Thought for Friday, Jan 30: Isaiah 40:15 says: "Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust."

How obvious the prophet is making it that this world is not our home. We have so much more to look forward to. We have a hope that is not of our own making, or the making of a president or a king or a dirty politician. We can look around us and see evil, or we can look up, and keep looking up, and allow our thoughts and lives to be guided by the true King.

Thought for Thursday, Jan 29: Isaiah 40:11 says: "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

I'm so glad that our faithful shepherd is tending to things, and keeping us close to his heart. If you have a worry, give it to him, and if you find that you've taken it back, give it to him as many times as you need to. He's always there, always waiting to carry our burdens.

Thought for Wednesday, Jan 28: Today's reading comes from Isaiah 40:7-8: "The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

In these days of financial and political change, it's so easy to worry. I fall prey to it every day, when I see a headline of doom and gloom. But as we know God has every hair on our heads numbered, even though we may be as weak as the grass we walk on, God will never fail. I find a great deal of comfort in that.

Thought for Tuesday, Jan 27: How do you fight? When you have an argument with a loved one, or even someone you don't particularly love, is self-preservation your prime goal? Do you allow your opponent to state his or her views without attacking? Do you come away from these arguments with a feeling of frustration, that nothing was solved because you flew off the handle? If so, it's time to learn how to have a constructive argument, because if you never learn how to express your feelings well enough to actually be heard by someone else, then your heart will remain lonely, and that relationship will suffer. I urge you to purchase or check out a book by a Christian counselor that can teach you the basics of conflict resolution. You'll be amazed how much more fulfilling your relationships can be when you learn to capture your temper and reduce it to a manageable size. Remember that when you experience a negative emotional reaction to a friend or loved one, you have the opportunity to actually forge a deeper emotional closeness by sharing your heart, and learning how to accept one another at a deeper level. Don't miss the opportunity.

Thought for Monday, Jan 26: How wealthy are you? I am wealthy beyond the wildest imaginings of most people in the world. So are you. So is pretty much every citizen in this country. But not everyone enjoys that wealth. God's word calls us to give help to the widow and orphan, to help the needy. When the Bible mentions the gift of giving, I believe that means giving over and above the tithe that's required of us. If you have been given the gift of giving--if you love to shower those around you with financial aid or some other kind of support that might not be monetary--then you have been given a wonderful spiritual gift. Exercise it with all that is in you. God has the power to multiply that gift in ways you could never imagine. Give praise to Him for this wonderful gift!

Thought for Friday, Jan 23: What do you love the most in all the world? I'm not talking about chocolate. I'm talking about those things in your life that give you inspiration and energy to live. What are your passions? If you're married with a family, that family is one of your passions. If you love your career, that's another passion. If you love to paint, write, sing, play a musical instrument, handle electronics, pray for others, cook, take in strays, then follow those passions. Don't allow fear to guide you. Have faith that, if God gave you those gifts, He intends for you to use them. Indulge yourself in the joys God has placed in your life.

Thought for Thursday, Jan 22: I may have mentioned this before, but just as yesterday's post bears more than one repeat, so does this. The word is moderation. Much is made of the sins of drunkenness and drug abuse, but unfortunately, not enough is mentioned about the dangers of being offcenter in any area of your life. Overeating, of course, is a biggie. Eating too much junk food is dangerous, as well as drinking soda. It has come to my attention--and don't get me wrong, I do believe that a good, strong exercise routine is essential for good health--that an overabundance of exercise can also be detrimental.
Studies show that those who overstress their bodies with hours of daily exercise can actually do more damage than good. I've found that, when I do thirty to forty-five minutes of exercise daily, I have a better energy level than I do when I go on a hard, ten-mile hike in the hills. In fact, my body tends to swell with water weight a few days after a hike, because I neglect to take in enough fluids during the hike. That isn't going to stop me from going on those hikes two or three times a month, and overstressing my body in this way is still better than not exercising at all. I hike not only for the exercise, but to indulge myself in the beauty of God's creation, and to talk to Him in solitude, so hiking does improve my emotional health. I just don't take a hard, ten-mile hike every day.

Thought for Wednesday, Jan 21:You may become tired of receiving this particular daily thought, but it bears constant repeating because it is vital to your emotional and physical health. This is a reminder to monitor your times of solitude. Are you able to find time during your day to be alone? Can you take a walk in a quiet place, to withdraw to a quiet room in the midst of all the craziness of typical daily activity? Can you get away long enough to reconnect with God in the middle of your day? To feel His love and guidance? To remember to enjoy the life He's given you? Allow Him to place peace within your heart when you're frazzled. He loves you, and He wants that time with you as often as you will give it. You don't always have to think of words to say, you just let Him do the talking. He'll talk straight into your heart. Just give Him the time.

Thought for Tuesday, Jan 20: Do you have a temperature? I hope so! If you don't, you're no longer among the living. If your temperature is higher than it should be when you report findings to your doctor, call it a fever. Keep a thermometer or two or three in the house at all times. You never know when you'll need one, or when you might misplace one. If you find that you do have a fever, keep the numbers charted. You don't always have to see a doctor for a fever unless it's too high or lasts more than a couple of days, or there are other symptoms that accompany it. However, if you do end up seeing your family practitioner, or even end up in the ER or an urgent care facility, the physician will find it very helpful if you bring some charting with you. Remember that the more initiative you take to care for yourself, the happier you will be with the results of a trip to the doctor.

Thought for Monday, Jan 19: Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the popular challenge in Christian circles to read the Bible through in a year? Have you fallen behind more than once on those efforts? I've never made it through in one year. There's always something that slows me down, such as a particularly complicated verse or passage, and I can't help spending more time in that spot, thinking about it, wondering what it might mean in my life.

I decided to form the habit of simply reading through the Bible at my own speed, for myself and no one else. No time restraints. I may read a chapter a day, or half a chapter, or three chapters, depending on what I find. Sometimes it's simply a single verse, or the same chapter every day for a week. I've begun to mark the passages that mean something to me, even placing sticky notes in spots where I'll want to return and study further. I've found that, amazingly, I love Ecclesiastes because I've read it through more than once to try to understand what the writer was saying. I've discovered that the Bible is truly the organic, living Word of God, because as my day unfolds, the passages I read in the morning have impact on the challenges of the day, and that impact is specific.

Let God walk with you throughout your day. Take his words to heart when you begin your day. Let Him talk to you. Then watch and see what wonders He has just for you.

Thought for Friday, Jan 16: What are you willing to give up for the salvation of a soul? Have you read The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn? I highly advise it. Did you know that for the price of a latte, a soul somewhere in the world is likely to come to Christ? The money received by the Jesus Film Project leads to the salvation of a soul every time a dollar is spent, on average. Invest in eternity. It doesn't have to take much money, but I believe once you get caught up on the excitement, you'll see the power of God at work and want to become a part of it.

Thought for Thurdsay, Jan 15: I have a tendency to second-guess God. Impulsive by nature, I have always had trouble learning to wait when I think He's leading in a particular direction--usually a direction of my own choosing. This has gotten me into a lot of trouble over the years, and though it's provided a lot of fodder for novels, it's also been difficult. Remember that it is those who wait upon the Lord who will soar on wings like eagles. The rest of us may end up floundering in the mud.

Thought for Wednesday, Jan 14: Do you ever have trouble understanding why God does the things He does in your life? Have you ever had your heart broken, suffered setbacks or loss? I struggle with these things until I remind myself that, when I was a child, I didn't always understand why my parents punished or disciplined me--or at least, if I did understand, I resented it anyway. Discipline isn't alway punishment, but it's redirection. The Bible tells us that God disciplines us because He loves us, because we are His children. He may be punishing you for something in your life, or He may be merely redirecting you. Whatever it is, trust Him. Heaven is our goal. Let Him guide you there.

Thought for Tuesday, Jan 13: Have you struggled with guilt lately? Would it surprise you to know that many people live with the feeling of guilt in their lives constantly? The important thing to know is whether this guilt is genuine conviction from God about unconfessed sin, or something for which you have already repented. If it's genuine, then nothing's stopping you from repenting now, right? Then you can give the guilt to God. However, if this is counterfeit guilt over something for which you've already repented, or if someone is using shame to control you, it's time to dump the guilt. It's crippling you.

Thought for Monday, Jan 12: This is short and simple, but something that bears repeating, because this bit of wisdom could save a life: Never use cruise control when the road is wet or slick. You can easily lose control of your car. I'm sure you already know this, and that's okay. Reminders never hurt anyone.

Thought for Friday, Jan 9: How many church committees are you on? Do you teach a class, sing in choir, lead a weekly Bible study, help out at school, hold down a full time job, take care of family, clean house...

How many activities do you have in your life? While service is a good thing, Isaiah 1:11-20 reminds us that the ethical conduct in our daily lives pleases God more than an outward show of multiple acts of worship or good deeds. If your list of activities prevents you from spending quality time with God daily, then you're too busy. Reconnect with Him, and disconnect with those things that keep you from Him.

Thought for Thursday, Jan 8: I hate traveling in bad weather, but even in southern Missouri, we have our icy days of winter. One would think that I would have learned sooner that, when driving in winter, or during wet weather, when the windshield fogs, you're supposed to set your air conditioner to the non-recirculation setting to clear the fog from the glass. I tried it last week, and it works! I suppose I should start reading the car manual. Hope this helps someone.

Thought for Wednesday, Jan 7: Have you discovered your spiritual gifts? These are special areas of service where God has equipped you to serve Him and others, and many are listed in the New Testament. The way I see it, talents aren't the same as gifts. You may be a talented singer, but through that talent, do you exercise the gift of exhortation, encouragement or prophecy? Though writing, I try to exercise my gift of encouragement. I know a photographer who uses her gift to share God's beautiful creation with others. We all have gifts in God's family. If you haven't found yours yet, enjoy the exploration.

Thought for Tuesday, Jan 6: One easy way to reduce stress in your life is to buck the trend to have the latest electronic breakthrough in gadgets. Studies have proven that, when people purchase a new device of any kind, they will purchase the one with the most features for the money, even though they know they'll never use those features. Working with the complications that present themselves to you with the increased capabilities will not only be frustrating, they'll bring stress you didn't need. If you want a camera that simply takes pictures, and don't want to be forced to attend photography school to learn how to use all the unnecessary features, then purchase the simplest camera you can find. Then enjoy yourself. Long live 35mm. May it not go the way of the wooly mammoth.

Thought for Monday, Jan 5: If you're over forty, try not to go on strict diet. Make gradual lifestyle changes instead, one change at a time. I've seen too many people lose weight at once, and then have watched helplessly when their weight shot back up because their metabolism dropped to compensate. It's instinctive. Avoid the trap.

Thought for Friday, Jan 2, Daily: Winter driving can become dangerous quickly. I have friends who recently encountered an ice storm on their journey to another state. They made it through that spot of the country with only a slide or two, but counted twelve automobiles stranded or overturned at the side of the road. If you live in a climate that has ice and snow, always keep a warm blanket in your car for use in emergencies. Be prepared. Never place all your trust in your automobile, or in your driving ability. Other drivers may not be so dependable on slick roads.

Thought for Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009: If you love sports and parades, enjoy! If not, take a walk, read, give yourself a break. Spend time alone with God to discover how He wants you to live your life this next year. Remain open to His guidance through the Bible, through prayer, through these quiet times of introspection when you invite Him to walk with you. Ask Him what the two of you would talk about if He were walking beside you in human form. And then wait for the answer.