 I’m amazed by Jesus. His work on the cross makes me right with God, and His life example in the midst of imperfection and disappointment shows me how to live. For instance, many loved Jesus; others loathed Him.* But that didn’t stop Jesus from fulfilling His purpose in life. He seemed unsurprised by it all. Although He cared about others, their opinions didn’t alter his plans.
I’ve discovered a misbelief guaranteed to make me (and you!) miserable: In order to be happy, I must be loved and accepted by everybody--or at least most people. Obviously, this isn’t a belief that Jesus espoused. When adhering to this misconception:
Not everyone loved and agreed with Jesus; not all will love and agree with us. This isn’t surprising. But by living out our God-given dream, purposes, and convictions, we can live satisfying and significant lives, regardless of the reactions of those around us. We don’t have to be loved and appreciated by everyone to be happy, content, and blessed. Lord, it’s a relief to know that I can be who You made me to be and do what you've asked me to do even though others may disagree with me. Please help me to be courageous and consistent, even in the face of opposition from those I care about. What do you do when others don't agree with your ideas, dreams, plans, beliefs or convictions? * Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. Some wanted to seize him. (John 7:43-44)
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I love taking photos of the flag of the United States of America. In spite of her faults, I'm grateful for my country, for those who gave their lives to give us freedom, and for God's blessing on this land. I was a child when the words "under God" were added to the Pledge of Allegiance. It's addition impressed me deeply. "I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Lately I've been snapping pictures of our country's flag. Here are a few more. Hope you enjoy. Maybe you'll even want to sing "You're a Grand Old Flag" by George M. Cohan.
You're a grand old flag, You're a high flying flag And forever in peace may you wave. You're the emblem of The land I love. The home of the free and the brave. Ev'ry heart beats true 'neath the Red, White and Blue, Where there's never a boast or brag. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag. 
My husband Richard, an Army veteran (thank you, Honey!), standing next the flag on sailboat trip we took recently off the coast of California.
 [It's Dad's Day! I just read this "Father's Day" article from the Presidential Prayer Team. I thought you might find it interesting as I did. Enjoy! And pray the prayer suggestions along with me.]
Poll Reveals Most Men Want To Be Dads (Saturday, June 15, 2013) More than eight out of ten men say they want to be fathers or think they’d like to be one someday. That compares to seven out of ten mothers who said they always knew they wanted to have children. The Associated Press survey also found that 69 percent of men said their long-standing desire to have children was an important factor in their decision to have kids. The poll also found that dads were more likely than moms to say they saw positive effects from fatherhood on both their love life and career. They also said they are just as likely as moms to say fatherhood improved their overall happiness, sense of accomplishment and sense of purpose. Men surveyed also were more skeptical than women that a single mother can do as good a job raising a child as two parents can. (Sources: AP, ABC) As the Lord leads, please pray:
To help you pray for our country, leaders and families, you can receive daily short prayer guides from the Presidential Prayer Team just as I do. Click here to sign up. (My FUN: The photo is of my son Rich with 2 of his 3 sons!)  Lord, who are these people, Your created children, who suffer pain deeper than words?
A mommy who lost her precious 3rd grader in this devastating tornado-monster in Oklahoma yesterday? That daddy who thought his child would be safe learning at school? A little boy who can’t imagine never playing ball with his best friend again? A young couple who had just started out and now their carefully-planned future lies in a flattened pile of rubble? An elderly man and his wife who just wanted to live out their final days on earth in peace? The OK firefighter who usually assists others, now facing his own need for help? Those first-responders climbing and clawing through the jagged boards looking for a glimpse of life–their minds and bodies throbbing with compassion fatigue…yet they work on? God, I lift up these men and women, boys and girls to You. I only taste their pain, while they are drowning in it. I’m removed; miles away. YOU are there. “You are close to the brokenhearted.”* Hold their hurting hearts and may they sense Your presence. Because of Jesus, I come to You knowing that you hear me and the myriads of others who pray. Amen. *Psalm 34:18 NIV |
Joan C. WebbWriting, teaching, coaching to empower and set free. |
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