Called From Something

Grass sprouting up, leaves appearing on trees, birds tweeting, and people digging out shorts and light tops while stuffing in sweaters, sweat pants, and coats—all signal the entrance of spring. This time of year, calls us from the cold, dreary winter months to the warm, fresh spring season. During this season, a lot of people talk about being called to something… to exercise more, eat less, clean out junk, etc. However, most do not speak about being called from something.

During one of my devotional times, I realized when God called Abraham, he left his home not knowing where God was leading. He went from his family, from his father’s house, from his comfort zone, and from the life he knew. He faced many difficulties such as famine, fear, and family disputes which probably gave him strong reason to doubt. But Abraham, believing this direction came from God, persevered and due to his faith and obedience, God blessed him and counted him righteous.

What are you being called from?

Pat NobleMarch 13, 2019 Comment

Craving Love

In the movie, Forrest Gump, a memorable quote by Tom Hanks referenced chocolate. “Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Hmmm… true, but for me, life is chocolate… can’t’ do without it.

Chocolate… just seeing or hearing the word creates movement in my stomach muscles. I am by my own definition a “chocolateholic.” I realize that word may not exist, but I crave chocolate. My love affair with the delightful delicacy keeps me running. I eat chocolate… I run. I run… so I can eat chocolate. Addiction? Probably.

ConsiderationsPat NobleFebruary 11, 2019 Comment

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let ev-‘ry heart pre-pare Him room,
And heav’n and na-ture sing, And heav’n and na-ture sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and na-ture sing.

We sing this familiar song each Christmas season with not much thought to the meaning of the words. But listening to the song blasting from my radio, my mind and attention focused on the lyrics. Joy to the world! the Lord is come! This declaration brings good news. The Lord’s coming brought joy to this world. The world received the great gift of joy… right?

ConsiderationsRyan NobleDecember 18, 2018 Comments

Thankful for Only Now

We tend to focus too much on the past. We allow the larger losses in life to occupy our time. Loss of a family member, a job, money, a relationship or a dream never reached. We get anxious about the future. Future of a family member, a job, money, a relationship or an anticipated dream. But if we focus too much on the past, losses, or the future, we lose what lies in front of us—what God places right before us now.

Each day that God gives represents moments in time. They come so quickly and go so quickly that if we are not careful, we miss them. They fade into the distance and remain gone forever. This reminds me to just be thankful for only now—the present.

ConsiderationsRyan NobleNovember 19, 2018Cute, Thanksgiving, Right nowComment

Eyes Wide Open

The fall ushers in a new season. A season filled with beautiful orange, yellow, red and green foliage. A season of leaves changing colors and slowly drifting from the branches of the trees landing softly on the lawns and pavements. A season of pumpkins… pumpkin pies and lattes. A season of cooler temperatures allowing our air conditioners to get needed rest. Witnessing the rainbow of colors and all the changes that fall brings requires us to open our eyes to the newness of this season.

Sometimes we miss so much when God brings newness into our lives. We fail to see what others see or what He wants us to see. This happened in the story of Elisha when the king of Aram warred against Israel and sent horses and chariots and a great army to circle the city. Elisha’s servant cried out in despair as he looked upon the great army. Elisha answered in 2 Kings 6:16-17. “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

ConsiderationsPat NobleOctober 23, 2018Comment

Crying Out to Jesus

The stage play “COVERED” launched successfully on September 1st at the Scott Theatre. I felt such joy and relief all at the same moment upon hearing the applause of the audience after the first show. I ran into the arms of one of the stage managers and cried… I cried tears of joy. The second show resulted in the same effect.

My tears of joy centered more on His faithfulness to me than the applause of the audience. You see, the Monday before the launch date, I cried. Not once, not twice, not three times, but pretty much all day. I woke up crying not knowing why I was crying. And I got hit with so many negative things that kept me crying all day.

ConsiderationsRyan NobleSeptember 13, 2018Comment