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job description part 2

Leave a Comment / 2026, blog / Phyllisducey

In Job Description Part 1 I focused on some of my God-given (endowed) gifts. As I said God has created over 117 billion people that are unique and different. But yet we have much commonality. We are humans sharing similar DNA. “Is there a more amazing molecule than DNA? It makes each of us who we are. The more scientists understand it, the more we all understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us. For example, did you know that we are all far more alike than we are different? In fact, the DNA from any two people is 99.9% identical, with that shared blueprint guiding our development and forming a common thread across the world. The differing 0.1% contains variations that influence our uniqueness, which when combined with our environmental and social contexts give us our abilities, our health, our behavior. How can one, single molecule contain so much mystery and wonder?” Sarah Bates MS., MA, National Human Genome Research Institute. Well, Ms Bates, I can tell you how one molecule contains so much mystery and wonder…our Creator, God has limitless abilities and He created that DNA to do that. But I have digressed (I just thought that was an interesting piece of knowledge). Before I leave this…is that not amazing that God squeezed all our uniqueness into such a tiny portion of the DNA?? Back to our unique giftings and qualities…per the scientific world…all contained in 0.1% of our DNA. What makes each of us unique? Our God-given giftings which align with our personalities. For some it may be in music or the arts; for others it may be mechanical or working with wood…but for all there is something unique to them. We just need to talk with God to have Him show us what they are and who He created us to be. Strange as it may seem, when I was young, I did not have the ability to make small talk as I do now. I was very insecure and very serious with my friends. I would be their listening ear. I could feel into the depths of their hearts (though at the time I could not articulate that). Because I was more serious (about life, not necessarily about my studies) and not as light-hearted as they, I felt like an outsider…not really accepted. That is how I FELT however, that was not reality. (I know this because I was asked to stand up in about 20 weddings in the several years following high school!) That quality that seemed like a flaw in my youth has become the groundwork for me to see (through spiritual vision) and encourage others. I developed the gift of Encouragement (part of my job description-JD) that God gave me through those years. I am an encourager. But know that my words of encouragement are not trite or insincere. The Holy Spirit has allowed me to see (seeing being part of my JD) qualities in people that often they are not even aware of in themselves. Sometimes it’s just a matter of giving their gifting a name. Then their eyes may widen or fill with tears because they are blessed that God sees them…and… often what did not make sense to them, now makes all the sense in the world as they begin seeing themselves through God’s eyes. I remember three of us woman talking together one day. One of the women was around my age. She was a little overweight, poor posture, no makeup, no styling of her hair and a few wrinkles on her face (I have to say I am partial to wrinkles…on other people…they add so much character). I was staring at her while she spoke, and she just radiated beauty to me. I could not help but say to her “you are beautiful.” I then looked at the third lady and said, “isn’t she?” The other lady very hesitantly agreed…she did not see what I saw. God did not give her the eyes/spiritual vision that He gave me. I saw a purity in her heart. Another part of that gift…part of my JD… knowing that God is planning to use a person for something in particular. I don’t always know what, but I do know it usually is in line with whatever their passion may be. I like to discover people’s passions. Many people don’t know what it is for them, but I will question until I can draw it out. I may say I see you are passionate about …whatever. Then encourage them in it. I love my giftings because I love my God. I know He chose them specifically for me and for that reason I will not only treasure them, but I will walk into them using them whenever He gives me the opportunity. So now part 2 is complete of my JD. I will add the Gift of Encouragement onto it. Job Description for Phyllis Ducey Earthly: Earthly Implementation Spiritually Spiritual Implementation PS. My job description may and has shifted as I have grown in the Lord and/or as different seasons of life come my way. Life is never boring when you are following God’s lead. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 “Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are

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job description

2026, blog / Phyllisducey

(part 1) Being retired, there does not seem to be a need to have a job description. I would like it to consist of taking a nap every day, spending time with my grandkids, walking my dog, and just hanging out with my husband. That would be the ideal description. Except I’m not sure God would find it as an acceptable one. And actually, I have such a strong desire to serve the Lord, I could not accept it either. God consistently tells us in his Word (the Bible) that we need to be obedient to Him and faithful to what He calls us to do. To me, there are obvious parts of our job description (from here on I will use JD for job description…not because I am lazy, just the repetition of the words ‘job description’ was annoying me!). I’m a wife, mother, grandmother, a sister (sil), a friend, a volunteer and a member of my church. All of those roles play a part in my JD. To bring honor and glory to God, obedience and show His love is primary. I think I could divide them but not separate them by earthly and spiritual (for eternity). They often cross over and that is my hope. But as I continue to contemplate the concept of a JD from the Lord, I need to assess not only what I am doing, but what skills and gifts He has given me through His Holy Spirit. We are aware in Corinthians that there are gifts of the Spirit. But this is only a list of maybe 15 and it is not exhaustive. Many more can be found when looking through other passages of the Bible. Since God has created over 117 billion people each one different and unique, I think He has probably given us different and unique gifts too. They may relate to the gifts in some way shape or form listed in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians and 1 Peter, but they are all, in my opinion, unique to each of us. Gifts of the Spirit are described by two Greek words. Pneumatika which refers to their source, the Holy Spirit (pneuma); and charismata which refers to the fact they are granted as an act of God’s grace (charis). These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit thus, the gifts are a part of our new life in Christ. They have been endowed with grace on us from God. Each person owns their gift and may use it however, the person wants to (or not). So my question is what grace endowments has God given me? Being God’s image-bearers means that human beings have a particular vocation, a task to perform within God’s wider purposes for the world. This task involves, among other things, reflecting God’s creative and redemptive character into the world, bringing order out of chaos, and caring for God’s creation. NT Wright I looked to my natural God-given instincts and to the path that God has laid before me. He’s given me a deep love for and interest in people, not only that but a desire to pray for them and to pray with them. I have prayed with more people I do not know (in the last couple of years) than with people I know. I’ve done this out of obedience to God. Not because it is comfortable for me. (But I keep telling myself better be a fool for God than just be a fool!) More times than not, the stranger I prayed with said that God knew they needed this meeting/prayer time that day. Not because of anything I said…well-ll maybe, but honestly I don’t usually know what I was praying…that’s how God works through me. (Part of my JD.) Another aspect of that gift that He has endowed me with is to be able to make small talk. I may be on the stairs of a doctor’s office, in a garden center or grocery store or any store for that matter. As I turn to them to talk, I can often see the pain/fear/anxiety behind their eyes…sounds weird right? I don’t know any other way to describe it. And at that point, I ask if I may pray with them. Occasionally I will tell them what I see. It depends on how the Lord leads. One day I was seated in a waiting room staring at the back of a woman’s head. I could not take my eyes off of it. And told the Lord it would be very strange for me to change seats and ask if I could pray for her. We argued…God won. I walked over, sat next to her and told her the truth. “I was staring at the back of your head and God told me to pray for you”. (How do you like that for an introduction…so smooth, huh?) Her face softened and told me her needs. I prayed. It makes my day when God gives me that type of opportunity! If I go into town and don’t get to pray with someone, I am disappointed or wonder if I am not listening. How would I classify that gift? A gift of prayer…yes. A gift of seeing…yes. And (can you count this?) a gift of gab…yes. Oh, and of course…the gift of hearing…from God and from a person’s heart. Job Description for Phyllis Ducey Earthly: Earthly Implementation Spiritually Spiritual Implementation ………….To be continued in two weeks on Part 2 of My Job Description…………….. He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach, if it is

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Stress

3 Comments / 2026, blog / Phyllisducey

The first recorded use of the word stress was between the years 1275-1325. That kind of blew me away thinking that close to 700 years ago people were coining that word. (I wonder what their stresses were?) It is a derivative of the word distress which makes total sense to me. I’m sure there were many distressing things back then, trying to find food, staying warm, having to stay under the radar when a new conqueror took over their territory, maybe even wild animals. Who knows for sure? However, for the most part we do not have those types of stresses. Our stresses tend to be hitting us hard and fast in this world of internet, instant news, phones (seemingly attached to our fingers) and always, always multitasking. And it’s funny because it sneaks up on you (or at least on me). There was a day (a while back), when we had some very serious major health issues in our family, I thought I was handling things pretty well. Until…I blew at a dear friend who had been complaining about something that she has complained about for years. All of a sudden, my tolerance and my filter fell to the floor and I not very nicely laid into her. (I was driving…yes, I was on the phone while driving! I felt I could see my filter shatter on the floorboards.) If she wasn’t going to do something about it, then quit complaining because it was within her power to resolve the issue! I knew my words were justifiable but certainly the way I presented them wasn’t. (BTW, I did apologize to her within the hour.) Was I allowing my stress to blow my witness for the Lord? Where was my self-discipline? Was this depression or an attack by the enemy? I didn’t know…but what I did know is that I needed to truly repent before the Lord. I had not understood when David said in the Psalm 51:4” Against You (God), You only, have I sinned” after he had impregnated another man’s wife and had that man killed to cover up his adultery. How was that not a sin to all involved? What I think is that the egregious sin was tarnishing the reputation of his beloved God. That far exceeded any other type of sin. And David knew that. Afterall, David was the king. The Israelites knew He was not only favored by God but was appointed to rule over them by God Himself. When he sinned, it was as if he thought he was above God and could do whatever he wanted. That action defiled the God he loved. (You can find this story in 2 Samual chapter 11.) I was rude to my friend in the way I admonished her but even more so, I had sinned against the Lord. I did not reflect Him in my actions and that was an insult to the God who saved me and calls me His child. So, my next step was to repent (which is turning away from the sin). Then seek the Lord to ask Him to let me always see my friend the way He does. (This I did within the hour too.) But then, I started to slide down in despair because I sinned against my God and hurt my friend. Shame overtook me. I had trouble releasing the shame. Shame is from Satan and he wants us to be immobilized by it…which I was until made a text. I texted a prayer warrior, who started praying immediately which I literally could feel making a difference. (I had struggled a little because my usual prayer warriors were all in bed by that time.) But this dear sweet fellow late-night friend stood in the gap for me. I could feel the release of my self-imposed shame. God does not shame us. Once I repented, I was immediately forgiven. And that is how the family of Christ…true Christians, support each other. They not only walk with you through your trials, but they stand in the gap and also help carry your burdens! “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7

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75…really?

2026, blog / Phyllisducey

75! I just turned 75…in my head I am so much younger! It befuddles me (I like that word 😊) that I am that old! How did that happen? I have vague memories of: Then there are clearer memories… And now… I have 8 grandchildren (two are technically grandchildren-in-law), most living just 2 football fields away from us. They are growing up too! When young, time seemed to stand still. (Especially when my kids were 2 and 4…those years felt like they moved in slow motion!) But as I age, slow down, take more naps…time seems to fly by. I am left pondering if there is a reason that I have been left walking this earth for ¾ of a century. I have no idea other than that, at this juncture of my life, I feel compelled to study God’s Word (Bible) and use my remaining time to glorify Him At age 75, I feel more blessed and at peace with this chaotic world than I ever have in my life. I know it is because I have a deeper relationship with my Triune God (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). Future… As each day goes by, I am in awe of the Creator of my soul, mind and body. I am comforted in knowing that though my body may give out, my soul will remain…not only remain but be in heaven with our incredible God. Now that’s a blessing beyond compare! “Though you have not seen Him (Jesus), you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an expressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:8-9

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Life’s currents

1 Comment / 2026, blog / Phyllisducey

I saw this on one of those true-life television shows a while back. It brought to mind how careful we need to be with our walk with the Lord. It was a clear afternoon with blue skies and white marshmallow clouds after several days of dreary, non-stop rain…the type that causes a damp uncomfortable chill that you can’t shake. The young couple looked forward to basking in the sun while meandering along the river in their individual rubber rafts as Nancy’s dog, Taffy sat on her lap. This was one of their favorite activities…relaxing, enjoying the sun and drifting down the river. Taffy loved it too. They’d drift until they were several yards from the 12-foot drop-off where they would turn around and paddle back. This day, they did not notice until they drew near the drop-off that the past several days of rainfall had deepened the usually shallow, gentle river causing strong currents to occur. Though still much further from the undesirable descent than they usually wandered, the waters began to swirl and control the rafts. Considering themselves experienced and skilled rafters, as well as knowing the river as they did, this was of little concern as they started to counter the tugging current in order to turn back. Shortly they became distracted as Taffy did not like the sensation of the bobbing raft and jumped out. Without thinking Nancy jumped in after her. Nancy struggled with all her might only to be sucked in by the current plunging down the waterfall into the raging waters and massive rocks below…followed by Taffy…then Nancy’s boyfriend who tried to reach her. From here I could tell you a happy ending or a sad tragic one…neither is the point of me sharing this story. Thus, I choose to let you ponder creating your own ending (is that going to make you nuts? It would me!). Imagine the story as a parable. Is your walk with the Lord so comfortable that you just drift along without much thought. Staying on peaceful waters so you don’t have to put much effort in and don’t have to worry about the upcoming currents? Keep in mind, even peaceful waters can be dangerous. You always have to be alert. I just read that the flooding from the Limpopo River in South Africa has allowed crocodiles to invade neighborhoods. Over 5 attacks and 3 people had been killed by them. Police told residents to stay away from still waters where the crocodiles like to float. What floats around the still waters in your spiritual life? Apathy, indifference or disdain? Or is there something in your life that pushes you to the edge, but you are so confident in your ability to control it…a sin that you enjoy and choose not to give up. It leads you closer and closer to the current, but you think you have it under control until you don’t…until obliviously are dragged down, barely able to breathe. And if that happens, do you have the strength to pull out? All it takes is one moment of distraction, a bit of overconfidence and you may be thrust into a current that you do not have strength to struggle against. Or you could survive it but how long will you need to recuperate to regain your spiritual health. Maybe you will be permanently damaged by the fall. Our God, the great Potter, has had to shape, mold and pound me into His design because I have been so often guilty of drifting in waters that have dangerous potential thinking I was in control. I’ve fallen a few times and came out dripping wet, at times struggled to exhaustion, and even have plunged over the edge. My God…our God has been gracious and I have survived! But there are scars and aches and pains that remain. I use those as reminders that if I did not let myself be distracted, stayed focused on the Lord, they would not be there. I’ve also have learned the importance of building my spiritual muscles. Daily Bible reading gives me strength to paddle my raft while in the currents. Daily prayer gives me guidance from the Holy Spirit to be aware of what is below the calm surface…warning me against any crocodiles below. And small groups, Bible studies and time with mature Christian friends helps me in discerning what is happening in our world. (Pitfalls to avoid) Looking back (though sometimes painful) helps me keep my focus now. My prayer is that the Lord will open my eyes to see the underlying currents that may be hidden by what appears to be a calm surface. That I may grow and be strengthened in my faith to survive any attacks. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19a

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this baby was born to die

1 Comment / blog / Phyllisducey

The trifecta of U.S. holidays have come and gone…Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. They are all wonderful holidays, but I have a sigh of relief now that they are over. All my Christmas decorations are packed away, and my houses is back in order…that is such a sweet feeling of peace for me. This year was unusually busy with family events starting with 4 days of Thanksgiving (celebrating with beloved out-of-town relatives), going through several days of family Christmas parties and games, then finishing with having a good-bye open house for some dear friends. I am not usually that much of a social butterfly. I have to say though each person at each event was a treasure to me. I would sum it up as family, friends, fun, feasts and fatigue! I have felt exceptionally blessed this holiday season and in spite of the busyness, I have felt a deeper relationship with the Lord. The true meaning of Christmas was not lost on me and this year in particular I became more aware that Jesus, the baby born in a stable was born to die an ugly, humiliating death in order that I may join Him in heaven. What a God!! With that in mind, this is what I wrote then through the magic of AI, I morphed it into a song. Click below to hear the song. This baby sent from on high This baby was born to die On a night filled with light From a star that shined bright In a stable snug and warm Lay a newborn in a manger worn. Used by cows and sheep alike, Never would have thought It would hold a king that night. This baby sent from on highThis baby was born to die Born of a young virgin motherThis baby was like no other.Even angels came to declareThe glory of the king who lay thereSo innocent and at peace curledHe would one day change all of the world This baby would grow like every manBut each day He knew the final planHe healed the sick, demons out castMiracles performed…a Savior at lastHe willingly went to the crossTo die so we would not be lost This baby sent from on highThis baby was born to dieThis baby was born for His life to giveThis baby was born so I may liveEternity awaits for those who believeJesus has died for our sins to relieve But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6

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The king’s court

2025, blog / Phyllisducey

My last post ended with the poem “The King’s Court” that I wrote. I am starting with the same poem because it is the subject that has been on my mind. The King’s Court She walked through the field with her head held high as a queen gracefully walking into her court. Frosted grass was her carpet, trees stood guard. The dog was her court jester; the cows were the courtiers huddled together whispering secrets to one another… looking up with respect as she strode past them. And she felt regal as she continued humming the song “Be thou my Vision oh Lord of my heart” She knew no king had a court as fine or spectacular as God had given her in her field. No man-made court could be as magnificent as the one she walked through each day. She held her head high because she was a daughter of the King… and when she walked through His court, she found Him waiting for her there …daily. ________________________________________________________ Using AI, I created this song below out of the poem. __________________________________________________________________ Where do you go to meet with our King…the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords? Except in this bitter cold weather (-13 below zero or colder) when I take my dog, Oliver, out…I almost always meet with my Lord as I walk the property. It is just like the poem says. I am out there talking with God and enjoying the beauty of His nature. Day or night they are equally a special time for me with Him. Often, I am so enthralled with the beauty of God’s nature that I feel enveloped by His Presence. In the book of Esther (in the Bible) there is a powerful king. This king was so full of himself that he would not let anyone come into his presence…into his court unless he lifted his golden scepter granting them permission. If he wasn’t in a good mood or just annoyed and did not lift the scepter, the person would be put to death! (if you have not read the book of Esther, it is a must read. For those of you who have not read it… it is a story of a young woman whose parents died. Her uncle took her in. They apparently had a close and good relationship because she was obedient to whatever her uncle asked of her. At the risk of her own life, she even entered the court of the narcissistic king…he lifted his scepter and through a series of intriguing events, her obedience saved the Jewish nation from annihilation!) Everyone, I think, has a different place where they meet with the Lord. It could be a special reading chair, a peaceful room or maybe your closet. (I used to use the closet often…the Lord and I wrestled over several things in that closet.) The location does not matter. What matters is that you spend time in conversation with the Lord. Conversation? I use that word instead of prayer, because for many their prayer time is a one-way street. Give God the grocery list of things you want, say thank you and amen. Duty done. In a conversation there is a give and take of ideas, thoughts and feelings. In a conversation you have to stop and listen. And when you enter the Creator of the Universe’s court, He holds out His gold scepter and listens to you. How amazing to be in the most powerful King’s court while He invites you in. This is a time to humble yourself; it is a time to open your heart, soul and mind to Him. “For this is what the high and exalted One says —He who lives forever, whose name is Holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also, with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15 You feel unworthy to be in the presence of the God who created everything? So do I. But I trust in the knowledge that this all controlling God wanted a relationship with me, so much so, that His only begotten Son died to make me righteous. That grants me entrance into His court. Jesus being raised up on the cross to die for us is comparable to the Father holding His golden scepter up. Except it is of much greater value than gold. I don’t believe we should act by feelings but by faith. However, if you have not felt you have been in the presence of the Lord there are likely 1 or 2 reasons you aren’t. As a note: it seems unforgiveness is a big sin for people. It grows into bitterness building a block between you and the Lord. In essence it is a form of pride. (I did not deserve to be treated that way) In the prayer we refer to as The Our Father, Jesus states: “and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” Mathew 6:12 NLT Hmmm…in the Our Father we are asking God to forgive us our sins just like we forgive others…if we are not forgiving others then what?? (I don’t have time or possibly the brain power to flush out that one!) “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” Psalm 100:4 NIV That is how to be in the presence of the Lord, start by praising and thanking Him. As stated before: open your heart, mind and soul to Him. And wait. “My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen wait for the morning” Psalm 130:6 NASB Psalm 130:6 is an analogy (God is so good at giving us word pictures to help our understanding). Wait in this verse means expectation. That is what the watchman did in ancient times.

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praise!?

2 Comments / 2025, blog / Phyllisducey

Living here in the United States, where we are so independent and so self-sufficient it is hard to understand (at least for me) praising God. I always praised my kids when they were young. Told them how good they were (when they were good) and I told them how much I loved them. But with God, He is is always good. He is always just. He is always almighty. He is always loving, always kind, and so many other qualities. He is always worthy of praise. And the way I praised my kids hardly seems adequate for Him. Maybe if we lived in a kingdom where you were forced to praise your king all the time words would flow easier. However, I doubt they would be sincere, probably only forced. Somehow when I tried to praise God, I have felt like my words were hollow and not sure I could figure out how to make them extend from my heart… does that make sense? Since I have felt so inadequate at it. I decided to turn it over to God. I told God that if I am to praise Him (which I know I am), He would need to teach me. So that has been my prayer for about the last month, Lord teach me how to praise You. Recently, without realizing it, I found myself humming hymns all day. ( I never hummed.) I was raised Catholic so we didn’t have a lot of hymn singing in my church. Because of that, I really don’t know a lot of words to the hymns. But I found myself humming them anyway. And also, I have been waking up every morning with a song in my head… a Christian song! I used to occasionally wake up with a song but it was from my teenage years… which were far from Christian. Those songs are gone, and God replaced them with songs praising Him. And now I am working on memorizing scripture that praises God so that I can use His words to honor and praise Him. I never thought that praising God would put me in such a good head space but it does. It relaxes my mind and draws me closer to my Creator God. (A side note here, the other day I was telling a friend about the humming and she told me how healthy it is for you. Psychology Today states that it can reduce stress, calm the mind, stimulate the vegas nerve and lower heart rate… no wonder I have been in a better headspace.) Then the other day I woke up not with a song in my head for the first time in a month or so but with these words creating a start to this poem. The King’s Court She walked through the field with her head held high as a queen gracefully walking into her court. Frosted grass was her carpet, trees stood guard. The dog was her court jester; the cows were the courtiers huddled together whispering secrets to one another…looking up with respect as she strode past them. And she felt regal as she continued humming the song “Be thou my Vision oh Lord of my heart”. She knew no king had a court as fine or spectacular as God had given her in her field. No man-made court could be as magnificent as the one she walked through each day. She held her head high because she was a daughter of the King and when she walked through His court, she found Him waiting for her there…daily. “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—” Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”. John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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pond scum

2 Comments / 2024, blog, book - Reflections of God / Phyllisducey

When my husband and I were in our mid-thirties we hosted a small group Bible Study at our house. Our church sent some of us to get training in various church related things. One thing I learned that has stuck with me to this day, is the training in small group dynamics. In general, in each group different people fall into different roles. The obvious ones are the leader and the hosts. There would be a compassionate person, a person who lacked patience, a timekeeper but the one that stayed with me most (and the one that has assisted me in handling small groups since) is the EGR… Extra Grace Required. Our group had an obvious EGR. For me it took a lot of patience to deal with her. She was in Sunday School with me, in some of our women’s groups with me and at least two more groups WITH me. I did not know how to handle her negativity and entitlement issues. The only thing I could think to do was ask the Lord to let me see her through His eyes. (Remembering that He loved her as much if not more than He loved me.) So when we had conversations, I would look directly in her eyes asking the Lord to let me see her through His eyes, to see the beauty in her that He sees. To give me a heart of love for her. One night, our group was over, and people were getting ready to leave. I saw EGR walking towards me. I quickly began planning getaway strategies (the bathroom was occupied so that didn’t work, maybe get engrossed in putting food away?). EGR was too fast. Before I could plot alternative escapes, she reached me. I put on a smile, looked into her eyes, reminded myself that God loved her as much or more than He loved me and asked her how she was while mentally bracing myself for her classic EGR response. She ignored my question while awkwardly telling me that in one of her classes in church, they were told to thank the person who made the biggest difference in their spiritual life. She proceeded to thank me. Wait, what? She was actually thanking me!? I felt like pond scum. I wished the floor would crack open to swallow me up. It still brings tears to my eyes knowing she was not thanking me; she was thanking the Lord. He took over as I would talk to her (praying the whole time). There have been several times in my life that I felt the Lord was humbling and chastising me. This moment was a big one. Did I think I was better than her… maybe in God’s eyes I was the EGR. (After all He needed to humble me). “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b Epilogue: After that day, the Lord opened my eyes to the beauty of that person and gave me a heart of compassion for her as well as understanding for how hard it was for her being a single mother. Fast forward 30 years: The last 12 years of my work career were in Human Resources, specifically in employment. I dealt with hundreds of people, and I can honestly say only a handful of them did I out and out not like. With those (as with others) I looked into their eyes and prayed. There was one man that my instincts told me we should not hire. But against my advice they did. Three months later he was being terminated. I did not like him at all (he creeped me out) and did not want to be in a room alone with him. I told him my boss would do an exit interview with him. He refused to meet with him, he said that of everyone in the company I was the kindest one to him. He thanked me for that… sound familiar? Only God.

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pray, wait, trust

2 Comments / 2025, blog, book - Reflections of God / Phyllisducey

I have a little sign in my living room, it says: Pray, WAIT, Trust. I’m not one to pick up signs to decorate with but this one spoke to me, and I keep it in a prominent place. At one point in my life, I did a study on the word ‘wait’ in Psalms. There are several words we translate as wait that have different roots in Hebrew. The focus of my study was the meaning: look for, hope, expect eagerly. (I‘d give you the Hebrew word for it, but I can’t pronounce it nor spell it correctly). I don’t know about your world but in my world, there is a lot of waiting. Waiting in line for groceries, waiting in line at the car wash, waiting to pick up prescriptions, waiting on the phone to get to a real live person (that one can take over an hour). Are these the types of waiting that we are to look for and expect eagerly? I think not but they are expectations. We are expecting to get groceries, a clean car, prescriptions to help us, and once we get that live human, hopefully they will solve the problem. But certainly, that is not what the word wait in Psalms refers to. When my dog Oliver was three, he was temporarily on a bland diet of rice and ground beef. He only had the same food all his life (boring). He was beyond excited when feeding time came to get that new taste sensation. He would come into the kitchen and carefully watched as I prepared it. He would prance as we went into the laundry room where I feed him. I made him sit and wait while I set his dish down. He could barely control his body. His eyes glued to the dish, his body trembling… the expectation took over his body and mind as he eagerly waited for the signal to go for it. Not to oversimplify things, but I think this is what the Psalmist is referring to in Psalm 130:5 (my favorite verse in Psalms) when he says: “I wait on the Lord, my soul waits and in His Word I hope.” (ESV). The NIV translate it as: “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits and in His Word I put my hope.” When I gave Oliver that new food everything in him waited in eager expectation. As I read this verse, I think that is how the Psalmist felt. It reminds me that is how I should be…eagerly awaiting to learn/hear from God and to be singly focused on His Word (the Bible). I have found that no matter how painful or dramatic a situation is…the Lord never changes. My focus needs to stay on Him. And I need to wait on Him, be faithful and obedient during the time of waiting. My trust is in the Word that He has written for us to understand Him and how to live our lives. And I eagerly wait for the day I am with Him as His Word has promised. (Even though I look forward to that day, I am in no hurry!) “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16-17

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God's World, My Lens

My Lens: God's Lens: Your Lens:

Encourage women to enrich their relationship with the Lord
by seeing themselves through His eyes and
hearing and seeing Him from your heart