Giving your life to Christ

I have been pondering that phrase for the last week of two and have come to the conclusion that like so many things we are asked to do by God, it is not possible.

Oh, we think we are. We say the proper platitudes and feel good but when it comes right down to it, no one I know truly gives his or her whole life to God. The only ones who come close are my Pastor and his wife. And I envy them for that. I don't think that's very Christian. Oh well.

I have a mother-in-law who has been a Christian forever. She believes, I have no doubt. She can say things about God being in control and in the next breath she is saying something very un-Christian about the President or someone else and it makes me cringe.

I am no better. I have many gods before Him - money, food, clothes (especially shoes), my husband (who should have been first on the list), my job. I try to give my life to Christ. To turn all my troubles over to Him and then I worry all night about something I have no control over. I try to be a good example of Christ's love and then I say words under my breath about someone else's driving.

I don't gossip (much), I love everyone (mostly) and I follow Christ(when it doesn't interfere with other things.) See what I mean?

I am so in awe of God's grace and that he knows how short I fall and loves me anyway.

And, please know this, He loves you, too.

Worship

I have been thinking about a young woman in my church. She stands during service and looks, for the most part, distracted and bored out of her mind. Like she would rather be having a root canal than be where she is. Occasionally, she joins in - when the music is more to her liking.

It got me thinking about our worship. Do we just worship when the music and the lighting and the atmosphere is right? Do we need all that stuff to worship? SHOULD we need all that stuff to worship?

What should move us to worship is our love of God- period. We should be able to worship and praise even if the music is unfamiliar or old fashioned, the baby behind us is crying, the air conditioner is not set exactly at a comfortable level. It should not matter - but it does.

Why do we let these things interfere with our reaching out to God? We are human, true. We are imperfect, me especially. We were given free will, we exercise it.

This week, I am going to concentrate on God and worship in all circumstances.

How about you?

New Beginnings

I have a new job! The words do not sound real but I know it's real. I start on Friday.

I never thought that anyone would hire someone "my age." I believed what the world had told me that getting a job after 50 was almost impossible. I let the world block out the fact that God can and does work miracles.

I will be an Administrative Assistant in the Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center. I will do payroll and some HR stuff. Don't know exactly yet.

When they called on Monday, I was thrilled. It made me feel young and useful and needed and wonderful. When I hung up the phone, I thanked God and mentally said "Nah, nah, nah" to the world who had me anxious and doubting.

I will be working in a place and for people who make a difference in people's lives and I love that idea.

So now at 61, I am starting a new job with enthusiasm and hope. It's a new beginning of sorts and I am excited.

God is SO good!