Last Sunday, my pastor, Ed, was preaching about our responsibility as Christians to build up our world. He didn't specify exactly how we were to do that, but encouraged us to ask God for directions. At that point my thoughts leaped to something I had encountered at my book signing the day before.
The table displaying my book had been set up directly in front of the entrance. It was impossible to miss and made me feel a little like a fish in a bowl sitting behind it. For the first hour my friends and family crowded around me, but for the second hour I was left alone. That's when I noticed that the strangers entering the store fell into one of three categories that reminded me of a living parable.
The first and largest group was made up of ones who studiously ignored me. I wasn't offended because I identified with them. Before I met Jesus I had put on my blinders when I went out in public. In my mind I gave myself several excuses. I was in a hurry or I wasn't interested in... but most important to me was the feeling that if I acknowledged an unexpected presence I would be vulnerable to the stranger's desires or needs. Then how could I escape? Yes, I assured myself it was better to pretend to be blind in public and mind my own business.
The second group was smaller but they were the ones who had captured my attention in the first place. I didn't want to miss that moment of eye-contact and the smile or nod as each passed the table without breaking stride. I also identified with those folks. Many years ago, I had felt I was spreading God's cheer and goodwill when I had decided to smile and nod at fellow-shoppers in the grocery store instead of focusing intently on my purchases or when I actually looked at the checker and let her know I recognized she was a person. You get the idea. Through the years this second of eye-contact in public has made me feel we are all connected; a part of the human race even though we're strangers. Surprisingly, this practice has made me feel strong and secure rather than vulnerable.
But on Saturday, I experienced one more category that I really didn't identify with. That memory is the one that returned while Ed was preaching. About half-way through the last hour a lady came into the store. She obviously wasn't browsing but had a specific reason for coming. After she finished her business she retraced her steps to arrive at my table. Smiling she said, "I just came over to say 'hi'."
"I'm glad you did!" I said smiling back.
She picked up a book and glanced at the back cover as she made another comment or two. I don't remember the gist of our conversation because it wasn't important. The truth I was suddenly aware of was important.
She has come over for me, I thought. She doesn't want a book and is not impressed that I wrote one. She saw me sitting alone and has come to encourage me!
About that time she replaced the book as she said, "I hope you have a really successful book signing and sell lots of books."
I thanked her as she walked away. Then I marveled at how only a minute of two of the woman's kindness had lifted my spirits and renewed my hope. It wouldn't take much, I thought as Ed preached, to build up my world one person at a time.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
When I'm Happy
I sat down in the sactuary as usual about thirty minutes before church started. I like to be early since it gives me time to turn my thoughts to God and quietly prepare for the service. All of a sudden I heard my daughter, Carrie's voice from somewhere behind me. I couldn't tell what she was saying and didn't turn around to see who she was talking to. Suddenly, however, I heard her laugh then her voice dropped as she continued to speak before she laughed again. "She's happy today," I thought as I smiled. As she laughed again I wanted to enter in and laugh with her.
Then the Lord spoke to me, "I joy over you when you're happy," The thought passed through my mind with a reference Zeph. 3:17.
Then, He continued, "Don't waste your days in complaints and worries. I came to help every trouble you'll ever face." Another reference, Psalm 46:1, sprang into my mind to confirm the truth He had just spoken.
Then He continued again, "Remember how your attention was instantly focused on Carrie when you heard her voice just now and how you wanted to join in her happiness? And yet, there are many times you cannot meet the needs she has? How much more do I joy over you when you are happy and carefree in your faith knowing that I can always make a difference in your life!"
Then the Lord spoke to me, "I joy over you when you're happy," The thought passed through my mind with a reference Zeph. 3:17.
Then, He continued, "Don't waste your days in complaints and worries. I came to help every trouble you'll ever face." Another reference, Psalm 46:1, sprang into my mind to confirm the truth He had just spoken.
Then He continued again, "Remember how your attention was instantly focused on Carrie when you heard her voice just now and how you wanted to join in her happiness? And yet, there are many times you cannot meet the needs she has? How much more do I joy over you when you are happy and carefree in your faith knowing that I can always make a difference in your life!"
Monday, April 2, 2012
Inspirational Friends
I was taught many years ago that I should hang out with people who inspired me if I wanted to live a successful life. I've always believed that adage was true. I attend a Friday Bible study that has become another of those inspirational groups for me.
Last week, I felt especially challenged as the conversation swirled around me. As each of the women shared the events of their week I was struck by the effort and prayer they each invested in serving those around them.
One, whose church had taken on the PTA duties of an elementary school, described her involvement in the program as well as her efforts on behalf of another charity in town. Another looks forward to the days each week that she volunteers at a clothing center for those in need. A third had cleaned the house of an elderly woman who was disabled and the fourth had just prepared lunch for 15 ladies who gathered at her house to learn how to sew dresses for African children. The fifth lady had spent the last week and a half volunteering to host a re-enactment of the Old Testament Tabernacle outdoors in the scorching sun and blistering wind of West Texas.
As I listened I thought to myself, none of these women are physically young (though most are younger than I am), and yet they are not wasting the days of their lives. They never spend our time together complaining or discussing why they can't do something. They are storing up treasure for themselves in heaven.
Last week their conversation included a woman some had met who put us all to shame with her life of serving. Everywhere she looked she saw people whose needs she could help with and she continually strove to meet them. That woman is truly a marvel! I don't remember her name but I'm certain God knows her very well.
Since the meeting on Friday, I've spent a lot of time thinking about my friends and what was said. I've asked God to bring people across my path who I can help and to make me more sensitive to others' needs. I want to ease the burdens of individuals I meet as well as be a part of larger more anonymous projects.
Today as I was preparing to leave a public parking lot a stranger hailed me down. He needed a battery boost to start his car. I didn't even think of saying 'no.' It was very satisfying to 'meet in person' the first answer to my new prayer!
Last week, I felt especially challenged as the conversation swirled around me. As each of the women shared the events of their week I was struck by the effort and prayer they each invested in serving those around them.
One, whose church had taken on the PTA duties of an elementary school, described her involvement in the program as well as her efforts on behalf of another charity in town. Another looks forward to the days each week that she volunteers at a clothing center for those in need. A third had cleaned the house of an elderly woman who was disabled and the fourth had just prepared lunch for 15 ladies who gathered at her house to learn how to sew dresses for African children. The fifth lady had spent the last week and a half volunteering to host a re-enactment of the Old Testament Tabernacle outdoors in the scorching sun and blistering wind of West Texas.
As I listened I thought to myself, none of these women are physically young (though most are younger than I am), and yet they are not wasting the days of their lives. They never spend our time together complaining or discussing why they can't do something. They are storing up treasure for themselves in heaven.
Last week their conversation included a woman some had met who put us all to shame with her life of serving. Everywhere she looked she saw people whose needs she could help with and she continually strove to meet them. That woman is truly a marvel! I don't remember her name but I'm certain God knows her very well.
Since the meeting on Friday, I've spent a lot of time thinking about my friends and what was said. I've asked God to bring people across my path who I can help and to make me more sensitive to others' needs. I want to ease the burdens of individuals I meet as well as be a part of larger more anonymous projects.
Today as I was preparing to leave a public parking lot a stranger hailed me down. He needed a battery boost to start his car. I didn't even think of saying 'no.' It was very satisfying to 'meet in person' the first answer to my new prayer!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The Smallest Comment
Last Saturday morning was one of those perfectly glorious mornings that always make me glad to be alive. The sun was out, the temperature mild and the wind was quiet. I found my spirits rising of their own accord. What a joy to be alive! Suddenly the hope that something wonderful but unexpected could happen bubbled up in my mind and heart. I took the opportunity to get to the grocery store before 8:00 a.m. so I would be ready for a surprise.
On my way home, I was still basking in the glow of the morning. It was one of those times I couldn't keep from smiling even though there was no one else around. I was on my third and last trip to unload the car when two ladies who live in my community came abreast of my car. I didn't know them but it was obvious they were getting their exercise walking through the development.
"Hello!" I called as I straightened up with bags from the back seat. One of the ladies responded cheerily, "Hello!" Encouraged, I continued, "Isn't this the most glorious day?"
To that the other lady said, "Were you the one driving by us a while ago?"
"I might have been," I smiled before closing the door.
"Well, you were going too fast!" she shook her finger at me. "The speed limit's fifteen miles an hour, you know!"
I felt the smile slide off of my face as I mumbled, "Really." Quickly closing the door, I turned and headed for my apartment. A question that I pondered all the rest of the day was already flooding into my mind. How many hours of joy and pleasure have I stolen from others' during my lifetime, just because my focus was on correcting their mistakes?
I'm not trying to defend my driving though generally I do obey rules. I certainly could have been going too fast. Actually, I was enjoying the morning so much my speed never once entered my mind. But just then, my behavior was not the point. The joy and pure pleasure of that morning was instantly dimmed for me by the woman's criticism and accusation and I suspected there have been far too many times that I have caused the same thing to happen to someone else. Are these some of the words I'm going to answer for at Jesus' judgment, I wondered?
I was still mulling over this new insight when my sister, Susie, called on Sunday morning. After she heard me out and we thoroughly discussed the event from every possible angle she said, "This reminds me of something that happened to me several years ago."
Susie had gone to the CVS Pharmacy not too long after her daughter had died. She was waiting in the checkout line when the stranger behind her looked at her and smile as she said, "God bless you."
"I've never known what she saw in me," Susie said. "I know I was sad and confused at that time. But whatever prompted her to say it, I've never forgotten how it made me feel. Immediately, I felt hope take hold in my heart. I knew she had told me exactly what I needed to hear. Even though it's been years I've never forgotten it. That stranger gave me the strength to keep on going."
By the time I got to church, I had made up my mind. I want to be the stranger who's remembered years later because my smallest comment makes others feel better for having seen me or encourages others to keep moving forward when the going is tough.
On my way home, I was still basking in the glow of the morning. It was one of those times I couldn't keep from smiling even though there was no one else around. I was on my third and last trip to unload the car when two ladies who live in my community came abreast of my car. I didn't know them but it was obvious they were getting their exercise walking through the development.
"Hello!" I called as I straightened up with bags from the back seat. One of the ladies responded cheerily, "Hello!" Encouraged, I continued, "Isn't this the most glorious day?"
To that the other lady said, "Were you the one driving by us a while ago?"
"I might have been," I smiled before closing the door.
"Well, you were going too fast!" she shook her finger at me. "The speed limit's fifteen miles an hour, you know!"
I felt the smile slide off of my face as I mumbled, "Really." Quickly closing the door, I turned and headed for my apartment. A question that I pondered all the rest of the day was already flooding into my mind. How many hours of joy and pleasure have I stolen from others' during my lifetime, just because my focus was on correcting their mistakes?
I'm not trying to defend my driving though generally I do obey rules. I certainly could have been going too fast. Actually, I was enjoying the morning so much my speed never once entered my mind. But just then, my behavior was not the point. The joy and pure pleasure of that morning was instantly dimmed for me by the woman's criticism and accusation and I suspected there have been far too many times that I have caused the same thing to happen to someone else. Are these some of the words I'm going to answer for at Jesus' judgment, I wondered?
I was still mulling over this new insight when my sister, Susie, called on Sunday morning. After she heard me out and we thoroughly discussed the event from every possible angle she said, "This reminds me of something that happened to me several years ago."
Susie had gone to the CVS Pharmacy not too long after her daughter had died. She was waiting in the checkout line when the stranger behind her looked at her and smile as she said, "God bless you."
"I've never known what she saw in me," Susie said. "I know I was sad and confused at that time. But whatever prompted her to say it, I've never forgotten how it made me feel. Immediately, I felt hope take hold in my heart. I knew she had told me exactly what I needed to hear. Even though it's been years I've never forgotten it. That stranger gave me the strength to keep on going."
By the time I got to church, I had made up my mind. I want to be the stranger who's remembered years later because my smallest comment makes others feel better for having seen me or encourages others to keep moving forward when the going is tough.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Risk It!
Last week, a friend of Connie's got in touch with me through FB. Connie had 'introduced' us in FB when the book came out but the lady hadn't seen it until last week. Connie had never even mentioned the lady to me so I had no idea what it was all about. However, as we chatted by e-mail it became clear the woman's business was publicizing books and I needed help in getting the word out that mine was on the market.
I had no doubt that I needed her services and expertise, my quandry soon hinged on the question, "Lord, should I spend this money on Patti's services?" That set up a fire storm in my mind. One minute I was sure I should hire her for she was knowledgeable and capable where I was ignorant and untrained. The next minute I was certain that I should not take a financial risk. For days I was caught in the emotional and mental whirlpool of indecision. And it wasn't the first time!
Throughout my life when I was faced with a large financial risk I was beset with the same worries. All the while I pleaded with God to show me His will. If I was sure God was guiding me to give or spend I had no problems, but the moment I was presented with a financial opportunity or need I was stymied until I could get the victory over the fears that assaulted me. Each individual battle had always been won but the lessons I learned never went deeper than my understanding. My heart just didn't seem to learn the lesson and I was getting worn down by the fight.
When I read the ninth and tenth chapters of Joshua, I was surprised to learn that Joshua and the Israelites had been decieved by the Gibeonites 'because they did not consult the Lord.' (verse 9:14). And yet in chapter ten God answered Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still while the Israelites fought for the Gibeonites. In verse 14 we read, "Never before or since has there been a day like that one, when the Lord answered such a request from a human being." As if that miracle wasn't enough, when Joshua was given the victory over the armies of the five kings God used the event to give the Israelites great favor as 'no one dared to speak a word against Israel.' (verse 10:21)
My greatest fear and the one that seemed to set up the 'fire-storm' in my mind was the fear that if I wasn't obedient to God's leadership and foolishly got myself into debt then God would not help me get out of the mess I had caused. But obviously that is not the God we serve!
I'm experiencing a great new freedom from old hidden fears today. It is surely true as the prophecy declared, when I could tell God exactly what I wanted, He had the power to free me from my fears.
I had no doubt that I needed her services and expertise, my quandry soon hinged on the question, "Lord, should I spend this money on Patti's services?" That set up a fire storm in my mind. One minute I was sure I should hire her for she was knowledgeable and capable where I was ignorant and untrained. The next minute I was certain that I should not take a financial risk. For days I was caught in the emotional and mental whirlpool of indecision. And it wasn't the first time!
Throughout my life when I was faced with a large financial risk I was beset with the same worries. All the while I pleaded with God to show me His will. If I was sure God was guiding me to give or spend I had no problems, but the moment I was presented with a financial opportunity or need I was stymied until I could get the victory over the fears that assaulted me. Each individual battle had always been won but the lessons I learned never went deeper than my understanding. My heart just didn't seem to learn the lesson and I was getting worn down by the fight.
When I read the ninth and tenth chapters of Joshua, I was surprised to learn that Joshua and the Israelites had been decieved by the Gibeonites 'because they did not consult the Lord.' (verse 9:14). And yet in chapter ten God answered Joshua's prayer for the sun to stand still while the Israelites fought for the Gibeonites. In verse 14 we read, "Never before or since has there been a day like that one, when the Lord answered such a request from a human being." As if that miracle wasn't enough, when Joshua was given the victory over the armies of the five kings God used the event to give the Israelites great favor as 'no one dared to speak a word against Israel.' (verse 10:21)
My greatest fear and the one that seemed to set up the 'fire-storm' in my mind was the fear that if I wasn't obedient to God's leadership and foolishly got myself into debt then God would not help me get out of the mess I had caused. But obviously that is not the God we serve!
I'm experiencing a great new freedom from old hidden fears today. It is surely true as the prophecy declared, when I could tell God exactly what I wanted, He had the power to free me from my fears.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Don't Be Timid With God
God spoke to our congrgation today. I think everyone should hear what He had to say. It was:
"Don't be timid with Me, don't hold back.
Tell Me exactly what you want or need.
Not so I will hear it but so that you will.
If you've messed up, I will help you fix it.
If your burden is heavy I will carry it.
If it's overwhelming I'm powerful enough to give you the victory.
But don't be timid with Me, tell Me exactly what you want."
I'm praying that every person who reads this blog will experiencee the Grace of God this week!
"Don't be timid with Me, don't hold back.
Tell Me exactly what you want or need.
Not so I will hear it but so that you will.
If you've messed up, I will help you fix it.
If your burden is heavy I will carry it.
If it's overwhelming I'm powerful enough to give you the victory.
But don't be timid with Me, tell Me exactly what you want."
I'm praying that every person who reads this blog will experiencee the Grace of God this week!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Passionate About His Promise
The terms 'desire of my heart', a vision, the promise of God, and dream are pretty much interchangeable in my mind. They all connote something God has spoken to me that I'm passionately praying and believing for that is beyond my ability. In other words, I need God's miraculous power to see it come to pass.
I have only just begun on the journey toward the vision God gave me for a book six years ago. The book is now published; Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living. http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell But as miraculous as that is to me it is only the necessary first step toward the goal God spoke to me when I was living in a little one room apartment in Sundown, Texas and writing down the accounts of His grace throughout my life. (See "What's a Dream Team?" in the book.)
Last Sunday morning, I was still nursing my first cup of coffee when I heard clearly in my mind, "It's time to claim the promise." I instantly knew the promise God was talking about. Two or more years ago He had given me a promise as my friends Karen and Carolyn prayed for me. But it seemed to require such a big miracle I just set it aside and I've rarely thought of it since. Now, God was saying it was time to pray passionately for its manifestation?
Well, I couldn't! I could pray, but I had too many doubts and questions to pray with my whole heart to see God's will done. Did God really want me to be divided between two visions, I wondered? To resolve my question I asked for a scriptural confirmation. The Lord has never failed to answer when I ask for scripture to base my faith on. I was thinking He would show me a Bible character who dealt with my problem in a few verses. Instead, He showed me Joshua. Then, He began to show me through the book how each battle Joshua faced required His miraculous provision. Even though the battles have been preached as individual miraculous moments each actually was a stepping stone, a detail, on the way to the ultimate goal: possessing the land for Israel. Perhaps this new promise I was 'claiming' was the next stepping stone toward my goal.
I'm happy to say I'm well on my way toward passionate, all in, prayers. My doubts have been resolved , my questions answered. I can hardly wait to see how God is going to fulfill this next step toward my goal.
I have only just begun on the journey toward the vision God gave me for a book six years ago. The book is now published; Available Grace: True Short Stories of the Rewards of Intentional Living. http://sbpra.com/mariannecassell But as miraculous as that is to me it is only the necessary first step toward the goal God spoke to me when I was living in a little one room apartment in Sundown, Texas and writing down the accounts of His grace throughout my life. (See "What's a Dream Team?" in the book.)
Last Sunday morning, I was still nursing my first cup of coffee when I heard clearly in my mind, "It's time to claim the promise." I instantly knew the promise God was talking about. Two or more years ago He had given me a promise as my friends Karen and Carolyn prayed for me. But it seemed to require such a big miracle I just set it aside and I've rarely thought of it since. Now, God was saying it was time to pray passionately for its manifestation?
Well, I couldn't! I could pray, but I had too many doubts and questions to pray with my whole heart to see God's will done. Did God really want me to be divided between two visions, I wondered? To resolve my question I asked for a scriptural confirmation. The Lord has never failed to answer when I ask for scripture to base my faith on. I was thinking He would show me a Bible character who dealt with my problem in a few verses. Instead, He showed me Joshua. Then, He began to show me through the book how each battle Joshua faced required His miraculous provision. Even though the battles have been preached as individual miraculous moments each actually was a stepping stone, a detail, on the way to the ultimate goal: possessing the land for Israel. Perhaps this new promise I was 'claiming' was the next stepping stone toward my goal.
I'm happy to say I'm well on my way toward passionate, all in, prayers. My doubts have been resolved , my questions answered. I can hardly wait to see how God is going to fulfill this next step toward my goal.
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