One Way Track

Ever think about railroad trains? I have to, my son is obsessed with trains and all of the railroad things that go with it. He has model trains, train books and many magazines. I have you ever really thought about the way a train operates? It can't turn around! Once it is going forward that is the only direction that it can go until it reaches a turntable that can physically get it going in another direction.

I think how hard it is for me to turn around when I get going in one direction. It is VERY hard to change my ways. It is even harder for me to realize that I need help in changing directions. That is what repentence really means, "to change ones mind and move in a different direction. Christ is that turntable we need to do so. Without Him, it just can't be done.

Psalm 51:16-17

" You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.

You do not want a burnt offering.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God."

Terror!

I love this picture of Dakota. She was two years old this Christmas and we thought it would make the cutest picture of her in her Santa dress and Santa! What you can't see is that Santa Claus in the background is one of those automatic moving santas that move their head and arm up and down. This absolutely put Dakota in a state of terror. What we thought would be so harmless and fun has set her in a state of panic.

How many times have I done this? God sends something fun and wonderful my way and all I do is see something out of place and run in terror! I end up missing out on what God had for me at the time he planned it. My unwillingness to experience something I might not be acccustomed to has allowed me to miss out on many blessings and moments that God had planned just for me.

I have challenged myself this week to notice the little, uncomfortable moments that come my way and to just relax and see what God has for me. There just might be a little encouragement or even a blessing hiding in that moment of terror.

Psalm 91:4-6

" He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday."