Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Everlasting Love

Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.


Do you ever get tired of the chase? I do. I get caught up in doing things I think is God's good, pleasing and perfect will when what He really wants from me is my time. Doing, giving, joining this church committee or being involved with ministries of all sorts is a good thing and we don't need to quit, but we also don't need to quit giving God our time. The last couple of months have taxed my time and energy and I know I haven't sat at the feet of Jesus like I should. There is a vast difference in the person I am when I give God my time and when I don't. The devil knows this and uses this weakness to get a foot into the life that He wants for me.

Yesterday Terri, Brent, Carley Ann, Anna Claire and I ate at Chili's. I was so hungry I all but forgot to say the blessing, but Anna Claire remembered. It was so sweet to hear her say the blessing rhyme she had learned. At two and a half she can say her blessing perfectly and while she was praying I kept thinking... yes, Lord, I hear you.

This morning as I take time to talk to Jesus I'm reminding how much I have missed and why my days just haven't seemed to feel right. I've been too busy and like Martha have forgotten what the best part is. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
I'm reminded I don't have to chase God. He is always there.

Billy, my brother is doing well. He is off the vent and has taken a few steps down the hall. The four of us, Carolyn Billy's wife, me and Michael and Timmy his sons have taken turns sitting with him day and night for the last five weeks. Timmy and Michael take care of the weekends and Carolyn and I take care of the week days. Billy is getting so much stronger and there is talk from the doctors giving us encouragement that he can soon leave the special care hospital. This is such good news and I look forward to seeing him back to his old sweet self. This mornings prayers are prayers of thanksgiving.

3 comments:

Deborah said...

Phyllis, I hope you remember me! I sure recall meeting you a few years back in Santa Fe (was it the art materials expo? Not sure...but I think so.)

Anyway, I just want to say that I might have written this same post today! The Lord is reminding me that time with Him is far, far more important and valuable than any other pursuit in my life, no matter how noble. You said it so well! "I'm reminded I don't have to chase God. He is always there." Amen, sister!

Be blessed. You and your family are in my prayers.

Joni said...

It's so nice to be reminded through your words that being busy sometimes causes us to lose our focus, and yet He is always there, ever so loving and patient for His children to seek Him out.

Sending you love dear Phyllis, praying for your brother, and wishing you joyful blessings in your day ~

xoxoxo

Phyllis Russell Franklin said...

Thanks so much for your prayers! Thinking about you today, Phyllis

Word of the day.

.:.