Friday, July 25, 2008

Randy Pausch 1960-2008

If you never have had the opportunity to watch The Last Lecture, then please do right now. So sad to hear about his passing and I am sending up prayers for his wife and three small children.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

SO glad it's Friday......

I was thinking this morning about what a rough week this has been for me. From Sunday on it seems like I have been under constant attack and haven't done such a good job standing firm against it. Honestly, I have just given in to it. I have allowed myself to be selfish and critical this week and I hate that! I have found myself falling into old patterns during the past week and I really hate that! Sometimes it seems that we are alone - without a prayer partner in the world or without anyone to talk to about our problems, but I really do believe that this is when God can be at most work in our lives. If we recognize our complete need for Him during these times and cry out to Him, then He WILL answer. So, I am dusting myself off this morning and getting back on the horse. Pity party is over. For those of you who have had the unfortunate opportunity to be around me this week, I am sorry. I have not been a good witness nor a good friend to be around. With that said, this is the devotional I had this morning in my inbox:

". . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16 NIV).

Last fall my husband and I were traveling in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Frequently, we would see a lake with a beautiful reflection of the rugged snow covered mountains. It was an awesome scene. I could not help but think, "Does God's love reflect from my life? Do others see Jesus in me?" As I was considering these questions and the possible answer, the thought came to me that in order for God's love to reflect from my life, the love of God's Son, Jesus, must shine in my heart. Just as it is the shining sun that causes a reflection to appear on the lake, so also without the sun shining on the water, there is not reflection. I live in Oregon where we have many days of cloudy, rainy weather. It is easy to allow these dreary days to depress my spirits and weary my soul. However, the clouds and rain cannot obscure the love of Jesus when I remind myself that it is God's Son who shines in my heart. God's love will reflect from my heart when I read and meditate on God's Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart. When our hearts are overflowing with God's love, our lives will reflect the love of Jesus. He will help us as we:

Show concern for others.

Be a good listener.

Reach out to others, not waiting for them to reach out first.

Be cheerful and positive.

Be hospitable.

Be generous.

Be their prayer warrior.