With my whole heart...

 

 I don't have that many hobbies anymore, they have been pared down & pared down because of time limit. But recently, in talking to my brother, & lamenting the fact that at almost seventy years old, my life was busier than ever, to which he sagely responded, that it wasn't that our lives are busier ( he just had his 62nd birthday ), but it just took us twice as long to do everything!! Ding!! I heard, as the proverbial light came on. Oh my gosh!! He was right! So it takes twice as long to get half as much done. 😲Then why am I so tired at night when I'm only doing half as much as I used to?  Never mind. I don't want to know. But back to the subject at hand, as hobbies are being streamlined from my list, I kept seasonal decorating. It's something that I truly enjoy & is a lot of fun expressing my creativity. 

Over the last few years I have started collecting what I call "Lunt Men". I named them after Mr. Lunt from the old " Veggie Tales" that my kids & grandkids watched growing up. I know that they are mostly called gnomes, but I don't want that association of 'good luck'. I don't believe in luck but in God's intervention or blessing. Some may think that's nit-picking, but I don't. I'll go on to say that I pray over each one that I bring into the house because I don't know the connection it's had. Now, that may seem a bit fanatical, but I think it's just wise. 

 

This one needs some cheese curls for some bulk!

(Remember, Mr. Lunt's favorite food is 'Cheese Curls.")

Just a few to make you smile.😄 They always make me smile coming into a room. Also, it's a sort of respite from the reality that surrounds me every day. I'll do more pictures later of my Autumn decorating. A seasonal makeover, or 'face-lift'! But some things need to be a constant in our lives because it brings a stability, a security of sameness. Like good habits. Like family dinners every day, games at night, Sunday at church & get-togethers afterward, reading fiction or inspirational books, watching funny or inspiring movies, even everyday work habits. (A real constant at our house is trips to the veterinarian. I wouldn't mind a little deviation there). 🐕 🐈   But especially, praying & reading the Bible & devotionals that keep us connected to 'His-Life' support. We need to get our 'perk-o-laters' going first thing in the morning, whether it's a hobby, fellowship with friends, exercise, time with Jesus, even work that we enjoy. & keep those perks going all day through praise, you know, "put on the garment of praise (in exchange) for the spirit of heaviness..." These are all our God-given resuscitators, our oxygen bottles, our life sustainers to keep us healthy spirit, soul & body, so we can be energized to do our calling, for our families, our homes, the church, the helpless, the dying, the hopeless. We, as Christians, are the 'ambulance corps', the volunteers of humanity, the heart, feet & arms of Jesus. It IS a hard world. & at times it is & will be tough. But to coin an old phrase, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." or in other words, 

"I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

We are called to make a difference in the time we have here on earth. You've heard it said,

"Your country needs you!"  & it's true. But I say, "Your God needs you!"

"Father God wants you!"

to be His expression to all of those in need, to show His love in & through us.

Now what does this have to do with decorating? If I could draw a little nugget of truth out of this, I guess it would be that, doing things  with the creativity that the Lord has given, is healthy & life giving, so we can do the greater work, & that is bringing 'His-Life' support to His heart, which is, people. Remember, "All work & no play makes Jack (or Jill!) a dull boy (or girl)." Dull-witted that is. (& maybe a bit dim-witted!) 

Actually, the key-word here is balance. But also, that whatever we do, to do it with all of our hearts. & that whatever that passion is, that it has eternal value to it or leads to eternal value, same thing I guess. & this scripture clarifies it.

"In everything you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord & not unto men."  Colossians 3:23

& of course, whatever we do for Jesus IS always going to have eternal value. Eternal life value! & as we do it for Jesus, He will keep us in balance. That is so freeing to me! So, let's 'do life' with our whole hearts. For Him1

 

Raintree Perk of the Day:

"I have come that you would have life & have it more abundantly."

Love, Jesus