KALEIDOSCOPIC LIFE

Just like the quick twist of a toy kaleidoscope, a harsh word or unexpected hurt can reshape my  image of a person---turning my world upside down or coloring it gray.
Behavior that is more a reaction than a response. "That's my bad," as the kid's say!
There are kaleidoscopes of responses to counteract self-centered reactions. Forgiveness is at the top of the list. Forgiveness is not only an act of kindness to the offender, but it's a kindness to self as well.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, ....(Ephesians 4:32a)

Life is complex. Ever changing. Kaleidoscopic.
Relationships can cause shifts in our views and expectations of others.
People change.
God doesn't.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
......and forgiving. ",......forgiving each other, just as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32b)

PLAN G

Each Type 1 personality seems to always have a plan. Maybe it helps one feel more in control. 

"Just in case folks" always have a Plan B. In extremes Plan C. Plan D and on down the alphabet allowing for snafus, interruptions, etc.

They make a list and check it twice. (At least twice)

Not so with God. Quote scribbled in the front of my Bible---"GOD ONLY HAS PLAN A!".

Many are the plans in the mind of a man (or on their list), BUT it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21, parenthetical insertions and emphasis are mine)

God only has ONE plan. His will. (Ephesians 1:11, 21)

His good and perfect plan. His Plan is the only plan. It's called sovereignty. (Psalm 115:3) It's a continuous working together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

PLAN G = GOD"S PLAN. GOD'S PLAN NEVER CHANGES! (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Mattie Dear said it well. "Be of good cheer. God is in the plan." 

That would be Plan G.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

Do you hear what I hear?

 

Probably not.

We might have heard the same word or same big booming sound.......but then we add our own experiences to the word or event and each heart hears or pays attention somewhat differently.

For me, that's the way God's word is. As I read it, I ask Him to speak uniquely to me. 

Passages take on meaning that go directly to my heart. Maybe that's why there are different versions and commentaries on the same passages of Scripture. (2 Timothy 3:16) Even the same passage can take on new meaning as I refocus on it during a different season of life.

Sometimes God's word whispers to me through the Psalms. Other times God's word SHOUTS to me as in 2 Chronicles 2:20.

I want my heart to hear God's heart.

THREE R's for a NEW YEAR!

REFOCUS! REFUEL!! REFRESH!!!

1. Refocus your mind.
2. Refuel your heart.
3. Refresh others.

Do all three. Use scripture to chart your course!

1. Set your mind. Reset as needed to clear your mind of earthly matters. (Colossians 3:2)
2. Open God's Word and chew on it 'til your heart can delightfully digest it. (Jeremiah 15:16)
3. Refresh others. You'll also be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Refocusing. refueling and refreshing = Renewal of one's Spirit.
Renewal results in transformation. (Romans 12:2)

Being transformed by a renewal of the mind, refuels one's soul and enables one to refresh others.

What an honor for any gal to incorporate the 3 Rs in her new year and be recognized as a Philemon saint...."The hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you...." (Philemon 1:2)

A CRACKED POT!

A "cracked pot"!!!

Just what I feel like at times.

Note hairline fracture on teapot!

Hardly visible. Yet, crumbly underneath!

At least it's just a cookie. 

In life it's not as visible but the brokenness can still reside, until God's grace takes all those crumbles and tangles and uses them for our good and His glory.

Do I hear an "A-men" from all you cracked pots reading this entry?

W.A.I.T.

Question to self,  "Is waiting hard because of lack of practice?"

W.A.I.T.---A perfect acronym for one trying to "listen" well. 

W. Why
A.  Am
I.    I
T.   Talking      (Carolyn Winn, Source)

When I do speak, I need to ask myself 3 questions.

Is it true?

Is it kind?

Does it need to be said?

If not,  you might need to wait a little longer before "opening your mouth".

Question to self, "If waiting seems long when conversation lags, is it necessary for me to jump in just to fill the silent void?