Dear brothers and sisters,

   Good day to you! Have you heard any good news lately? A whole lot can happen in a single day can't it? Just when you think your plans will succeed, they turn sour. The feeling I get is what a waste of time! If only I had a play book written with the details of what I need.

   Have you heard it said that the the voice of the Spirit of God is a still small voice? I may have gotten that wrong but the point is I have to be still to hear a still small voice. Well, today, I haven't been taking that position and dove into a project that only got more and more involved. Now, I wish I had inquired of the Lord whether I should attempt this or not.

   Too late and a bit wiser, I am now ready to listen. Very closely. Not move ahead without the green light from the Lord. No one has been hurt, except my own body. And the project is not done yet. However, I started and need to finish.

   Do you put deadlines on yourself that are unreasonable? Do you jump at the opportunity to do something and regret it later? I think we all have at some point. Call it human I guess.

   Jesus told us many times that there will be those who hear but don't hear. If you are a sheep belonging in the fold of God then, you will recognize the Shepherds voice. Instead of being a stubborn sheep wandering off to "greener pastures" and noble ideas. Stop and listen for the sound of the Lord's voice.

   I am going to take this advice and count it as wisdom. To listen to His voice and then heed what He says will reap benefits! He is calling our name and we can really recognize His voice. IF we are still enough; pause long enough for His direction.

   In James 1:19 we are told "Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], and slow to speak." Wise counsel. Thank you James!

   Otherwise we can be led astray by all the many distractions. I personally feel like flopping into a chair and waiting for tomorrow when maybe things will look better. That may have been what Holy Spirit intended in the first place!

   Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand."

   I guess I can share what I did...I decided to stain my kitchen shelf. With coffee. Well, it sure didn't make a whole lot of difference in appearance. The process took a lot of time and now it is near dinner time and I have dishes all over the counter and in boxes. Crazy huh? Now, my husband is fixing the matter and I am very grateful for his patience with my goofy ideas.

   So this lesson on hearing is now a part of my story, in a practical way. I love that God sees. I love that He has the right plans for our daily adventures. This walk can get really messed up without His leading can't it?

   It is one thing to wander off on our own and another thing to just be still and listen for the voice of the One Who knows us best.

   Thank you for coming by today. God bless you with a heart to hear and a desire to heed His words of life. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...we are blessed for listening