empty cup” is so true. By practicing the G.L.O.R.Y. way each day you will have the tools that help you to be at your best as you show up for your life, your loved ones, your work and your community.

I will dive deeper into these practices later, but right now I would like to share that my intention in this is to give women tools to help them remain vibrant and relevant, living into their God-given purpose throughout every season of their lives. Me included.

These practices can be done at any time during your day, but I highly recommend that they happen within the first hour of your day. How we start our day greatly influences how the day turns out; so why not give yourself the best chance for a successful day whenever you can? Maybe set an alarm an hour earlier than when you need to be up and about for other tasks.

I am a follower of Jesus Christ, as my Savior and Lord, He is my Reason to live a life that brings Him glory. Even if you are not a person of faith, these practices can bring about positive outcomes. All people are made in the image of God, and each practice has been tested, tried and true for generations. Just because I have put together these daily disciplines in an easy to remember catch word does not mean this is some new or unique process. I only know that I am convicted and compelled to share with others what God has entrusted to me.

My prayer is that this helps you on your journey into that sometimes-scary pathway to the version of yourself that may be a little bit hard to accept at times. “Aging gracefully” does not happen by accident. Purpose is another word for intention, and we will not live into our purpose without intentionally living day by day in a way that is directed toward being the best version of ourselves that we can be. Let’s go on this journey together!

Please drop a comment if this resonates with you. God Bless!

Vickie

How Can I Forget That?

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I was at an event last weekend when my memory failed me. It wasn’t the first time, but I think it’s the first time it’s lasted, and I’ve pretty much given up remembering her name. She had such a kind face, and I recognized her right away, but I couldn’t for the life of me remember her name. And it scared me. She recognized me and remembered who I was as she took the initiative and started a conversation. Apparently, she was a former employee of mine. Someone I had trained and invested time and resources in and entrusted clients to, and I can’t remember her name? As we carried on the conversation, awkwardly on my part, I kept hoping her name would come to my mind, but it never did, when I could have saved face. But it didn’t, and it hasn’t yet.

Usually I will have an “aha” moment in the middle of the night or the next day but not this time. I wish I could understand why. I can remember some of the most insignificant things from decades ago. I can remember all the names of my elementary school teachers. First through 8th grade. Not that they are not significant, but believe me, that was a very long time ago! I remember which day of the week we had cinnamon rolls and chili from the school cafeteria. Wednesdays. The color of my first Troll doll’s hair; apricot. And how she smelled like new plastic. How significant is that?

This leads me to worry about my memory of important things, like my faith and all I’ve learned from the Bible about Jesus and all the things God has blessed me with and what to say when someone asks me why I believe what I believe. But, thankfully, I was reminded of a verse in the Bible, John 14:26:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said to you.

So, as I reflected on that experience last weekend, I felt the Holy Spirit wanted me to learn an important lesson. I should have swallowed my pride and told her that her name escaped my mind and apologetically asked her for it. I should have enjoyed her reaching out and connected like any grown up should do. Here again, I got distracted by my inability to remember. I repented and hope to do better next time.

Dear friend, it is bound to happen, forgetfulness and regret. What is so telling is that John 14 is a chapter I committed to memory a few years back. I couldn’t recite it today but I did remember that the verse about remembrance was there. Maybe that is what Jesus meant. We can’t even hope to remember something we have not read and meditated on or at least made a conscious effort to notice. What Jesus has said to us in His word is certainly worth paying close attention to so He can bring it to our minds when we need it.

There’s a popular gospel song getting a lot of play this year, called “Still Waters” which can attest to this. It is by Leanna Crawford, and I hope you give it a listen.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f7a6058318a4f26b3094688bec4854a48aaac86202911c990965b5c4151ea064JmltdHM9MTc2MTQzNjgwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0c821e72-e43b-6ce1-19b5-0e27e5596d7e&psq=lyrics+to+still+waters+by+leanna+crawford&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g_dj1HS0d1X2U3WU1yQQ

Let’s all follow “Aunt Maurine’s” advice. I know if we do our part, the Holy Spirit will do His.

Use Your Words

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I witnessed a really heartwarming moment during an evening of VBS this summer. This little fella was just wailing when he ran into the church building. As he cried, he ran to find his mama, pointing to the outside where he had just been playing with a group of kids, when something went terribly wrong at his game station. He was absolutely distraught about something that had just happened out there and came to the home of his mother’s arms for comfort and help. I was so impressed by this loving mom who, stooped down to his eye level, held him close and calmly kept repeating in his ear “Use your words, tell me what’s wrong, use your words.” After a few moments and after he had told her what happened, and received her wise suggestions, he was calm and ready to go back out there and rejoin the fun.

Wouldn’t it be a much better world if we would all just use our words, and take the advice of wise counsel and rejoin, with new insight, the situations that cause us such upset? But where do we turn when we aren’t kids anymore and we just want to run to someone and empty out all the hurt and the rage that overwhelms us? I don’t have all the answers, but I know a Person to bring your questions to. A Friend that never condemns you or betrays your confidences.

In the Bible, we are taught that we have a Savior that cares for us and that wants us to bring all our cares to Him. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties upon him, because He cares for you.” Not just some anxieties or things that crush your spirit, but ALL of them. Whatever you’ve experienced in your past, whatever you’re going through right now and even those things the future holds. You are His child, and just like that mother whispering in her young child’s ear, Christ invites you to use your words to tell Him everything that concerns you. In fact, He delights in it because He delights in you.

Sometimes we don’t know the words to pray. Or we open our mouth and all that comes out are groans and sobs. Have you been there? The Bible tells us in Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” He’s got you covered even when you can’t use your words. He has searched your heart and knows what you so desperately need from Him and prays that prayer for you. It’s like having a soul translator communicating on your behalf. That is the Holy Spirit and He is for you! He is your greatest Advocate and Comfort.

The next verse assures us that our answer will be perfect because it is in the will of God. Romans 8:27 goes on to say, “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” There is that “will of God” clause. That’s where the 1st Peter verses shed some light. To choose God’s will over our own requires us to humble ourselves. God loves humility. Jesus embodied it. In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the emotional pain was so great that he sweat blood, He remained committed to His Father’s will, not His own. He used His words and surrendered to God’s will till His dying breath.

I believe God answers every prayer according to His timing and the ultimate outcome of His will. To deny that would be to deny the sovereignty of God. He is in control. Sometimes the answers to my prayers look just like I wanted them to. Sometimes they do not and sometimes I don’t see the answer at all, yet. But I know if I use my words and pray the “will of God clause,” and mean it, I have done the most important thing and all that is left to do is to trust Him. And He has more than earned that trust.

The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “Pray without ceasing.” I believe this means that we are to remain in a constant attitude of communication with our Savior. It can be done, no getting on your knees required. Words, from your mind, directed to our God. A song to hum, a verse to meditate on, or a Christian podcast preaching into your ear pods while you do housework or gardening. Taking seriously what is taught in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” That means the mundane as well as the great. Asking ourselves how the manner in which we conduct our lives pleases God, just like His Son did. This would be using our words for God’s glory. And isn’t that the ultimate goal on this journey? Giving Him glory.

I look back with regret to the times when my words were so poorly chosen. Thinking I had to fill a silence, I’d just say something whether it was appropriate or not. Thank goodness I serve a forgiving God and had forgiving friends and family that were on the receiving end. Words can hurt and there is no shortcut to always knowing the right things to say, plus even if we think we are saying the right things, we have no control over how others receive our comments. Words can hurt, cause people to run away from us, or worst of all, think badly of our Lord since the hearers know we are supposed to be His followers. Be quick to apologize and forgive when the words spoken land wrong in the ears and hearts of the hearers.

Ultimately, we should be using our words in a way that reflects how we use God’s Word to transform us into the godly women we long to be. Listen as others use their words and humbly pray for grace to always speak the truth in love. And with that calmed heart, let’s go back out there and enjoy the blessings of our days.

Retirement Fog

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It’s been three years since I retired from my nursing career, and the fog is starting to lift.

At my desk as I write I glance up at the wall that holds my retirement plaque with all the best wishes from the amazing women I worked with at the “end.” All the kind words about the best yet to come and all the adventures that lie ahead. Congratulations and Happy Retirement sentiments. But can I just say that even though there’s lots of hopeful meanings in the messages, I’ve struggled a bit to realize them? This is my attempt to reflect on why.

On a very foggy winter evening, I was driving my husband and I home from an event when I became so disoriented that the route I’ve driven over decades of my life was unrecognizable to me. I had to stop the car to try to figure out where I was before I could go any further. Before I was allowed to figure it all out, he took the wheel, and we eventually made it home safely. This analogy helps me clear some of the fog that has been closing in on me to see a clearer path forward. The path where God is at the wheel.

One question I grew to dread post-retirement was, “How are you enjoying your retirement?” Of course, I loved being available for my family more and spending more time with grandkids and not having to try to trade hours or make sure I had vacation to cover an absence. But still something was nagging my soul. I know that I am not discovering anything new here, the decision fog of what to do with your time when you are the one appropriating it. But it was new to me. When every day is potentially a day off, and you get to decide how to spend it. I had never truly been there before and you, my dear reader, may have this ahead of you, be in the fog right now, or are gloriously living beyond it. It is my prayer that this helps you not to dread that kind and caring question.

There are purposes and plans for us that may not be tied to our careers, or age, and we do not have to have a productive day to verify our worth or prove to the world that we are worthy to take up space. God is allowing each breath we take and will never fail to continually shower us with blessings as we seek Him. I have seen this in my own life and want to encourage you to reflect on all the good things He allows in your days. Give gratitude to Him and become more joyful, stronger in faith, and peace filled. This is our ultimate purpose. Living in God’s will is the plan.

Ask God what the next assignment is. Then listen and watch as He speaks into your heart with a clear direction. Then follow it. That’s obedience and He loves it. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment for God will never ask you to do anything that is contrary to His Word. That is why Bible Study is so important if we want to live a clear, godly purpose in this world. This doesn’t mean it will be easy, in fact, it may be truly difficult to stand for truth and speak the truth in love. But there is no greater joy than to know that Jesus is with us; I have experienced the sweetest times in His presence when the pain I was experiencing could not be relieved by what this world had to offer.

So, the fog is clearing, with God at the wheel, I can navigate new-to-me territory, and the view is amazing. I wish I could say that I’ve made the best use of my “free” time, but that would not be the truth. I wish I would have spent less time wringing my hands and wondering what to do and more time seeking, asking and receiving. But some lessons take a while to learn and there’s always forgiveness, restoration and redeeming of “lost” time. That’s what only God can do, if we let Him.

Let Him.

Pray that His Holy Spirit will guide you to do the things, speak the words and live your days for His glory. If you have trouble finding the words, borrow some from King David. After 13 verses of praising God for His creation, His Word and expressing his longing to be using his time and energy and all he is in ways that please His God, David says in Psalm 19:4, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

And for those of us regretting the time spent in the fog of indecisiveness, let’s take heart in the promise of God that we find in Joel 2:25, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”

Just the thought of these consuming critters sends chills up my spine. But they remind me of how if we live fearful of stepping out of our comfort zone, or are preoccupied with what the world thinks, those fears can eat away at our resolve and before we know it, the great gift of time that God gives us to live for His glory and serve Him for His glory can slip away. Don’t let it.

For His glory, I believe I have my answer ready the next time someone asks, “How are you enjoying retirement?” I can honestly say, “It’s a good journey and I truly am happy to be on it.” As the fog clears.