Jack Sparrow in, “The Pirates of the Caribbean—Dead Man’s Chest,” doesn’t know what he wants most in the world. Jack couldn’t fool his compass; it whirled around to various things, but did not rest on anything.

If you had Jack’s “unique compass” where would it point?

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17, ESV)

The first post-it filled quickly. Taking it by the corner I placed it over the flame, but just as I started to pray the flame engulfed the little paper with a “whoosh.” The heat hit my hand just as I dropped it on the plate. That was close! I grabbed my pen to write another.

I’m not at all sure what this note contained, my thoughts were more on the candle and how to avoid getting burned or burning the house down. But something interesting happened as I gingerly put this new list of troubles up to the flame—it didn’t go up in a flash—it began slowly consuming the edges all around. This time I gently set the note paper on the plate. That’s weird, it’s the same paper, same ink, same candle, and flame—why is it burning so differently?

As it continued to consume the edges I noticed there was about a one inch circle left on the plate…actually it looks like a cartoon balloon—one of those things cartoonist use to have their characters say something. Wondering if there were any words left on the note I peered over and read the only words which said, “give to.” Tears came. Who will I give my troubles, burdens, and cares to? To myself? To my friends? To my latest way of escaping them? Jesus said,

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, ESV)

Have I entered this rest of peace? I want to say no, but there have been times I’ve tasted this peace. I guess the only thing I can honestly say is—I think I’ll buy a fire extinguisher and a lot more post-it notes.

This morning I began to see what was stirring in my heart when I heard that statement. Many things have an opportunity to change us. From the foods we put in our mouths, to the decisions we make today, and the trials or difficulties we face—and how we react to them. And, yes—the people we meet and the books we read, but more importantly—the amount we submit our lives to God. Why? Because as believers we know it is, “. . . God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13, ESV)

Only God is “the same yesterday and forever.” We need to change. To become like Him. Sometimes I think I know what this means—but often I realize I don’t. But He never stops working on me. In the next ten years my hope is to be changed by God—alone, and that this change would please Him.

Lord, Forgive me for allowing other people, circumstances, or things to change me and mold my thinking. Help me to submit to Your hand and be truly changed by You.

I opened an envelope yesterday. Its contents caused my heart to beat a fearful rhythm and my mind to pound with confusion and anguish. Frustration and anger rose with each word, but as I set the letter down it seemed to drain my every drop of strength. I thought about sleeping…so tired…so very tired. My frustration turned to hopelessness while my anger changed to fear. Fear. I’ve never thought of myself as a fearful person. But if I am trusting in myself to see me through—what else could I expect but fear.

This morning I woke to these two Scriptures—the one above and the one below. The Lord is comforting and encouraging me to have His strength and His courage. I don’t want to just be absent of fear, or anger, or frustration or whatever…I want to be full of courage and strength.

“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around.” (Psalm 3:3-6, NKJV)

Today—I still have that horrible letter I’ve got to deal with…and it may not go away too easily, but—I’m actually excited to see how God will use it for His glory…and I am clinging to Him and His strength…and His shield, too. I’m so thankful for the Scriptures— because tomorrow I will most likely need to be reminded all over again—He is our Strength….He is our Courage….and He is our Shield and the One who lifts our head.

Lord, Help me to trust in You in all things…be my Shield, my Strength, and my Courage…and my Joy, too.

The question took my words away…for several reasons. First I saw a love for me in my father’s eyes which, of course, melted me, but then there was the irritated part of me—a large part of me—which has become tired and weary of moving around. But my father’s next words woke me from my downward spiraling thoughts.

“Well,” he said, seeing I was unable to respond, “I guess you just go wherever you are told.”

Again, I began to feel sorry for myself, but the Lord broke into my thoughts…wait…yes, I do want to be a believer that “just goes wherever I am told!” Or at least I’m trying to…the difficulty I’ve found is to be cheerful in the leading of God’s hand and rejoicing for His guidance.

And yes, by the way, I have moved for “good”! It cannot be permanent because although we are eternal beings…we are only here temporarily. Also, not every thing or every move in our lives are going to make us feel good or be what we think of as “better.” But our lives are His and the good we can expect is of an intrinsic good—a good that moves us closer to Jesus and able to live a life which brings Him glory.

Lord, help me to live by faith…keeping my thoughts on You all the time. By the way, Lord, help me to feel the love of the Father so I will trust and live fully in this faith.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes … For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,“The just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16, 17/KKJV)

While standing in line for this ride the people look pretty much the same. That is, unless the prospective traveler has been down this road before and is being dragged down it once more by her fearless friends. But, for the most part, people arrive with an anxious excited prospect about the future and the thrills it will hold for them. But Space Mountain changes people. Well, maybe it doesn’t change them as much as it brings out what is there already—on the inside.

From what I remember of this ride it begins slowly with an incline and then you enter what seems like a vast room of complete darkness. Come take the ride with me. Sit in the cart next to me—it may prove to be a revealing moment in your life.

While the cart continues to clatter, clank and clunk upward the people around us are chattering in anticipation. But once we are in total blackness there is an abrupt silence as the cart begins to gain speed. Faster and faster our lives race down their tracks. There’s a quick jerk to the right and then we’re thrown to the left. Once more we head straight but the force of acceleration slams us back in our seats. Then just as we recover we plunge downward several stories and…at this point it’s revealed. It just comes out of you. You either scream in delight or terror.

Which one are you?—And if you’re in the cart with me—you know which one I am.

One person is holding the bar in front of them screaming in terror while seeking in a fruitless effort to open their eyes wide enough to see the next flip, turn and nose dive. However, the other traveler who is screaming in delight is laughing with joy while throwing their hands high in the air to get the fullest experience of the ride, welcoming every surprise the journey has to offer.

I was confronted with a “ride” this morning. One that looked dark and frightening…did I throw my hands in the air and shout, “Woo-hoo—bring it on!”? …No. I stressed up and sought to find something to grasp. And I realized my lack of faith, my fear…my need to see the future to believe…my lack of trusting God with my everything—my life.

Funny thing, that ride. I know exactly which rider I relate to. My knuckles turn white just thinking about it. The last thing I want to do on a roller coaster is to throw my hands in the air. But then I can hear the Spirit speaking to my heart.

Will you hold on to the things of this world—thinking they can keep you safe? Will you try to see the future—will you ever be able to open your eyes wide enough to see it? And if you knew your future would you be able to protect yourself from the twists and turns?…Or will you let go, and surrender all. You can enjoy the ride. Regardless of what happens. If you trust in the Lord of your life—remember even He surrendered and it was to His joy.

“… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a and 12-13/NKJV).

I don’t know my future, or yours—but I do know the ending of all—it’s tells us in the Bible.

And so now, in my heart I’m praying for the faith to throw my hands up now in both surrender and in worship to say, “Bring it on! I am yours Lord. Take me, use me to bring glory to your holy name. Help me to pray as You did in the Garden before You hung on the cross, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours” Luke 22:42/NKJV.

I’m thankful for those fearless friends that travel along with me and encourage me as I look dreadfully at the next ride in life I am to endure. But I’d like to move out of enduring to enjoying and I know I can only do that as I surrender–throw my hands up–and live fully for Him–my truest fearless Friend.

When Tom and John heard about the nautical stories I was working on they invited Dan and me on their next deep sea fishing excursion.

Standing on the pier in front of the fishing boat, Dan’s brothers were waiting for us to arrive. Tom greeted me with a grin as rascally as the Cheshire Cat in “Alice in Wonderland” and then reached in his back pocket and pulled out a little red rag. Handing it to me he said, “Here…you’ll need this.”

One look at the rag accompanied with his grin, and it didn’t take too long to figure out the function of this cloth—so I pushed it back to him, “Oh, no thank you, I won’t need that! I’m not baiting my own hook—Dan will do that for me.”

Dan baited my hook, without exaggeration—one time. From then on I had to bait my own hook. And that little rag?—I had to pry it from Tom.

I had never been out so far in the ocean before and it was an uneasy feeling looking back at the shoreline knowing we were relying on the captain of the vessel to keep us safe. The Lord began to whisper in my heart. I didn’t receive words, but rather an understanding.

Being in God’s will is like being in that fishing boat out at sea. When we’re in God’s will we won’t always feel safe or comfortable in our physical world. Those are the times it is especially important to rely on the Captain of our vessel, Jesus, to keep us.

I never saw the captain of that fishing vessel, but every now and then he would use the boat’s intercom system to offer encouragement and give fishing tips. This also reminded me of the Captain of our souls because Jesus said, “…Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19, NKJV). And if we listen, He will offer us tips for fishing and encouragement, too.

One of several fishing tips the captain offered rang through my soul, “If you’ve had your bait out there for more than 10 minutes and you haven’t had a bite yet, reel in your line. Your bait’s dead.”

Like this live bait I used to catch fish, we offer the world a living Christ—not dead works (things we do to earn salvation) or even a dead Christ. When we offer anything other than the living Christ we will not be leading people to salvation, but to a religious experience or attitude, rather than a relationship with our Lord.

We may need to check our “bait” now and then to be certain of what we are offering, because it is “…by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9, ESV). And “…there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”(Acts 4:12, ESV)

Go fishing today with the living God. Listen for His voice for direction and encouragement.

This was not a very good idea considering my two young children “helping” me that day. Browsing through this store filled with delicate old things presented more of a torture than enjoyment. But, in I went with each child’s hand firmly held in one of mine, and feeling quite aware of my lack of good sense.

My dread faded the moment we entered and I became like a child looking for buried treasure. I had no idea the Lord drew me into this place to unearth a gift from Him. We didn’t browse through the store. Instead, it felt like a line had been tied to my heart, and it was reeling me in to stand in front of a picture hanging on the wall. And there I stood—staring—not even thinking of moving—not knowing what it meant—and not caring—but simply enjoying. I must have looked like an art student in a museum studying the lines and meanings of a portrait done by a famous artist.

It was a 5″ x 7″ print of an old-world painting. The petite blonde girl in the picture is stretching on her tip-toes and reaching with her right hand to grab hold of the tarnished brass knocker on a faded green door. In her left arm she carries a basket full of her hidden gifts covered with a white cloth. I was so captivated by this picture I hadn’t noticed the store clerk standing behind me until she whispered in my ear.

“I like the picture, too. It reminds me of ‘Little Red Riding Hood.’ ”

To my astonishment and horror, I heard myself blurt out in a rather high squeal, “No! Not Little Red Riding Hood!—That means the Big-Bad-Wolf is inside!”

I began to think quicker than I’ve ever done in my life to devise a plan—a plan to get out of the store without having to turn around and face this woman, and my humiliation. But, before I could make good on any of my plans she said calmly, and without a hint of shock or ridicule at my outburst,

“Yes. He’s inside, but he can’t really hurt her. Don’t you remember the end of the story?”

I smiled thinking of the children’s story and felt comfort from the Lord. Without taking my eyes off my new little hooded friend I said in a now softer lower tone, “How much is the picture? I think I would like to take her home with me.”

At that time in my life I was experiencing great changes brought about though stepping out in the giftings God had given me. And through this spontaneous, and I might add humiliating, outburst the Lord began to reveal to me the many fears holding me back from living a victorious life, and entering through the door Jesus placed in front of me.

Fears of success. Fears of failure. Painful memories of jealous people and the unnerving feeling of not knowing what the future would hold behind this door in my life.

My little girl, as I affectionately call this picture, is such an encouragement to me. She is usually found next to my desk, where I do most of my writing. She comforts me as I remember the things I heard in my heart that day in the antique store.

This little girl is symbolic of the believers in Christ. She is the betrothed bride who is still growing and maturing. She is reaching with all her ability, and as she reaches she stretches her faith—and grows. She brings her gifts in her basket, although she may not have discovered what all of them are just yet. And Jesus speaks into her heart as He did mine on that day in the antique store,

Stretch as high as you can, but though you are not yet able to touch even the knocker on the door, I am the one who will open the door for you when it is time to share the gifts I have given you. And don’t worry or be anxious because . . .

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6/ESV).

I love this picture. I don’t need to fear the Big-Bad-Wolf, because I know the end of the story—the wolf is destroyed and Little Red Ridding Hood lives happily-ever-after. I don’t need to be anxious because when God wants a door opened—it will be done—in His time and of His doing. And all He expects me to do is to stretch myself to the best of my ability to do what I can where I am—and to follow Him with trust and enter through the door He places in front of me.

What door has Jesus placed in front of you? Is anything holding you back from entering? No matter what is behind the door—we can trust the Lord with our future—He’s told us the end of the story.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV).

“Go to the beach.”

I pulled the covers closer to my chin, “No, it’s too cold—why?” I mumbled to no one in the room.

“Go and see the sunrise,” a voice broke into my dreamy thoughts.

My eyes were wide awake even though my body was not. I starred at the ceiling and thought about what had just occurred. “I really don’t want to go to the beach . . . I really, really don’t want to go–well, I may as well go now that I’m awake and can’t possibly go back to sleep,” I thought to myself.

At that time in our lives we were living about a mile from Carmel Beach, California—another story on that later. And, although the beach was only a mile away, it was just too chilly for any consideration of jogging or walking. Driving down the touristy Ocean Avenue before sunrise the only people I saw were in delivery trucks or coffee fanatics hurrying to the Carmel Roasting House—I was wishing I was among them.

Turning into the parking lot I faced the van toward the ocean so I could view the sunrise without getting out in the damp air. No one walked the sandy beaches or surfed. Sitting in my car thinking. . . my mind began to drift…wondering if my son, Kevin, was surfing and then my thoughts turned to the different family visits on this beach.

Somewhere deep in thought or half asleep, I realized the sun was up and I had missed the sunrise. I began questioning myself thinking back on the early morning words spoken to my sleepy head. And I prayed, “Lord, was that You this morning? . . . I sure don’t get it . . . I sure feel stupid . . .,” my words echoed in my empty car as I sensed an irritable mood moving in.

Later in the day when returning home from running errands I saw the most spectacular sunset on the Monterey coastline I’ve ever seen in my life—I immediately felt incredibly silly. I’ve lived in California all my life and I should have remembered in the wee hours of the morning that the sun does not rise on the west coast beaches—it sets! I had a good laugh at myself, but I sensed the Lord would be teaching me from this.

Several months passed and this event was forgotten when Dan and I decided to celebrate our wedding anniversary on Catalina Island. This island is just off the coast of Southern California. We rose before the sun in a room facing Avalon Beach. While Dan showered, I read my Bible in a window located a few stories up with an eastern view of the bay. While reading I heard that amazing voice in my heart once more.

“Look up and see the sunrise—look up and see the sunrise on the Pacific.”

To my amazement I saw the sun begin to rise up from the East over the Pacific Ocean. A teaching from the Lord occurred in my heart, it wasn’t in words or sentences—I just understood. There are things in our lives the Lord has told us, either in the Word with prophecy or in our hearts, which have not happened—yet. And, just like me looking in the wrong direction for the sun to rise—don’t be anxious or overly concerned about it—just be found faithful where you are now.

He will cause it to happen in your life. It’s important that we be found faithful. If I hadn’t risen that morning I would not have appreciated the amazing sunrise on Catalina Island. What God promises He will fulfill in His time–and in His manner. He is the author of dreams. If your dream is His—He will bring it to pass and the Son will rise and be glorified in your life as you look up to see Him perform those things in your life.

Be like Joseph and dream, dream what God stirs in your heart and wait to see Him perform it.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:4-7a, NIV)

[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

Last winter my husband, Dan, was so overzealous in pruning the few plants in our yard we thought they would die from the severity of it. Today I took a walk in the garden to look at those forlorn bare bushes to see if they survived. What I saw amazed me and comforted my heart. The vine was full of branches and on those branches were minuscule clusters—the promise of fruit. And along the branches were thin thread-like tendrils wrapping themselves around the staking wires.

In my heart I sensed a message from the Lord.

You are like these severely pruned branches. Just as you wondered if these plants would bear fruit again, you have feared in the winter of your trials. My Father is the Husbandman who prunes and removes the dead things in your life. These are the things in your heart which will not bear fruit and are not of Me. But you have remained in Me—even during the barren time—and so you will bear fruit in season.

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful… Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:1-2, 4/NIV)

There is nothing more important than abiding in the true vine, which is symbolic of our relationship with Jesus. But there is something else we can do to help support the fruit and keep strong in serving and living for the Lord.

The tendrils of the grapevines are curly membranes that coil themselves around objects to give support to the heavy fruit laden branches. They can represent the obvious things like reading the Word of God, being an active part of the Church and gathering together with other believers. These are the areas the Lord has been speaking to my heart about clinging to, so I will be strengthened in my walk of faith.

What areas do you feel the Lord speaking to your heart to cling to so you will be supported in your walk with Him?

Lord, Help me to surrender to Your zealous pruning, so that the fruit I bear will bring You glory and not to myself. And show me where to place the tendrils of my heart so that I cling only to those things which will support Your fruit and cause me to be strong in faith.

A Dark Winter Night

Without the convenience of electricity, we’ve grown quite familiar with candles, relying on them to light our dark nights. One particular night I remember well. Waiting for Dan to get home . . . with a candle burning brightly in my crystal candleholder . . . with the children fast asleep, I enjoyed a few moments alone. The night seemed to grow long waiting for my sweetheart, and I must have fallen asleep because I was suddenly awakened by a loud crackling sound.

As I lay there foggy-brained, trying to determine exactly what the strange sound was, a picture of shattered crystal flashed through my mind. With this thought, I was jolted wide awake and jumped up to light another candle. To my shame, I found my crystal candle holder just as I imagined. It held the remains of the once-lit candle, but the top of the candleholder was cracked and burned.

I was so upset with myself that I just left it there—ugly broken, and burned. There was no one to blame but myself. If I had stayed awake and tended the flame, it wouldn’t have burned out and caused such an ugly mess.

Not long after this, Debby came to visit. She had rarely been able to come to my home, so I was pleasantly surprised. But, upon re-entering the house after saying good-bye, I saw the charred, ugly, and broken candleholder resting just where I’d left it. I felt so embarrassed. Debby must have seen it, and may have imagined I had not cared about her wonderful gift. The Lord whispered into my heart about the responsibility we carry with the light we bear within us.

When we receive Jesus, He places His light within us. “You are the light of the world. . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14a, 16a/NKJV).

Like spiritual candles, we shine the light of Christ brightly in a dark world. Darkness represents sin and the enemy’s influence. The candle holder represents the people, talents, giftings, and responsibilities God has entrusted to us. He places these beautiful gifts before us so that we may shine His light upon them. But how do we do this?

You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of life. (Phil. 2:15b, 16a)

Shine brightly for His glory today!

(Excerpt from chapter 12 of “Learning to Hear the Whispers of God”

It’s the same with sin. As we practice doing right, we learn to recognize good from evil, and by using God’s defense plans we become strong in the areas that formerly drew us to sin. In this newfound strength, we need to be careful not to cause others to stumble—this reminds me of my friend Sharon . . .

Stumbling Blocks

Sharon was just a little girl when her family went on an outing where poison oak grew in abundance. Being mischevious, she decided to rub poison oak leaves all over her body in hope she’d break out in a rash and get to skip school. I can just picture her sitting next to her sister on the way home with a smug look on her face, thinking she was so clever.

Sharon got a big disappointment. She not only failed to produce a singe rash, but also watched helplessly while her sister swelled so badly she was taken to the hospital. My heart went out to my mischievous girlfriend because she felt so badly for causing her sister so much pain and, to make matters worse, she had to go to school anyway!

We need to be sensitive, in our newfound strength against sin, to others around us—not causing them to stumble—“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way” (Rom. 14:13, NIV).We don’t want to cause anyone to trip and fall into sin.

Last Entry of “Poison Oak Oil” Series

Excerpt from “Learning to Hear the Whispes of God”