New Year New Perspective

This time of year people start making lists of what they want to do, make or be in the new year. Often this includes, diet, exercise, saving money, paying off debts, vacations, taking a class, finishing long overdue projects and more. My mind has immediately jumped into the planning mode of how I can exercise more, complete a whole 30 eating plan, clean my house, organize my classroom, plan lessons, launch a new women’s program and more! Plan, plan, plan! I am tired and it hasn’t even started.

You got Older!

Just when I think I have figured out how not to look old, a child tells it like it is. I have the great pleasure of seeing children grow up and love re-connecting with them as they go from grade to grade.  Last week I stopped in to an after school program that many of my former students attend. Walking into the room I was greeted with warm hugs, delightful screams of "Mrs. Cobb" and millions of stories! I felt so loved! One of the students in the class turned and asked, "Do you remember me"? I always remember them, just not always their names! What he said next will forever be etched in my memory!

With his head tilted, one eye closed and soft voice he stated, "Mrs. Cobb you got older"! 

Wow~ Not exactly the response I expected! Honest yes, but not what I wanted to hear! 

Have you been here? 

The truth can be such a difficult thing for us to hear about ourselves. Sometimes I look into the mirror and think wow you look pretty good, then I see a picture of myself and the truth prevails!

God's word is like that.  When we examine ourselves in light of what the bible says we realize that we are not "looking good".  On the contrary we realize that we are lost without the saving grace of Jesus. 

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. Isaiah 45:22

The truth is hard, but following The way, The Truth and the Life is the best adventure I know!

Hugo

Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton. Internet Movie Database

During Christmas break we went to see this movie. 3D movies always intrigue me. Often I take off the glasses because I want to see what the movie looks like without them. It's blurry!

Hugo the twelve year old boy in the film is gifted at fixing clocks and machines. He soon discovers that people can be fixed too. 

My favorite quote from the movie is;

"If you don't have a purpose you are broken."

I was overwhelmed with this quote.  For those who know me, purpose is everything.  Often I ask, what is the purpose of this event, why are we doing it? Sometimes we can get lost in the midst of busyness, and the day to day routine. We can feel like we do not have a special purpose!

It is easy to feel broken, useless and worn out. 

I have Good News for You!

You and I have a purpose! 

We do Not have to live broken!

God will restore you!

God created each of us with a plan in mine. Jeremiah 29:11

He created us with gifts that must be utilized. I Peter 4:10

We are called to Reflect His glory and make His name Known. Isaiah 26:8

Father, May your purpose be fulfilled in our lives. Reveal it to us that we may walk in it.   Jann

God's plans are always better than our own.

When I was 12 years old I met a boy.  Kevin lived down the street and had two really cute younger brothers. I didn't know it when I first met him, but he was going to be my husband. Nearly every day I spoke with Kevin and we became close friends.  Often we would share with each other about the person that we had a crush on or Kevin and his friends would come over for dinner.  Little by little our worlds became more and more intertwined.


One day my mother abruptly said, "Why don't you like Kevin?"  That thought had never, never, never, crossed my mind.  You see Kevin was nice and he was my friend, but he was not a surfer, or a skater. He just wasn't on my list. He didn't fit into my plan. 

28 years ago I married this boy that wasn't part of my plan, but was the gift that God had for me.  He is my best friend, partner in ministry, life and love!

God's plans are always better than our own. 

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. 

"And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8 NLT

• My ideas are limited, His are infinite 
• My resources are limited, His are endless
• My knowledge is limited, His is omnipotent
• My grace is limited, His is all covering
• My gifts are limited, He is the giver of all gifts
• My time is now, His is perfect

Often we are tempted to take matters into our own hands and try to play God.  I believe He knows best and can be trusted!  Sometimes this requires waiting for his perfect timing.  

Father, Thank you for having a way better plan than we could ever have. We are impatient people, short sighted and unable to comprehend how big you really are!  Give us a glimpse of your vastness, of your glory and splendor.  Remind us that we can trust in your plan because You are trustworthy! Living in this trust, Jann