Patience

Something, I’m still learning.

I seem to learn best from object lessons, therefore God has been teaching me about patience through several circumstances.

Our vegetable garden is a daily testimony to patience.

I started our tomato plants from seeds months ago.

Although we water them twice a day, we’ve just know begun to get tiny green tomatoes.

I’m waiting, tending to the weeding and watering, and watchful for the day when we will enjoy the harvest.

For followers of Christ, we are to be doing the same thing with regard to our Lord’s return.

James 5:7 NLT — Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.
James 5:8 NLT — You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

My life, my heart is where Jesus’s seed has taken root and each day I must keep it, diligently bringing forth fruit with patience.

Luke 8:15 KJV — But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

While waiting, working, and watching over our veggies, I’m reminded to be as diligent about my Lord’s return.

Patience is a gift of the Holy Spirit and I’m still learning how to rest in it while completing the task at hand with thanksgiving and praise, for I want to be the servant ready and awake at my Lord’s return.

Dear Lord Jesus,

“Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And I will glorify Your name forevermore. For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.”
Psalms 86:11‭-‬13 NKJV

Learning about waiting

That bush in our yard is a blueberry.

Although, it looks a bit lost in the space all alone, it has been used by God to continue to teach me about waiting.

Because we have plans, some might call them dreams, but many blueberry bushes is part of that.

Our family loves blueberries.

(To give you an idea we picked over forty pounds of them last summer and they didn’t last past October.)

From before I knew God was going to move us here, I’d been talking with Him about my desires.

Psalm 10:17 KJV — LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:

My heart sometimes begins to long for things and I’ve learned to take those things before the Lord.

He’s taught me to be honest about my feelings and surrender my wishes to God, for He knows best.

Waiting upon Him is a lesson I’m still practicing.

In the past I wasted so much time and energy trying to “make things happen” which invariably turned out disappointing, to say the least.

One of those moments came a few weeks ago.

My husband showed me a Craigslist post.

It was five to six year old blueberry bushes for sale and it was the kind I want, Early Blue.

He looked at me with uncertainty.

“We have the money, but I don’t know how much the garden is going to cost.”

We’d previously agreed, after praying about it, that we needed to make the garden our first outdoor priority.

“Let’s pray about it “

One of the ways we have grown in this area is agreeing not to purchase something if the other one doesn’t have peace with it.

In this case we both wanted the bushes, but neither of us had peace about it.

So, we dug a hole for the one we already own and we are waiting upon the Lord.

Often, I’m surprised how much joy that one bush brings me.

It’s because I know we could have several rows of bushes out there, but my heart wouldn’t be filled with the peace I have now.

Waiting for God’s timing is so worth it.

My husband and I were reminded of this fact the day we planted our bush.

He’d been walking around a section of the yard which has decorative bushes, an area neither of us have spent time in.

His attention became drawn to two dormant bushes a little bit away from the others.

His smile was broad when he showed them to me.

“Look closely at these two bushes, honey.”

I inspected them and was blessed.

They’re blueberries.

Psalm 21:2 KJV — Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word and Your blessings. Lord, these temporary things of earth are of such little importance when I think on eternity, but You use them in our lives to teach us. Thank You. Thank You for continuing to hold us in Your ways and guide us in Your truths. Lord, thank You for the lessons and instruction. Lord Jesus, as I wait upon You, thank You for the reminder of the peace which follows obedience and the blessings we have in You. Lord Jesus, I never want to get so focused upon desires that I forget to praise You or I stop being grateful for the things You have given already. Lord Jesus, as I step out this week in obedience in an area which is very uncomfortable, I ask that You will surround me as with a shield and fill me with Your peace. Thank You so much for Your wondrous works. Thank You for salvation and the gift of Your Word. Thank You, Jesus for Your incredible love. I love You! Amen.

Quietly waiting

Lamentations 3:26 NKJV — It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the LORD.

It’s one of the most difficult things to do.

Wait quietly.

But in the case of our salvation, it’s a pleasure and privilege.

Because we don’t earn our salvation.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV — Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We can simply wait upon the Lord Jesus.

Because He provides all our needs.

He has given us His Word.

It’s a wonderful gift which brings us knowledge, understanding, and hope.

He has blessed us with salvation, when we believe and trust in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 68:19 KJV — Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

We even have the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our hearts.

Acts 2:38 NKJV — Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 NKJV — “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Thus, we can live unto the Lord, with confident expectation and quiet waiting.

2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV — But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Our patient endurance will be rewarded, one day Christ will return!

Isaiah 40:31 KJV — But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for salvation! Lord, please continue to teach me how to walk in Your Word daily, waiting quietly upon You in all things. I know often I get distracted and worried by many things and I get tangled up in trying to do things on my own instead of humbling myself and waiting upon You. Lord, I do not want to continue in that. Please help me to recognize when I am, that I might return to trusting and waiting upon You. Thank You for Your love, Your mercy, Your faithfulness, and Your grace.

While waiting

I love getting photos of my children.

I’ve really enjoyed the pictures of progress Sis sends.

I’m reminded of my own children at this stage.

I remember the lesson learned about waiting.

There is so much good happening everyday of a baby’s development.

Yet, nothing is seen and so little is felt.

Even Mom, with her discomfort and inconvenience, feels only a fraction compared to the miracle of design occurring.

It’s true in other things too.

While waiting, through this season of uncertainty and unknown, God is still working.

His design for this season is coming together.

Although we can not see anything, He’s faithful.

It’s important for us to learn that every single day has a purpose and is valuable.

Even if, all we feel is discomfort or pain.

God is still using all the details.

Frankly, I can’t even guess what all God is doing through all this.

But I know He is doing.

I know He is good.

Therefore, the doing is good and will be, even if we can’t see it and we can barely feel anything.

Psalm 146:5 NKJV — Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,

A time to wait

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV — To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

Currently, it is a season to wait.

Waiting upon God to guide and direct our family.

Waiting for my body to recover health.

Waiting for our property to sell.

Waiting…

Many years ago, during those final months of pregnancy God taught me that even in waiting there is work.

Normally I am unaware of the work, because I’m focusing on the waiting.

Unfortunately, allowing myself to fear with a thousand, “what if?”.

What a waste. Instead, I’m waiting on God with a different perspective.

Through these days of waiting I’m choosing to focus on the tasks and joys of each day.

To mentally check my thoughts into the here and now, without striving to guess and plan for the unknown.

It’s out of character for me.

I’ve always wanted to know “the plan” so I could prepare.

The LORD has been teaching me how good it is to simply rest in His plan.

He knows exactly what He is doing.

He has all the details sorted out.

When I need to know, as long as I am listening, He will tell me.

Where I run into trouble is when I go dashing ahead of Him and then realize I’ve left the side of my Master.

It’s difficult to hear God if I’m running away from Him, doing my own thing.

So, I’m waiting and working on the task at hand.

I’m learning to taste the joys of the season of waiting.

“Only for God…”

“Only for God in silence does my soul wait.” Psalm 62:1

It was as if the words leapt out of the book.

-sigh-

Reading again,

I felt so clearly the Lord’s understanding.

I had been reading Pastor Charles R. Swindoll’s book Three Steps Forward Two Steps Back.

The literal Hebrew sentence reads almost backwards from the English translation: “Only for God in silence does my soul wait.”

I knew.

That is what God was teaching me throughout these past weeks of uncertainty.

Then,

the waiting came to an end.

Tuesday, our plans were to drive to the valley with a stop in Eugene for my specialist appointment.

The whole family was coming so our daughter could pack our house while I was nearby with the baby to give advice or answer questions.

We had reached the point.

The decision was made.

We would prepare for moving,

even though we didn’t know

where we were going.

My appointment took longer than expected, but was a blessing.

When we finally arrived at our property we were all tired and hungry.

It was lovely to see my husband and middle daughter again.

The next day was full, as packing began in full swing and Anne had a doctor’s appointment.

Later that day my husband and I were able to chat about where God was leading.

Should we buy a house?

Was that a responsible choice when our property wasn’t ready to sell?

What was God’s will for us?

We needed a home, how should we proceed?

It became clear we should rent.

After some internet searching we found several which might work and one we were excited about.

I sent tour requests.

Answered email responses.

Was excited when the house we wanted offered a tour the next evening.

My husband and I would have to drive up and it meant I’d leave all the packing to our daughter, but I was wearing out quickly.

So, I emailed back we’d be there Thursday at 6:30.

During this our Bell had a meeting with the track coach.

Her summer has been full of disappointments when it came to her future at the college she had agreed to run track for.

By the time she was home from her trip she didn’t see any other options other than walking away from it and going to a different school.

When the coach requested meeting with us, there were some concerns.

What did God want for our Bell?

Could the issues be reconciled?

My husband went with her and I prayed.

When he called his voice was calm.

“They are signing her up for classes now. Everything has been taken care of.”

I had to take a deep breath.

“Well, praise God!”

He related the whole story.

I was stunned by the Lord’s provision.

I would have to pack the car and leave to meet him soon.

My emotions were all stirred up between stress, grief, and joy.

I hated leaving the house for our daughter to do while taking care of her five month old.

I was sad at leaving our middle girl behind.

I was overwhelmed by God’s grace and provision.

I was so thankful for everything God was giving us.

I was exhausted from it all.

So off we went to look at the house we hoped to call home.

After a long nap my attitude and emotions had all calmed.

We were going to be early so we could look at the neighborhood and get a feel for it all.

When we pulled up to where the navigation system said,

“You’ve arrived”.

We both just stared blankly.

“Uh, honey, it’s a duplex.”

My heart felt that something had gone wrong.

“Please check to make sure you got the address correct,” was his sensible reply.

I did.

It was.

“What are we going to do?”

I looked at him with concern.

Was God asking us to stretch?

Or was there something else He was doing?

My husband pulled the car farther down the street.

Our eyes met with a FOR RENT sign in the lawn of a different house.

This one a single family home.

My husband pulled up and parked.

Then he grabbed his phone.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m calling the number.”

I began praying.

We wanted God’s will and we needed to know what that was.

After he left a message he turned the car around and headed for our daughter and son-in-law’s house.

We were halfway there when the phone rang.

(Bluetooth is really nice!)

My husband answered and began to chat with the home owner.

As they talked the fact that our last rental was in the UK led to the information about why we were there.

It didn’t take long to discover the landlord is a strong believer.

As the conversation ended it was with hope.

We were to be shown the house that evening by the neighbor.

Our hearts were glad and thankful to the Lord for guiding.

I emailed the duplex and thanked them, but cancelled our tour.

We prayed again together before we headed back to tour the other house.

My heart tried to stay calm and quiet and wait for God to show us His will.

The neighbor was a welcoming gentleman and very personable.

The house was incredible.

Bigger and more than I would have ever imagined.

But it was our conversation with the neighbor which blessed us the most.

He invited us into his home to meet his wife.

Before we knew it we were seated in their living room chatting.

They both are strong believers.

With daughters near our youngest girl’s age.

Hospitality was poured out.

Love was abundant.

It was such a blessing.

At one point in the conversation she looked at me and said,

“We’ve been praying for a nice family with kids to move in.”

And God answered.

Both our prayers.

We moved in on Monday.

Praise God!

All the weeks of quiet waiting upon the Lord has culminated into so many answered prayers.

From the packing, to the loading, to the unloading (one of our friends from the valley drove all the way up here to help with the unloading) our son-in-law, his brother and friend showed up as well, and our oldest girl baked pizzas for everyone.

Even to the details of my furniture fitting.

It is so worth while.

All these weeks

quietly waiting

upon the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV — And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Psalm 28:7

It was years ago when I printed off and framed this verse.

Yesterday, I received some sad news.

As I prayed for all involved,

my heart yearning for Jesus’s answer,

my eye caught this verse.

“The LORD is my strength and shield.” Psalm 28:7a

My heart was encouraged.

I don’t have to be strong,

because Jesus is all the strength I need.

I don’t have to look farther than Him to find the solution.

“…in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped…” Psalm 28:7b

My heart can rest securely in His love.

My mind can cling to His plans.

Even if I’m unsure what He is doing,

I can pray and wait to see where He is leading.

He has proven His faithfulness.

I have tasted of His goodness.

Jesus will answer.

While I’m waiting for Jesus

and praying for His guidance

I am going to praise Him.

That’s where the last part of the verse comes in.

“…my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7c

I will praise the Lord.

And first thing on my list is

a Bible verse

He had me print off and frame,

years ago.

On hold

Everything is ready.

The car is packed.

The bedroom is set up.

The details are all sorted.

But it’s all on hold till baby comes.

Which is a difficult place to walk.

How does one work at things when waiting?

It’s something I’m watching our adult-children walk through as they wait the arrival of their first born.

It’s also something I’m walking in.

I’m waiting for my body to go back to healthy.

I’m waiting for all the demolition and construction so we can find rest at home.

I’m waiting for God to move me back home.

Which should happen today!

Although we have learned that our house is not worth the money to fix and we must replace it with a new build.

My hubby and girls have been ripping out carpet, painting, and cleaning all with the intention of my being able to live at home again.

None of us want me to live separately any longer than necessary.

Infact in a few hours my husband should be here and we will go to church with Sis and Tim, then pack my things into the car and head home.

I’m looking forward to it.

And I’m thankful for all God had done while my life has been on hold.

Because no matter how long I have to wait, there are lessons even in the waiting.

Things like patience, grace, endurance, and selflessness can be honed while waiting.

God understands exactly what each step is for and He is guiding all the details of each moment.

I’m praying and preparing this morning.

And then I realize:

I’m actually not on hold.

I’m being held.

Exaggerated

This wasn’t what I was expecting.

(Jan and John have been cooking amazing meals three times a day!)

Of course I really didn’t know what to expect.

Yet this past week of living with friends has been so full.

The sweet people all around me have been more than kind, they’ve been incredible!

(The people where I’m staying, at work, my family, my friends… it’s been incredible.)

And I’m really overwhelmed by all of it.

Yet with all the things which have happened I realized four days ago my perspective is off.

I’ve been so thankful for everything and everyone, but each day I seem to miss my family with an increased longing.

I hadn’t realized what was happening in my heart till my words betrayed me.

I exaggerated.

I’d been sharing with a co-worker the adventure of our current living status.

“It’s been 3 weeks since I’ve lived at home. I miss my family. ”

They were so kind and offered their sympathy.

Yet, their words weren’t what came to mind later.

It was mine that stung my memory.

I was wrong.

When I’d said 3 weeks.

I hadn’t meant to tell it wrong.

Some how my brain had taken the two weeks it has been and stretched them to three.

Isn’t it funny how our emotions can warp our perspective?

I’ve not had the opportunity to correct my words with my co-worker, but I have had time to repent of my perspective.

After all the dear kind things people have done for me these two weeks in my heart I’d simply been looking at what was lacking.

I hadn’t even realized it.

Scripture is so true!

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

I failed to be content with my circumstances.

After all the Lord has abundantly provided for all my needs.

He has ordered all my steps.

Why focus on what is lacking?

Frankly, it’s easy.

It’s easier to feel sorrowful over the things which are missing than joyful over the ones we have.

So as I walk into another week, I’m asking the Lord to help me focus on the things He’s prepared while being content to wait for the ones He is preparing.

Waiting…

“I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace, To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly.” Psalm 85:8 NKJV

-sigh-

There’s no mistaking.

These words are true.

They fit our journey-path-today exactly.

And I trust in the promise.

And I will heed the warning.

More than anything we want God’s guidance.

We want to walk exactly as He is calling us.

For both His scripture and His past faithfulness has taught us:

it brings peace.

To hear what God will speak means

listening.

Listening is an action verb.

It requires effort.

It requires time.

And God isn’t a vending machine.

I don’t stick in my coupon which reads:

1 hour of prayer equals answer to question

and get a dispensed coupon with the answer I’m looking for.

God.

Just the tiny understanding I have of Him requires me to be humble.

He’s incredible.

And He wants to talk with me!

Yet, my flesh, my sin, (especially fear) stand in the way.

So, I need the warning as well.

To return to folly, for me would be:

to listen to fear,

to try to get the ball rolling,

to try to figure out a plan…

Not this time.

I told my husband last night.

“We need to spend at least a week and just pray about what God wants us to do.”

What I should have said: “We need to stop investigating this and simply pray until God tells us what He wants us to do.”

Sound silly?

It’s because all our research has come up with very complicated information which doesn’t really give us any direction.

It’s been frustrating,

and for me it’s robbing my peace.

So, it’s not a strange coincidence I read these words in Psalms.

It’s the Lord.

And

“I will hear what God the LORD will speak,” Psalm 85:8a NKJV

No matter how long it takes.

I’m waiting for His promise of peace, so I will not return to folly.