The Time Is Now

 

 “Prepare the way of the Lord.” – Isaiah 40:3

Advent might well be the time of preparation, but we’re preparing for more than the December 25 holiday. Advent is about recognizing that God is with us now.

Yes, we prepare to celebrate that day when God came to earth as a helpless baby. Our God came to earth! He became one of us so that we could become more like Him now -- by loving like He does, now.

We also acknowledge that God lives in us -- now. He’s in the ideas that ‘pop into our heads’ to reach out to someone in need. He’s in the joy, compassion, patience, and peace we feel when we give of ourselves to others. We bring God closer to us when we take a moment several times during our day – such as when we’re sitting at a red light, walking in the hallway, or standing at the stove – to say ‘thanks’ to Him.

Advent also reminds us of His Second Coming. Whether that happens at the end of time or at the time of our own death, we know that each of us will have to give an account of how we loved during our lifetime. And so we reflect on the now, on the big and little decisions we make each day and notice when we have been kind, helpful, and generous to the people around us.

The time is now. We have only today, only the present moment, to choose kindness over meanness, service over apathy, and compassion over self-centeredness. Let’s prepare for our Lord’s coming by asking Him to expand our hearts and make them more like His. Let’s love as He loves: the stranger, the homeless, the lonely, and anyone whom we perceive as being different from us.

Let’s let His loving presence now transform us from complacent beings to active participants in His mission of Love. Let’s look ahead to the day when we will meet Him face to face and see Him smile at us saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

 “Lord, let me see You here, now, with me.  Let my attitudes and actions be Yours.”

 

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

 If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

 p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” –Psalm 150:6

There’s magic in the air this time of year, and I’m not talking about preparing for Christmas. It’s the transformation that happens in nature: of green trees revealing their hidden reds, oranges, and yellows and, as autumn gives way to winter, of sparkling snow and bare tree branches glistening against the crystal blue sky. My husband and I are fortunate to live within a few minutes’ drive of both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Summit Metro Parks; we hike one of their many trails nearly every weekend. I smile as our boots crunch the fallen leaves or I spot a woodpecker gliding from one tree to the next. As I take in the hills, streams, and rock formations of these gorgeous trails, I’m continuously awed by the immense beauty of this world that God created for us. It’s easy to understand the psalmist’s proclamation that everything in creation gives praise to God.  

During this magical time of Thanksgiving, let our Lord speak to you through the sunny autumn skies, the tree branches reaching to the heavens, and the blanket of snow insulating all that will grow from the ground next spring. See the rivers, lakes, birds and rocks as the gifts they are: wonders created by God out of His love for you. Let Him speak to you as you celebrate the blessings of a home, a meal, and those priceless gifts we call family and friends. If you’re grieving or struggling, if ‘celebrate’ is the last thing you feel like doing, let our Lord speak His love to irreplaceable YOU through the people around you who wrap you in their love and appreciation.

May you hold in the depths of your soul a Spirit of Gratitude that is deeper, richer, and more joyful than a mental ‘attitude of gratitude.’

May your heart be filled this Thanksgiving with happiness and peace.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” –Psalm 136:1

 "Lord, thank You for all Your blessings."

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

 p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...

 

"Would You Like to Join Us?"

  

 “Be hospitable to one another without complaining.” – 1 Peter 4:9

We smiled as we took our cones from the friendly teen at Brown’s Dairy Dock, and then we stepped aside and looked around. Happy customers filled the half-dozen shaded picnic tables at this popular ice cream stand; the blazing July sun beat down on the few empty tables. We made our way to the side of the little building and stood in the narrow shadow of the eaves. Dairy Dock’s orange/vanilla twist is a unique treat; we didn’t mind standing.

A woman sitting at one of the shaded tables caught my eye and offered, “We have room here. Would you like to join us?” She and the young girls sitting with her moved in closer together. We hesitated only a second before seating ourselves at the table with them. We introduced ourselves and soon were sharing friendly stories of places we’ve been and our plans for the rest of the summer. The conversation continued even after we’d finished our ice cream. After a while we exchanged goodbyes, hoping to run into each other there again another time.

“Would you like to join us?” This simple gesture of hospitality was one of those pebble-in-the-pond acts, where the magnitude of the offer is less remarkable than the ripple effect it has. Connecting with someone new, listening to their stories, and even just acknowledging the kindness of their offer added a glow of happiness to our day. Our encounter was an example of the unity that God desires for all people – it brought a bit of heaven to us.

“I… urge you to live with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”

-- Ephesians 4:1-3

Next week is Thanksgiving. As we take time to thank God for blessing us with everything we have and everyone we know, let’s use the gift of hospitality to bring this little slice of heaven called unity to our homes. Let’s open not only our doors but also our hearts. Let’s foster unity by focusing on what we have in common, not our differences. Let’s truly listen to what someone has to say so we understand where they’re coming from. Let’s bring a bit of the joy of heaven to our home by showering each person with kindness. This is true hospitality.

“Lord, give me the courage to strengthen the bonds of unity between us.”

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

 If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

 p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...

 

 

The Difference Between Worry and Concern

 

Photo credit: David Padfield

 

“Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” –Luke 15:6

How often have you heard someone say, “Don’t worry about it!” or “Worrying is a waste of time.” Bob Marley sang “Don’t worry, be happy” and I saw a bumper sticker that read, “Worry is an insult to God.”

But isn’t worrying a valid emotion? Isn’t it proof that we care about someone?

When someone we love is suffering, we feel upset; we want their troubles to go away. That’s where the difference between worry and concern comes in.

Worry is inert and focuses on “What if…” If we were to illustrate ‘worrying’ we might draw a woman sitting in a chair and wringing her hands. When we worry, our minds get filled with all kinds of scenarios of what could go wrong. Worrying doesn’t solve anything because it’s not action; it finds only more problems, not solutions.

Concern is based on the facts of the situation, not the what-ifs. Also, when we’re concerned for someone, we’re prompted to do something for them. We pray for them; we might not understand how, but we trust that God hears our prayers and will act according to what’s best for the person suffering. Depending on the circumstances, we may kindly voice our concerns to the person involved and then listen to their response. Or, we may ask what we can do for them. In whatever way appropriate, concern moves us to take action.

In the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7), one from the flock had wandered off. If the shepherd worried about it, he might have stayed with the herd and filled his head with “What if” scenarios: “What if the sheep is hurt? What if it never comes back? What if a wolf has gotten it?” Instead, his concern moved him to go out and look for it, and his efforts paid off. He returned home with the entire herd and threw a party to celebrate that the lost sheep had been found.

Have you been worrying about something? Is there someone you care about who’s lost? Instead of worrying, use your concern to think of some appropriate action to take. And pray for the person suffering. Know that the God Who created them loves them even more than you do and hears your prayers. Remember, too, that part of that ‘taking action’ also includes taking care of yourself during that difficult time. Slow your breathing to help you stay calm. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and prayers to help you gain clarity. List what you’re grateful for to steer your thoughts away from what-ifs. Do some stretches to relieve stress. Confide in a friend who will help you carry your burden. These will not only help you feel better; they may lead to valuable insight.

 “Lord, give me wisdom to know how to show my concern for the people I love.”

 

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

 If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

 p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...

 

The Power of Encouragment

 

I keep this verse in our kitchen as a reminder of the power of kind words. I also put it on the ‘front page’ of my blog for the same reason.

Encouraging each other is a simple way to influence how we see ourselves and what we might accomplish. A bit of reassurance might inspire a young woman to see herself as a valuable person who can make a positive difference in her community. Also, our encouraging words let a friend know we have confidence in him, which may help him have more confidence in himself.

Our words – spoken and written -- can build people up. They can instill hope and calm in the midst of chaos. When we encourage a coworker who’s struggling, our support lightens his load; it might make the difference between him giving up and persevering. Our words can also encourage a friend who realizes it’s time to try a new approach or move on to a different path altogether. Kind words assure her that we’re glad she’s our friend no matter what happens.

Encouragement is different from praise in that encouragement places the spotlight on the recipient instead of the speaker. It's more effective than praise, especially when talking to children. For example, notice the difference between “You worked hard on that!” and “I like what you did!” The first example points to the recipient and their effort; the second focuses on the speaker and what the speaker thinks of it.

“Encourage one another and build one another up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

When you see someone searching, or struggling, or making an effort, try to shine the spotlight on them. Let them see – and believe -- the value of themselves and their efforts.

 “Let my words build up the people around me, Lord.”

 

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

 If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

 p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...

 

You Are Inherently Good

 

 When our son was about 10, he spotted a turtle in the street near our house. Concerned it would get run over, and thinking that the turtle was trying to get to water, he carried it to our back yard and pointed it in the direction of the river.

Michael was surprised the next day to find the turtle back near the street instead of closer to the river. Again, he carried it to our back yard and pointed it toward the river.

When he found it a third time near the street, we called my sister-in-law Belinda, who’s a veterinarian. She informed us that turtles always go back to where they came from. She advised Michael to put the turtle on the grass, on the other side of the street, pointed in the direction it apparently wanted to go. Michael did so, and we can assume it found its way home because we never saw it again.

“God created mankind in his image;
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them…

God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” – Genesis 1:27, 31

 

God created us in His image. At our core, we are very good. Unfortunately, thanks to the story of Adam and Eve, we tend to think of ourselves as fallen people who struggle to do good things. The truth is, we are not bad people trying to do what’s good. Rather, we are good people who sometimes do hurtful things to ourselves, to other people, and to our planet.

We feel happy when we experience kindness and love because Love is our origin. The reason that feelings like anger, jealousy, and sadness are uncomfortable, and the reason we’re distressed by illness and hardship, is because these things are contrary to our inherent goodness.

We know that ‘here’ isn’t our true home. Kind of like the turtle, we have a deep desire to connect with where we came from. We’re drawn to people and actions that bring us peace and joy because they allow us to experience the Love that created us: God.

So, take a moment to remind yourself that God created you in His image! You were created in love, for love, and by Love. Keep this in mind as you strive to move toward what is kind and loving, in any way you can. Yes, you will make choices that take you in the opposite direction. When that happens, forgive yourself as you want to be forgiven, turn around, and then start again toward Love.

By the way, Saturday morning the idea came to me out of the blue to write about Michael’s turtle experience. Sunday afternoon we biked on the Towpath, and I took this picture of the large snapping turtle. I thought the timing was pretty cool!  

“Lord, help me remember that You created me, and so I am inherently good.”

 

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

 If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

 p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...

A Piano, a Thermostat, and Peace

 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9

 

I’ve written about peace in past reflections, and specifically about the difference between making peace and keeping the peace. An experience I had not too long ago let me put this lesson into practice.

At the time, I felt angry over something that was out of my control. I didn’t know what to do. Was I going to vent to anyone willing to listen? Was I going to do nothing except stew over the unfairness of it all? Was I going to get myself in a tizzy by brooding over it?

I realized none of those options were going to produce any good effect. So then I asked myself, “How does Christ want me to handle this? What can I do to make myself feel better? How can I bring His peace to myself and to this situation?” I couldn’t change the circumstances; all I could change was how I handled them.

So, I took a deep breath, and played the piano.

I started by playing what was familiar to me. Then, I just let my fingers go where my heart sent them. As I played, I felt my tense body relax and my racing mind slow down. After a while, I felt my heart soften; kind words even came to mind. I actually was able to see the situation and the people involved through more loving eyes. In other words, I brought peace to my mind, my heart, and my soul through the wonderful mellow sounds of my antique upright piano. I created peace where there had been none, instead of waiting for peace to happen. The circumstances didn’t change, but how I felt about them – and ultimately how I handled them – were covered in Christ’s peace.

In his book Access and Release God’s Peace, Paul Martini makes this statement:

“We can be either a thermostat or a thermometer. Thermometers tell the temperature and climate of a room, but thermostats actually change the temperature and set the climate of a room. Think of the fruit of peace working in you and through you as something that strengthens your thermostat capabilities – your ability to change an environment. As thermostats, we can confront real-life circumstances and choose to express peace until the environment matches what is inside of us… It is impossible to be a peacemaker, at least the way Jesus intended it, without the Prince of Peace taking up residence in our souls. We must stay connected to Jesus and choose to be bold and fearless in peace if we are to grow in peace and strengthen our thermostat capabilities.” (Pages 53-54)

Let’s be bold thermostats. Let’s be proactive in bringing Christ’s peace to ourselves and our world.

“Enlighten me, Lord, so that I may know how to find Your peace.”

 

Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina Bedell     Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!

 If you would like to receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.

 p.s.

We continue to pray for an end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit card here:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/...