Living Alive

I don’t remember when I realized it… but I was young, high school maybe. It’s not a common thing – I don’t think it is. Many people think it’s not a good thing. But — I love the rain.

It’s the feeling. The clouds, the all-encompassing atmosphere. I like the whole experience.

This weekend the long-awaited rain finally came. Thank God.

I was preparing for a wedding, and the bride remarked that the rain was good luck. I agree.

And even better, it’s Providential: falling according to God’s purpose.

That speaks to the soul. Just as the rain falls according to God’s purpose, so do I. 

God can take the most dismal looking day and make good of it. God takes the dreary clouds & misty rain and refreshes the world with it.

I hope that everything in my life – good or bad – works for God’s purpose. I can’t complain if today’s circumstance floods my best plans. I can’t give up if my best efforts are washed up.

God has a plan & a purpose – even for the rain.

God says so, in Isaiah 55: “10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

So may my life fall for God’s purpose today. May yours as well.

You’ve heard it before, “Well, one thing to be said about hitting the bottom – I’ve got nowhere to go but UP !!”

Perhaps we’re in a good place.

The economy shows signs of having bottomed out. The housing market too. The fears & anxieties many Americans feel – perhaps – have leveled off (I imagine it depends on how long you’ve been without a paycheck).

So, can you LOOK UP at least? No matter your situation, always look up.

I’m reminded of the story of a world reknown mountain climber. He died climbing a challenging slope, high in the Swiss Alps.

A memorial stone not only bears his name but states, in one line, the inspirational message of his life:

“He Died Climbing.”

Can the same be said of you or me? Whether we’re in a good place or not in our lives, we should always be heading upward.

As tough as it is — even if it feels like it’s killing you — determine yourself to “die climbing.” (And you’ll be headed in the right direction – eternally.)

Ever had a negative thought? I get them all the time. They just pop up like those pesky internet adds.

Fortunately, on my computer I have an effective pop-up blocker (it even tells me how many pop-up ads it’s blocked for me – kinda like a cyber “show-off”). I’m glad this kind of pop-up blocker works so well. But what about one for my brain?
I think I could use a “negative thought pop-up blocker” !! I wonder if God can do that for me.
Every time my brain pop-up a negative: “You’ll never succeed.” “You always screw up.” “I’m not good enough…” – the mental pop-up blocker could counter: “All things are possible with God.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” “In Christ we are more than conquerors!”

Yes, that’s more like it!

With your spiritual pop-up blocker (“God’s Word Defender”) we may live the Biblical reality: “bringing every thought into captivity in obedience to Christ” (1 Cor. 10:5) & “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

Besides, I like my mind better this way. (So help me God.)

This Labor Day weekend, I offer you this humble blog as a word of encouragement.

We celebrate those who labor, whose work adds to the upbuilding of our society. Thank you for your hard work!  But I am also mindful of those many, (more & more, now that another 200,000 + people lost their jobs in August), many who are not able to find work right now.

It is a labor of love, to work at finding work.  I pray for those who are in need.  And I offer an idea.

I know a man who has been out of work for many months. But in the meantime, his labor of love has included making more time for God.  His participation at his church has increased.  Also, he volunteers more.  Sure, he’s put out countless resumes, done the job-interview circuit and kept himself productive by doing odd jobs for people he knows.

I like the idea of volunteering – more when you’re available because of a job loss.  When volunteering, you’re not only doing good, you also are meeting new people.  You are showing your work-ethic, displaying your character.  This can only help!

There are so many ways to get involved in the community: your local school; church; CCAP (Winchester); American Red Cross; Abba Care; your area food bank; Habitat for Humanity; the hospital; Hospice Care; and more.

So, thank God for all who labor. If you’re employed, thank God for your job, no matter how you feel about it.  And employed or not, labor – in all you – do… in love.