The Eye Sees What the Heart Loves

My daughter visited NYC last week and I sent her a text with the old slogan “I ‘heart’ NY” which made using a heart symbol in place of the word ‘love’ popular since 1977.  Yes, over 40 years ago! I texted her “I heart NY” but since she was flying to Denver, I reminded her that I also “heart” Denver.  And in reality, I “heart” many places.

I “heart” Haiti and am actively involved with an organization that supports Haiti called Hearts 4 Haiti. We are in the process of planning a mission trip in March which will send 11 people to Mombin Crochu, Haiti to deliver medical supplies and assist in the completion of a medical clinic in this remote village.  I have traveled there myself and now the people, the community and the mission are very dear to me. Recent unrest in Haiti has made us proceed with caution as we make travel plans. The US state department has had a Level 3 – Travel Advisory in effect since June advising people to “reconsider travel.”  So we have taken careful consideration and speaking with trusted advisors in Haiti, we think the situation has calmed enough to allow us to send a team.  As I searched the internet for reports of safety issues and the current unrest in Haiti, I came across the following which has reaffirmed our decision and our mission.

What’s it like in Haiti now? Is it safe to come back? These are questions a lot of people are asking. The answer is hard to give without knowing who is asking.

Warren Wiersbe once said: “The eyes see what the heart loves.”

What’s inside the person looking will have a huge effect on what they see around them.

What did you see the last time you were in Haiti? Did you see poverty and misery? You’ll probably see that again. Did you see hope and ingenuity? You’ll probably see that again.

What did you not see the last time you were in Haiti? Did you not notice the malnourished kid with the rust-colored hair? You’ll probably not notice him this time either. Did you not notice the political tension brewing beneath the surface? You’ll probably not notice it this time either – unless it erupts again while you’re here.

Many people have been helped in various small ways by those who saw the needs around them which others didn’t notice. But far greater change has come from those who dared to look ahead and see a future no one around them could see.

What do you see when you look at Haiti?

Very wise words and I believe that they could apply to more than just Haiti.  Anytime we travel we are exposed to new and different sights.  Many times that is exactly why we travel.  So, I believe the same sentiments as above could be true of anywhere.   New York City? Denver? Did I see the homeless population? Did I see garbage? Did I see traffic and hear honking horns? Did I see violence? I may have, but I also saw kindness, mountains, flowers in parks, talented street musicians. I’ve seen all that it affirms the fact that actually, I “heart” NY, Denver, Haiti, and many other places. Warren Wiersbe was a pastor, author, and Bible teacher and his complete quote states: “The eyes see what the heart loves. If the heart loves God and is single in this devotion, then the eyes will see God whether others see Him or not.”

Scripture says in Psalm 27:13-14

¹³ I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

Let’s see the goodness of the Lord in whatever land we are in.  Let your heart direct your eyes!

I’m a Senior!

Remember in high school when being a Senior was considered the best thing possible? You just couldn’t wait to be a senior….all the power, all the freedom, all the glory.  Well, here I am.  I am a Senior.  Now, I’m not a Senior Citizen. Medicare says a Senior Citizen is 65 years old and Social Security says 62 though they claim retirement age is 67.  My husband and I will never forget that on our honeymoon in England there were different entrance prices at an event: Adult, Child, and OAP.  What’s an OAP?  An old aged pensioner. 🙂 I’m not sure if they have gotten more politically correct in Great Britain, but around here people my age are called Seniors.  Last week, we went to Shot In The Dark mini-golfing.  I walked up to the cashier and said, “4 Adults” and my sister in law piped in, “4 Seniors.  We are all Seniors.”  I didn’t even notice that Senior was 55 at putt-putt golf.  I guess the glory in being this kind of a senior is that we saved $8 on the round of golf!

I am a Senior and though I often find it hard to recognize the benefits, I do see some.  I really do feel a bit wiser than someone in their 30’s.  I really don’t have the same level of stress as young parents.  I don’t even have the same level of responsibilities.  At this point, I only have one child to look out for.  I can’t even believe that at one point, I was responsible for 5 lives at the same time!  Whew! So, there is some freedom in being a Senior.

My husband and I were watching a movie the other evening and it had a room full of Seniors in it and they were complaining that there was a situation that they could do nothing about.  Finally, one of the men said, “We have over 500 years of life experience sitting here, we should be able to figure something out.”  So, my husband and I chuckle now and say, “We have over 100 years of life experience, we should be able to figure this out.”  It is true, we do have life experience and we should be putting it to good use.

I’ve heard people say things like, “I paid my dues,” and “been there, done that” about things as they age and I want my fellow Seniors to be careful about these words and these attitudes.  I am as guilty as the next guy in some respects, especially in my service to the church. I am so over Vacation Bible School.  I remember years of cutting construction paper and doing hand motions to songs.  It used to be a 2-week event and it was held for 3 hours every morning.  You only had to utter, “It’s VBS week” and people knew not to expect you to be able to do anything else.  I have “been there, done that” and quite honestly, I don’t want to do it again, but I think as a Senior, I can do something different.

This year I retired as Christmas Pageant Director.  I’ve held this position for a while with incredible support staff.  I sincerely enjoy the kids and I honestly think I will miss my role next year.  And, just as I announced my “retirement” from that position, I recognized that I can’t just quit, I have to find something to continue to serve.  I think that is what we all need to do.  As we age, and as our responsibilities change, we need to let go of some things to allow others that opportunity, but we also need to pick up something different that suits our new season of life.  So, if you aren’t interested in teaching a Sunday School class of 8 kids, maybe you could just take a moment to recognize 1 kid each Sunday and make them feel special.  If you don’t want to lead a Bible Study weekly, maybe you could invite someone over for a cup of tea and some godly discussion.  If you aren’t physically able to shovel the walks like you used to, maybe you could make some calls to help find someone who could.  There are positions and needs for all skill levels and abilities in the church, you just need to prayerfully find the one that suits you best.

I think there is power and freedom in being a Senior…I’m not so sure about the glory part, but I must admit that I had fun playing glow in the dark mini golf for $2 less than the lady behind me…even though I complained that I couldn’t see very well in the dark!

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, –Psalm 92:14

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?

— Job 12:12

Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. — Deut 34:7

 

It’ll Be Okay – Book Review

Book: It’ll Be Okay

Author: Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Growth

Release Date: April, 2018

Is it okay for Christians to doubt?

When we don’t get answers or see God’s guiding hand, it’s hard to keep praying or walking forward in faith. Difficult times often cloud our perspective. Does God see me? Does he hear me? Does he care? Many Christians confuse doubt with unbelief and are afraid to admit those fears, but God is not threatened by our questions, and doubt does not negate our faith.

Our doubts express a yearning to be sure of what—and who—we trust. When our questions are answered by trust, faith is fed and our doubts transform into deeper belief that pushes us toward a decision.

· When we address doubt head-on, faith can grow.

· God has a plan in the good and bad that life brings.

· God can heal our wounds and turn our past mistakes around.

Join nationally-known Bible teacher Sheryl Giesbreacht Turner as she guides you toward a deeper understanding of the role doubt plays in your spiritual growth—and how learning to ‘doubt your doubts’ enables faith to prevail.

Click here to get your copy!

It’ll Be Okay…Really!

When I began reading this book, I was a bit reluctant because the subtitle to this book is “Finding God when doubt hides the truth” and I didn’t think I was struggling with any of that.  As I began to read, I found out that this book is applicable to any and all situations and while reading the book, I faced some challenges that made this book a lifeline to me.  Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner’s easy way of relating and writing made me feel like I was sitting at my table having tea with a friend.  She shares her faith journey and her life in a genuine and helpful way. Rich with scripture, she relates stories from the Bible into battles you may be facing and she sets the stage for you to further investigate your own doubt and then to fully restore your faith in Him whom you can believe. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner gives you permission to be totally honest and doubt and then brings you back to a place of rest and peace.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own. I hope you will take some time with this book and be guided into biblical truths in a positive way.

About the Author

Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner holds a bachelor of arts, a master’s in ministry, and a doctorate of theology. Her television and radio show, “Transformed Through Truth,” is nationally and internationally syndicated; it’s seen and heard daily by millions of viewers and listeners on audio, internet, Roku, and YouTube networks across the United States and through The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network worldwide. Sheryl is the author of three books and hundreds of columns, articles, and devotions. As a Lead Like Jesus facilitator, a blogger, and a missionary with Freedom in Christ Ministries she has personally equipped hundreds and facilitated the training of thousands of national and international leaders. She and her husband, Dr. Jim Turner, live in California’s Central Valley where she enjoys running 5K races with her eighty-five-year-old mother.

More from Sheryl

I’ve always been the one to ask the questions. As a kindergartener, I embarrassed my mother when I inquired, “Where did I come from?” Years passed, as a teenager, I made unhealthy life choices, experimented with alcohol and street drugs, and wondered, “What am I here for?” As a young adult, in Bible College; I asked God to take control of my life and questioned, “What’s my purpose?” Maybe you, too, have had or now have questions? These concerns may even keep you up at night? Doubting ourselves or God may be criticized as a lack of faith. I disagree. Doubt is the in between. Doubts need to be addressed. If doubts are not considered, they will rot our faith from the inside out. When we doubt, we are able to be honest with ourselves and God. We should not be afraid to doubt.

As a delivered drug addict, stage four cancer survivor, and former widow, I’ve faced many types of situations which caused me to question God’s love, goodness and compassion. As I have gone to His word, I’ve discovered He hasn’t changed, His word continues to speak and revives my faith, taking me to a deeper level every single time. I am reminded of this in Lamentations 3:21-24 (NIV) Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Thank you so much for being part of this blog tour. I am excited about what God is going to do with His truth in us as we bring our questions to the Answer – Jesus.

Love and prayers, Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner

It’ll Be Okay….Really!

When I began reading this book, I was a bit reluctant because the subtitle to this book is “Finding God when doubt hides the truth” and I didn’t think I was struggling with any of that.  As I began to read, I found out that this book is applicable to any and all situations and while reading the book, I faced some challenges that made this book a lifeline to me.  Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner’s easy way of relating and writing made me feel like I was sitting at my table having tea with a friend.  She shares her faith journey and her life in a genuine and helpful way. Rich with scripture, she relates stories from the Bible into battles you may be facing and she sets the stage for you to further investigate your own doubt and then to fully restore your faith in Him whom you can believe. Sheryl Giesbrecht Turner gives you permission to be totally honest and doubt and then brings you back to a place of rest and peace.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own. I hope you will take some time with this book and be guided into biblical truths in a positive way.

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, January 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 8

janicesbookreviews, January 9

Older & Smarter?, January 10

For the Love of Literature, January 11

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Artistic Nobody, January 13 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 13

God is Love, January 14

Genesis 5020, January 15

Inklings and notions, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Emily Yager, January 18

All 4 and About Books, January 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 19

Beck To Basics, January 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sheryl is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f465/it-ll-be-okay-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Create in Me

“Help me to choose to forgive many people. Oh Lord, I have such a mean spirit in me. Create in me a pure heart.”  Wait.  Where did that come from?  I was journaling my grumbles, complaints, and grievances about others and then all of a sudden that scripture popped into my head. Wow. I didn’t even know that scripture was in my head, but since it popped out like that, I thought I better listen to it.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. —Psalm 51:10       

I decided to explore some word definitions and give this scripture some serious meditation and thought.

Create – Bring into existence

Pure- Free of contamination

Renew- Resume after an interruption

Steadfast – Dutifully firm and unwavering

Pretty easy to understand. It’s only 8:05 a.m. and my attitude about others makes me certain that the Lord needs to create in me a pure heart because it doesn’t currently exist. However, the renew part makes me feel that my pure heart has only been interrupted so I can get it back!  God will do the creating of the pure heart, but I think that I need to do my part to keep my heart free of contamination.

This morning I recognize that some of the events of the last couple of days have contaminated my heart.  Hanging out with grumpy people, watching trash on the TV, allowing bantering political analysts to be the background noise of my day are just a few of the things that may contribute to the pollution in my mind and heart.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. –Psalm 51:10-12

I’m going to take my willing spirit and look beyond the rain that is falling outside today.  I’m going to seek out godly people to converse with and I’m going to turn on some praise music.  God can create in me a new heart and I will do my part to keep it that way.

The Season of “Aha!”

I had a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year and now …Aha! I am in a new season.  Actually, I truly am in a new season.  The Season of Epiphany.  Growing up in the church, I was aware of the Christian seasons and the altar cloth and flower colors changing, but I never really studied the seasons or knew much about them.  I still don’t, but I intend to learn more in that area in 2020, but this year, I have decided to acknowledge the true Christian seasons in a new way.

First off, Christmas.  In a culture of one and done, it seems that Christmas is all build-up and little follow-through.  We celebrate Advent for four weeks and anticipate Christmas and then many times when it arrives we are too tired to give the holiday more than one day of celebration when in the Christian calendar, Christmas lasts 12 days.  Aha!  The familiar Christmas song of the 12 days of Christmas! There really are 12 days of Christmas and Christmas Day is Day #1.  So, on New Year’s Eve we should be celebrating Swans-a Swimming and on New Year’s Day maids-a-milking and finally, today we should be listening to Drummers drumming.  (Maybe I should let the organist know so our hymns can reflect that today?)

This year, I have been mindful of the twelve days and I firmly decided to enjoy each of the 12 days of Christmas. Of course, I didn’t host a dinner or a party each day, but I did enjoy the sweets this year instead of dumping the crumbs on the 26^th. I’ve continued to ask family members to play board games or do an activity with me and I’ve continued to say “Merry Christmas” to friends. (Isn’t it something how the Christmas music on the radio disappears immediately after the 25^th…talk about sudden withdrawal!)

But today is it.  The 12^th day of Christmas.  Christmas is over and the season of Epiphany begins. Aha! I’m saying the season because Epiphany lasts until February 23^rd this year! (Annually it ends the last Sunday before Ash Wednesday.) We all know how we traditionally celebrate Christmas, but what does one do for Epiphany? Well, in the past, I’ve done nothing, but this year I have hopes of taking the symbolic light we received with candles on Christmas Eve and taking it forward. In the hopes of keeping the spirit of Christmas alive a bit longer, I am embracing the season of Epiphany. Epiphany recognizes how a star led the Magi, the Kings, the Wise Men (I always got confused as a kid with all these different names) to the baby Jesus and for us, I believe it is to prompt us to lead others to Jesus as well.  That light we received on Christmas Eve, the gift of Jesus we received on Christmas morning is still here and we are to light the way to Him for others.

Others who have recognized this season have many ways of celebrating, but for me, I’m going to end my Christmas Season and head into Epiphany by allowing my light and some lights in my home to remain on for a while (not sure I can hang on until Ash Wednesday but we will see.)  I’m going to keep some twinkle lights on my mantle, battery-operated candles in my windows and I’m going to light candles more often. I’m going to do this intentionally to remind me to take the light and go forth as Epiphany intends. Aha! (Did you catch on to my wordplay there? Having an Epiphany about Epiphany?) Aha! Go Forth and shine your light!

… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  –Matthew 5:16