Riding His Coattails

Taking Some Time Off

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:39:00 +0000

I'm taking a few weeks off from blogging to enjoy the summer with my family and work on some deadlines. I'll be back soon!

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:35:00 +0000

"The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him,
and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him."

Psalm 28:7

Early Will I Seek You

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:05:00 +0000

I used to be an early riser. I just couldn't help myself. Maybe it was the cartoons calling when I was a kid or the hope of a new day with each new sunrise when I was older. In summer time it was the same thing. It was great getting up before the heat set in. The earth seemed to crackle awake as the sun began to warm everything up, and I wanted to be first to enjoy every minute of it.

I've noticed as I get older that it's becoming more difficult to spring out of bed so easily. My body seems to be a bit more tired, and I appreciate the few extra minutes I can spend in the covers. But when a friend told me of her challenge to wake up early each morning to do her Bible reading (especially when all her life she hated getting up early), I wanted to be an active supporter. I wanted to get up at 5 a,m., too, to do my own Bible reading, and to pray that my friend can accomplish her goal of changing her morning habits.

To be honest, it hasn't been as easy as I thought. Oh, I get up all right; but I'm sooo tired. But I do it anyway. I want to hear the Lord without the distractions of my kids home for summer vacation. I want to spend more than my normal 15 minutes reading my Bible each day. If it takes 3 weeks to start a new habit, I'm about a third of the way there. I know eventually it will be easier, so I just have to be persistent until it all clicks together.

In the meantime, I'm really hearing from the Lord. I started a prayer journal, writing a bit of my thoughts before I open my Bible. It has really been a blessing. Then, I do a bit of research into some of the key words, which has really wowed me a couple of times with how much God wants to speak to us through His Word.

Are you hearing from the Lord clearly? Maybe you need to seek Him early, too. You will be greatly blessed by your time.

A Patriotic Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:03:00 +0000

In honor of the 4th of July this Sunday, my Scripture for today is the same one that is found on the Liberty Bell that rang to proclaim our freedom from England on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read to crowds in front of the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall):

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land
unto all inhabitants thereof."
Leviticus 25:10

Reminders

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:50:00 +0000

We are a people of limited memory. Sure, we may be good at remembering numbers or vast pieces of trivia. But how often do we remember how much God loves us, or how He has promised to never leave us or forsake us?

When times are going well, I remember how awesome He is. But often in those difficult and trying times, I admit I forget about all those instances (and, boy, there are many!) when God has come through with flying colors. We can trust His promises found in the Bible. Since God cannot lie, we can be assured that our needs will be taken care of, we will never be alone, and His grace is sufficient.

How about you? Do you need some reminders every now and then on just how wonderful God is? Grab your Bible. Read through His promises, and then rejoice!

Trust. Believe. Expect.

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:52:00 +0000

It's hard to stay focused and encouraged when life throws curve balls. We see engulfing situations instead of hopeful solutions. Part of that is because we can't see the end results. Our minds can't comprehend how things could possibly be worked out. But we need to hold on. We need to remember that the God who makes the sun rise and set each day, who made manna come down from heaven, and who created all things, loves you and is working on the best possible outcome.

What must we do? Trust, believe, and expect. Like the father whose child was demon possessed said to Jesus, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) And the Lord did great things for that family!

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:05:00 +0000

"To You, O my Strength,
I will praises;
for God is my defense,
my God of mercy."

Psalm 59:17

Keeping the Dust Away

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:19:00 +0000

It's amazing how quickly dust accumulates. You can wipe down a dresser or desk in the morning, and by afternoon there's another layer skimming the tops again. It seems like a never-ending process to keep things looking shining and clean.

This reminds me to keep my faith dust-free. Too much time away from my Bible and daily prayer can leave me with a layer of complacency and laziness. If I don't actively work to keep my faith alive and active, I will become weak and inefficient in my spiritual walk.

With all the distractions that our world has to offer, it's not easy to remain dust-free. But I want my faith to be strong, so I must make it a point to do all I can, with the help of the Holy Spirit of course, to keep in the Word and to keep Christ near and dear to my heart.

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:13:00 +0000

"Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!

There is no want to those who fear Him!"

Psalm 34:9

Recipe for Success

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:13:00 +0000

Yesterday my husband and I cooked a roast based on a recipe we saw on TV on one of the cooking shows. Our hard work paid off and we had a delicious meal that included some yummy gravy. But what if we hadn't followed the recipe? The roast may have turned out okay, but it wouldn't have been the delectable meal that was intended.

It's kind of like that with our relationship with God. He has designed the perfect recipe for our lives: accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Only this will bring us repentance and eternal life. Nothing else will do. We can try to fudge things to make our lives look good, but in the end, our lives have to pass a test, and that test is what we did with Jesus.

Are you looking for the perfect recipe for successful living? Try Jesus. You will be blessed with the most amazing results.

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:30:00 +0000

"Many seek the ruler's favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD."

Proverbs 29:26

Let Your Light Shine

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:36:00 +0000

Are you a servant of the Lord? Do you try to live your life showing others God's love? Then why do you doubt that your life is affecting anyone? I've had those thoughts, even quite recently. But those are just lies from the enemy. If we are living for God, following His precepts, loving others as He wants us to love them, then we are in some way, shape, or form, being a blessing. It won't be to everyone; but it will be to someone who will see God working in and through us.

We may never know how our lives affect others. But God knows. He sets up our situations. He determines our interactions. He knows what we need, and what others who come across our paths need. All we have to do is live for Him and let His love shine through us.

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:58:00 +0000

"When the ways of the people please the LORD,
he makes even their enemies live at peace with them."

Proverbs 16:7 NLT

Support System

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:04:00 +0000

It was a bit windy yesterday afternoon. As I watched the trees swaying back in forth, I started to think of how strong wind gusts can get. Trees have been uprooted. Branches have snapped off. But those trees with deep penetrating roots seem to hang on. Their support system has kept them anchored in place.

That's why I'm glad I have an excellent support system. I'm rooted in Christ. His foundation is solid and cannot be swayed by chaos or disasters or tragedies. With Him I have strength, comfort, and peace. Those situations fall apart all around me, I have His promises and love to sustain me. I have hope for a better tomorrow.

Are you looking for something to keep you planted in the midst of a crazy world? Turn to Jesus.

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:05:00 +0000

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
To declare that the LORD is upright;
He is my rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in Him."

Psalm 92:13-15

Consistent

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:42:00 +0000

The weather lately has been pretty unpredictable. Several weeks back we had unexpected rain. Then we thought all that was over as the warmer weather seemed to settle in with temps in the 80's. Today, we're supposed to have a high of 66, and there's a chance of rain for tomorrow. And it's the middle of May! There's no consistency right now.

But that's the world. The only thing we can depend on is that the sun will rise and set each day. We never know what our days will bring.

Thankfully we have a God who is totally consistent. His love for us will never change like the weather: hot one minute and cold the next. It is constant, unchanging, and unconditional. When trouble times come, He is the One we need to cling to because He is as unmovable as a mighty mountain. He is our fortress and our strength.

Are you worried about the circumstances around you that are as crazy as the weather? Turn to the everlasting God Who loves you beyond measure and Who will be your comforter, strength and shield.

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 14 May 2010 15:20:00 +0000

"So Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as great delight
in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.'"

1 Samuel 15:22

Saturated

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:05:00 +0000

My son is currently working on an art project for school where an entire 12"x12" sheet of paper needs to be covered with pictures. There can be no white spots at all. The project has to be completely saturated. It has taken him a lot of time, and a lot of colored pencils, to get it done.

The final picture is impressive. But it is very crowded because of the requirements of the piece. I couldn't imagine living in that world where every inch is filled with something bumping into me all the time. I like a little space. Yet, when I think about it, our lives are saturated with worldly ideas that can be harmful to us if we aren't careful. We need a little space from the world; and that comes with our faith.

God is our buffer zone, protecting us from the outside world that threatens to infiltrate the safe havens that the Lord's peace brings us. If we ignore our fellowship with the Lord, then our defenses are weakened. If we take the time to read God's Word, pray, and worship, then we can only grow stronger in our faith, which allows us to ward off the ideologies that threaten to crowd us in.

Are you living in an overly saturated world? Try spending some time with the Lord. He'll give you that free space you need.

Don't Focus on Feelings

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:45:00 +0000

Our emotions can get the better of us. Our minds can cloud with thoughts that are often unsubstantiated just because our feelings get in the way. It is at these times that we really need to trust God with all that's going on in our lives. We need to give Him our problems, fears, and concerns, and ask Him to renew our minds so we do not follow by feelings.

A great verse I often use during those times when feelings and emotions conflict with reason is from Philippians 4: 6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Notice that not only our hearts, but our minds will be guarded. What a comfort!

Are you having troubles with your emotions? Are your feelings getting in the way? Give your cares to Jesus so that your mind will have peace.

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 07 May 2010 07:13:00 +0000

"Until the time came to fulfill His word,
the LORD tested Joseph's character."

Psalm 105:19 NLT

Reinforcements

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Wed, 05 May 2010 07:33:00 +0000

My daughters have been creating drop boxes for a school science project. They have to design something using household items that will keep an egg from cracking when it is dropped in a container from a great height. It's fun to see their creativity. One daughter is using a box full of socks to provide padding, while another is using an old scarf inside of another box.

It's too bad we don't give such forethought to protect our faith. We let so many influences bombard us instead of putting up strong barriers to keep us strong and secure. When we don't take the time to pray and worship and read our Bibles, we allow weaknesses in our defenses that can buckle in time.

If you find yourself in a frail position, reinforce your faith with a healthy dose of praise, prayer, and petition. Soon you'll find your faith restored and strengthened and ready for whatever comes your way.

Stepping Out

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 03 May 2010 07:58:00 +0000

We are to walk by faith, not by sight. This often isn't easy, but it is a necessity in the Christian life. But how do we know we are heading in the right direction? How do we know we haven't sidestepped accidentally along the way?

We can ask the Lord. As we step out in faith, we can pray for the Lord's direction, asking Him to open or close the doors we are heading through. If we do this in total trust, I believe He will honor our faith in Him and lead accordingly. It's when we aren't willing to follow and are not willing to check ourselves along the way that we get into trouble.

Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." This is straight from God's word. The Bible is His inspired Words to us. So we can believe that He will direct if we give Him the honor He deserves.

Have you hesitated to step out for fear of following the wrong way? Ask the Lord to help you trust Him so He can lead the way.

Friday Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:26:00 +0000

"By awesome deeds in righteousness
You will answer us,
O God of our salvation,
You who are the confidence
of all the ends of the earth,
And of the far-off seas..."

Psalm 65:5

Stirring of the Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:28:00 +0000

When God calls me to do something, He often "stirs" my heart with an idea. I could be minding my own business about life in general, but then a thought pops into my head. It's often about something I would never seriously consider, but the more I try to push it out of my mind, the more it keeps coming back.

It's at those moments when I know it's time to seriously pray. I ask, "Is this of You, Lord? And if it is, can you confirm it to me, because that is not something I was planning on doing?" And, in time, I do get a confirmation. And then I pray for enablement, because often it's doing something I feel ill-equipt for.

I'm not alone in this stirring, either. I know many Christians who have felt God tugging at their heart about something. And the Lord is persistent, too. That pulling does not go away easily. If we truly want to do the Lord's will in our lives, then we need to listen to His call and obey with willing hearts.

The wonderful thing, though, is that when we do listen and obey, we feel fulfilled. That's how it was when I felt God calling me to write. I questioned, asked for confirmation, and when I received it, and began to write, I felt fulfilled.

Is God stirring your heart to action of some kind? Listen, ask, and then obey. You won't be sorry!

The Hidden Things

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine L. Osornio) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:10:00 +0000

My tennis shoes have been making noise. I thought perhaps it was the laces, but this noise was different. It sounded more like a rattling sound. So I took off my shoes and examined them. Then I noticed that the bottom had little slits in them, and it was in these slits that I found about a dozen little pebbles that had embedded themselves into my shoes, causing the elusive sound.

It's amazing to think that all those pebbles had found their way inside, merely by slipping in undetected. It reminds me of little sins that don't seem much at first, but after awhile they accumulate and start to make themselves more noticeable to the point they become a nuisance. In order to get rid of them, we must thoroughly examine ourselves, find the source of entry, and purge them from our lives. This can only come through God's grace and redemption.

Are there some hidden things in your lives that are causing noise? Ask the Lord to forgive you and heal you so that you can obtain peace.