Can You See the Difference?

Can you tell I am working on a new computer? I can - it feels so extravagant - and comfortable. I actually feel "at home" with the new computer. Sunday after Aaron printed his Sunday sermon, the computer went black. We tried to restart ... many times. The screen would stay up for 10-15 seconds. SO after a year of knowing this day would come - we were prepared - and I knew what our next computer purchase should be ... iMAC. LOVE IT! I have been teaching for 12 years, this is the type of computer I know. It is like coming home. :) I know, a bit on the silly side - but sometimes something light is just what is needed. We have a plan that includes weekly one-on-one sessions to learn about all this guy can do, we plan to move beyond writing documents and surfing the net. Anyway I am sure you can not tell ... but I CAN! 

The past few days in my devotions have dwelt in Joy. 

from March 10: As ripples caused by a flung stone stir the surface of a whole pond,so your joy-making shall spread in ever-widening circles, beyond all your knowledge, all anticipation. Joy in Me. Such Joy is eternal. Centuries after, it is still bearing Joy's precious Fruit.

This spoke volumes to me, as I strive to walk more like Jesus - to have a mind and heart that more closely resembles His.  I think of each interaction I have through a day, each encounter is a stone being thrown in the pond. I can determine what type of stone is tossed in the pond. My stones - stones of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Of course we always have two choices, and I work hard to choose the path that will be most pleasing to the Lord. 

from March 11 Look for Beauty and Joy in the world around. Look at a flower until its beauty becomes part of your very soul. It will be given back to the world again by you in the form of a smile or a loving word. Listen to a bird. Take the song as a message from My Father. Let it sink into your soul. That too will be given back to the world in ways I have said. Laugh more, laugh often. Love more. I am with you. I am your Lord.

First, if you know me you know birds scare me to the core - but hearing them does not mean they are in close proximity ... none the less - they are animals crated by the Lord, so we can exist together I will just never have one in my home and it is great if we just stay away from one another. ANYWAY ... this devotion tied right back to the pond - and how when we take time to look and "see" the beauty of the Lord in all the things around us - how can that not then become part of us that we share with all we encounter. AMAZING. Even without being intentional about how we interact and rub off on others we do. I plan to become more intentional in how I rub off, or toss my stones around.  

Striving to be more like Jesus - everyday.

PRAYER:LORD, continue to build in me a heart that is pleasing to you. You shower down so many blessings and I deeply thank you. As you pour into me, I ask that I can pour into those around me in a manner most pleasing to you. Help me create stones that bring Joy, glory and praise to you as they are spread through the world and your kingdom. In your sons precious name, Jesus, Amen. 

GRACE AND PEACE!