Polar Opposites

Black and white, cold and hot, up and down...opposites exist all around me.  For instance, today started out a very dreary, soggy, rain-filled morning.  The earth was saturated with water and puddles turned into what looked like a lake or more appropriately, a moat,  in our neighbors lawn.  By afternoon, the sun had burst forth, the raindrops had evaporated from the windows and birds began chirping.  It is amazing how in what seems like an instant circumstances can change to a polar opposite.  

As I pondered the transformation in today's weather, I began to think of how life's circumstances can swing from fabulous to tragic in a moment's notice.   I once again, consider myself blessed to have had experienced limited tragedy in my life, but I cling to God's embrace knowing that it is truly a matter of time before I face a challenge, circumstance, or event that will be too much to bear alone.

It is the season of Christ's death and resurrection and tomorrow marks Palm Sunday, a time when Jesus was hailed as a coming King.  He was applauded with palm branches as he rode into town on a donkey.  What a joyous and simply amazing time for not only Jesus, but all who were present for this parade.  Only a few days later, however, Jesus' circumstances drastically changed.  He found himself hanging on a cross bearing the sins of the world.  Yep, events sure can change in the blink of an eye.  

I thank God for my present circumstances and hold onto the hope that is in Christ. 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."  

2 Corinthians 12:9  

 

Making Time

"Finally!"  As I sit to begin to type, I find myself thinking "I've finally found time to blog!"  It is with this exclamation that I realize all of my problems reside.  A major fallacy lies within my statement, one that is at the crux of all of my struggles.  I did not just find time to blog; I was making time to blog.  Such a subtle difference and yet as I reflect, I realize this is my arch enemy, my Darth Vader, my Kryptonite, if you will.  Like a teddy bear being stuffed, my life gets filled with tasks, obligations, and everyday responsibilities, leaving (what seems) little room for much more.  And yet I long for so much more.

When my life hits a pot hole here and there, it seems I do not hesitate in the slightest to immediately seek God's guidance.  Who wouldn't get their car fixed if it was damaged?  My struggle is when my car is on a smooth road with few bumps.  When life is going great, which I find is most of the time, I seem to forget God.  As if my car is running on the gasoline of my own indulgence, I seem to make little time for God in my life.  I crave to include God in all areas of my life; like a braid with three parts, me, my responsibilities, and God, all woven together with no distinction of where one begins and another ends. 

My desire is to put God behind the wheel everyday even when the road conditions and weather suggest I can drive quite successfully myself.  I want to see Him in more things, include Him in more things, and mediate on Him in all things.              Finding Making time....for my Creator, my Sustainer, my Driver (or at least my GPS)!

 God you are amazing and I thank you for 

the blessings you have given me.  I humbly ask forgiveness for taking all these blessings for granted and want you to be a part of ALL of my life not just the ugly patches.  I look forward to a 24-hour walk (or drive) with you.  Time to go make breakfast for my wonderful 

family.  Let's go God; I want you to be a part of it!    

  

"He must become greater I must become less."  John 3:30

 

A daughter of the King

My oldest daughter has princess blood running through her veins.  She is on the brink of 5 years old and is completely infatuated with anything princess.  Some of her every day attire include puffy dresses that fan out when she spins, high-heeled plastic shoes that click on the kitchen floor, and necklaces, crowns, rings, and scepters that shimmer and shine in the light.  As if there was a huge processional of music in the background, she made her way down our steps in none other than her Snow White dress, complete with matching Snow White doll (both outfits crafted and constructed by her loving Gma).

It dawned on me that we all can be princesses (or princes), not just in our imaginations, but in reality.  If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we are indeed sons and daughters of royalty. If I am a daughter of the King, that makes me a princess, a REAL live princess.  It is my desire that my two daughters one day become real princesses by accepting Christ into their hearts.

 

                        ^"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; 

rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. 

And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that 

we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs

—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,

if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

Romans 12:14-17 

First Blog: Why "Livin' in a Bubble?"

Call it inspiration, long overdue, or just plain necessary, my life needs focus.  I have had the privilege of reading my sister's blog for the last several months, which I highly recommend, (TheAmishEskimo.blogspot.com).  Her writings have served as prescriptions to my soul, a necessary teaspoon of inspiration, a shot of reflective gratitude, and a full dose of connecting to my heavenly Father.  Sometimes I find myself wishing I could take two (of her blogs) and call her in the morning, but she only posts one blog at time.

So....here is my attempt at a blog that will help focus my life, make me more appreciative of those mundane moments and help myself to connect even more with my Creator.

I choose to title my blog "Livin' in a Bubble" not only because I live in a house that is shaped like a bubble, a geodesic dome, but also because I often find myself living in a fragile, delicate sphere.  One that may be immune to the world around me or at least out of tune with the world around me.  

It is my desire to "pop the bubble" in hopes that this will reveal even more of God's plans and adjustments for my life.