Squirrelized

We have a squirrel infestation. I used to like squirrels. Now they are living in our chimney and our attic. They are chewing electrical wires and tormenting the dogs. The companies that eradicate squirrels in our area of the country charge about $5,000! So I have started trapping and releasing these rodents-in-cute-disguise.

Now don't get me wrong, I am a real softie when it comes to animals. So I'm driving out to the country with a small squirrel in my trunk, imagining the stress he will have to go through trying to find food and shelter before he even gets his bearings in a new environment. I imagine him in the rain that is coming later this afternoon. I think of him in the trunk experiencing the unfamiliar motion of a car and being very frightened, and it bothers me.

It bothers me, that is, until I think, Squirrel, this is your lucky day! The alternative to an unplanned move to the country is being euthanized in some way. This journey is actually saving the little rodent's life.

In the same way, when God allows unpleasant circumstances into our lives, we can be sure He is saving us from something even worse. When a trial comes, we can say, "Self, this is your lucky day!" (James 1:2). He might even be saving your life.

Blessings,

Come visit us at warrenfamilylife.com

Childlikeness

One of the things I strive for in life is to be childlike. Childlikeness is different than childishness, a term which conveys the negative aspects of being a child, such as self-centeredness and immaturity. When someone is childlike, she displays the positive characteristics of a child, such as innocence and trust. The Bible teaches it is important to be childlike: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”(Matthew 18:3). Following is a list of some of the attributes of childlikeness that I have observed.

A child ...

Is absolutely honest
Is utterly himself
Accepts things at face value
Doesn't over-analyze, but accepts and trusts
Speaks from the heart
Gives freely
Is without pretense
Exudes joy
Loves shamelessly
Laughs easily
Puts a priority on play
Lives in the moment
Doesn't question the promises of those she loves and trusts

When you look at this list, do you see yourself in any of it? I see more "adult" in me than I would like. Join me in doing an "about face," and becoming more like a little child in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings,

Come visit us at warrenfamilylife.com

Puzzle pieces

At times, life is like a box of puzzle pieces. But only God can see the lid and know the final outcome of all the things that come together to form our destinies. I believe with all my heart, that if I could see what God sees, even the most difficult things in life I would choose for myself. And I think you just might, as well.

Blessings,

Come visit us at warrenfamilylife.com

On that day

I have a friend who once had a dream that I have never forgotten. He had died and was standing before God in heaven. The scene was an arena full of people. Each of them was someone he had known on earth who was now condemned: mail carriers, fast-food workers, and dear friends. One by one they looked at him and asked, "Why didn't you tell me about Jesus?"

Sometimes we don't want to share something that people would rather not hear. But one day the lost will all wish they had known the good news.

May you and I live our lives in such a way that we will have no regrets on that day!

Blessings,

Come visit us at warrenfamilylife.com

Aha!

I was reading Spurgeon this morning and it shed some light on Mary's extravagant act of anointing Jesus (Mark 14:1-9). It has always confused me a little, especially because Mary let her hair down, which was usually only done by prostitutes. This was not Mary Magdalene but Mary the brother of Lazarus. Why would she do that in a room full of people?

Spurgeon says about a leper who came to Jesus:

This unclean person had broken through the regulations of the ceremonial law and pressed into the house, but Jesus so far from chiding him broke through the law himself in order to meet him.

In the same way, Mary broke through the law of social norms by letting down her hair. The lesson is that we must overcome the constraints of legalism to find intimacy with Christ. Laws, rules, and checklists are unwelcome fortifications against our Lord. They must come down if we are to KNOW Him.

Blessings,

Come visit us at warrenfamilylife.com