If a tree falls in the forest. . . October 3, 2015

Oh, faithful reader.  (Notice not a plural.)  Or at least faithful checker of blog, I appreciate your checking back periodically.  As you can see, I have been negligent in my posts.  At first I was making attempts, excuses, etc. as to why I was not posting, but for the last week or so, it has not entered my mind.  Please pray for my return to a regular, daily schedule.  Not that these postings will ever be gathered into a collection for mass printing, or that they will even be saved for posterity, but it was during the times of regular, daily entries did I experience growth, peace, wisdom. . .all things promised if we are faithful in spending time with our Father.

Yesterday two things happened that have caused me to really consider the practical application of this slow drift from the blog.  Both involved the expenditure of money.  Which if you know me, is always a concern/focus of mine.  The first purchase was $400 for a handgun.  The second was a $50 purchase for a pipe.  In and of themselves, neither of these purchases was problematic, but. . .

I had prayed about each purchase and when time came to whip out the charge card, there was no conviction that I was going against God's will.  No sweaty palms.  No rationalizations.  No "I am gonna' do it anyway" attitude.  So naturally I assumed both purchases were God-sanctioned.  All was good until I was walking Roxie this morning and talking to God.  It was then the following began to roll around in my head.  Was the lack of fiscal conviction a result of God's "okay" on the purchases, or was it the lack of my faulty, clogged receptors due to a slow drift from Him?  Just because a television set is not picking up a signal does not mean the station has ceased to broadcast.  If you are not home to answer the door that does not mean a visitor did not stop by.

Since both items cannot be returned and neither purchase will cause us to go hungry, no permanent damage has been done.  Even if the purchases were or were not green lighted by Him, the lesson taught is invaluable.  Just praying does not guarantee every decision will be in God's perfect plan for our lives.  The relationship must be strong and the reception clear so the message can be received.