Neon Signs from God

Neon Signs from God

A recurrent theme throughout the last seventeen years of my life has been one of trying to discern what God would have me do. I’ve often wished for those “Neon Signs” that would definitively declare “THIS WAY!”

In recent months this has also been a common desire that I’ve heard from others as they work through many of life’s transition(s) and issues, including the people I’ve coached about their strengths: where’s the “Neon Sign?”

Is it any wonder then that I would be enticed to download a book to my Kindle called Nine Ways God Always Speaks by Mark Herringshaw & Jennifer Schuchmann? It was a marvelously inspiring book filled with stories of how people have encountered God. The image used was that of radio waves: they’re always out there, but we have to tune to the right channel. The authors contend that God is always reaching out to us, but that we aren’t “tuning in” to Him.

They then outline the “Channels” that God uses to try to reach us, and which we must “tune in” to encounter God. They explain how God talks to us through our circumstances, other people, history, nature, dreams & visions, emotions, our conscience, and his Word…but, that’s only eight channels! Finally, they explain how God speaks first – and waits for us to respond – and then he’ll speak again, or, as they state it, “It’s in response to our action. Though he initiates conversation, he also speaks in response to our acknowledgement of his overture.”

In other words, it becomes easier to hear God when we become obedient and respond to his prodding! Then the conversation grows deeper. “The ninth way is the way in which you give him permission to speak.”

One of the most thought provoking statements in this book was, “We see in the Bible that the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray. But, nowhere do we see them ask him to teach them how to listen.” Now wouldn’t that have made for a great teachable moment? This is a question I’ll be wrestling with for a while, particularly since we are embarking on a two month sermon series about prayer here at Northminster.

Have you encountered any “Neon Signs” lately?

Insecurities...who has them?

Over the weekend I finished Beth Moore's book, So Long, Insecurities:: You've been a bad friend to us. 
It was a terrific read for personal and professional consumption. The author did extensive data-gathering through her website/blog about where women (and men!) felt insecure. In several instances it was quite helpful to re-frame an issue as one of insecurity; some were certainly less blatant than others. I'm now convinced that there isn't a soul out there without some insecurities - and that help IS available! 


A key verse used throughout the book is Proverbs 31:25, "She is clothed with strength and dignity." What a marvelous way to re-claim self-confidence (not arrogance) and dignity. The author unpacked this verse in some very helpful ways! 


Although Beth Moore has a fantastic reputation as a women's Bible study author, I was impressed with the way in which she included men and their insecurities in this book, as well as the way that they perceive the insecurities of the women in their lives. 


There's a lot to chew on here, and well worth the time to digest! 

The joys of a holiday weekend! I only wish that I'd taken some pictures around here last Thursday. Why, you ask? I would not only see how much we accomplished, but I'd also feel better about feeling so worn out. I've always worked hard around here, but there were times over the weekend when I just wanted to sit down. I've never experienced that before! I hate to think that I'm just that much more sedentary now. Here are the possible excuses I've come up with: extremely high heat and humidity, getting older (NEVER...not me!), a biggest list than normal, and simply not taking any breaks at all. Guess you can bet which one I prefer? No breaks...definitely! Needless to say, I think I shall enjoy the opportunity to sit a bit at work today. Speaking of which, it's time to go...

A New Venture

It seems as though quite a few of my friends are blogging, so I thought I'd give it a try. Perhaps it's just my insatiable "Learner" and/or "Input" strengths, and perhaps I will tire of it, but I'll give it a whirl. My biggest conundrum about the whole thing is this: do I have anything worth saying that anyone would want to read? I guess I'll just have to try it and see!

I feel compelled to stay "up to date," if anyone can, on technology and social media, particularly as it may relate to our job search group. The sad thing is that this could be a full time job in and of itself! Therefore, if you are one of the few who have chosen to read this, don't expect that I'll be prolific. I'm just taking baby steps here.

My family has blessed me with a combination Mother's Day/birthday (not 'til June) gift: a Kindle DX. It's been a fantastic addition to my tech toys :-).  Maybe I am getting older, but the ease with which one can adjust the size of the type is astounding! I can actually read it without my glasses...which means that I can fall asleep on it while reading before bed, an age-old tradition for me. There are many other things I adore about it, but type size has to rate near the top.

Enough for tonight. I think I hear that last load of laundry calling. Until next time...