February 21, 2012
Robin Hiser is a high-functioning Down syndrome woman in her fifties who has a deep and abiding love for the Lord. She lifts others up through her encouraging words and genuine love for people, and she gives God all the glory. Robin recognizes the value of every person and sees them as a creation of God and a part of his handiwork. Although she admits it is difficult for her when some people look down on her because she looks and talks differently, she knows God created her for a special purpose.
Robin loves to worship the Lord and read her Bible. In fact, she inspires others to a deeper faith and desire to walk with God in simplicity and truth. She says her greatest joy will be when one day she enters heaven and Jesus hugs her saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Until then, she has work to do here on earth and serves God wherever he leads her. Robin’s life is rich and meaningful because of her eternal perspective. She has a joyful outlook because she is living her life with a wide-angle lens. She is not living for this world; she is living for God’s kingdom.1
Robin’s story reminds me of how important our perspective in life is in relation to our day-to-day struggles. If we are living and working for only this life and the here and now, we can easily grow discouraged, tired, and even depressed. But when we recognize that God can use our difficulties and disabilities in a special purpose, we see inklings of hope that can grow into joy. No matter what limitations we have or how difficult our situation is, God can still use us.
Where is your focus? Is it on what’s going wrong in your life, or is it on a big God who is able to bring meaning to your life? Are you consumed with the miserable situation you are in now, or are you looking with expectation to the bigger picture of what God can do? Our focus makes a difference in our attitude and actions. May God give us strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
One thought of eternity
Makes all earthly sorrow fade away.
—Basilea Schlink
This blog is an excerpt from my book Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive. Learn more about Robin Hiser go to http://www.joniandfriends.org/blog/robin-hiser/
February 13, 2012
As our hearts grieve over the untimely death of Whitney Houston, we feel a deep sadness at the loss of such a great artist. Our minds race with questions as to how this could have happened and why. There is no easy way to understand all of this, but there are some truths amidst the grief which we can hold onto in life.
o We all struggle. Our struggle may not be as public or as painful as Whitney’s, but we all have areas in which we struggle to overcome bad habits or destructive tendencies. The Bible reminds us that we have all sinned and come short of God’s glory.
o We all need God’s help. Trying to solve our problems on our own terms often leads us to frustration. Yet, God in His kindness did not leave us to fight our battles alone. He sent His only Son Jesus into the world that we might live through Him. He gives us hope and strength. Most importantly, because of what Jesus did on the cross, those who trust in him are forgiven.
o He invites us to come to Him. God doesn’t promise to solve all our problems, but He does promise to walk with us through the dark valleys. As we place our trust in Christ, we are not alone. He gives us His spirit. He lavishes His love upon us. Most importantly we know that He prepares us place for us in Heaven.
I believe Whitney knew Jesus and is with Him right now in glory. May we look forward to the day when we will join together with one voice praising Him. If you want to talk to someone about a relationship with Christ please go to www.chataboutJesus.com. I thank the Lord for Whitney’s beautiful talent and the gift that she was to this world.
February 6, 2012
“A friend is a present you give yourself.” Robert Louis Stevenson
After over 30 years, my Baylor roomates decided to reunite for a weekend of encouragement, prayer and support. We laughed and shared for hours about our family, our work and the nitty-gritty of our lives. It was a weekend of refreshment to our souls.
As women, we need heart to heart connectedness. In this month of love, take some time to thank the Lord for your friendships. Consider ways to deepen the relationships God has already placed in your life, and also be aware of other potential friendships waiting to be blossomed. In our book, The Power of a Positive Friend, my dear friend and college roomie Terry Ann offered seven principles of a positive friendship:
1. Build on the common interests.
2. Be an encourager, not a discourager
3. Be a giver.
4. Value loyalty.
5. Connect on a spiritual level.
6. Be open, honest and real.
7. Be a gracious forgiver.
Watch the video of Terry Ann and me as we returned from our trip at www.karolladd.com
To learn more about Terry Ann’s amazing ministry for kids go to www.studentsstandingstrong.org
January 31, 2012
We all have a tendency to hold on to old expectations and hopes. It’s difficult to adjust when life takes us down unexpected roads. We may even feel entitled to a less complicated life or a better husband or a more dignified job. When a disconnect occurs between our expectations and reality, we can begin to develop little inklings of frustration and anger. If we feed those feelings, over time they can grow into roots of bitterness.
Bitterness is like an infectious disease that plagues our life if we let it. The symptoms are numerous and typically easy to identify. A hardened or hurt countenance, blaming and condemning conversations, and a negative and unforgiving spirit are a few of the ugly symptoms. Of course some people are pretty good at masking the symptoms. There are those who harbor bitter thoughts but never let anyone know. The problem is whether you let people in on your battle with bitterness or not, it is still painfully detrimental to your life.
Bitterness is an unbecoming disease. It not only affects what you say and how you think, but it literally can affect you physically. High blood pressure and heart disease are among the maladies linked to bitterness and anger. Perhaps the ugliest result of a bitter spirit is the effect it has on relationships. Family members and friends do not tend to enjoy the company of a negative nag. I don’t know about you, but when I want to get together with friends, I would much rather call Upbeat Beth than Bitter Betty.
You have heard misery loves company, and that is true. The Bitter Betty Bunch may choose to sit around and ruminate about their troubles, enjoying their pity parties. But we must move forward and allow God to take us in a new direction, blessing other people in the process. Basically, bitterness is a selfish pool in which to drown our sorrows. It prevents us from experiencing a meaningful life. Instead of helping others, bitter attitudes only bring others down. When my life here on earth is over, I hope people will be able to say I helped them have a better life. When we bring joy to others and help them along life’s way, our life is rich and meaningful. But if we live our lives in bitterness and anger, what benefit is that to this world?
Read more about handling bitterness in my book, Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive.
January 22, 2012
Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you
with loving-kindness and tender mercy.
Psalm 103:4 (Amplified)
Doesn’t every little girl wish she could grow up to be a princess and wear a crown? A crown identifies a person as royalty, and as someone who is related to the king. Believers in Christ have the privilege and honor of being daughters of the king. He beautifies us and dignifies us by crowning us with His loving-kindness and compassion. Let us wear our crown with great joy and thankfulness!
Take a moment right now to close your eyes and picture yourself before the throne of Grace. As you bow at His feet, Jesus takes your hand. Then with all the gracious love and tender mercy of our loving God, He places a crown on your head. It looks lovely on you. It serves as a constant reminder of His unfailing love for you. Let your crown be your most important adornment each day. Wear it always, so that all may see the joy and confidence of being sincerely loved by the king. Thank you Father for this lovely crown. May I reflect your love as I interact with others each day.
This is an excerpt from my new devotional Pursuing God in the Quiet Places. You will walk more confidently and graciously as you come to know the attributes of God in a new a fresh way and personalize them in your own life.
