The prayer group that I participate in by e-mail has about 15 people involved. The most common prayer request in our group is concerning a loved one who is having health problems.

To me, that says two things:

• The people involved in our group are genuine followers of Jesus… they are “servants,” always putting the needs of other people first., and
• The prayer group people believe in the power of prayer, which is REAL!!

It is extremely painful to watch anyone, particularly someone who we genuinely care about, suffer. Whether it is pain related to a health issue or life’s anxieties, It makes me want to ask the question: Why God?

The very best answer I’ve found to this question is in the Bible: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

It is through these difficult experiences that we grow.

our time here is for just a short while, and in preparation for eternity.

I’ve found that I can monitor how my life centers on God through this one simple test: By honestly asking myself if I feel at peace.

Whenever I feel anxious or worried about something my life is in some way out of whack… and I need to regroup and put the concern where it belongs: in God’s hands.

“Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21

Peace for me has usually been very subtle, but it can also be very powerful. Peace comes from the Holy Spirit. I can vividly recall the most powerful feeling I’ve ever had of the Holy Spirit’s presence… peace was a refreshing reward for totally surrendering and trusting in God’s perfect work in my life.

If God is at the center of my life, I’m at peace, even in the most trying circumstances. If my life isn’t centered on God, I’m more likely to be stressed out and worried.

Repeating, and continuing on from Philippians Chapter 4…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (verses 6-9)

This is another powerful verse and choice we make… we can choose to focus our mind on that which is true, noble, right, honorable, just, pure, lovely, kind, gracious, praiseworthy, etc… and in doing so it helps relieve our troubles. This takes some effort and practice, but it really works!

There’s no better way to release life’s worries and anxieties than turning them over to God.

 

 

The post The Peace-O-Meter first appeared on I'm Just Thinkin'.

The post The Peace-O-Meter appeared first on I'm Just Thinkin'.

Ben: Currently.

Andie: Likewise.

Ben: Surprising.

Andie: Psycho?

Ben: Rarely, Interested?

Andie: Perhaps.

Ben: Hungry?

Andie: Starving.

Ben: Leaving?

Andie: Now?

How to Loose a Guy in 10 Days. It’s the 2003 movie about Andie and her Bennie boo boo… boo boo boo. And is full of quick-witted humor. Romantic Comedy. If your man doesn’t like them just hope that they put Kate Hudson or Sandra Bullock in the movie. He’ll go. He’ll act like it’s torture. It’s not. He’ll want to negotiate for more time in The Man Cave. Don’t buy his tomfoolery.

This is “Nutter Butter’s” favorite movie. She can rattle off the tag lines better than Wikipedia. I think she digs Matthew McConaughey. Just a wee bit. She’s a Burberry girl and great friend!! I’m digressing…

The movie is about vanity, love and forgiveness.

First, vanity… Andie and Ben were both on top of their game.

A game? Like Backgammon? I love backgammon!! No, not that kind of game… these two play a different sort of game.

That’s the story line… it’s all just a game. For Andie, make a guy fall for her, and then loose him, by doing all the things that men dislike, all within 10 days. Then write an article about it for her job. Ben’s game was even more simple, a cocky bet that he could make any woman fall in love with him. Andie was chosen as the attractive subject in a bar.

I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee… You’re so vain… You probably think this blog is about you… from You’re So Vain, the catchy Carly Simon song that rings loud through this movie. I had no clue what “clouds in my coffee” meant. Carly says: “Clouds in my coffee” are the confusing aspects of life and love. That which you can’t see through, and yet seems alluring…until. Like a mirage that turns into a dry patch.”

Vanity. One of those harmful virtues, an example of pride, which is considered the opposite of being humble. Vanity, arrogance and pride can lead to a hardening of the heart that condemns those who refuse to accept anything greater than themselves.

When Andie and Ben found out about each other’s game, they were deeply hurt. Owie!! The movie easily could have ended right there. Game over.

Instead of vanity, let’s focus on the good, the positive, and the things this blog is about: “Think, at all times, on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.” Philippians 4:8. Amen.

Back to the movie. Fortunately, something else happened along the way: Andie and Ben fell in love. Ok, for the sake of the Romantic Comedy, can I add more God here? I’m sure this next part could conceivably happen without God… in the movies.

Here’s the best part of the movie: Love endures and overrides vanity. Team God wins… again!

Love overrides vanity is not a given, no-brainer, or slam dunk. Now comes the tricky part… forgiveness. A crazy scramble near the end of the movie. Andie and Ben swallow their pride, not an easy thing to do… but necessary for their forgiveness. And for their love to endure.

And for the fairy tale ending…

The post Clouds In My Coffee first appeared on I'm Just Thinkin'.

The post Clouds In My Coffee appeared first on I'm Just Thinkin'.