Winnie

We have had a special visitor for the past few days. At first my friend was super shy and didn't really want to venture over to our place, but now she has been stopping by almost every day. Her name is Winnie, and although she lives up to her name, she is very sweet and loves attention. Please, I'd like you to meet my new friend. Doesn't she have lovely green eyes?

Winnie, the brown tabby cat


She started coming around a few weeks ago, and would dart away if we even tried to open the back door. She was so skinny, and I felt sorry for her, so I made the "mistake" of putting some milk out for her. Well, after a couple days of milk, she couldn't stay away. She stops by for both breakfast and dinner every day. We even dolled out some cash and got her some real cat food. Well, apparently she spoils easy, because she is now very insistent that we feed her at least twice a day. :) In fact, so insistent, that she doesn't stop whining until her mouth hits the food. And, unlike normal, patient cats, she WHINES. No purring, begging, or soft whimpering - a flat out screeching whine. So, we decided to name her Winnie for short. =)


I found it very curious how her attitude quickly changed from darting at the smallest overture of friendship or safety; to demanding attention and care - and satisfied with nothing less. She reminds me a lot people. We often are frighted of the thought of being kept safe and protected by the Lord, and will emotionally dart from the mention of someone else taking care of us. Then, when we taste the goodness and sweetness of His presence, we wonder, "Maybe I should come back for more". The moment we get a small portion of sustenance, we realize how hungry we really are. We don't often realize how much the Lord truly loves us, and how He sees out state of being and desires to fill us with food that will give us fulfillment. We come back, and we taste and see that the Lord's food is good, healthy, and fulfilling. Then, suddenly, our heart cries out and we long for more! We find that the alleys and byways cannot offer the same freshness or provide the rich flavor; everything else seems to pale in comparison to the royal food that is freely given us.


I can't let Winnie into my parents house, or give her a warm bed to sleep in. I realize how insufficient my care is for her, and I am reminded that my God is all-sufficient, and He invites us to come in, sit down, and eat with Him. He feeds the ravens, and considers us far more valuable. He wants to keep us safe in His loving arms. "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." He calls to us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."



Little Winnie, you are a picture of me. Crying out for something more - something that will give me life again. Purpose that will satisfy my every longing. A Friend that will never leave me homeless, like you have been left. Someone who cares.


Praise be to the Lord! For you have found deliverance in my backyard, and I have found my deliverance in Christ!


Truly, the Lord is gracious to provide for a hungry sinner like myself. His love and mercy knows no ends.

Prayers

One of my most favorite books is a prayer book. A compilation of prayers that were written by stalwart Christians that lived during the early years of America, people like Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts and Charles Spurgeon. These prayers grab my heart and seem to express exactly what I need to say to God. Today, this was my prayer:

"Almighty God, as I cross the threshold of this day I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to Thy care. Watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me. Incline my heart to thy ways. Mould me wholly into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay. May my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound Thy praise. Let those around see me living by Thy Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconformed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings. Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, hands. May I travel miry paths with a life pure from spot or stain. In needful transactions let my affection be in heaven, and my love soar upwards in flames of fire, my gaze fixed on unseen things, my eyes open to the emptiness, fragility, mockery of earth and its vanities. May I view all things in the mirror of eternity, waiting for the coming of my Lord, listening for the last trumpet call, hastening unto the new heaven and earth. Order this day all my communications according to Thy wisdom, and to the gain of mutual good. Forbid that I should not be profited or made profitable. May I speak each word as if my last word, and walk each step as my final one. If my life should end today, let this be my best day. "

Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

The sole purpose of our existence is to bring glory to God, the Creator of the Universe; the Creator of you and me. “Why glorify God?”, you might ask. Because you were raised up “for this very purpose, that [He] might display [His] power in you and that [His] name might be proclaimed in all the earth." The Bible reminds us that “in all things God may be praised.” (1 Peter 4:11) and encourages us “that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:6) One of the most fundamental questions of all ages, “Why am I here and what is my purpose in life?” is simply answered by our forefathers, “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” Every day, throughout our lives, it is “God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) What an incredible honor - that the Lord of the Universe would be willing to take a life and cause it to be of eternal value!

It is my prayer that the words written on this blog will show that each moment in our lives are designed to bring glory to our mighty God, and how God works in even the “insignificant details”. My hope is also that each post will reveal the fulfillment that is found in a life that is dedicated to the glorification of God. For when we aim to glorify God with our very being it is then, and only then, that we find true satisfaction; abiding joy; meaningful purpose; eternal significance.

As a dear follower of Christ once prayed, “O may angels glorify Him incessantly, and, if possible, prostrate themselves lower before the blessed King of heaven! I long to bear a part with them in ceaseless praise; but when I have done all I can to eternity I shall not be able to offer more than a small fraction of the homage that the glorious God deserves. Give me a heart full of divine, heavenly love.”

Soli Deo Gloria! To God be the glory alone!

Ever Changing...

Life is always changing, isn't it? Some people love change, some people hate it, some just go with the flow. Personally, I love comfort - but don't we all? I can change, as long as the change is comfortable. :) But that is not what God calls us to, is it? Change often brings about additional work, pain, adversity, and "learning opportunities". It is definitely challenging, but always causes me to seek the Lord more fully and causes my faith to grow and mature even more.

My most recent change, or pending change, is job related. I have worked on the same team for the past 6 1/2 years and it is the BEST team ever - far surpassing anything I've ever been a part of. We work well together, we care about each other, we have a playful spirit, a willingness to work hard alongside each other, and the ability to lay back and enjoy one another. Yes, I'm very comfortable and, if I had my own choice, I would stay with my team for another 10 years. But, this past week I have been faced with a major decision, a decision that is not easy to make. Within the past week I have been approached by two separate managers, each requesting me to fill a position under them. I've turned down many offers before, but these have come at a critical time, and will be key positions within the ministry. And for the first time in the past 6 years, I think it's time to leave my dear team. Not because I don't like working with them, but because there is a greater need. So, now I am trying to figure out which of the two positions has the greatest need. I have spent the past week asking, "Which job will I be able to grow more in?", "Which job will I be able to contribute to the most?", "In which job can I be most effective and make the most impact?" For a girl that can't even decide what to have for dinner, deciding between two jobs is nearly impossible!

In order to try and make my decision easier, I spent time meeting with the managers, asking questions and gathering all the information so that I could asses all the pros and cons. But, after all that, the decision just became harder. They are both very important positions, both very challenging, both under very wonderful managers,...the list goes on.... Then, today I was reminded that it is not I that needs to make the decision - but the Lord. Although I can anticipate what might happen in the future, and perhaps evaluate the impact of either position - God can SEE the future and KNOWS the importance of one job over the other. Does God give out neon signs? No, but He leads, guides, and directs those who earnestly seek Him. Oh, may I seek Him with all my heart! And may He provide the right person for the other job and may He be with my favorite team during the upcoming changes. Most of all, may He be glorified through my decision - regardless if it brings hardship or pleasure.

Car Stories

I'm sure you have figured out that I am not a great "blogger" - two posts in two years... oh well, I try. :)

My family has had a saying about me since I was little, "What happens to Robyn? Everything." (long story on how that phrase came about). Well, I'm sure that many of us feel that "everything" always happens to us. Life tends to be like a roller coaster, but I have to constantly remember that God is in control and that I need to seek to serve and obey Him during both the "ups" and the"downs". This week has sure been a struggle.

My faithful "alla beri" car broke down, and it would cost nearly $2700 to get it fixed. Considering I have already spent over $2000 in the past 3 months in repairs, I came to realize that it would be wise to develop a new strategy for "spending Robyn's hard-earned money". I began looking for another Subaru (of course - nothing else will do), and by God's grace a friend referred me to a wonderful dealership. A dealership that just happened to have the PERFECT car for me. When the salesman told me a few specifics, I found I could barely control my excitement at the Lord's provision. It was exactly like my car, except 6 years older (wow! a "new" car!) and was actually below my budget limit of $5000. By God's mercy and grace alone, I was able to purchase this Subaru today and am now the proud owner of a 1996 Subaru Legacy. It's name? Gud Tro . You might be questioning why in the world I name my cars.... Well, the names are just phrases translated into a foreign language, but they are reminders to me of how God takes care of me. "Alla Beri" = Indonesian for "God Provides". "Gud-Tro" Dutch for "God is Faithful".

So, life goes on and Robyn has a new car. I still have to sell my old one - hopefully I can get a decent price, even with it's faults. And my new car needs a little fixing up as well. I'm amazed that the Lord provided such a wonderful car - with limited problems - at such a good price (at the finalized price of just over $4000). As for the dealership that I went to - they were extremely thoughtful and helpful without being the least bit pushy. I'd recommend them to anyone!

So, ends the sweet saga of Robyn's most favorite car. Alla beri has done many amazing things and will always be remembered as a symbol of God's provision.