Friday, August 5, 2016

LIFTING OUR EYES ABOVE OUR CIRCUMSTANCES by Guest Blogger Angela Meyer




 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

(Psalm 121:1-2)




The first time I saw a windmill farm, I was visiting my cousin in California. From a distance, they seem quite small, tame even, yet they are huge. I read an article about a Benedictine monk enjoying some sun and solitude on top of a windmill situated on his abbey’s school grounds. Though not the purpose of the machines, it fit the bill for this man. In the old west, settlers erected windmills to ensure clean water. Today, they generate energy. In the old west, settlers erected windmills to ensure clean water.

There are lots of things I don’t understand about the modern windmill and how it works, but two facts I know. The windmill has to stand higher than any obstacles that would interfere with the blades catching the wind and the windmill must face directly into the wind.

With these two factors in place (and all those other workings I don’t understand), the windmill pumps water and generates power.

The tendency of man is to attempt to supply his own need. All in his own effort. In a manner of speaking, turning the blades of his windmill to pump his own water, turn his own mill wheel, and generate his own energy.

But God has a different plan.

When we lift our eyes above the obstacles and face directly the One who is in control, HE will provide what quenches our (spiritual) thirst, satisfies our deepest (spiritual) hunger and fill us with the power to live life to His glory.

They busyness of our days can distract us from looking to Him. I long for routine for spiritual disciplines, but any schedule I set up for myself seems to be ruined by interruptions. I have found two things to be helpful to stay connected to God.

1.When I establish spiritual discipline routines based on events rather than time, I am more likely to attend to them. For example, instead of attempting my Bible reading at a certain time of the morning, as soon as everyone is out the door to work and school, before I sit down to write, I make time to be with God.

2.On those days when life catches me off guard (oversleeping, sick child, power is out, etc.) I try to have a few minutes of MITs. That’s what my pastor’s wife calls Most Important Things. Those disciplines I will get done no matter what. For example, copy down one verse to carry with me and think about throughout the day, say a prayer of surrender (and plea for help) for the day and a sing a song of worship.

What actions do you take to be sure you are facing directly the One who is in control?



Angela D. Meyer, author of The Applewood Hill Series, lives in NE with her husband of 24 years and their high school age daughter. Their son serves our country in the Marines. Angela enjoys hanging out with her family, reading, connecting with friends and encouraging women to grow in their faith. One of her dream spots to vacation is next to the ocean and someday she wants to ride in a hot air balloon.




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Joanna, full of bitterness over the past, can no longer ignore the growing storm inside her and is bent on self-destruction as she seeks to ease her pain. But the refuge she seeks is always out of her reach.

Her brother Blake must choose between what has always been safe and what he has always wanted. One mistake after another leads him down a dangerous path.

The one for all, all for one sibling bond can’t help them now. They are both determined to hang onto their anger, never forgetting. Never forgiving. They see no reason to trust God.

After so many years of turmoil, will the Hannigan siblings find refuge in the God who loves them? Or will they get lost along the way?

To get the latest news about Angela D. Meyer’s newest release, Where Healing Starts, sign up for her Newsletter .

While you’re waiting, pick up the first book in the series, Where Hope Starts, at Amazon 


2 comments:

  1. Thank you for having me on your blog Cynthia!

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    Replies
    1. You're so welcome, Angela. Thanks for sharing this message! Blessings!

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