Listen

In last month’s post, I mentioned the word “imagine” as my potential focus word for 2024. I also shared that God had impressed another word upon my heart. As I’ve continued to pray regarding the other word “listen,” the more it stands out to me. I believe “listen” is the word the Lord wants me to prioritize this year.

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, there are three definitions for the verb listen:

1.     to pay attention to sound (listen to music)

2.     to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration
(listen to a plea)

3.     to be alert to catch an expected sound (listen for his step)

I do fine with number one—especially now that I have hearing aids! But I need to work on numbers two and three.

Do I always listen to hear with thoughtful attention? Or am I concerned with how to respond. Maybe my mind is elsewhere, and I hear the speaker, but not well enough to fully grasp their words. To become more attentive and acknowledge others with the consideration they deserve, I need to focus on number two.

To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13, NIV

But my key priority is number three—to be alert to catch an expected sound. I love that! I want my spiritual ears to be open, to hear the Lord call my name and speak to my heart.

Not an unexpected sound, but an expected one. I expect to hear from the Lord through His Word, and to listen in my spirit to what He says to me personally and follow through in obedience.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says.
James 1:22, NIV

To know the Lord better and draw closer to Him, I’ll ask Him to quiet my mind, listen for the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart, and seek to do His will.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13, NIV

This year, I also have a theme song: “I’m Listening” by Chris McClarney (link below).

I hope to not only give others my thoughtful attention but also to give my undivided attention to the Lord, immersing myself in His presence. To listen for His expected voice, and to pursue Him with my whole heart.

Blessings to you as you pursue Him in 2024!

Listen Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Check out Chris McClarney’s song on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef52AmdVwYI

Photo by Abby Boggier—Unsplash

Imagine

Do you have a word for the new year? A verse for the year? I’m still praying about mine.

Last year my word was courage, and my verse was Joshua 1:9.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.
NKJV

Each year I take a quiz offered by DaySpring before I decide upon my word of the year, although I usually select something else. In late December, after I answered seven questions on their website, they reported my word was imagine.

Imagine? At first, this word bothered me. Sounded selfish. Imagine big things, fame, and fortune. Imagine traveling anywhere in the world. Imagine having anything you’ve ever wanted, and it’s yours. As a person who struggles with selfishness, I said no to this as my word for the year.

But then, when I read this word in Scripture, I decided imagine may be a great word for the new year.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20, NIV 

God’s voice is glorious in the thunder. We can’t even imagine
the greatness of his power.
Job 37:5, NLT 

God can do anything through us. Exceedingly, abundantly, more than we ask or think. We only need to be willing. Willing for Him to use us in ways we never thought possible. With His power at work within us.

As Christians, I believe it is good to think big, pray big, and ask big. The Holy Spirit resides in us and gives us the power to do whatever God has called us to do.

This word is not about naming it and claiming it. It’s trusting God for all He wants to accomplish through us. Fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Whatever that is.

But God has placed another word on my heart. I’ll continue to pray and seek Him regarding my word for 2024.

Please share your word or verse if you have one.

What’s Your Word? (dayspring.com)

Photo by Constant Loubier - Unsplash

Time to Rejoice

Have you ever lost something valuable, searched everywhere for it, and rejoiced when you found it?

My husband, Kenn and I took a trip last weekend to Corpus Christi, Texas. We spent time at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in pursuit of whooping cranes and roseate spoonbills. There we saw several egrets, herons, pelicans, and sandhill cranes—all lovely, but not our primary goal. We returned a second time two days later. Still none in sight. But a person at the visitor center mentioned another nearby location where sightings of both species had occurred. Off we went to the Big Tree in Goose Island State Park.

I love trees, and the Big Tree was no exception. This ancient live oak, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, stood majestically with its branches outstretched. And across from it we found whooping cranes and roseate spoonbills. My pictures aren’t great because we couldn’t get close. But we were grateful to see these birds.

One morning, we toured the USS Lexington—a World War II aircraft carrier that became a museum in 1992. We visited the flight deck containing many aircraft, which included the plane used in the 1986 Top Gun movie. We also toured the junior officer’s quarters, captain’s cabin, engine room, and more. As we ventured from one area to the next, I noticed my purse didn’t feel as full or heavy as usual. I dismissed the thought when I realized I’d stuck my phone in my jean’s pocket and not in my purse.

A few hours later, when I opened my purse, my heart fell. My cash, credit card, and driver’s license were gone, along with my wallet. Had I dropped it? We called the USS Lexington to inquire if anyone had turned one in. They hadn’t. I did my best to remain calm, and we prayed. When we returned to our hotel room, I searched in my suitcase, on the bathroom vanity, and on the bed. I grabbed my camera bag, but I was certain my wallet wasn’t there either.

That’s when my foot touched something underneath the bed. My wallet. It must have slipped out of my purse without me noticing when I took out a pair of clippers that morning. I would have expected to hear a thud when it hit the floor, but I hadn’t.

Not only was I grateful and thanked the Lord, but I couldn’t help but rejoice. If I hadn’t found it, I would have been stuck in Texas. I needed my driver’s license to board the plane home the next day.

When I found my wallet, I imagined that’s how the women in Luke 15:8-10 must have felt when she found her lost coin. She lost something of value and rejoiced when she located it again.

And when she finds it, she calls her friends and
neighbors together and says,
‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’
Luke 15:9, NIV

Kenn and I rejoiced with thanksgiving together.

And I have another wonderful reason to rejoice. When I was lost, the Lord found me. Time to celebrate my Savior—Jesus Christ! Time to rejoice in His birth!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Banner Photo by Joshua J. Cotten - Unsplash

Goodbye Matilda

The time of year has arrived when I need to say goodbye to Matilda—my last ruby-throated hummingbird of the season. But she’s still here. I’m surprised to see her because we endured a severe freeze last week. Hopefully, she’s not too old, young, or ill to make the 500-mile non-stop trip across the Gulf of Mexico.

I’ve enjoyed observing these tiny, yet territorial birds from my dining-room window. When there is more than one bird at the feeder at a time, they become rather rowdy. Their aggressiveness amazes me.

These little creatures know what they want and make sure none of their fellow beings interfere. I chuckle when I see a bird perched on the feeder, not interested in eating, but acting as a lookout to ensure no other birds stop to eat. After a brief skirmish, where one scares off the others, he or she returns to their perch to stand guard once more.

Even though I know this is their typical behavior, I’ve attempted to step outside and share the Word of God with them. Sadly, without success. As hard as I try, they’re not interested in the Golden Rule.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31 (NIV)

Do they want their fellow beings to treat them this same way? Unlikely, but I’m fascinated because they might have chased away their own babies. I suppose, once out of the nest, it’s a fight for survival, where only the strongest can thrive.

I hope I’m not like this, but I know that sometimes my human nature takes over and I’m ready to fight for what I want too. Selfishness is a battle I face every day.

As a silly example, don’t try to steal a slice of my pizza. Just ask my husband. Like the hummingbirds, I’m ready to defend my favorite food, though with less aggression.

Instead of selfishness, I desire to follow the example of my Lord and become a generous giver of good gifts.

Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.
Philippians 2:4 (TPT)

If I hand you a slice of pizza, you’ll know I’m giving you something significant. But if you’re in need of a loaf of bread, I’ll do my best to help with that instead.

I hope Matilda completes her migration, but if she stays, I’ll look after her and provide her with her favorite food. And with Thanksgiving almost here, I’ll be savoring several of mine, but I doubt pizza will be on the menu.

May you experience a wonderful, joy-filled Thanksgiving with family and friends without fighting over that last piece of pie.

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