Focus

I couldn't sleep because I had too much to do, waking up early with the list revolving in my head. As I logged in my computer, a page popped up that made me stop and focus.  I was obsessed, consumed, and distressed by my work of  Melissa's Prayer Journal,  but all that God wanted was for me to be devoted.  I needed to let go and let God.  So ironic that my ardent desire to do ministry gets in the way of actually being with the Lord, which is what He most wants from me!   So, I took a deep breath, prayed and felt the peace that passes all understanding.  Sending this peace to you. ~ JBM

Focus

It's 6 am on a Sunday morning, the Lord's day, the Sabbath, the day of rest.  I can't sleep because my work is swirling uncontrollably in my mind: too much to do and not enough time. I open my computer, and my home page flashes Matthew 6:30: "If God so clothes the grass of the field,... will He not much more so clothe you?"   The Author  continues to challenge me to focus on Jesus: receiving His Spirit, relying on Him, and obeying Him as the path to peace.  I especially related to the phrase "cluttered our minds with worries."   Melissa  once said, "prayer is the only cure for a worried heart."  I am again amazed at God's grace to give me JUST the message I need at JUST the moment I need it!  The clear task for today is to breath the Holy Spirit.  Pray without ceasing!  Clean the clutter of worry out of my mind and replace it with assurance that God will give me all I need to do the tasks HE has for me to do. Praise our gracious God!! - Blessings ~ JBM

Gifts

One of the greatest gifts we can give another person is our full attention: our undivided focus when we really listen to their needs.  In our world of constant noise and endless wireless stimulation, pausing to concentrate on the felt needs of another human being is not only a challenge, but an exquisite treasure. You provide such gold when you look into the eyes of a co-worker, friend, or family member, really hearing the meaning behind the words, or even better, feeling  them.  Melissa knew this well, and asked for her friends to tell her their problems. Even during chemotherapy, she longed to be of help to others. We can easily miss the opportunity to help others because such self-less loss into the needs of another is emotionally and cognitively draining.  But please know, that no matter what other comfort you may provide, your full attention to the needs of another provides a priceless gift. Give it freely, and feel the deep satisfaction of the riches you have to offer this world.  Blessings, JBM

Transitions

Transition is painful.  Change is hard.  We quickly get used to things they way they are and only discomfort will prompt us to make a move.  Fall is a season of transitions, which always make me more anxious. My security gets shaken by change.  I unconsiously worry about my ability to handle new situations.  Melissa had the answer to feeling so threatened: "Lord, let me gaze upon you as I glance at my circumstances." (Melissa's Prayer Journal, p.62.)  I have an index card posted on my kitchen cabinet with a Bible verse: "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth."  (Col 3:2).  Melissa knew that the more we place our security in God's provision and love for us, the less rattled we will be by the white water churning under our feet!  I need a lot of reminders to channel my thoughts in the right direction, but remembering ALL the ways God has provided in the past and continues to bless me every day, helps to really calm me down. So, if you have some threatening clouds over your head or waves crashing around you, keep your eyes on Jesus. Blessings always- JBM