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Thursday, November 20, 2008

Dreams & Life

Tonight I sit here pondering how dreams and everyday life can peacefully coexist. Is it even possible? I am just not sure. It seems that somehow, at some point, most if not all of my dreams of what "could be" have gotten shoved aside for the reality of what "is". I am not quite sure when or how this happened. I certainly didn't mean for it to, and yet I find myself here, longing for what I feel has been placed in my heart only to be put on a shelf and partially (sometimes mostly) forgotten.

Most of the time I am so wrapped up in the every day life, I easliy forget. The dreams just sort of seem to slip out the back door while I am busy with what ever seems to be the "urgent" at the moment. Every once in awhile though, something will bring them to the surface of my mind again. A book, a person, a song, random stuff usually...

What to do with these dreams once they surface is the big question of the hour. I guess I am wrestling with when or if I am ever really supposed to make them move from dream to "urgent" status. I guess if these dreams were really put in my heart for the right reason by the right "Person" (yes, God!) then He will be faithful, just like He always is, to give the gentle nudge or shove when the time comes. I just have to make sure I am still enough to be paying attention.

So, I ask Him once again - What am I here for? What have You made me uniquely equipped to do? What dreams am I to pursue and when? Lord, I am listening. I am trying to be patient. Use me when and how ever you wish to bring You glory! And I challenge you who find your way to reading this to ask the same. What are YOU here for? What has He made YOU uniquely equipped to do? What dreams has He placed in YOU to pursue and when? Are you listening? Shhhhh... He is faithful to speak!

Be still and know!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Well Done

Well, today we said goodbye to a dear friend. We celebrated her life and her witness for Christ. It was quite the production. 1 hour and 45 minutes of memories, tears, laughter, worship and the Word of God. I think she would be pleased! As I was singing in her honor, I found myself a little jealous that she was able to worship at a depth that we will never know here on earth. But I'm sure gonna try!

We remembered her life and as I was listening, I new she heard the words "well done, good and faithful servant" from her Father. She lived what she believed throughout her life and her death. What an example of a life well lived. She is an example for us all. If you would like to read more of her legacy, check out jtrcheckel.blogspot.com

We will miss you terribly, my friend - but you will not be forgotten.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Life is short

Well, today, as with many days recently, I am reminded of how short life really is. It can be full one day and gone the next. One never knows when we will draw our final breath. So, knowing this, should it not motivate us to live like every day could be our last one? I know what you are thinking - that sounds so cliche! And you are right - it does. But it is also true.

I have come face to face with a dear friend's mortality, and thus am forced to look at my own. It makes me wonder if I am truly living each day as I should, as God is calling me to. What did I blow today? What did I miss today? What opportunities did I seize today? Did I love as deeply today as I could have? Did I laugh as much as I should have? Did I let the little things get to me and squeeze out the important ones? And then, after asking these questions and not being satisfied with the answers - what will I do with tomorrow?

My friend , you see, is going to meet Jesus soon. She will know and experience worship like we can not possibly fathom here on Earth. But while she is here, she is creating a legacy of faith that inspires so many. She inspires and challenges us to live like today could be our last. I believe that very soon, she will hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Then she will dance on the streets of gold, knowing the true meaning of worship.

Oh, how I long for that day. But until then, while I am here, I know that God has a plan laid out for me each and every day. I pray that I am diligent in seeking out that plan and living my life to the fullest for His glory, making His name famous and pointing people to Him, challenging them to do the same!