Roots and Wings (Tuesday)

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Shirlee Abbott

roots wings

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Roots and Wings (Tuesday)

Roots and Wings (Monday)

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Shirlee Abbott

thought

 

You know the adage about giving your children roots and wings. I’m blessed to have both. What about you? Are you more roots or more wings?

 

–  I think I’m well balanced—equal parts both
–  My circle of influence is tight and close to home; I’m mostly roots
–  I’m wings . . . flew the coop years ago
–  I’m an unshackled pedestrian (no roots, no wings)

 

Share
Posted in other | Tagged | Comments Off on Roots and Wings (Monday)

Unitended Consequences (Friday)

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Shirlee Abbott

discipline

I sense God’s direction; I respond, But. . .

It may be as simple as the pie calling to me from the dessert case:

 

 

God: You don’t need that.

Me: But blueberries are good for me. But I worked so hard this morning, I deserve a reward. But they rarely have blueberry pie—better get it while I can.

In Acts 10, Peter gives God the reason why he couldn’t eat the unclean animals. He finally said yes, Lord. God’s intended consequence? Peter shared the Gospel with gentiles.

Get in the habit of saying yes, Lord. Experience God’s intended consequences.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Unitended Consequences (Friday)

Unintended Consequences (Thursday)

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Shirlee Abbott

consequences1

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , | Comments Off on Unintended Consequences (Thursday)

Unintended Consequences (Wednesday)

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Shirlee Abbott

ArchitectMe: Lord. Let’s talk about the bad stuff in my life: money troubles, accidents and illness, people problems. Did you intend for all that?

God: Ah, my child, don’t confuse natural consequences with unintended consequences. I set up the world to run by certain rules. When you make bad decisions, you risk bumping up against those rules.

You were distracted and missed a step. Falling down the stairs was a natural—albeit unpleasant—consequence.

Me: I get it! As in: mega stress + lack of sleep + junk food = I get sick . . . natural consequence.

God: Indeed. And all those times you strayed from my plan and then whined about the consequences? Let’s talk about them (hint: it’s called confession).

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Unintended Consequences (Wednesday)

Unintended Consequences (Tuesday)

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Shirlee Abbott

blueprintAbout the hard times in my life . . .

James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Let’s face it. If I’d never had problems, I’d be a big marshmallow. Get me in a hot spot, and I’d puff up into a sticky mess, asking to be eaten alive by the enemy.

God takes the long view. His intended consequence: a tougher, more resilient me.

Share
Posted in other | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Unintended Consequences (Tuesday)

Unintended Consequences (Monday)

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Shirlee Abbott

thoughtWhen have you encountered unintended consequences of a deed that seemed on its face to be a truly great idea?

–  Redecorate one room and the rest of the house looks like a dump
–  A well-intentioned law that burdens the good guys and is ignored by the bad guys
–  Beauty gone wild: loosestrife and kudzu

 

God’s plans don’t have unintended consequences. Agree?

Share
Posted in other | Tagged | Comments Off on Unintended Consequences (Monday)