“I jokingly suggested the (following newsletter) title to Melisa earlier this week.  She called my bluff and said I should write an article to submit for the newsletter.  I am not nor do I pass myself off as a writer.  Nonetheless, I told her I would give it a shot and send it to her for review and to see if it passes muster.”  

 Bryan’s quirky sense of humor always adds joy to my day and I am consistently blessed by his sincere heart to serve the Lord.  For those of you unfamiliar with his tendency to write with “chutzpah” (Yiddish for spunk or nerve) I promise you’ll get a kick out of what he has to say.  Welcome to the Blossom newsletter family! 

~ Jana Waddell

You Never Call.  You Never Write.  And Why That Needs To Change

 “You never call.  You never write.” How many times have we heard that on sitcoms over the years? The phrase calls up an image of a middle-age or older woman talking to her son/daughter on the phone implying she doesn’t hear from them enough.  Do you think God Almighty ever asks us the same question? 

I’ve been on the social networking website, Facebook, for going on two years and I really like it.  It’s allowed me to stay in touch with friends; some going back 35 years.  My favorite thing to do is read the various status updates of my friends and then make humorous yet appropriate comments on said status.  While I may get a response or two, I really enjoy when there are several replies to what I’ve typed.  I’ll also go on various friends’ profiles and type a one line note saying hello and I would talk to them soon.  I usually get a one sentence reply from that person.  While it’s not the same as a face to face dialogue, I see this as a legitimate form of communication. 

Similarly, I’m learning just how important it is for us to maintain our communication with Him through prayer.  I was laid off from my job two months ago; just two weeks shy of my 14 year anniversary.  I had been told three months before that it would happen so I was prepared mentally and financially for it.   However, I’ve been looking for work for about a month now and I haven’t heard from anyone yet. 

 Yes I’m a follower of Jesus.  Yes I know that God is my Provider.  But you know what? I still start worrying IF I’m going to find another job.  I have to remind myself constantly that God is in charge and He knows what’s going on better than I do. 

I also talk (if you want to say “pray” fine; but I TALK) to Him daily asking, “What do I need to do? Where do I need to apply? Am I doing the right thing?” Talking is one form of communication.  We can’t just list our culpas (faults) and needs, we should tell Him how our day is going and thank Him for allowing us to get up that morning.

 “Read and study the Word!” Ah yes, how often have we heard that command over the years? I’ve usually responded (inwardly of course) “Easier said than done!” Personally speaking, I’m not one to pick up the Bible and start an independent study of Numbers, Chapter 13.  As for structured studies, I’ve found most of them painfully dull.  I’m preaching to myself saying this but I think it’s a great idea to just pick a book (let’s say Matthew) and read a chapter each night.  Who says God can’t speak to you doing that? 

“Your word I have hidden in my heart,

that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:11

 Communicating with God can keep us from going crazy with worry and stress. 

 “Remember the word to your servant,

upon which You have caused me to hope. 

This is my comfort in my affliction,

for your word has given me life.”

~Psalm 119: 49-50.

I won’t say it gets rid of all the stress and worry, but our ACTIVE relationship with God (active meaning praying, and reading the Bible) can help us to know that we’re not in this alone.

~ Bryan Vanshur