Guided by a Watchful Eye

Cats are amazing animals. They love to curl up on a couch or bask in a sunny window. Although many owners love keeping their cats outdoors, I prefer to keep my own cats indoors. My own cat Beau is one of my indoor cats and his antics keep me entertained. He has his own condo near the large picture window which is his television to the outdoors. He is intrigued with the squirrels, raccoons, and other cats who are infringing on his territory as they lounge on the deck or search for food. These intruders are infringing on his territory and he slinks along the floor waiting to pounce on them. He loves watching the birds outdoors who come to eat at the feeder located just outside the window. He chatters and talks to them and again he attempts to catch a feathered friend or two. And should any insect come inside the house and fly around the room, his eyes never stop studying the “bug”. He plans his method of attack carefully and usually manages to get a delicious meal when they land nearby.

Just as much as Beau is fascinated with the outdoors, he is insistent on showing me that he is the one who is in charge at home. When I sit down to watch a program on television or get comfortable with reading a book, I can expect my cat to jump up on my lap and find a way to curl up in my arms and sleep. If I take time to sit down and try to use the computer, he jumps up and works hard to gain my attention. But should I want to pick Beau up and hold him, he seems disinterested. He is the “boss” and I have to play by his rules. I am the one who has to learn his language. Perhaps that is the reason that I love cats. I like their independence. They teach me their language and habits. They show me how to relax and to slow down the busy pace of life. Even in taking a nap, the cat stretches and totally relaxes his muscles. Yes, the lessons that a feline can teach me are invaluable.

In my spiritual walk, God is the instructor who teaches me how to lean upon Him. Psalm 25:4 states “Make your ways known to me, teach me your paths” My Christian walk needs to focus on following God’s pattern. He speaks to me through his Word and shows me how to trust in Him. Proverbs 9:21 reinforces the interest God has in man. “For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes and he considers all His paths.” (Proverbs 9:21) God has a special interest in me and just like I take time to watch the cat and learn from his little quirks, God watches over me and guides me with His love. Learning to step out in faith and follow his leading gradually shapes my life so that it will begin to conform to His likeness. God is My instructor who shows me the pathway along life and keeps His eye on me (Psalm 32:8). Yes, this is the way to peace and a fulfilled life that will remove the stress and worry from my day to day living. Guide me with Your eye and let me follow your counsel.

*All passages are from the Holman Christian Study Bible

God's Grace in my Life

When I hear the word “grace” I always make the association to the phrase “unmerited favor”. These words are found in the song “No Other Word for Amazing” which was popular several years ago.

God’s grace means that no matter what I have done in life, God accepts me for what I am and where I am, forgives me when I ask and then saves me so that I am a child of His kingdom. All of these things are part of His love for me and there is nothing that I have ever done or could do in the future that would deserve His love. It is grace that paves the pathway for me to become a Christian. His umbrella of love keeps me close to Him and protects me from the “punishment” I deserve for all my sins.

There is no way I can comprehend that type of love. When we see people do things that are wrong we know that the justice system is designed to make them accountable for their actions. And when we are careless and drive over the speed limit, forget to stop at a stop sign, or make a turn from a wrong lane and cause an accident, we have to answer for our actions. Although we have an idea of what should be done with others who do wrong things, God forgives everyone who comes to Him and asks for forgiveness. Man and the judicial system may hold you accountable but God’s love can wash away the sinful act and make you clean.
I tried to think of an easy way to remember the word “grace”. The solution I found was:
G---God’s
R----Righteousness
A----Accepted at
C----Calvary is
E----Everlasting


Lean on His shoulders, take comfort in His arms and be at peace. I don’t have to run around feverishly trying to accomplish something. I won’t feel exhausted and worn out but I will be at peace with God knowing that He cares for me.

Emptiness

Trying to set aside time to write each day isn’t always easy. For me it seems that my ideas come in a flood and I will write feverishly for a couple months and then all of a sudden my mind seems completely empty. So many times I have found myself caught up in other responsibilities that have to be done and my passion gets shoved into the background. When that happens day after day my mind loses its focus and putting my ideas down on paper is harder. That is where I am right now.

All the ideas that have been jotted down and all the various directions that I wanted to pursue on paper have little or very little meaning to me now. Yes, I can relate to what I was thinking about and have some ideas about how I planned to develop a story but the inspiration is gone. I miss it but don’t want to lose it completely. Putting just these few thoughts on paper is a way to try to push beyond the writer’s block. I miss the writing and enjoy the person who can write and draw spiritual applications from simple and often overlooked events.

I have spent so much of my life hiding in the past and doing everything for others that my dreams and goals in life no longer seem important. God, help me to get back to a point in my life where I feel appreciated and loved by you and can find my focus. Let me feel your presence and bring me back to a point where I can sense your spirit and power moving me forward to a new and brighter future.