Friday, June 27, 2014

Influence

One of my summer 2014 "Bucket List" items is to complete Influence- Living and Sharing a Life of Wisdom, a Bible study by Jan Silvious and Pam Gillaspie. It's a study on mentoring. A big lesson I've learned is mentoring does not require an appointment. It can take place in an instant. As I spend time with older, wiser women, I strive to listen, observe, pay attention, and learn from them. I keep an on-going list of insights I've gained. Here are five words of wisdom I've received from Bobbye, the founder of our grandmothers prayer group:
  • Refrain from giving unwanted advice.
  • Encourage! Encourage! Encourage!
  • Pray for your descendants and their world.
  • Plant "seeds of wisdom" into the lives of others, and trust God for the results.
  • Be a good listener, and avoid trying to fix another's problems.

That's good and wise counsel. What insight has a person of influence shared with you?

Friday, June 20, 2014

Follow the Feet

I attend a free senior citizen line dance class at my local rec center.

Merriam-Webster defines "line dance" as a "dance done by a group of people who stand next to each other in a line and who all perform the same movements."

Line dancing provides me exercise and mental stimulation. I get frustrated, sometimes, because my brain doesn't always get the steps, or I have difficulty remembering the pattern sequence. But, I refuse to quit. I will NOT give up! I'm learning patience, and to not compare myself to others who've been dancing for years.

Not only am I learning something new and mentally stimulating, line dancing helps build my confidence. I feel really good about myself once I've successfully learned a dance!

Another benefit of line dancing is meeting new people. Many have encouraged my to hang in there and give it several months. They taught me to stand in the middle of the group, so each time we turn, I have an experienced dancer to follow. Watch someone's feet. Imitate them. Observe carefully, and do what they do.

A new woman joined the class. She stood in the back row behind me. After a few rotations, I noticed she was watching my feet. "Oh, please don't watch me," I thought. "Please watch someone else. I'm not very good." I wanted to tap her on the shoulder, and direct her attention to a better dancer.

As much as I didn't want her to watch me, the truth is... people are watching me. Some one. Some where. Always.

Whose feet are you watching?

 
Paul exhorted the Corinthian church, "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1). The transliterated word "mimetes" means "imitator." Paul modeled Christ in action and speech, and taught others to do the same.
 
I'm blessed to have God-given mentors-  individuals who strive to imitate Christ's perfect example. I'm grateful for their wisdom, love, and encouragement. Gracious women who humbly serve, and reflect God's truth, light, and love to others. Women whose footsteps I can follow.
 
And, that's good reason to get up and dance!
 
 
Whose feet are you watching?



Thursday, June 12, 2014

Blessing Madison

Blessing others invokes God's favor and protection on them. I wrote this blessing for my niece, Madison. I desired to speak affirming words expressing my hope and prayer for her future.  I read it during her high school graduation celebration.



Congratulations on your high school graduation and all your accomplishments. As Moses blessed the tribes of Israel before they entered the Promised Land, I bless you today as you enter a new season of promise, possibility, and potential.

I bless you with wisdom that you may live a long and honorable life.

I bless you with strength and courage to stand firm in your faith without compromise.

I bless you with self-control to keep your head in every situation always remaining watchful and alert.

I bless you with speech that is gentle, encourages, and lovingly speaks the truth.

I bless you with a passion to pray powerfully, continually, and with thanksgiving.

I bless you with peace when life's storms threaten to blow you off course and overwhelm you.

I bless you with generosity that you may be an extravagant giver of love, mercy, kindness, grace, and forgiveness.

Madison, you have known God's Word from infancy. The LORD your God loves you with an everlasting love. He is faithful to His promises. He will never leave you. He is your protector, provider, refuge, salvation, and peace. He is your Great I AM. May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace.

Now, Madison, go rock your world for Jesus!

I love you!
Aunt Lori



Who can you bless (first names only, please) and what good things do you desire for this person?









Friday, June 6, 2014

In Honor of Fathers

My prayer group prays one scripture for our grandchildren every month. For June, we are praying Ephesians 6:4 - "And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Holman Christian Standard Bible).
 
My  "First Friday Intercession" is for fathers.
 

 
Our loving heavenly Father, You are good, faithful, and righteous. You alone are the one perfect Father. Thank you for the physical and spiritual fathers You have given each of us. Help us to show honor to these men. And help fathers to love their children more, and to teach them Biblical truth. Help fathers to manage their resources wisely. Bless them with wisdom and courage, and strengthen their faith. Raise up men of integrity in this generation. Help fathers grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. May they fear God, be trustworthy, and hate corruption. Fill each father with Your Holy Spirit, I pray, amen.
 
Scripture references: Exodus 18:21; Deut. 6:7; 2 Peter 3:18.