Blog Bible Study, Jan 15th

I used to worry and have nightmares about tornadoes as a kid. Ever since being scarred by The Wizard of Oz, those "tornado dreams" had the power to strike me breathless, waking up terrified and alone in my room. Yet when, at the age of 16, a tornado hit my hometown and destroyed my house, not one of us were injured.

There were so many things to worry about when I was a teenager. Who would I eat lunch with? Did he/she really like me? What college was I going to go to? What career should I choose?

Then I graduated nursing school, and more worries arose. Would I make enough money to support myself? Did I choose the right career? Would I ever meet Mr. Right?

Fast forward (a few) years. Now I am a wife, a mother, still a nurse, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I am responsible for lives on a daily basis. Those of my children, my patients, even the other drivers on the road when I am drowsily driving home after a long shift. My worries are far greater now than they were when I was younger, yet I am able to handle them with a calm assurance that transcends my abilities.

How? Well, I'm glad you asked. (Okay, you didn't ask, I did, but maybe you were thinking it...)

After Elijah was born, I invited Jesus Christ into my heart and life. Believe me, before I became a Christian, that particular sentence would've caused me to close out this blog post right now, and not read any further. Anything to do with religion, or Jesus, or church gave me an uncomfortable feeling inside. Couldn't put my finger on it, just didn't want to talk about it. That "feeling" was Jesus knocking on the door of my heart, begging me to let him in. I fought him for many years, but at the age of 24, I finally "let go and let God", as Lula would say.

It took me a few more years before I found a great church that helped me grow in my relationship with God, through bible studies, a great pastor, and wonderful friends who showed me what it meant to be a Christian. I am still growing in my faith every day, and some days are better than others. I'm sure yesterday God was shaking His head at me, wanting to give me a timeout for the words that were coming out of my mouth and the poor attitude I carried with me all day.

There are so many ways to live out a Christian life. Not one is "better" than another, just different. No, you don't have to go to church, but it sure helps to find one that you love going to, surrounding yourself with things and people of the Lord. Music, books, websites, even blogs.

When Betty invited me to become a part of the blog bible study, I readily accepted. What a great use of my blogspace! You never know who you might affect with your words, helping someone have a better day, helping them understand Jesus a little more.

My verse for today is one I carry with me everyday. I not only read and memorize it, I live it. Here goes:

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:27,34

I like the way my NIV bible explains this verse: "Planning for tomorrow is time well spent; worrying about tomorrow is time wasted. Careful planning is thinking ahead about goals, steps and schedules, and trusting in God's guidance. Planning can alleviate worry. Worriers, by contrast, are consumed by fear and find it difficult to trust God. They let their plans interfere with their relationship with God."

This is not to say I never worry; I do. But I can honestly say that after praying about my worries, I can give them over to God and trust in His plan. What on earth am I going to be able to change by worrying? Nothing. Now planning, on the other hand; folks, I was meant to plan. Nothing like a Disney vacation to bust out the planner in me!

Not every verse in the Bible will speak to your heart. But if you open your eyes, your mind and your soul, and let God in, I promise, you will hear Him.

(Now stop worrying about those bills, and start making a plan of how to pay them!)