Can You See Your Own Footprints?

Writing it all down

Have you ever written an original article, essay, book, or poem you wanted to share with others? Then you likely researched how to copyright it and make it your own (or a publisher provided that service for you). That protection forever gave you solid proof and the rights to the written material. Not seeking copyright would put you at risk if anyone else claimed it as their own and not yours. It would become a lengthy court battle.

In 2008, John Marzulli of the New York Daily News reported a fascinating "3-Way Battle" over the rights to the famous poem, Footprints in the Sand. Eventually, it was established that the late Mary Stevenson of Long Island, New York, was the 1939 author although she never knew about needing to copyright anything (she was 14 years old at the time). 

"Stevenson's main proof of authorship is an early copy of the poem, penned on yellow notepaper that has allegedly passed a forensic examination," says Marzulli. The glitch here is that the other two women who claim ownership of the poem have each "copyrighted" their verses with slightly different versions. 

Hitting Rock Bottom

Like Stevenson's poem mentions, you also may feel as if God has left you on your own to figure things out and that can be a lonely place. Your previous marriage or relationship hit rock bottom way too soon. Now you are walking on a sandy white beach with no one to help guide and direct you. One set of footprints. 

How many footprints?

But wait! If you read the last line of the poem (click on the link in the above paragraph), you see the Lord has always been there with you throughout the entire relationship and even now that you are a single-again woman. He has promised you this and He will never ever go back on His Word! 

Maybe it never occurred to you, or it was just too difficult amidst all the chaos in your life at the time, to reach out and ask for the Lord's presence, protection, and provision. If you have never done that, it can literally be a life-changing decision and one you will never regret. 

Don't wait to experience the best of the best life you could ever imagine. Many people hesitate not believing it's possible to have something so much better than they have ever had in the past. Or they try something else in its place--sometimes for years and years--but the empty hole inside of your heart will not disappear like magic. God wants to completely fill it with His L-O-V-E!! 

The Simple Truth

This isn't a bunch of whoo-ha! It's the simplest truth in the world. And that is the problem. Too many people think that accepting the Lord Jesus into their lives is just way too simple. Why? Because all it takes is you asking Him directly in your own words. 

Right where you are, right now, you can start by telling Him about how your life has become a mess and that you want to change it all with His help. You want to fill that God-hole with His love. Isn't that true? Just let Him know you believe anything is possible with Him writing the poem. He knows. He gets you! 

It's as simple as that, dear friend. 

"So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love" 2 Peter 1:5-7 (MSG).

Keep It Simple, Sister!

DIY Fun! 

It’s not always easy to get away from the mess in our homes. As soon as we do our weekly cleaning, we turn around and the dust-bunnies are back! This time of year (winter for some and spring for others), we start thinking of what needs an overhaul. Drawers and cabinets need a fresh coat of paint. The garage and closets need organizing. Gutters need cleaning from all the trash that collects in them. Draperies need to be taken to the cleaners and curtains need washing. "Spring cleaning" is not all that enjoyable, but seeing the results are quite amazing and rewarding.

DIY projects are quite a bit more fun! Creating a new wreath for the front door can lift anyone’s spirit; use leftovers for a bouquet of happiness for your desk. Recovering outdoor chairs can make them new and get them ready for spring. Chalk paint with its matte finish is perfect for that distressed furniture style, indoors and out. Of course, spending a weekend browsing through the many thrift stores available in the neighborhood can get our momentum going.

No Workaholics Here

Usually, the reason for getting all this cleaning done early in the season is so we can spend the rest of summer enjoying it all with friends and family. But, it’s not a time to wear ourselves out doing everything all at once. There is no deadline to worry about and, if we don’t feel a need to tackle a particular project, it can wait until a better time.

Slowing down and working at a relaxed pace regulates our energy, as well as making dreadful tasks more enjoyable. Especially if we have kids around--ours or the grandkids--we can turn old boots or wagons into planters for a nature teaching time. Sorting unwanted books for the donation pile into reading time. Cleaning out a closet into “dress up” time. No kids? No problem. Grab a friend, share projects, and build a relationship.

Our Missed Step

An easygoing stride works with our personalities to create a sense of completion and contentment not otherwise achieved. We find out taking breaks prevent burnout in all areas of our life. So, where can we improve and not stumble through life?

• Quiet Prayer - we can give ourselves a few extra minutes in the morning to speak with God. Ask him what he has planned and how he wants us to do it. Consider it our pre-staff meeting!

• 

  Enjoy God's world!

  Bible Break - a midday lunch break keeps us healthy. Ending with a short time reading a Bible passage will energize our afternoon, encourage us spiritually, and make others wonder how we push ahead.

• Anytime Devotion - when life gets us down, just the right devotion at the right time can change our attitude and put a smile on our face.

• Nightly Gratitude - to get a good night’s rest, we can thank the Lord for all he has done for us, even if we don’t understand his ways right at this moment. He’ll hold our hand as we count blessings, rather than burdens, as we wind down. 

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. Matthew 6:6 (The Message).