I don't often watch the news but with the shootings recently in Moncton, NB and now the oil crises/gas prices, I have been paying a little more attention. I find that watching the news upsets me and makes me feel shaky and uncertain about the future. So how do I live here in this world during times of crises and craziness?

I find that when I spend time at the feet of my Lord, things suddenly come into a very clear and much more peaceful perspective. The bottom line: no matter what, My God is sovereign and in control. This I declare and believe to be true. I know that no matter what kind of craziness is around me, God is right here, beside me. I also know that He continues to move and to work in my life. He doesn't just say, 'baton down the hatches and hold on and wait for it all to end'. He has good things for all of us right here and right now.

Can I encourage you to press into God and His Word? That is our reality. That is what brings peace and allows us to get out of bed every morning with a smile on our lips and a bounce in our steps. 

Let's first look to God and then the world. That way you will start with a more clear view!

p.s. I will be away for awhile - talk to you when I get back!

This morning I was driving home from errands and a van stopped right in the middle of a fairly busy street and this older lady got out of the passenger side and walked slowly to the mailbox that was on the corner. The van did not pull over or go around the corner but continued to sit in the same place. The older woman walked very slowly and then proceeded to try to find an opening in the back of the mail box. I sat and very impatiently watched this little episode of errors take place while I waited.

You probably can imagine my mutterings and they were none too kind - not to the driver of this vehicle and not to the older recipient of the letter trying to find an opening in the mailbox.

I am generally an extremely forbearing person but when it comes to driving, I become extremely intolerant. I don't like that part of myself and want to change it. I took it to God and He said to imagine myself as that older woman first of all trying to get to the mailbox in a hurry but knowing that you can only move slowly because of pain or simply old age. Then looking for the opening in the back of the box and knowing that a younger woman was witnessing me making a fool of myself, I would feel very embarrassed.   I suddenly felt very humbled and contrite.

Lord, help me (and all of us!) to learn to be patient. You are patient with us again and again - help us to do likewise.

Ephesians 4:1-3   
therefore, I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the 
calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with 
patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the 
Spirit in the bond of peace.

At the end of one of my workout videos (yes, I meant to say videos! My home gym is still living in the '80's...), I noticed that the instructor ended with this line: "and go and make yourself a great day!". I like that! We can make ourselves great days!!

It really is about attitude and choice, isn't it? When small annoyances happen, do we allow them to rob us of all that's good around us? Even if we're in crises, we can still find goodness and kindnesses if we take the time to look for them.

I find that when I look outside of myself, I can always see more clearly. How about you, my dear friend? Can you make today a great day? Ask yourself 'what's great about it?' and then go out and find something! Life can be exciting and an ongoing adventure if we choose to see it that way. Who are you going to bless today with that beautiful smile of yours? Who are you going to hold open a door for or bless with a warm hug? Lots of hurt out there and lots of potential in you!

So, hey, go and make yourself a great day!