Those of you who have been following this blog for a year–may remember my bathroom challenge!  Last year I was faced with the necessity of redo my bathroom due to cracked and missing grout which led to mold etc.  I started praying with what I came to think of as “negative faith”…starting in the minus section.  But praying I did–asking Our Dear God who is the husband of the widow to help me figure out what to do and how to do it.  His miraculous solution was to send an old friend from Florida who spear-headed the work and now I have a wonderful clean and healthy bathroom.

So this years challenge is the exterior of my house needed painting.  This is something I have put off for many years–going next year I will really do it.  I talked with my family and my daughter Elizabeth offered to do it.  I have been struggling with some health issues which has caused me to be tired and weary, so even though she offered to do the job, I felt a bit overwhelmed, well a lot overwhelmed.  This is where and why I love His Word.  As I was dealing with these emotions I came across these scriptures in Isaiah 41:14-16  Do you feel like lowly worm, Jacob?  Don’t be afraid.  Feel like a fragile insect, Israel?  I’ll help you.  I, God, want to reassure you.  The God who buys you back,  The Holy of Israel, I’m transforming you from worm to harrow, from insect to iron,  As a sharp-toothed harrow you’ll smooth out the mountains, turn those tough old hills into loamy soil.  You’ll open the rough ground to the weather, to the blasts of sun and wind and rain. But you’ll be confident and exuberant, expansive in the Holy of Israel!   

Just reading those few lines gave me a can-do spirit and I began to see how it could be done.  My fifteen year old grandson, Aaron offered to come and help during his only vacation week from football practice.  We worked together–even Elizabeth’s children (11, 9, 7 and 5) all helped scrub and even did some painting.  My house is transformed.  We still need to do the trim, and we will get that done, but just like my bathroom project, God sent the right people for the job.

Maybe you don’t have a physical project that is trying to overwhelm you, but maybe it is financial, emotional or relational. Those situations are the exact transforming challenges that God desires to help you go from lowly worm to a sharp-toothed harrow.  He wants to use us to change the landscape of our environment for His Kingdom sake.  How amazing is it to allow Him to use us in such a manner.

I did some painting, helped feed the workers and to be honest, but also  had to take some rest time.  I had to trust my daughter and her family desires to help me by using the gifts they have been given.  It was a joy to have my grandson here, interacting with his cousins and setting an example for them.  When my 11 year old asked to paint, I thought why not?  But when my daughter set up the 7 year old?  I was a bit apprehensive…but she did a great job.  They all felt pride in their work–even the 5 year old painted for a few minutes, until she realized it wasn’t as fun as she thought.  My project was not just about me.  It was an opportunity for my grandchildren to learn to work and help others.  My daughter is very good at painting (like her dad).

Maybe your project seems overwhelming because you have not let others in on it–and asked the Lord for His solution.  It was a bit humbling to have to need their help–but it was also such a blessing to let them express their love to me through these actions.  I am very grateful for my adult children and their care for me.  Not everyone has such a blessing, but you still have a God who loves you and will send help from His sanctuary.  Look up, dear friends, our help comes from the Lord!

Last weekend I had the privilege of sharing a weekend with some very special ladies from Vancouver, Washington.  They rented a beautiful home in Oceanside, Oregon and we had the opportunity to share His Word and use our words to encourage each other.

As I prepared for this time together, the Lord spoke to me that He wanted to add potency to their words.  He also told me that most people will never have the opportunity to speak to crowds, but everyone has their ones and twos.  Someone did a study and discovered that the average person will over their lifetime (from age 5 to 78.3 years) will interact to over 800,000  people.  That is a lot of opportunity to speak encouraging words and share Jesus and His hope!

I also learned that it is a lie that women speak more words than women.  Women average a little over 16,000 words a day, men just under 16,000!  So we are not much different from each other.  We each have been given the treasure of words.  If we value those word treasures (out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks) then we will be more careful how we use them.

There is an old adage “think before you speak” is still a good rule to live by. Many are careful not to speak harmful words–but I believe we can add potency to our words in some very intentional ways.

1. Edit your speech.   2 Timothy 2: 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior

2.  Guard your heart from all bitterness.  Letting the peace of God rule your heart.

Col 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

3 .  Be consistent.  For bitter water and sweet water cannot flow out of the same tree.

  Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

4.  Be careful of the tone of voice you use.  How does the Spirit of God speak to you?  Try to develop this  tone as you speak to others.

5.   Read, study and meditate on the Word of God.  It helps clear our heart from our own ideas and helps us think God thoughts.

6.  Learn to speak the “language” of those we are talking with to make sure you are communicating well.

7.  Practice looking outward–it really is not all about you.  When others sense you really care through your actions, they will listen and receive easier.

8.  Relax!  You are part of God’s plan for someone, but not the whole plan!  Apologize when necessary, express your love and care.  Forgive yourself and move on.

When I am talking about “potent” words, I am not talking necessarily about using religious words, but words that are filled with His life, love and mercy.  Yes there may be times we need to exhort or correct, but that is probably not our responsibility for most of our 800,000 people!  Sharing  the good news is our first call.  Learning to love others with our words is the opportunity we all have.  May the Lord helps us develop potent words for His Kingdom-sake.

Are you aware of the powerful treasure that you possess?  The amazing gift God has entrusted in us?  I am talking about the wonderful gift of words.  We hold in our mouth the ability to encourage, affirm, give vision, release hope.  These treasures are all under our control. We choose to use them for His Kingdom or not.

I did some research and it is estimated that one person in their lifetime of remembrance (from the age of five) will interact with over 800,000 people!  The Holy Spirit talked to me the other day and said, most people do not have access to speak to crowds, but everyone has their ones and twos!  It is how we see them and how we use this treasure of words that God has given us to dispense that can make a difference.

Most of us know the scripture Psalm 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who live it will eat its fruit.   Some of us remember this scripture during our prayers–but can forget it when we interact with our children our spouses!  A good person produces good things from the treasure of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.  What you say flows from what is in your heart.  Luke 6:45

Meditating on how your kids frustrate you, or how hard you have it at work fills your heart with frustration and that’s what comes out of the mouth.  Praying out our frustrations and asking God for His wisdom, insight and help shifts our heart thoughts to solutions, rather than feeling stuck. It helps us stop feeling out of control and moves us into an attitude and atmosphere of faith.  Getting God’s perspective through His Word also helps filter out the useless or even harmful words that could spew forth when we are frustrated.  But we must make a decision to renew our minds in these areas, if not it is too easy to speak from our old man.  It is often easy to conform to those around you who complain about husbands, wives or children–instead of choosing to speak honorably about them.

Please understand, this is a process and takes time to grow these skills. One of the perspectives that comes from growing older is that you understand your days are finite on this earth.  It is my desire to plant seeds of life into my children and grandchildren. I do not want to do it with a religious spirit–or religious speak. It is my prayer that as we talk and walk this life, I will be so full of His grace, wisdom and insight that they will get the overflow.  A big goal, but it is one worthy to set, I believe.

Father, I ask that you help us see our words as treasure.  We will spend them wisely into others lives as you word our mouths.  If we can’t say anything uplifting, faith-filled, encouraging we will keep our mouths closed until we can.  Give us your perspective on these truths.  Holy Spirit guard out hearts and our mouths so we can bring honor to you through our lips.  In Jesus Name, amen.

 

A few weeks ago I talked with my son about some physical repair my home needs.  It will be fifty years old next year and has born the test of time fairly well, but like all of us some areas are showing wear and needs help to continue on.  We picked a day that was good for their family-hoping it would be open for my other children to help as well.  Unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a phone call from the son of some dear friends who also has become our family friend, David Freeman.  When figuring out his schedule, I warned him that the weekend he picked was our working weekend!  He was up for it!

Andrew noticed that there was some rotting boards under the overhang of my roof.  He also knew I needed some new downspouts installed. However, Andrew was not sure how to proceed with the board replacement.  What I knew was that David had worked with his dad on side painting jobs for years and I was sure they had encountered that type of thing before.  Enter David–and his wisdom from experience.  He and Andrew assessed the situation and made a plan.  David had to work for his company that day, but took time to share his wisdom.

I know Andrew was a bit unsure of how to accomplish the work. The interesting thing was I had never noticed that section of rot before.  I was shocked how bad it was when Andrew showed me. David’s timing was on point.  He was able to share his wisdom enough for Andrew to gain confidence to do the work.  I so appreciate God sending us the specific help we needed.  Sometimes God just wants us to share our story to help others gain confidence to get their “job” done.

David wished he could have helped more physically, but he shared what we needed.  Putting myself in the place of the disciples when Jesus said He must go away, but that He would send another Helper–I would have thought we don’t need another helper, we just need you.  The familiar, the known our friend and miracle worker.  How could there be something better?  But He knew what they and we needed.  The Holy Spirit is/was and amazing gift to lead, teach, comfort, convict and direct our steps.  Make sure you take the time to utilize Him!

As a mom, I always like all my children around me-so my perfect scenario would have been for all of them to come and help.  But they did not have the skills and experience to do the job.  If they had come, there would not have been room for David!  Trusting Him to send the perfect help our way, in the time we need it takes faith and trust.

As we worked on the house, I realized I can’t put off painting the exterior another year–so that is on the agenda!  Guess what–my daughter Elizabeth is good at it!  God is already sending help. t\Thank you Lord for your great grace and care for each of us.  I thank you for sending the right help at the right time to all who read this–whether it be physically, spiritually or emotionally.

This past while I have been struggling a bit with my health.  It is nothing really serious, but I admit it has hindered my ability to live my life strong and free as I would like.  The combination of allergies and asthma effects my strength and ability to sleep etc.  I’ve seen my doctor a few times.  The first time I went, I really did not know what was wrong.  She diagnosed me with an extreme asthma flair and announced that my lungs were the worse she had heard all year!  OK, then…now what.  I was desperate to hear her diagnosis, but more importantly, I was desperate to hear her treatment plan and cure!

She said with great confidence, this time next week you will be all better! I can help you.  That was great news, but I wanted to feel better by that afternoon–what was this “in one week” deal all about?  She called in the prescription and I felt like I was stalking the pharmacist wanting him to hurry up and just get me the meds!  I really was that desperate.  I felt awful.  I was short of breath walking from my bedroom to the kitchen and I felt like I was using my rescue inhaler way more often than prescribed.  I was ready to trust her and obey because I was desperate and I believed she could/would help me.

She also told me that the prescription she prescribed might not be enough in the long run.  I might need to come back and get on other meds.  Hmm, OK, well whatever, I just want to feel better.  Sure enough the first dose of meds helped me for awhile, but then I could tell I was back on the slippery slope once again.

So back I went.  The new meds were given with another warning, they may not be all you need, but let’s try them.  She also found a little growth in one of my nostrils and has referred me to an ear, nose and throat doctor, where she said it probably needs to be removed.

Enter  my wisdom.  Hmm, I’ve lived with this for who knows how long.  She, the wise doctor told me that it may be hindering my breathing, trapping allergens which exacerbate my allergies and thus my asthma.  That sounds wise, it sounds true–but would it really make a difference in the long run?  Or should I just continue life as I have been.  The good news is that I haven’t need to use my rescue inhaler for four days, the new meds seem to be working!

As I was thinking about this (the referral people have not yet called, nor have I called them)–I thought who am I trusting?  Whose words do I really believe?  Ouch Lord, sometimes I do the same with you.  When I am desperate and need you to answer or move, I listen intently and follow your voice.  When things are not so desperate and yet you want to bring maybe an uncomfortable change (or perceived uncomfortable change) I begin to weigh whose words I will believe through my own mind.  I sort them out–maybe justifying why I do not need to follow His instructions.  Basically saying I know better than He does.

Reading through scripture, there are times where we find God’s people discussing things with Him for clarity’s sake.  When God wanted to destroy Israel for their disobedience, Moses had a conversation with Him.  When the Holy Spirit sent Ananias to pray for Saul, he also had a conversation.  The main thing to remember, even in our conversations with the Lord is that we always end on obedience.  That the weight of His words in our hearts become more important than our own thoughts.  It involves trust and honor of His position as Lord in our lives.

 

When I am perturbed, confused, conflicted or frustrated hearing the amazing voice of God through His Word, a friend or especially His still small voice brings clarity, peace and hope.

No matter what my situation, God’s tone of voice is always calming and reassuring.  Even when correcting me, He still speaks in a peaceful tone.  I have heard Him be quite firm–but there is always hope embedded in it.  That is one way I distinguish the difference between my voice and saran’s.  We read Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.  Unfortunately, it took me some time to learn this.

Many years ago we were pastoring in Oregon.  A young man got upset with us and proceeded to spew some very hateful things toward us and our church.  We tried to reason with him, but eventually Darryl walked out of the room.  I, foolishly, stayed in the hope of maintaining the realtionship.  I allowed him to continue injuring my soul and my spirit.  I now know it was not loving to let him continue (oh the value of hindsight!).  Somehow I let those condemning words enter my soul.  I literally felt like I had been stabbed in the back and I let his words (which were really satan’s words) separate me from God’s love and acceptance.

For three days I walked around feeling like I was not liked, loved or received by God.  It was a horrible experience.  I couldn’t even put my feelings into words.  Since I was nine years old I had always had Jesus as my friend and confident, but during those three days I felt cut off from my very source of help and hope.  I carried my Bible around, but did not even know if the things written in it were still for me or not (the power of Satan”s words).  Finally on the third day, the most amazing words entered my heart.  Nothing can separate you from me.  I started crying and rejoicing as the Lord Himself broke the power of those condemning words.  Hope arose and I received the freedom I needed.

During those three days of darkeness, I prayed for forgiveness for the young man, for anything I possibly could have done.  As I ponder his accusations, I realize now that there was no sin mentioned that we could admit or apologize to, no breaking of God’s law or heart–it was really just a misunderstanding of the how things were worked out.  It should not have escalated to the manner it did, but somehow it did.  Wiser, smarter, more experienced now I wouldn’t have let it run the course it did.  What a blessing that 30 plus years later I heard from them.  God is working in and through their lives still and we have all moved on from that experience so many years ago.

When we allow condemning words roar in our head it messes with our soul in so many negative ways.  When I find myself persuaded that maybe I deserve the condemnation and emotional flagellation that comes from letting myself receive that condemnation, it damages not only myself, but others.   We end up upsetting others because of the rejection it causes us to feel.  Our tone can become rough and harsh.

It is my heart to reflect God’s tone when I speak to others.  How He  speaks to me.  I admit I don’t always make it and my old nature complete with frustration and unfortunately misrepresent Him.

I believe the tone of our voice comes also from the meditations of our heart.  (Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks Luke 6:45).   As we meditate on Him, His character and His heart of love for us, we will become closer to His tone as well as His words.

After I wrote last weeks blog, I received an email from an old friend.  He raised a question about how using your voice may cause struggles that will “rock the boat” and cause difficulties and rejection, even in the church world.  I have pondered this question  for a week now.

My friend wonders if  he should use his influential global voice to share some changes in his own new understanding of life and freedom in Christ that he knows would upset his more traditional friends, and thus lead to possible rejection or even banishment.   I am not sure his specifics but I do remember a big church dilemma I lived through–traditional hymns versus contemporary music.

Enter most churches  in the 60’s you would find an organ and a piano.  The idea of having guitars, drums and other instruments wasn’t even considered. We sang hymns from the hymnal every week.  It was almost badge of honor if you could sing them from memory!  We did have a little spiral bound “chorus” book that was used by youth groups which had a bit more lively songs!

But a change was coming.  Several things began to happen about the same time.  God began to stir up a hunger for the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit–bringing this out pouring into traditional denominations.  Young people began to get saved during what . became known as the Jesus People Movement.  Many of these young people were not familiar with the traditions of the church, but were hungry for God and His Word.   Musicians began setting scriptures to music which promoted scripture memorization as well.    They used instruments they for which they were familiar.  It brought fresh life into the church and also controversy.   New affordable technology of projectors and transparencies allowed people to display the words for everyone to see.  For many it was an exciting new technology.  Church boards discussed how to include them in their budgets.  You were considered cutting edge if you used them instead of hymnals.

For others who did not live through the change it is hard to see the issue.  Church splits occurred.  People were divided whether they wanted contemporary worship versus traditional.  There are some churches who compromised having two different services which meet both needs of their congregation.  There are some who integrate both into their worship set–bringing the richness of hymns, maybe with an updated arrangement back into the service.  For most people it is a non-issue now.  But voices were loud and strong on this issue during that time.  There was so much division in the church over this one issue.

Whose voice was right?  Much of the rationale and fight for the contemporary dealt with how to reach our young people.  There was a feeling if they did not update and go modern, they would lose their appeal to the younger generation.  The other voice felt like they should not have to compromise and the young people should submit and conform to the old ways.  Those two vying perspectives are still alive and well today.  How far should we go to “entertain” our youth to get them to come where they can hear the gospel, versus invitation to a Bible Study presentation.  The Holy Spirit must be the one who brings balance to our direction.

Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says, Stop at the crossroads and look around.  Ask for the old, godly way and walk in it.  Travel its path and you will find rest for your souls.  

The question of course is what is the old, godly way?  To me, it is any path that leads us to Jesus and His righteousness.  It is a path to freedom from guilt and shame, that does not ensnare others in my freedom.    I used to think the narrow path was like a tightrope–very difficult to walk.  The Lord showed me it is wide enough to walk safely without fear of falling.  I want my voice to lead people to this freedom in Jesus–helping them to lived loved and accepted by Him.  I used to belong to a group who felt it was a sin for women to wear pants.  I personally wasn’t convicted it was a sin, but because we were part of that organization we had to try to teach it.  The Holy Spirit led us away from that belief and my girls were spared from the imposition that would have caused.  Our voice went silent on the issue of pants, but not on the issue of the need for modesty.  The bigger picture is still in play for my grand girls as well.

May the Holy Spirit continue to lead and guide us into the old trusted ways with His perspective.  I am glad we can trust Him.  Let us use our voices as much that lies within us to bring unity, grace and freedom based on His love.

One of the most difficult effects of my husbands stroke was his muteness.  It was soo difficult to lose his wisdom, encouragement and humor! I had the advantage of hearing that voice for thirty-five plus years before he went silent.  He used his God-given voice for so much good–from preaching, teaching, encouraging, prophesying and worshipping.  The joy of listening to him play his banjo and sing with his grandchildren is one of my favorite memories.

Any one who writes becomes makes  a choice of what “voice” they will use.  Will the writing be done in their own voice (like this blog) or the voice of a character that is part of their story.  Another use of “voice” is used to speak for another–one who either “lost” their voice or never “found” it.  I became Darryls voice for two and half years.  It wasn’t easy.  I am sure sometimes I got it wrong, but because I knew him for so long, it made it easier.

As believers we operate as God’s voice on this earth.  He does speak on his own through creation (Romans 1:20), He even sends dreams and visions at times, but the majority of time, He speaks through you and me.  Darryl’s  muteness was caused by a physical blockage to that part of his brain that accessed his speech.  What is my excuse?  Fear, apathy, self-centeredness, lack of awareness or lack of confidence at times take over my speech center and I grow mute when I could speak up for Him.

Learning to use our voice for Him takes intention and preparation.  It may seem obvious that we need to spend time with Him in prayer, the Word and worship, asking Him to reveal Himself to us.  Many people watched the royal wedding this past weekend, it was amazing to hear all the spokespeople sharing their view points on the royals.  I don’t  know how much of it was true or not.  I don’t know the people involved, so I have to trust they knew what they were saying.  Unfortunately it seems to be the same for everyone who speaks for the Lord of the Heavens, not all know Him well enough to speak for Him–thus giving false representation.

I know I don’t know everything about Him.  I know, at times I may have falsely represented Him by my lack of knowledge or discernment.  I Corinthians 13:8 declares charity never fails.  So when we speak from a heart of love based on the light we have, I believe it is better than not speaking at all.  Believers,  as we seek Him, we will be found of Him.  Out of the meditations of the heart, our mouth speaks.  Taking time to meditate on His goodness and character will cause us to release faith and hope through our voice.  These are the things which cause our speech center to be activated for Him.  Jesus was moved with compassion, so as we too allow His love to overwhelm us for ourselves and for others, our voice will bring hope, encouragement and life to those around us.  Speak up, dear friends, there are those who need to hear the voice of the Lord.

In 1986 I received a phone call letting me know that my father had passed away in his sleep.  It was unexpected with no warning leaving no opportunity to speak final words, he was just gone from this world.   In 1990, my mother joined him after a prolonged illness.  2012 I said good bye to my husband as he too joined Jesus. This morning I  received a text from my sister, letting me know that her husband of 50+ years had left his world of pain and suffering.  We knew it was coming, but it doesn’t make it easier.   No matter how you learn the news it is hard to let someone you love go.

I know some of the road my sister now faces.  The change of wife to widow takes place in an instant, but the learning to navigate and accept that change takes much much longer.  She bore the role of caregiver with such grace, and now she can rest.  It takes grace to appropriate the new role she really does not want to live.  I am so grateful my sister has Jesus by her side.  I am so grateful she has two loving sons who will walk with her, even as they mourn their own fathers passing.  But in many ways grief is a solitary road.  But it can be a road made easier with encourage-rs who fill the roadside with empathy and solid help.

Another one of my brother in laws is a runner.  He has run for many years–he even completed the Boston Marathon.   People line the course to cheer on their people.  But the amazing thing, it is not just “their” people, they cheer everyone!  Their cheers and encouraging words often keep those runners focused enough to finish the race.  My sister is his sideline cheerleader.  During these 26.5 mile races, they would map the course and she would place herself along the race course, cheering him on to victory.  Some of my best “cheerleaders” as I navigated the rough waters of grief, were my children and others who had experienced grief first hand.

When death happens, you look out the window and go–why doesn’t the world stop? Why are people still eating ice cream?  The whole world should be mourning with me…my world has shifted, why not theirs?  Because grief is personal.  It touches our hearts deeply and we each react in our own way.  If grief has not touched your world–be grateful.  You may not know how important your role as a sideline cheerleader can be.  Take the time to simply say, “I’m sorry for your loss”.  It is a simple phrase, but if said with compassion, it speaks volumes.

A sideline cheerleader may show up with groceries, mow the lawn, clean house or do laundry.  They may just come and sit and be present.  They may give a hug and pray, or sincerely ask weeks after the event, “how are you doing?”  They may send cards, texts or FB posts of encouragement.  Paul encourages us in Romans 12:15,  rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those who mourn.  He doesn’t say how long we rejoice, or how long we mourn.  He just encourages us to join with the rejoice-rs or the mourners.  Rejoicing may be a sprint, but mourning is definitely more of a marathon.  Thank you for learning how to be a sideline cheerleader–it is not easy.  It is often not “fun”, but it can be very rewarding.  I still trying to be better at it.  I pray the Father, who understands all things, will help us learn how to mourn with those who mourn.  Please pray for my sister and her family.  Thank you.

(The picture is my son in law, Timothy Haslet who ran the Boston Marathon with his twin brother for their sister Adrienne (center) who lost her leg in the Boston Bombing in 2013)

I had a special opportunity this week to visit the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington.  A friend of my daughter Rosanna is a member and invited her to join them–since I was at their home in celebration of my granddaughter Harmony’s tenth birthday I got to join in the fun.  I have determined (especially after last week’s post about bucket lists)  to say yes to more opportunities.

I really did not know what to expect.  I had never been to this zoo before. The weather was perfect and I set myself to simply enjoy the experience and my family.  Our first blessing was to see a male peacock displaying his feathers and doing a little mating dance! Harmony’s new favorite animal are peacocks!  It really set the tone for all of us.

We ate our lunch during an animal presentation–complete with scripted dialog encouraging us to recycle and protect the environment.  Different animals were showcased–anteaters, a bald eagle, lynx etc-fairly typical for most zoos.  The most surprising for me was an aardvark. Have you ever seen an Aardvark up close?  This was my first time.   Aardvarks to me, until this day, were simply pictures in children’s alphabet books!  Out comes this baby pink larger than expected creature!  It was so unexpected that all I could do was stare.  No pictures or anything–I just looked at this wacky animal that God created.

They have funny ears and an interesting snout. They are the only living species of Tubulidentata, in other words, unique.  They have ears like a rabbit, a tail similar to a kangaroo and their name is derived from an African word “earth pig”.  But they are none of these things.  Unusual things stand out.  God’s handiwork in your life creates in us our own special uniqueness of qualities that can bring glory to His name.  Why do we need aardvarks?  I don’t know.  They live in Africa and feed on termites–which is a good thing.  Seeing new things, learning new things and experiencing new things make our lives richer and fuller.  The Bible tells us that all things (including Aardvarks) were created for His glory.  I am constantly amazed by His creation.  I currently teach three of my grandchildren botany.  Every week we discover God’s fingerprint on His creation and it always enhances my amazement for how He put all of this together.

Even though God made mankind in His likeness and image, He also made us unique–with a combination of our DNA, personality and giftings.  If you are a person (who like me for years) just wanted to blend in, I urge you to rethink your position.  If you like to flaunt your uniqueness, remember that God made you from the same dust as the rest of us!  For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:10.