In Plenty or In Want

Tis the season to the "I wants."  The bible is clear about what destruction can come from those who are in the Plentiful stages of life.  Adam had a perfect set up and he and Eve fell to wanting more...to be like God!  Noah was obedient and prospered until he fell to drunkenness and cursing his son.  Who was the center of his behavior?  David was as well respected as one earthly man could be.  Surrounded by all earthly power and prosperity David fell to adultery and murder.  How pride can truly come before the fall of man.  Solomon was another man who loved this world more than his creator.  He allowed his wives to corrupt his home and his decisions. 

My question to you is what are you allowing into your life, your thoughts, your mind that could be possibly rooted in pride and this world?  For the scripture states"do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction."(Deuteronomy 7:26) 

What does the word detestable mean:  morally disgusting, and abomination.  Other examples are perversion, occult activity, dishonest business practice.

What does destruction mean: to totally remove, burn to the ground(like the city of Jericho), holy destruction

So if I am harboring pride, allowing excess to take over my contentment than the Lord will rid me of my pride and want so He can have victory with my life.

As I am in a stage of life where needs are being met I can find myself coveting the plenty of the past.  I experienced myself caught up in the "I miss the 4 Christmas trees in our home."  Now, I am thankful in the content of a home and heat. 

This season has a reason. Where are you rooted?  What is your focus?

30 Days Left

The Doctors says you have 30 days left to live...

Have you ever thought about that? What would you do? I instantly think of that song that says: "I went sky diving, Rocky Mountain Climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManChu."

What are the fears you need to overcome? The mountains in your life that need to be climbed? The risks you need to take? ...before your thirty days are up and you meet the ONE who created you. 

The one thing that really gets me is we are not guaranteed another day.

In my process of this thirty day bible study "One Month To Live" by authors Kerry and Chris Shook, I am being called on the carpet. I am continually evaluating my speech, my time spent and my well being.  Does this matter if I only had thirty days left. On what would I focus  my attention? 

How will my children remember me? How will my husband describe me at my funeral?  I pray they see my heart that all I wanted was to show Christ even when I royally messed up.  Did they see a servant?  Did they see security, love, compassion, and perseverance in faith?  Would they say that I learned from my failures and encouraged those through my experiences?

We assume we will live until we are 120 years old. The indestructible human who can never die... the true teenage mentality.  There is a part in each one of us whom believes we will out live all those around us. Only God knows our how long our dash is(birth date-death date).

So please ponder with me why I don't prepare for this imminent celebration that my family will have when I am meet face to face with my Savior. 

The sense of urgency and peace can be overwhelming.  While reading this book and learning the scriptures, I am so humbled. God can really use me. My life is for HIS kingdom.  These children are His. My husband is His. 

My job is to love, encourage and serve.  My ambition is to grow and love in Christ.  I am a sinner.  I fail in my human nature with every breath. I am saved by the blood of Jesus Christ.  I persevere in faith by his unmerited Grace and Forgiveness.

I pray that each person who reads this will have an urgency to live each day as if it were there last.  Are you ready to meet the Creator of all?  The One who loves you more than you can imagine!




Tim McGraw--Live Like You Were Dying...

He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how's it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what'd you do
and he said
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn't
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn't such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I'd do if I could do it all again
and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what'd you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it'
Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying

No way not even a chance!

Love them as I love them... Have you ever thought about that?  No, I mean really think about that.  Jesus loves us unconditionally. No matter where we are in our lives in our decisions; He loves us!  Yes, our choices may hurt Him but He will never walk away from us...It is us who turns from HIM.  How do we love the mean little kid who is picking on our child? The husband who has no idea how to love his wife like Christ? The child abuser? The drunk driver? The adulterous relationship that has torn apart a family? The relationship that just doesn't work?  As I take time to ponder this in the approaching season of fall, I am trying to make sense of the statement "forgive them as I have forgiven you" and "judge as you want me to judge you."  The season in the mountains is incredibly beautiful. As fall is one of the wonderful seasons I see it as a time of decision.  As the leaves fall so shall we to the feet of Jesus. Because right around the corner is the death of winter where he will save us to new life of the most beautiful daisies I have ever seen spring forth from the ground covered in living water to share their beauty and delicate life through the hot scorching life of summer.  They give their lives to fill the beauty of their creator. 

If Jesus wants me to show the fruit of the spirit as evidence of HIM in my life, I am to take note that they are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,gentleness and self control.  Seriously?  To the mother who just found out that her child has been hurt by a predator I am to ask her to have the fruit of the spirit.  Ahh that is not human nature in our flesh! You better believe it is not possible. How in the world am I to say forgive... In Christ alone I am able to do immeasurable things that without Him I can not do.  I can not explain the hurt, anger, rage that courses through our veins.  But I can explain that as Jesus princess he loves me, forgives me and accepts me where I am: in all my hurt and rage.  He sees my heart. He chose me before the foundation of the world.  He knit me in my mother's womb.  I love that scripture. It reminds me of my grandma sitting in the living room at such peace with her thick accent as she made blankets to show her love to her family; to cover them in warmth.  That in my mind is what the Lord does. He knit me and clothed me to keep me warm and safe.  An eternal safety.  So being said that I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength I can have peace in a storm, rest on a wild ship, and comfort that Jesus has me in the palm of His hand and that no one but myself and my choices can harm my intimate relationship with my Savior. 

He has felt every emotion, feeling and personality that I have. I am made in His image and therefore his  perfect sacrifice for me as His chosen child I HAVE VICTORY in this fallen world.  Satan is already defeated and I am clothed in an imaculate wedding dress for my groom.  What does your dress look like?

Get OUTside of the box!

As I begin to ponder what the Lord would have me write about I become stuck..so they say.  My life has been a whirl wind of this and that.  I am longing to serve to no avail. I am longing to meet others.  I am so blessed to have shelter, food, family and new companionship.  I count it a true blessing to have friends from my past who are still my friends in the present; those special persons who have taken time to invest in my life through this transition.  Praise God!

As my mind develops plan after plan to keep me as busy as a little bee, I am flooded with BE STILL!  Yeah right! If I sit I eat, think, feel and revert to well only last month.  Do not get me wrong! I am so thankful to where my feet are blooming.  I am so excited about our new adventure. This precious journey to meet my Savior in a new profound way.  The total reliance on  HIM!  I am searching the scriptures in a new way.  Praying in a new way.  Loving in a new way.  Working on the issues in a new way.

This study from Beth Moore has me examining my relationships at a grand new level.  Sisters, can you even fathom what our world would be like if we were so secure in Jesus that our back biting, nose flipping, arrogance and plain ole nastiness were non existent. Not even a choice to be had.  Now I mean those hateful traits are targeted at ourselves not the precious friend who has her own issues of insecurity.

 How a precious woman of the Lord could love herself.  Truly accept herself in Jesus' unconditional loving eyes of perfection.  Not comparing every curve of the body, facade of the family, super hero woman of the world as the mark we will never meet.  The continual insecurity of “are they mad at me, did I offend them, why haven’t they called, I am not good enough to ______________.”   Seriously my sweet friend, you are so important and loved by the Savior.  Allow God to release you from those tapes the devil plays to cause strife and conflict in your life.

I can not wait each week to hear Beth teach me more…

Jesus will never leave me nor forsake me. I am perfect in His eyes. The only eyes that matter.  I live for an audience of ONE. 

 It is hard to be outside of the box. I sure can make it comfortable in that box. But friends what are you missing?  When you jump out of that box and discover all HE has for you... Take that leap! I am!

HELP!

When you don't even know how to pray just ask the holy spirit to help you. The Lord does not give you more than you can handle--WITH HIM. There is a lot in the crummy evil in this world that we cannot handle on our own.



Praise God: that he will never leave me. That he will carry me. That there is always a way out. That the battle is already won. That He is all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere. He knew me before time. He knit me in my mother's womb. He knows how many hairs are on my head. He cares for me more than the birds. He is my rock, my shield, and my fortress. My help in ever present danger. He is the beginning and He is the ending. He will crush the serpent. He will bring justice. If we ask in His Name it shall be given to us.

Fall to your knees; open your arms; cry to the Lord; be filled with love, mercy, grace, joy, peace, and faith.

Taste and See that the Lord is Good Psalm 34:8

Take in a big deep breath. What is that smell? Oh wow, that smell is so fragrant. I closed my eyes and inhaled for a third and fourth time. I can not remember a time that my senses were so filled with awe. I opened my eyes and looked around. This is just amazing. Peace, quiet, sweetness and warmth. I walked down the path my feet sloshing and I fell to my knees. Lifting the precious cover to reveal the source of my excitement. The color was radiant. The size tender and unique. As I lifted that precious gift from my Lord to taste the most exuberant burst of heaven, I praised God for his creation. I am so blessed to experience HIM in all I do and see in fresh ways each day.

Courage

In our crazy lives how often do we complain, whine and cry in the midst of trials, pain, and worry.

What would happen if we took a step back from our situation and praised God for all the blessings that surround us? The very breath we take is a blessing. The place in which we reside is a blessing. The food that is provided for us is a gift from God. The ability to recognize the love in a child, spouse and friend is sunshine filled with joy.

Ruth was a woman of courage.

A strong woman who grew in her love for God. Through her grief of the loss of her father-in law, her brother-in-law and then her beloved husband she displayed her loyalty by remaining with her mother-in-law for a tremendous journey. A journey that would change the world! One choice of courage changed the destiny of many around her.

Where does God have your feet today? How are you responding to His gift of love?

How Many Hats Do You Have?




As I sit and type my head is a whirl wind of thoughts and emotions. How many hats can one woman hold? Brainstorm with me: woman, daughter, mother, wife, sister, granddaughter, career woman, volunteer, breadwinner, single mom, and friend. I did not give the "hats" justice but we get the picture. Now envision the woman walking on a tight rope with a circling plate in the air for each role she holds. She must move forward keeping every plate from tottling, heaven forbid come crashing down to the floor hundreds of feet below. At the end of the rope some unknown force gives the walking line a jolt. In one simple whoosh her feet go flying and we see every dish come crashing toward the floor.



But wait! She has two more hats in her pocket. As she grabs passed the used tissue and candy wrapper for those hats she realizes that they should have been the first ones on this morning. No matter what role a woman plays in her life the unchanging, same today as is forever is the hat that God loves her and will never leave her. The other hat is that of Jesus Christ who will never fail her when the tight rope she puts herself on gets rocked. Jesus wants her feet on solid ground with HIM. For at that moment Jesus asks her to look up. Not back or down or side ways. Up! Lift up your gaze heaven ward I will never leave you nor forsake you.

As a woman after God's own heart may I never look any other direction than heaven bound!



Jos 1:5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

"You Better Watch Your Mouth"

I will get that for you. I will do that. I will pray for you. I will be there at 10 am.



Sometimes all we have is our word. The commitment between truth and a lie. Wow, how harsh of a statement. What is the opposite of truth? If Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life; than the opposite of truth would NOT be Jesus...



Dear Lord,



I am running in a million directions. Words roll off my tongue in a split second. I'll do the checkbook. I'll get those crazy socks! Give me the desire to keep my commitments to my words. Give me the wisdom to know that my tongue needs to be controlled and do not make a pledge I can not keep. If I say I am going to pray for a friend, Jesus know that this is the greatest privilege I can think of.



Lord God, thank you for the ability to communicate with You and others.



In Jesus' name,

Amen

Decisions

I am amazed at the decisions Ruth had to make. How often to we want to walk away when the "story" gets tough or the "storm" is in full blown tornado. Ruth came upon the fork in the road many times and her faithfulness and obedience held her. I wonder if she had the option of medication? of counseling? Illness, death, moving, hunger, strenuous hard labor, sheer exhaustion, mothering her mother-in law, wife, mother, grandmother and no doubt mentor and teacher.



People were always watching her. Her love for God illuminated her; shined through her decisions. Did she stop to pray before those decisions? She must have.



When Boaz redeemed her did she praise God? When the going got 'GOOD" did she continue to praise God? How easy for us to be on our knees when we are in need of huge decisions. How hard to choose to stay close to Christ in the midst of the awe...the blessing!



Whether we make good decisions or bad one Christ will never leave us. He will turn our decisions into His glory one way or another. Talk about mercy for the blind.



But friend isn't the very breath we choose to take the blessing and the storm all from Christ?



How will you choose to make your decisions today? Will you praise HIM in it all?



Will you thank HIM for the very breath you take?

You Better walk in their shoes for at least a mile...

Putting one foot in front of the other, taking the very breath of life from God, soaking up the wisdom from those around you, each is beneficial in the walk of perspective. The shoes may fit great today but tomorrow that pesky little toe may have the nail creeping over the edge to rub a terrible blister. So as the marathon runner preservers to finish her race with a very painful blood blister she crosses the finish line with perseverance and perspective but not with out pain.



All those who have given Jesus the invitation of walking, running, sprinting, resting, and living life with them know that we have not been promised the "easy cake walk" on this earth. But OH the promises for this life are so sweet. If you choose to have Christ as your perspective there will be peace and joy in every storm.



Perspective: Lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge God.



Perseverance: I can do all things through Christ Jesus who gives me strength. Philippians



Pain: Consider it all joy, 'my sisters', whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James



Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.



I pray for you today to be able to use these verses in your life and develop a kingdom perspective to persevere through the pain to grow closer to the One who loves you with an incredible passion.

Sometimes We Just Live IT!

Devotions, bible studies, small groups, fellowship, outreach...there is a season for everything in our lives. Days come and go and we wake up and where did those days go. We make lists and check them off. Some of us even add items already accomplished to our lists so we can check them off to gain a sense of control, accomplishment and closure. We have appointments with doctors, teachers, grocery stores and even God! Gaining knowledge is so very important. Sharing our knowledge is even more important...well isn't it?



What was the greatest command from Jesus? Love One Another! Whoooo, not my list, not my plan, not my opinion, not my agenda, not my ministry, not my bible study, not my chores, not my children's chores...OH WOW!



Do and say everything in love. That is what the Gospel is all about. The famous "WWJD?"(what would Jesus do?) is exactly how we should live every breath we take. How about we add to WWJD? TJDI! -- Then Just do It!



There are seasons when we can immerse ourselves in knowledge and outreach. Then, there are seasons when we are in the middle of the boat in a huge storm and it takes every breath and ounce of energy to just live the gospel; live out WWJD? TJDI! show love to one another and accept the love of Christ from those who love you. Allow them to wrap their arms of Christ around you and embrace you.



It is okay to just live it! Some day we will be able to just give it...share it forward!!!



I praise God for you!

WWJD? Stop and take a picture? TJDI!

The SON rises...with my chocolate milk!

As I wake, the beautiful sun rises outside my bedroom window.It won't be long before my home is filled with yawns, stretches, pleas to stay home, happiness, crankiness, hugs, kisses, hurriedness, excitement and ohh the arguing...



As I spend time with Jesus, I ask the Holy Spirit to stir up the chocolate milk in me. You know what I mean... we have to ask the Holy Spirit every day to be actively present in our lives... like when the chocolate is at the bottom of the cup just waiting to be stirred to fill the white milk with that rich brown color.



Each morning we read from a children's devotional bible a story and then the oldest boy plays teacher and asks us all questions about what we remember. As they leave my presence and head off into the big world without me, I pray for them. This morning with Jesus He showed me a blessing that I will use as my children are not with me but are ever present with our Lord. I pray that you too may bless your children each day.



"May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26



I love the books of prayers by Stormie Omartian. The Power of the Praying Parent is one. She has many versions of this book: for parents, wives, husbands, women... Sometimes we just don't know what to pray for with our friends and family. She gives you prayers with scriptures that will bless you and yours.

Where do you lie your head?

As I lay my exhausted body on the floor of a two year old's room to perch my ear for his breathing and doggie bark my mind drifts to many things. Above all, I thank God for my day and ask Him for another. I also ask Him to bless my family. Drifting off is easy the first time but after each cough, choke and cry it gets more and more difficult to get comfort and rest. I am keenly aware of how hard this carpet actually is. I note in my mind how do the other three boys sleep on this night after night. As I toss and turn and my frame begins to really ache it dawns on me it is raining...thank you God for the roof over our heads. There are human beings sleeping in the wet, cold in a box or on the ground. Then, as I start to drift again my mind says there are men and women fighting for us who are not on their pillow top mattresses wrapped in their blankets snuggled up to a loved one in warm pajamas. Oh dear Father forgive me for my petty complaining of being warm, dry and able to reach out and touch my loved ones.



God bless every person who is without...without a home, job, food, clothing, loved one, money...



God bless those individuals who are putting us before themselves.

God bless those who are sharing your kingdom with one of the individuals mentioned above.

Trust

TRUST
This can be so loaded. How many times do we say "don't you trust me?" Sometimes, I picture God sitting with his head in His hands shaking back in forth saying "let go and trust me. I am in this with you--for you. Ahh honey I know best." I hope you can hear the Love that God has for each of you.



As a parent of a child of any age, we share that love for our children and that longing to help them. At some point the sweet children need to make choices for them selves that the parents must love them through. We are to be like Jesus. He loves us at all times. He stays with us at all times. He will always give us the opportunity to choose the RIGHTeous path.



As children of God and as adults in the lives of children around us we must lean on the Lord for direction. We must be obedient to his word and instructions. How can we do this if we do not know who Jesus is and what he says? How can we teach our children? How can we be an example to those around us?



Trust is for all created things.



Birds must trust from the moment they are born. For food, shelter and protection. They must also trust that the first step out of the nest is a long one and that those sweet little wings that God gave them will work.



Remember the visual of a baby bird the next time you don't understand but you feel God's leading.



Lean HARD and

Take the leap of faith--TRUST

Trust in the Lord with ALL YOUR HEART and lean NOT on your own understanding; in ALL your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Please pass the salt!

How many times have we heard that salt is not good for us? Many, many times. The great book, the Bible, uses salt 35 times in scripture. It tells us many times that salt is actually good. We are to be salt. What exactly is salt and what does it do?

It is used as seasoning and food preservation. Too much salt can be harmful. But too much of anything can be harmful. It also regulates the the water content in the body. Excessive amounts of salt can cause high blood pressure. Lot's wife found out that too much looking back turned her into salt.



Where is this going? In the book of Luke, Jesus teaches us that salt is good but if left unattended it can loose it's saltiness and can not regain it's saltiness again. As a christian are you salty or are you the leftover tasteless residue? How can one be salty for Christ? Don't stop, never give up, never look back, do not accept failure--everyone's success is a turned around failure...learn from them.



Well Luke also tells us in the 14th chapter about being a disciple for Christ. The decision to be a christian is not an easy life. It is a commitment. One that should be taken seriously. Submission to Christ is a change of life not a whimsically fancy. Jesus wants all of us.



All of us! That is what is written in verse 33. Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has can not be my disciple.



Whoo ALL that he has: My daily activities, my home, my finances, my career, my children, my husband, my music, my clothing, my speech, my attitude, my giving, my service, my thoughts, the good, the bad, the unlovely parts of me. How is this possible?



It is all possible with Christ. Take the first step of acknowledging that Christ is Lord of your life and that he rose from the dead. Next, submit to him. Give him your life. Find others around you who will share with you their love for Jesus.



What is faith?



Believing in what you can not see. Believe that the creator of the universe loves you so much that he is knocking on your door. Invite him into your life. But do not stop there. Ask him to lead you and go ... follow him. Because there is no other commitment more important in your life. Jesus has plans for you to be the seasoning in his kingdom to assist him in preserving life for eternity.



The question is would you like the salt or the pepper?



Be the seasoning!

Well, that slipped right passed me!

Ears that hear and Eyes that see-- the Lord has made them both. Proverbs 20:12

You know moms how you over hear something and it stops you dead in your tracks. Well, that is exactly what happened. I am doing chores when out of the next room, I hear my children and neighborhood children discussing spells and this battle and the next life and reincarnation; one evil after another. My heart drops to my stomach. Did I really allow this into my  home? How could I have not checked into this further?  Oh, it really is just a trading card game.  As I am flying down the stairs and onto the web to research this "trading card game."

Now, I am not legalistic and fanatical but hold on to your seats mom.  What I allowed into my home without my first checking it out was so demonic my inner core shook. The pictures and titles on these cards are devilish.  Please take the time to research the "games" your children are allowing to put before their eyes and their ears. The very eyes and ears the precious Lord created and died for.

As we moved passed tears and explanations into prayer asking for forgiveness and protection, our family has rid those "games" from our home.

From Record to Cassette tape to CD!

I am always telling my children how to engage others around them. "It's okay, just walk up to them and say something like...." How incredible our God is to now put that all knowing loving mother's words and encouragement right in front of her. You know that old saying 'Put your money where your mouth is.'
An opportunity was before me to reach out and meet someone new. I could tell she was trying to find a way to talk to me. I continued to look her direction but clammed up. I am not like this as an adult. What was wrong with me today?

How hard it was as a child to engage a group of girls you don't know. I would never have walked up to a crowd the way I push, I mean encourage, my children to do. Today it is still a struggle. I am more confident in who I am since I know to who I am responsible.

But those old tapes play in my head. Remember those tapes when you were in middle school and high school. I couldn't have been the only girl out there who thought the world was watching and judging every breath she took. One wrong move and the 'friends' would laugh and cut you down...or so the tapes played.
Those tapes are really encouragement from the one who does not want to lift me up but wants to tear me down. Another tidbit I share with my children. We have a choice every time we open our mouths to build up or tear down. We have to take that tape that plays the evil one's put downs and rip the tape up.

It is only when we know who we are in Jesus that we can take the monotonous tapes and learn to replace them with the words from the only One who wants to give us unconditional love. There is no other love that is unconditional. The words of Christ are the words we want to replace the tape with and turn on our Jesus CD.

Take the tape of the past and transform it into a new creation--the CD

2Cr 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!