Encouraging

It’s time to let go!

Posted on by rinouye

“It’s time to let go!”

This Is one my favorite lines from the movie, Top Gun-Maverick.

The line is not spoken but it’s written on a computer by the character, Ice Man, who can no longer speak without difficulty so he types this line, it’s time to let go! 

Such a good advice…it’s time to let go! Yes, it fits many situations, so many circumstances and a big chunk of life. Right? It’s time to let go so Maverick/we can embrace what is new and ahead. 

““Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah43:18-19NIV

Even in the church sometimes people want the old ways, the same old things that were done for years, old hymns, but God says, “sing to me a new song.” There’s some thing that He’s doing for us in the new. And God makes all things new. 

So don’t nail your foot to the floor of the past. Live int the present knowing God has good plans for your future. It’s time to let go! 

Don’t keep yourself in your looping, reviewing your mistakes, sins, or failures, don’t hang on to shame, anger, or bitterness know that he’s made you a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old is gone, behold the new has come! God has already let go of it for you it’s time for you to let it go! 

Years ago my daughter, husband and I were in a skit for a women’s retreat. In this drama the daddy kept asking a little girl to give him her pearls. She didn’t want to part with these dime-store, cheapie pearls when he asked her for them. But he kept asking so that he could give her a strand of beautiful real ones. Yet she was reluctant. (It’s time to let go!) 

 “Sweetie, give me your pearls?” 

“No, Daddy not my pearls.” 

Unless she gave up the old cheaply made ones she could not receive the real, extremely valuable strand of pearls he intended to give her instead. But he didn’t tell her about the exchange; he just needed her to trust his love and kept asking. 

It’s time to let go! 

Is there a circumstance or situation in your life where ,it’s time to let go is an appropriate phrase? What do you need to let go of today? Ask Holy Spirit to reveal it to you. When the revelation comes, be quick to let it go so you can embrace the good things that lie ahead for you. Every good and perfect gift is from the Father, so maybe it is time to let go to receive. 

But I’m Used to It!

Posted on by rinouye

It’s pretty easy to get used to things and even create new habits, at least certain ones. Here’s a silly example, it started me thinking. We have a slow-release lid for our new toilet in our remodeled master bath. When it is shut, it lowers slowly, automatically and quietly until it’s fully closed. It’s fabulous.

Sometimes I use a different bathroom, in our home, which isn’t very often, but I forget I’m not using the toilet with the slow- release lid, so I lower the lid but it flops down super fast with a loud, BANG! Whoa! That’s so loud it hurts my ears. Oh, my goodness, I’m so used to the other bathroom, I’ve totally forgotten!

IMG_3760

I wondered today what other things have I gotten used to?  I mean in a negative way? I’m sure we’ve all gotten used to somethings and readily adopted what we shouldn’t have. BUT we are just used to them now. I’m asking myself and you… What have I become used to that really should not be tolerated? What has to go? Is it a stronghold in my life?  Does it need to be prayed away?  If it’s a stronghold it needs to be broken down. 

It might be things like:

  • a negative attitude
  • complaining
  • thinking something is too big for God to handle
  • sitting in unbelief about a situation
  • thinking in the negative
  • frustration with a spouse
  • anger toward anyone
  • unhealthy habits
  • unforgiveness
  • addictions
  • just fill in the blank __________________.

The season that we’re in prompted my thoughts today. So here is my prayer, you may borrow it too, if you’d like. 

God, I pray that I wouldn’t except anything in my life that I’ve just gotten used that isn’t from you or isn’t a fruit of your Spirit, or it’s not your best for my life. I pray that we would all pull down strongholds and anything that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.

And I pray we’d take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. That things that we are thinking about, that are stinkin’ thinkin’ would have to go, now! In Jesus name. I pray that we wouldn’t become used to sin patterns. I thank you Lord, you’ve made us victorious! You’ve made us saints not sinners, through your son Jesus. So we don’t need to sit in the pig-pen…ever!

240_F_240879071_ViGAIZgrgmUS2JAd1uW4eDxImFruEKsZ

I thank you for what you are doing God and I pray, in the name of Jesus, we would know what should remain and what should be eliminated today. Amen.

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flash but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.   2 corinthians 10: 4-6.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

.

.

.

.

2b2e68bb-6251-435a-8ba5-303bb03c0cd0_1_201_a

“the real deal” Podcast

c77a94c9-6beb-4ddd-985b-84eec22ae1bc_1_201_a

Lily Pads-Stories of God on Display

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

Upgraded New Normal

Posted on by rinouye

Early in this season of forced sabbath rest, I was seated on the couch participating in my second EVER “Zoom call” with some friends. The coronavirus (Covid-19) and the “Stay Home-Stay Safe” movement was sweeping the nation and globe. One friend posed a simple question, “How can we pray for you in this season?”
I will never forget it, because within seconds, out of my mouth tumbled, “Pray that I would use this season well and I’d get whatever God wants me to have and leave behind anything He doesn’t want for me to carry into the future.”I’ve been thinking a lot about my request, it’s still my prayer today.
I hear people use the phrases like: new normal, back to normal, when this is over, as soon as we can begin to live our normal lives… I have this ache in my heart and stirring in my spirit. It’s a longing of sorts because I don’t want to go totally back to “normal.” I want to change by the work of Holy Spirit in my life and be transformed by the renewing of my mind.
I want to live differently because I think differently. I desire an upgrade in my vision for my life, my future and those who live around me and are close to me. I don’t want NORMAL. I have this sigh in my heart, “Oh, God don’t let me miss it. I want to squeeze out everything from this time you want me to receive and then give it out.” I don’t want to live in fear that I’ll “miss it” because perfect love casts out fear.
I feel a bit like a caterpillar that goes along eating up every thing in sight as it’s about to enter into the confines of the tightly bound up chrysalis stage. Even before this pandemic started I’ve been so HUNGRY for more of God and intimacy with him and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. I don’t want to die out, like a glowing ember. Rather, I’d like it to be fanned into flame, burning ever brighter during this rest period.
As far as the caterpillar goes, I really have no idea how one feels, but I do think there are similarities here… it’s dark, closed in, lonely, without contact with the outer world for a season, five to twenty-one days, then it emerges and BUSTS out to FLY!
So here are the things I pray will not follow me into the future as I break out:
  • self-limiting thoughts
  •  confusion
  • double mindedness
  • distractions
  • slothfulness
  • unbelief
  • fear
  • dread
  • pride
  • judgment
  • fear of man
  • praise of man
  • pettiness
  • unkindness
beautiful biology blur bright

 

bokeh photography of brown pupa

animal beautiful biology bloom
Maybe you are like me. Are you amazed at how completely different a caterpillar is from the butterfly? Think about it, one is worm-like, tubular, so slow and lowly and confined while the other is beautifully ornate, whimsical and glorious not bound to land but flutters and flies and purposefully alights.
A few years back this verse became an inheritance verse for me, like God gave it to me not for a season but for an outlook on life, a perspective shift. It has helped me navigate changes that happened in my home, my church, my friendships and my family. It was a welcomed metaphor for my life’s journey and it still gives me a sense of hope and excitement about the future..do you not perceive it? It’s like I hear Holy Spirit gleefully rubbing his hands together as he bounces on his toes with joy about what’s to come. “Do you not perceive it?” God alone is the ONLY one who can make a way in the desert and give us streams in the wasteland.
So may I suggest you join me…Let’s not dwell on the past or wish it would all go back to normal, rather let’s welcome the “Upgraded New Normal” the new thing He is doing in us, through us and around us. Let’s FLY!

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18,19
I don’t freak out when I track the faithfulness and kindness of God in my life. So let’s all live NOW and as we move forward here is a phrase I use in life, it’s also the title of one of my talks I give.
IMG_6209
Look back with gratitude and forward with faith.
Blessings to you all.
Rachel Inouye
3855444F-3F01-41FF-97D6-D9C57399E318_1_105_c
.
.
.
.

What God is NOT Doing

Posted on by rinouye

pexels-photo-3952238.jpeg

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

I’m seated comfortably in my favorite chair in my upper loft area with my feet up on the ottoman. I was about to write a new post for this blog “Fresh Perspectives for Every Day Life” when I recalled a post I wrote years ago and I realized, it’s still what I would want to say today. I’m normally home most days, the only difference is now most people are homebound too because COVID-19 “Stay Home” is in effect.

At a time when FEAR is rampant and anxiety levels are high with many people hooked up to news feeds like it’s an IV, I wanted to share a few thoughts about”What God is NOT doing” during COVID-19 this global pandemic.

Here ya go:

She was dressed for summer in an icy blue, vertically striped shirt and a pair of white pants. Her familiar smile lit up her face and mine. She greeted me with a sweet hug that enveloped me, “Hi friend!” then blurted out, “I have to run to the bathroom quickly. Be right back!”

When she returned, we ordered our drinks, grabbed a seat and caught up. “It’s been months since we last met? When was that?” we wondered. Many work transitions and family health trials have entered her life since we’d last met. I sat. I listened. She’s reading the book of Daniel now and we thought through each situation from Daniel’s lens and his prayer of praise in Scripture.*

IMG_3898

She asked me…”So, what’s going on with you?” I reported about some of the fun and beautiful things going on in my life and what God’s been teaching me, about me. I also shared a few updates related to my husband, ministry, plus a quick update on my empty nest and my grown children.

We marveled at all that had taken place in our lives while, it seemed, other things hadn’t changed at all. We both have difficult situations where, since we last spoke, it seems there has been no change. You know what I mean where it appears God is not doing anything related to an issue. I got to thinking about that wacky perspective of concentrating on what God’s not doing and how off that really is.

So, I told her. “You know, the other day, I thought of it this way… I can only imagine what my response would be, if I had throughly cleaned my house-vacuumed all the carpeted rooms, dusted the entire place, scrubbed every toilet, mopped all the floors, washed every dish and put them all away, only to hear my husband comment when he returned home, “You left the mail on the counter!” I’d be so disheartened thinking, WHAT? Don’t you see all the things I’ve done? 

“It is kind of like that.” I said. “God is doing SO many wonderful things all around me and I resolve not to be the brat kid who stomps her foot at the Father and accuses Him of inactivity. But, but, but you haven’t done…this yet, God!”

 She said, “Wow! I’ve never thought of it like that. Good point.”

Okay, yeah, it may be tempting to think he is not at work. I’ve been there. So whenever I’m tempted to focus on what God is seemingly NOT doing, I say, yeah, sure, God is not doing some things. Here are a few of the things God is NOT DOING:

  • He’s not scratching his head wondering, Oh, boy what do I do now?”  Or “How will  I help?”

fullsizeoutput_b583

  • He’s not out of the office or unaware.
  • He’s not working against me. He is FOR me.
  • He’s not surprised or shocked.

fullsizeoutput_b588

  • He’s not wringing his hands.
  • No, He is not biting his nails bewildered, wondering, “How do I respond in this difficult situation?”

fullsizeoutput_b584

  • He’s not confused and doesn’t need to call in a committee to help with decisions.

fullsizeoutput_b586

NO he is not because…HE’S GOD! And He is good!

I truly believe God is doing so much, in and around me, all the time! Jesus is quoted in the book of John saying, “My father is always working.” So, yes, for now… I will live in the mystery of all He is doing. I am thankful and I praise Him and I’m thankful for the things he is NOT doing as well.

When our time drew to a close, we discussed a next time to meet and said our good byes.

*Here is the praise passage from Daniel 2:19-23

“During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

Especially at this time read this Scripture:

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day. You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon. A thousand people may fall dead at your side or ten thousand right beside you, but nothing bad will happen to you! All you will have to do is watch, and you will see that the wicked are punished. You trust in the Lord for protection. You have made God Most High your place of safety. So nothing bad will happen to you. No diseases will come near your home. He will command his angels to protect you wherever you go. Their hands will catch you so that you will not hit your foot on a rock. You will have power to trample on lions and poisonous snakes. The Lord says, “If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help. When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.””

Psalms 91:1-16 ERV

https://www.bible.com/406/psa.91.1-16.erv

 

.
‭‭‬‬fullsizeoutput_b587

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

img_5111

click here to listen

.

.

.

.

,

.

Do You Receive Correction?

Posted on by rinouye

In my previous blog I talked about how my strength training coach can get more out of me than I know is in me. It’s true, she does. She has taught well and pushed me and I’ve become stronger. (Toothpaste and Workouts) and an interview from the real deal link: (the real deal)

Chelsea is a good teacher and demonstrates every exercise before I attempt to do it. She’ll point out all the particulars of each movement and she is excellent. Equally important, she mentions what not to do. I’ve heard her say, “Don’t let your arm extend pass this angle, don’t hyper extend your knees, keep them slightly softened.” But mainly she stresses what’s “right” and she does it. (Teaching) I learn by watching what is “right” and doing what is right. Not only am I stronger now but I’m more aware of the way my body works. I’ve even caught myself in wrong patterns, old cheat patterns, or poor body mechanics and I’m now able to correct some old habits.

I’m excited because I have even caught myself when I’ve not used correct form. For example, when I pull open the microwave door now, I reach toward the handle, set my shoulder and use my lats instead of my shoulder and neck muscles to open it. That way I won’t carry pain and tension in my shoulders but engage the muscles that operate my shoulders from behind in my upper back. She is teaching and I’m learning!

Here’s my point… I wouldn’t know the proper way to do this unless, while working out, my coach also called out my errors or mistakes. “Nope, don’t raise your shoulder Rachel! Keep those muscles quiet and pull from behind. Yes, there that’s it!” She will touch the muscles she is referring to and help me correct if I need to.

Whether I’m using free weights, resistance bands or the weight machines that operate on a pulley system, I am being taught, reprimanded, corrected and trained well. And I love it. Never once have I thought, Oh, my gosh! Why is she saying that? She is so judging me and doesn’t care about me. Not at all! In fact it’s quite the opposite. I know she is for me and she wants me to grow and become stronger.

We expect and welcome advice from a strength coach about our bodies. We similarly  want to be taught and challenged regarding our nutrition, our money and investments. We accept tips from experts who’ve gone before us. They get our attention and we are open to it. Even when they express how to avoid the pitfall or challenge us in the HARD things of life we welcome it. We know, in order to grow, it’s all part of the deal.

I love the word of God, I do! Scripture is a written love letter from the author, God, to us and it helps us become more like His son, Jesus Christ.

All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 ESV

Every scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction giving you strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 TPT 

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Proverbs 19:20

4 areas are mentioned:

  •  Teaching (What is right because it says later “in righteousness”)
  •  Reproof (What’s not right)
  •  Correction (How to get it right)
  • Training (How to keep it right)

No matter where we are let’s be open to teaching, rebuking, correcting, training, so that we may be perfectly prepared and complete to fulfill our assignment. It’s a one time transfer into the Kingdom of his beloved Son, yet it’s a life long process! So let’s welcome the correction that is involved in the process instead of resisting it. That way we will all grow in righteousness.

.

.

.

.

.

.

 

It’s the Little Things

Posted on by rinouye

You know how it can be the little things that tick you off, tip you over, rob your peace, or frustrate you, spoil your mood, the moment or the day? I mean it can be the tiniest thing sometimes, right? But what if that’s not really the best way to live. What if there is another option out there… What if those things weren’t allowed into our life or when they do make their entrance we get after them licklity-split, pronto, right away!

Scripture says in Song of Songs, Oh catch for us thee little foxes for it’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. If a little fox is allowed in the vineyard and he even nibbles a bit on the vines it can have a great impact, a devastating one.

You see if the little foxes come in…Somethin’ dies. Because when the little foxes eat the vine or even nibble at it for awhile there will be no grapes in the vineyard, there will be no profit and there will also be no wine produced.

I’d like to present this fresh thought today. How ’bout we ask God to help us FLIP THE SCRIPT, let’s catch the little foxes but instead let different little things have great impact and delight your heart. I like to call it “the treasure hunt with God.” The small little things that are all over all the time every day if we have vision to see them. Do you see them?

If we slow down and hunt for them with expectancy, we will find them and won’t be concentrating on any little annoyances because our vision is dialed into and focused on other good little things instead. Do you see them? They really are all around you. It is the little things that could go unnoticed but don’t need to if we are tuned into the winks and kisses of God’s goodness and grace in our everyday lives. I want to highlight just a few examples.

Sometimes it is as simple as:

  • a flower in bloom
  • a sunset at night
  • a call from a friend or relative
  • a new friend who gives a gift
  • getting to be with someone you love or admire
  • meeting an interesting or intriguing individual
  • being reunited with friends
  • delighting in a good meal or food your enjoy.

This sight grabbed my attention. These flowers were in bloom in my yard when I returned from ten days of being away.

This was a WOW moment for me. A wink from God the master painter!

This beauty, whom I had met days earlier, made these new earrings for me.

I adore my friend and mentor Jill Briscoe and we were ministering separately, but at the same location. A little serendipity for sure!

I felt the Holy Spirit say, “Walk over and see what she’s up to.” ( I’m so glad I did! ) I will write a blog about this wonderful woman Janice.

We met years ago, maybe five, and there is a beautiful connection along with respect and love and a huge dose of laughter thrown in as well. Being reunited in heart and in ministry was fabulous for me last week at Forest Springs Camp and Conference Center during their “Ladies Day” event.

A friend’s fresh produce from her garden made for a wonderfully yummy lunch for me it was a delight to the eyes and taste buds too. God gives us al things to enjoy.

So let’s catch the little foxes before they spoil the vine and instead let’s hunt for a see more readily all the little things which are simple blessings and allow these little things to build up and then let’s give Him thanks.

.

.

.


Lily Pads-Stories of God on Display
http://Lily Pads-Stories of God on Display https://www.amazon.com/Lily-Pads-Life-Stories-Display/dp/153366434X#immersive-view_151475818829898


.

.

.

“the real deal” podcast

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-deal/id1448869614?mt=2

Rachel Inouye: Helping people celebrate their significance and the genius or God in them!

RachelInouye.org

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

What a Difference a Day Makes.

Posted on by rinouye

I sat on the deck and ate a delicious summer salad topped with pineapple, blueberries and strawberries. Quite pleased with myself, I said, “Man, that was terrific!” It was so warm I decided to find my swimsuit. I quickly changed and ran back out so I could gather a bit more vitamin D as I soaked up the sunshine.

I didn’t put all the cushions on the chairs but made a nice cozy place to sun bathe. It was so glorious to be outside after a long and very cold winter. THIS FEELS FABULOUS! After about an hour, I collected the cushions and stowed them safely away because there was a promise of snow in the near future.

That glorious day of sunning was only a few days ago and yesterday’s weather did a complete 180 degree turn around. Sure enough, what was forecasted, an April winter snow storm hit. The snow was very beautiful but it made it seem as if  I had only dreamt about sitting outside in my swimsuit after a tasty lunch.

My husband and I were both home inside and thankful because it grew increasingly colder and the snow fell and collected on the lawn and trees all around us. I felt like we were the fixed characters in a snow globe. It seemed as if someone had shaken our globe and we were now in a magical winter wonderland. When I was a little girl, I’d heard the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers.” I think it usually meant rain showers not snow showers!

YMRN9J30Tlur3SB57wavZQ

 

bcjvTCeISY6IcvFoMviu4Q

I will admit, it was so beautiful. The snow began lightly and increased as time went on. I stared out the window in amazement as if repeating the date…“It’s April 10th!” was going to stop the events unfolding before me. I had come home about an hour before it started snowing and immediately put layer upon layer of clothes, “BURRRRRR!” I finished  with a huge scarf that I wore for hours.

So here’s what it all made me think about today. What about this latest snowfall can I learn in my own life and my walk of faith? I began to consider: I can expect the unexpected to happen. If God has promised things in my life I can believe they will happen even if it seems unlikely based on my current circumstances.

3UKU8mpARHuCmlaY%iyy+A

 

kdzaNQGrQFWRd0W70qbYWw

 

I sure didn’t think, sitting outside on the deck in my swimsuit, it would snow. It didn’t seem possible even though it was forecasted and promised that it was coming. Let me list a few of the promises of God for encouragement. Let’s believe in the promises of God. Let’s put our hope in the things He has said more than the things we may have staring us in the face today in our current situation.

  • Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24   (God hears your prayers)

 

  • If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (God will forgive you.)

 

  • … He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6b (God will complete His work in you.)

 

  • And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (God will provide your needs)

 

  • What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.  Isaiah 46:11b (God will not forget His promise. )

 

  • And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20b (God will be with you.)

I like this quote, “I don’t believe in the power of positive thinking, I believe in Biblical optimism- based on the promises and character of God.” Steve Backlund.

Let me recap for my sake and yours. Remember, it doesn’t matter what seems or feels true. Our circumstances or current situation… They are like me sitting in the sunshine unaware of the “promised” snow… it all can change, this is THE TRUTH:

  •  God will forgive you.
  •  God will complete his work in you.
  • God will not forget his promise.
  • God will provide your needs.
  • God hears your prayers.
  • God will be with you.

Even if the promise seems as unlikely as a spring snow storm, it can happen, in God ‘s timing things can turn around. He is for us not against us, remember that! And by the way, happy Spring!

Rachel’s website

Rachel’s podcast, “the real deal”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tune In or Tune it OUT?

Posted on by rinouye

The hum of the tree stump grinder and blower was constant, followed by the high-pitched chain saw’s whine as branches were being trimmed and removed from my neighbor’s backyard trees. I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to try to decipher what each sound was or whether it would be best to just get up and look to see what was going on.

I made my list for the day and decided to read the final chapters of a book written by an author I will be interviewing in the future for “the real deal” podcast. Usually, I sit in the quietness of my home and hardly have any distractions. Not the case this morning.

I looked out my window, across the street my neighbors had a crew re-roofing their home. An extension ladder was leaned against the house with another smaller one propped up a few feet beside it to a lower section of the roof.

A blue tarp lined portions of the yard and bushes protecting them from all the debris falling from above. Shingles lined the driveway the way pickup trucks lined my street.  This morning was very atypical as there was a flurry of activity. I didn’t know whether to watch or sit down and try to read. I wasn’t sure which window to gaze out first, front or back?

MMJBQBQvSMutlfbcOp%PbQ

I thought, should I tune in and watch all the transformational work going on around me? Or should I try to tune it out? Golly, that’s the magic question I have to ask myself and decide on often. What do I pay attention to and what should I tune out in my life? 

fullsizeoutput_a68f.jpeg

I was aware of the fact that when I looked out the back windows and concentrated my attention there, I was missing what was going on in the front of my home simultaneously.  I took some photos.

Then suddenly, the other neighbor’s two basset hounds, began to bark, first one then the other. Like I was listening in stereo. Woof… WOOF, WOOF… woof. WOOF, WOOF, WOOF, WOOF, WOOF! I decided to write this blog instead. I got the idea, tuning in or tune it out, from what was happening.

Oh my word, it was comical, it was a cacophony all around me: truck engines roared, dogs barked, men talked and shouted, the grinder growled and blew as wood chips shot through a tube into the tree service truck, additional cars passed by and weaved through the unusually congested street. Next, the wind gushed and activated the wind chime near my front step. It all made a big crescendo for a moment.

WFBMykFYREeL2JeaqlPzbQ

Then, over time,  little by little one truck after another pulled away as the tasks were completed.  I cannot watch it all. I will miss something for sure! Isn’t that like the activity of life and even of God? I’m certain that when I see what He’s doing in one area of my life, He’s actually working on another area at the same time unknown to me.

I may think He’s trimming something out of my life and that’s the only activity going on. Only to realize, little did I know, He’s got a crew of angels, people and activity going on in a whole other area. I must tune into this: His grand design is so much bigger than my small little plans.

IMG_6206

fullsizeoutput_a692

So today, as the men have now sat down to have lunch break, I’ve decided to finish this blog and pick the book up again to get a few chapters finished. I hope you are able to tune into God’s voice and his activity in your life. I also pray that we both will be able to know what things we need to pay attention to and what to tune out.

We need to and can TUNE IT OUT:

  • fear
  • worry/anxiety
  • hopelessness
  • discouragement
  • panic

How do we do that tune it out?  Don’t concentrate on the above list rather…release the opposite.  These are available and can be released in the Holy Spirit:

  • God’s perfect love- which casts out fear!
  • Peace that passes understanding
  • Hope- the confident expectation of good things to come
  • Courage- doing it afraid
  • Rest and Praise –these are powerful weapons 
  • Thanksgiving- a way to enter His gates 

We can have restful hearts, in the midst of all the spin, because God is always working. He also has a flurry of activity going on all around us. He is for us, he’s not against us, so be at rest.

We can TUNE IN to these characteristics and truths…His:

  • Goodness,
  • Faithfulness
  • Kindness
  • Attention to detail
  • Redemptive work
  • Melody He is singing over us as we sleep
  • Good plans he has for us and our futures.

Yes, my morning was unusual. It was NOT quiet, but oddly enough, my heart was!

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,” Isaiah 30:15a

 

 

 

 

 

fullsizeoutput_75f9

Order you copy of Lily Pads- Stories of God on Display: Lily Pads Book or Audio Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m Still Learning, Leaning and Listening.

Posted on by rinouye

My day yesterday wasn’t truly hectic but it was fuller than most. It was filled with loads of people, lots of conversations, leaning in and listening.

  • I had a coffee date in the morning with a new friend…delightful!
  • A midday call with a dear friend about the book I’m writing…helpful!
  • Another friend phoned, so I hopped on the treadmill to walk and listen…needed.
  • My cousin texted: I do have time available if you have a hankering to chat or pray. Just let me know. I was still on the treadmill when I called her and we prayed together…grateful.

I had told my cousin, “I need to get ready soon so I can’t talk too long because I have dinner plans.” I finally just got dressed because we kept talking. So, without taking a shower I freshened up a bit and I got ready for the night out. I remained on the line the entire time, exited my home and got into the car.

60YYYcgQShOI03FSs518Gg

I put my AirPods in my ears because I like to be hands free and I could do all of the above mentioned things more easily.  (talk, walk, dress and drive)

I told my cousin Annie, “Alright, I’m in the car now. I need to enter the name of the restaurant in my phone and listen for the guided directions from Maps, so how ’bout you go ahead and pray first and I will chime in when you’re finished.”

“Okay, sounds good, makes sense so you can get your bearings on where you are headed.” She agreed.

I could hear Annie’s voice as she prayed, what I found interesting was, I could still hear the faint GPS voice in my ears underneath it…“In 500 feet turn right on Harris Highland. TURN RIGHT.” I turned right and continued to listen to both voices.

I prayed too and we concluded together with “Amen!” as soon as I located a parking spot and pulled into it. “Well, I’ve arrived. You have a great night, I love you, see you soon.” I placed my AirPods into their case and tucked them safely in my purse.

I got to thinking how the directions and guidance I heard during our conversation is a lot like the way it is to lean in and listen to the Holy Spirit. It was kind of fun how a “guided voice” still continued as I went into the restaurant, although my AirPods were no longer in. It was simply “the voice of the Holy Spirit” that I was aware of speaking to me.

I was delighted to see all of the couples. As each arrived, those of us present at the table stood and greeted the newly arriving members of our party.

“All rise for the honorable Cheryl!” We said as each came in one by one or in pairs.

The restaurant was filling up quickly and the noise became louder. I went over and chatted a minute with one of my friends who would not be seated next to me during the meal.

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever! Hey, how is that class you are teaching going?” I asked.

“I was really glad for the women who showed up,” she responded. “You could be praying for me and all the women…” I let her finish her sentence but prayed for her right then because while she said you could just pray…I heard the Holy Spirit say, pray for her right now Rachel before you go back and sit down. 

I prayed for her because I heard the Holy Spirit as clearly as I heard the guided GPS voice say: “In 500 feet turn right on Harris Highland. TURN RIGHT.” 

Then later I took a drink from my water glass and I heard, “You should go use the bathroom.” I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the Holy Spirit but my bladder speaking. Okay, just a little humor there.

I returned to my chair and continued to enjoy such an amazing meal. It was remarkable. The presentation, the colors, the tastes and smells were completely wonderful. It was a  full sensory experience. (I only took one photo because I began to enjoy the food and conversation and lost myself in it all)

L+1B7px6RMuZC7dzH+7sIg

I saw the owner of the restaurant standing against the wall. He had on a wine colored shirt and a black apron over it. He was a man of medium build and several things struck me: His dark rolled and upward turned mustache, his tattooed biceps and his intense eyes and slight smile.

He stood near the hostess station as he looked over toward all the tables, I caught his eye and waved him over to our table. Why? Because it was so fantastic and as I was chewing I heard, “Make sure you tell him how much you are enjoying your meal Rachel and do it in front of everyone.”  

He came over and I said, “I want you to know how much we are enjoying this meal, blah, blah blah…” I’m not sure what else I said, I trust the Holy Spirit on that one too.

During the meal one of my girlfriends mentioned how she can not lift her arm fully.   Somehow she’d injured her shoulder’s rotator cuff. She giggled a bit as she exclaimed, “Do you know how hard it is to shampoo your hair with one hand and how tired the arm  gets doing it? My husband had to help me get myself dressed!”

I’m sad to say I told her a story about helping someone else who was going through something similar.  YIKES! I didn’t take the time to pray for her. WHAT in the WORLD was I thinking? I know I should have done it and I can still call and pray for her or pray with her when I see her in a few days. My point is, I probably didn’t obey as quickly when I heard the Holy Spirit tell me, “Pray for Anne, speak to her shoulder.”  

You see earlier in the evening when we first greeted each other I gave her a hug and she mentioned she had to be careful because even the hug hurt. I didn’t pray then. BUT I didn’t address it, even though I’m pretty sure I heard, “Pray for Anne, speak to her shoulder.”  

So now that I’ve shared my simple dinner story, let me encourage you to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice in your own life. It won’t come from outside of you. It will be like an inner thought, just like taking directions from the GPS. Let’s keep in step with the Spirit.

You see I’m always learning, leaning and listening. The good news is He’s always speaking!

My Sheep hear my voice. John 10:27a

 

 

 

 

fullsizeoutput_8429rachelinouye.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.