THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Humble Myself

2009-03-17T12:24:00.004-05:00

Someone just emailed me and told me I was stinking awesome. Right now I don't feel to awesome. Right now I want to curl up into a ball and weep until I have no more tears. Right now I want to run away from my feelings. Right now I want to bask in a cove of nothingness. Right now I rather feel angry than hurt. Right now I'm going through the motions of living without really living. Right now I rather feel nothing than something. Right now I wish I could go into my skin and not deal with the realities of life... Alas life is everywhere. I have no choice in the matter. I have relinquished control to my Lord.

Having those moments of overwhelming emotion is so hard to deal with. I sometimes wonder why I have to feel at all. My human mind can not conceive the need to feel heartache, pain, sorrow. I guess it's so I can then know bliss, joy and happiness. Why does life have to be so hard!

To answer the question, I have to humble myself. Humble means to make oneself lowly, but not just lowly but to destroy the independence, power, or will of...That is what I struggle with. Destroying my independence, letting go of power, yielding my will for God's will. So I humbling myself, I can see the Lord's plan and let Him guide me through this life.

Humble myself to our Father in Heaven will...so I must feel, I must trudge through, I must relinquish my wants and needs to better His kingdom. I don't want to be God, but I find I step into the role so often, the role of wanting it my way. The role of disobedience. The role of selfishness, the role of hanging on to the past, the role of bitterness, the role of having control.

So as I learn to humble myself before the Lord, I learn that everything has a place and time in the universe. I learn the blessings of "feeling" even the hurts or pain, there can still be joy. I learn the Lord is with me and when I grow faint He will lift me up.

I humble myself, my will, my desires and make way for His desires for me. I don't know what is to come, I just know it will be okay, when He leads me!

Jame 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up

Every woman has something to offer

2009-02-28T18:48:00.008-06:00

I was privileged to have a young women in my office a few weeks back talking about things quite frankly I usually have no passion for...except this time the Lord gave me a startling wake up call!

I need to step out of my bubble and get to being about His business. Even when I don't think I can make a difference...well truthfully I can't, but He can!

She struck a cord with me...she said "Every woman has something to offer."

Wow! That was a Zing right to the heart of hearts. Yes, she was right. All women have something to offer! Not just the Beth Moore's or Joyce Meyers' out there. (I do hold those women in high regard) Every women...that means me...that means you. I'm every women, you are every woman!

It's like that goofing song...I'm every women! I thought this is a new concept for most women. It's an empowering concept! It's an uplifting concept! This can revitalize churches...let's rise up as women and heed the call God has for all of us!

Whether you are an at home mother, a taxi driver, school teacher, maid, a vice president of a bank, a lawyer, a field worker, a physical therapist....it doesn't matter what you do, you impact those around you! You count! You matter to Jesus! You can change the world by your love and devotion. You can. You can! You have a uniqueness. You are like no one else. Your story, is yours. How you encountered Jesus is your own special tale. You can motivate, you can console, you can help, you can guide, you can advise, like no one else can!!!

Every woman has something to offer means we are of value. All women seek approval in some form or fashion, the Lord has already put His stamp of approval on you. His stamp will never go void. His stamp never gets out dated. His stamp never expires.

You are chosen for a special calling. You are picked because of your abilities. You are important to the ministry of God. You might be a recovering alcoholic, who can love folks with addiction like no one else can. You might have a disability or and illness, that allows you to offer comfort to someone who is struggling with it.

Look at your life and your circle of influence. Now close your eyes and imagine expanding it to the world. You have something to offer. You have something to present to the Lord, yourself. Think about this, The Lord of all creation, knew you before you were ever born! You matter to God. He knew you, He knows you. Discover what opportunities the Lord presents to you. You have something to offer!

If your floundering, pray for direction. If you're unsure, ask the Lord for clarity. If you are so busy in life you don't make time for God, stop and be still and know He is your God. If you're fearful, ask God for courage.

Every woman has something to offer....be the woman God has called you to be. Don't hold back, don't slow down, move forward with confidence in your Savior, Jesus!

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:25-26

Thanks Lynn for reminding me!

Standing in Gap

2009-02-24T15:10:00.003-06:00

I just had an incredible urge to pray for someone, so I did. I stopped what I was doing and prayed. It is an amazing feeling to lift someone up in prayer to stand in the gap. It's powerful connection between two people. I don't know why God places certain people on my heart, but He does. I encourage you to always listen to that prompting. I don't know what is happening for the person laid on my heart. I don't what they are going through or about to encounter, but I know they need me to Stand in the Gap and lift them up to our Heavenly Father.

When we intercede for others, it is an amazing thing. Prayer can be the difference in someone's life. I want to encourage everyone to stop and pray for others. I know miracles have happened in my own life because someone stopped and prayed for me. I want to be the intercessor for my children, my loved one, my friends, my church and for those I have never even met before.

How powerful is prayer? It is powerful enough for Jesus to teach us how to pray. It is powerful enough to change someone's heart. It is strong enough to send help when help is needed. It is strong enough to bring a prodigal home. It is wondrous enough to place a hedge of protection around someone. It wondrous enough to save a life.

How amazing is the Lord, to let us Stand in the Gap and prayer for others. How much mercy He has for each and every one of us. What depth of faith, He brings to me as He lays before the treasures of prayer for someone. I, Stand in the Gap, awaiting His prompting...won't you join me in prayer for someone in your life that needs His grace, His peace, His comfort, His healing.

"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it." Ezekiel 22:30

A Clanging Cymbal

2009-02-22T19:56:00.004-06:00

I have been in a deep personal study today in I Corinthians. I came to the chapter on love. I had to pause and pray. I have become a clanging cymbal. I do not love as I should. It made revisit all my relationships. It made me revisit all the things I do in my daily life.

What I found out is...I need to love. Not a selfish love, in which, I receive accolades for giving love, but a pure love, an agape love and unconditional love. Love does not have time lines. Love does not have degrees. It just is...God is love.

It is so much easier to love only the lovable. It is so much simpler to give love if it's returned. It less complicated to love someone that love us. It does not require effort to love those that I deem appealing. I am nothing, if I do not love. I can have all the faith, but if I do not love it is worth nothing. Love should be bountiful not empty. Love should be all encompassing. Love has rules, loves requires self denial. Love requires willingness. Love is merciful. Love is naturally truthful. Love is not proud. Love is not evil. Love should be refuge, a safe haven. Love should not bring strife or worry. Love is diligent. Love is necessary to complete my faith.

As a reach higher in my walk with the Lord, I want to please Him, by loving others as He loves them. I need to see people like He sees them. My eyes and heart are tainted by the world and I need to love as He loves me. It will certainly be a hard to change my heart, but I know the Lord can soften it. I trust my Father in heaven to show me and give me opportunities to show the love of Christ.

1 Corinthians 13 ¹ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.⁴ Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵ does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶ does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. ¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

2009-02-17T23:58:00.003-06:00

I was thinking about life in my 20's as my eldest son 20th birthday approached. When I looked back and wondered where my life went I was astonished.

In my 20's I thought I was happy, I became a wife, I became a mother, I thought I steered my own ship.

In my 30's I thought well it can't get any worse, I became a mother of teenagers, I was no longer a wife, I began to rebuild, I knew I did not steer the ship.

Now in my 40's I think I get it and then BOOM I absolutely do not have a clue, I am a mother of boys becoming men, I think I'm done rebuilding and then I need to restructure.

I am Looking Forward now not back (as much), as I realize growing up is hard to do. I know the Lord directs the ship and I am a passenger most of the time that gives me comfort, but boy I struggle to keep Him at the helm. I want to jump in the captain's chair at any moment.

I think growing up is hard because every day I learn a little more about me. Growing up brings trials, struggles but also unsurpassed joy and unceasing love. Life is full of well "life". I'm on top of the world and then down in the dumps...not bipolar, but LIFE.

Life is not a game and you get to hand off the ball when things get tough. Life needs to be lived, experienced, felt! Whenever I think I can't, I am given an opportunity to see that I can. Whenever times have been tough, I have a place to fall softly. Whenever I am overwhelmed, help arrives to see me through. God is a faithful God. He hands me opportunities to shine, He offers me people to love, He lays before me the wonders of life. When I feel like I am drowning, He tells me to stand on the Rock.

As I manage my way through "life", I learn something new about the Lord...The Lord, hides me in the cleft the rock. He beacons me to His presence. I learn so much about His protection over me. He reminds me He is my God and I shall have nothing and no one before Him. He shows me His glory, amazing, amazing glory. Where else would I rather be than in His will, wherever He leads me. What else would I rather see than His wondrous glory!

Exodus 33:18-23 Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."

Be All You Can Be

2009-02-11T12:26:00.002-06:00

Do you every wonder where inspiration comes from?
Is it a seed planted long ago? What inspires you, what motivates you to act, what besides the alarm clock gets you out of bed in the morning or blankets your mind before you go to sleep?
Thoughts of what has been, what will be…

Inspiration can elude us and I’ll tell you why…
Inspiration is hard to come by when you are struggling to put food on the table, dealing with a bad relationship, trying to overcome an addiction or what ever this life throws at you.

At times feeling defeated in circumstances we cannot control, foresee or even want to deal with. The spouse who betrays you, the kid who rebels, the family always in a state of “want” and those friends that become a burden instead of a blessing.

Inspiration is hard to find when you’re in crisis mode; you know when everything is coming up thorns instead of roses. We have all been there in crisis mode…where the over the counter sleep aid becomes a crutch to good night’s sleep. Then I start wondering, is there more than just surviving?

I hate the ad campaign for the military …. Be all that you can be. Can we ever be all that we can be? If we get there are we happy? Is it satisfying to be all you can be? Sometimes I get stuck in the mud, the muck the mire of everyday living, for instance when I’m in the “Complain mode”, which usually accompanied by “ WOW, I didn’t know I had so many wrinkles”…or “I’m tired of hanging on by my finger nails,” mode, when I notice I could use a manicure…or my absolute favorite, “I really don’t want to talk about it right now,” mode, as I occupying my time cleaning around the sink basin usually with an old toothbrush…

How can I get inspiration or have time for a single thought that’s my own!
It can be a frustrating time, but there is hope!

I was reading the following passage and I had to stop. Maybe you have had a similar experience, when God smacks you in the forehead, or gently nudges you in the right direction; mostly He has to smack me.

1 Thessalonians 1:3
We continually remember you before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Inspired by the hope in Christ…
Not inspired by the ad on the TV, a talk show host or even the magazine article that made you cry. Inspired by a hope in Christ, not the miracle method, but a miracle man!

I had to stop and just thank the Lord for reminding me. My motivation in my daily life was to get through the day without thinking about it. Inspiration in Christ, what a concept, sometimes I think God reveals something to me, so I can say “It’s a good thing your God, and I’m not!” I’m sure most people are happy about that.

Laboring in love, laboring in love for the daily chores, even making a meal (even PB& J sandwiches) for my family is a labor in love. Working in faith, this is what I found, working through the toughest times in faith. FAITH, which can outlast loneliness, FAITH calming me when I’m being overwhelmed and with FAITH defeat any problem, yes with a faith that can move mountains. Inspired endurance that means enduring the craziness, enduring the heartache, enduring the every day mundane routines, but inspired by a hope in Jesus!!

In Second Timothy 4:7-8 It says “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day-and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

I say let’s fight the fight, be all that you can be, keep the faith. Life’s not a cake walk, but we can endure anything by having a hope in Jesus. As the Lord challenges me, I encourage all of you to be all that you can be.

Be all that you can be, with inspiration by the hope in Jesus. Be all that you can be, as you labor in love for your family and friends. Be all that you can be, enduring all things.

Be all that you can be with Christ! He can make all things new. He can restore you and He can bring beauty from ashes. He can move mountains. He can change your heart. He can heal a broken heart. He can bring joy in a sad situation. He can bring you hope when you feel hopeless. He can! All you have to do is believe in Him!!

Let’s go out and Be all we can be in Christ.

Emotions run high, emotion run low

2009-02-07T10:03:00.002-06:00

Emotions run high, emotion run low

I remember a time when I “felt” more. I remember a time when a random act of kindness would bring me to my knees in tears. I remember a time when the love I felt was almost overwhelming. When my emotions ran high, I could set the world ablaze. When my emotions lingered with excitement at the possibilities for the day, and I couldn’t wait to get out bed in the morning.

I still feel it sometimes, not quite as strongly as I use too. As I remember the unafraid, bold young woman, I use to have inside me. It makes me a little sad and a little ashamed. I still feel her sometimes urging me forward, telling me to take the chance. Now my emotions run low, and I have to set the alarm to wake my tired self up.

When my emotions ran high for the Lord, I could live the blessing He had for me and savor them. When my emotions ran high, I could boldly share my faith and be undaunted by the doubts others had about my Savior. When I could feel more passion, more power, more love for my Lord. When my emotions ran high, I was excited about a message on Sunday mornings. I was thrilled to live my Christian walk. I was ecstatic about mission trips. I was energized by the call.

As my emotions ran low, it was less appealing to go out on mission trip. As my emotions run low, I don’t feel like anyone would ever care about what I have to say, much less hear me share my faith without a passion. As my emotions run low, I have to force my self to heed the call.

The blessings of youth are the voracity of life beginning. As I age I get a little complacent. I have (or make) less time for the Lord. I wish for the youthfulness and energy I once had. I wish for the developing relationship with the Lord. The Lord has become the old comfy couch in which I settle into. I have made Him a roommate. I have forsaken Him for the world. I keep quiet about my faith in Him. I have forgotten Him in my anger. I lose faith in troubling times those things come, when my emotions run low.

I want my emotions to run high again. I need the Lord as the core of my life. I want to be enthused by the Lord’s calling in my life. I crave the un-swaying faith, trust and obedience heart I use to have. When my emotions run low I begin to mediate on His words:

Psalm 63:2-9
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

Mediating on His living word, helps to balance the new me…I am aging but He is ageless. I become weary and weak, He is my strength. I can find safety and protection in shadow of His wings. When I ask for a cup of faith, He provides a river. When I am troubled, His Spirit comforts. I remember the enthusiasm of my youth with envious eyes, but I can stop and remember the lessons learned, the blessings overflowing and look forward to aging in wisdom and grace.

When my emotions run low, I also remember Philippians…I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. I know He will refresh my mind and body. I know the Lord hears my cries for help. I know He provides in my hour of need.

Whether my emotions run high of low I can say…there is no one like Him, no one…

Example of forgiveness

2009-02-03T23:50:00.004-06:00

Forgiveness - One of the definitions of forgiveness is the disposition to pardon. WOW! Not just the act of forgiving, but the disposition to forgive.So the offender, well offends, then the person wronged doesn't just speak the words,"It's okay."...they must possess a behavior of forgiving!!!

Forgiveness is the temperament of the mind. A habit, so to speak a mental state or emotion, in order to offer true forgiveness. A willingness to cancel the offense. Forgiveness is an action noun! It's funny how I see the word used daily, yet I didn't fully or truly understand the meaning.

When Christ forgave me of my sins, it was His willingness to cancel the offense. Jesus went to the cross and sacrificed Himself to wipe out my wrongs. Not just mine, but all wrongs and offenses. He was accused, but was blameless, not one of us can say the same. He was tortured, tried unjustly, then condemned without evidence, and yet never once called on the league of angels ready and waiting to come to His aid. He carried a cross, was nailed to it and then offered forgiveness to those people committing the offense. As the nails sank into His flesh, He still loved. He still forgave them as they pierced his side with a spear. He forgave and forgave until His dieing breath, then as He rose and conquered death Jesus still offers forgiveness freely.

He had a disposition to pardon. His entire ministry and life reflected that disposition. His death carried the sins and His resurrection gave us hope of redemption and reconciliation with God by His act of forgiveness.

I say all this to let you know He is my Savior not because I deserve it, but because His willingness to forgive me. He died with an attitude of love. He suffered-His beard torn from His face. His skin ripped, bleeding; thorns embedded into His head. He was humiliated; His clothes stripped from His body. He was beaten almost beyond recognition. He became my Savior as He hung dieing on the cross. He became my redeemer when He rose from the tomb.

How often I forget, how and why He died...How many times do I take the sacrifice for granted...How often am I honored by the sacrifice...How often do I need the pardon, the canceling of my sins and atonement...How amazing is Jesus, to love and forgive...How much God loves me to send His only son to reconcile my unrepentant heart...How often I am stunned speechless by His disposition of forgiveness...

1 John 4: 9-10
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

When He comes calling...

2009-02-02T14:26:00.007-06:00

When He comes calling...Do I listen to the quiet stillness and know He is God
When He comes calling...I am so busy I forget to wait upon my Lord
When He comes calling...Where is my heart and mind
When He comes calling...Do I hide in His abundant garden
When He comes calling...Do blame others for my own sin as Adam and Eve
When He comes calling...I am listening or hanging on to things in my past
When He comes calling...I am ready and willing to experience Him as never before
When He comes calling...Do I realize I am on Holy ground
When He comes calling...Do I linger on in anger or bitterness
When He comes calling...Am I humble and reverent
When He comes calling...Am I ready to say here is your faithful servant
When He comes calling...Do I have unforgiveness in my heart
When He comes calling...Is my heart full of obedience
When He comes calling...Do I choose to follow

When He comes calling, I will surrender my whole heart to Him.
When He comes calling, I let go of the things of this world.
When He comes calling, I know He is my God and I am His.
When He comes calling, I will trust and obey.
When He comes calling, I will remember the what Jesus said...

Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Change

2009-01-27T13:27:00.006-06:00

Change is not a bad thing.
Change comes in all sort of ways.
Change can bring us new prospects, a new hope.
Change doesn't have to be wrought with doubt, insecurities or worry.
Change can be a breath of fresh air.
Change can be a new wonderful thing.
Change can restore, rebuild, revitalize and renew.
Change is positive.
Change is us yielding to the future.
Change can bring peace in turmoil.
Change can bring love in a hostile environment.
Change can send us on a new fulfilling course.
Change can refresh a weary soul.
Change can make hearts soften.
Change can force us to do what we can not do on our own.
Change can be a willing advocate when things look bleak.
Change transforms the old and brings in the new.
Change can alter us and makes us better.

Don't look to the negative, see the positive in changing. Look forward to the new blessings. Let go of the former things. Let God show you the blessings of change. Let the Lord lead to toward a new adventure.

Isaiah 19
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Philippians 3:14
This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

SURRENDER

2009-01-22T10:12:00.009-06:00

Do you ever feel like Noah? Do you have those moments when life really doesn't make any sense? When God tells you to do something that sounds absolutely ridiculous?

Experiencing a Noah moment causes me to pause, re-evaluate and then move forward. God commands and then we submit in obedience to His will. When I hesitate, when I linger, when I stop, when I question, it is disobedience. Noah's response was listening and then obeying. Noah did everything God commanded him to...that's obedience.

Genesis 6:22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him. Genesis 7:5 And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.

Embarking on a command is scary. Noah's reaction was not "What I can't do that, it's impossible!"My response is usually "Lord, seriously are you kidding?" I can truly say when God is prompting me and I obey, I'm so much happier. Even if the tasks is hard, even when the tasks causes ridicule, even when it's uncomfortable, I'm happier. Somehow giving up control is freeing. Somehow following His will for my life brings liberty. I don't quite understand the lesson sometimes, but I'm not perfect (although I'm close).

Execution of God's plan is not necessarily the most important thing. He wants up to be obedient to His purpose, His design for us. It might mean making sure your family is safe or having faith and trust in Him no matter the circumstance. It might be changing your attitude. God's design and purpose for my heart is to have the willingness to listen to Him. All aspects of my life need to be surrendered to Him...not just the parts that are easy.

When I let go of the steering wheel...which is really hard for me because I like to think I control everything, I find freedom. I find when I cannot see clearly, the Lord unveils His love for me. I find when I am brokenhearted, He reveals joy and happiness it unfolds before me as a flower in bloom. I find when I am beaten, He restores me and leads me down a path of peace. I find when I am humble, He raises me up and I am lifted up as if on eagle's wings. I find when I am lonely, He brings comfort and a fullness of life. I find when grief binds my heart, the Lord sends the gently wind of gladness to soothe my soul. This Lord, my God desires me wholly unto Him and I in turn find myself captivated by the grace and favor He has for me.

Isaiah 61

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

A Lesson in Hope

2009-01-13T20:12:00.004-06:00

Nothing hurts worse than when my heart is breaking. Nothing feels as isolating as when I grieve for my children. Nothing feels right when my sons are in pain. Mommy use to be able to kiss the hurts away. Mommy use to bandage a scrape or ice a bump. Mommy use to be able to make things okay again. Now mommy has to watch as they experience life and it's hard to watch as they go through storms. I want to stop the winds and shattering rain. I want hold back the crashing waves. I long for the days of kissing the boos boos away. How can the heart take so much grief? How much pain do I have to watch and not be able to stop?

I feel as if a stone was around my neck and with tribulation and trials the stone grows heavier and I grow weaker. One of my kids recently spoke of a trust in the Lord in all situations. I usually have that trust, but when is comes to my kids it's harder for me to release them to the loving trustful arms of the Father. Even though my faith is strong, it's still hard. I know God has placed me with the responsibility and charge over my kids, but it's still hard for me to let go and let God. The Lord is their Heavenly Father too and I know I can trust them to Him.

I have to remember the hope in Christ is what I should rely on. His hope not my hope, His peace not my peace, His grace not my grace. I realize I am a mother designed by God to nurture to raise them up to face the storms with a confidence in God. As I walk down the road of motherhood, I learn so many things about God and His love for us. I reach a point of seeing His goodness toward us. I can see the evidence of hope in my children. I can see a trust in God in them. I can see God's grace upon them. All those things make it easier to believe and trust the Lord with their futures, their joy and happiness.

I have to stand back and watch as they go through tough times and watch them manage their lives with a hope in Christ. My sons know who their Savior is. My sons know who has redeemed them. My sons have a love for their Lord. My sons have been raised in a family that relies on God in the good and plentiful times and in the trying times.

As we manage our lives with hope, I pray for goodness to come upon them all the days of their lives. I pray for peace to come to them and their families. I pray for a love for the Lord never stops growing. I pray they make it through the ordeals and trials of life with a hope in the Lord.

God has blessed me with a wonderful treasure. The treasure of 3 sons, who I love and adore. My 3 sons who make my life easy and hard. My 3 sons, that make me laugh, given me tears, loved me when I was unlovable, taught me about faith, begged me for one more bed time story, told me I was too overprotective, come to me with problems to solve, given me gray hairs and said "I love you mom!" with a straight face, hugged me in front of their friends, made me pick up their dirty socks off the floor and best of all allowed me to be their mom!

How I love to love them!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

Written in the Sand

2009-01-05T18:26:00.002-06:00

Some one asked me recently, how come I write and I thought, "I write for me to clarify my own thoughts to cleanse my soul, to ponder on life. If someone else receives comfort, or even feels a little less alone is the reason I share my thoughts. Sometimes I learn something new about myself when I write, that in and of itself is worth the treacherous road of writing.

God's word is the way the Lord expresses His character. He reveals truths. He expresses love in His almighty word. I remember how much I was affected by Christ as they brought the "woman caught in adultery" to Him....(My first thought...was she alone in adultery...where was the man?), but then I noticed something...My Jesus knelt down and began to write in the sand...BEGAN TO WRITE IN THE SAND!!!

John8:4-8 They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned.But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again stooped down and wrote on the ground.

As He wrote...the violence in man's hearts was subsided
As He wrote...the group began to disperse
As He wrote...He saved a tainted sinner's life
As He wrote...it caused hearts of stone to soften
As He wrote...hatred was abated
As He wrote...stones meant for violence were dropped
As He wrote...shouts were quieted
As He wrote...His words changed the hearts of the self-righteous
As He wrote...He taught those around the true meaning of forgiveness
He wrote until everyone but the woman was gone. Then He rose up and told her there is no one left to condemn you, go and leave your life of sin.

How powerful is His written word? It can make us drop stones!
Can you imagine the surprise on the woman's face, as she knelt in fear waiting for the stones to hit? Can you imagine the relief when the shouting and noise subsided and she was left alone with just Jesus? I wonder what He wrote...I wonder if it was the names of the sins of the men wanting to stone her. I wonder if it was the Names of God. I wonder if it was her parent's names. I wonder how a simple gesture of writing in the sand made all the hatred leave.

What a blessing to have Jesus save her with His writing! He knelt and wrote out love, for a sinner. She was thrown to the ground awaiting her sentence and as she rose, she was forgiven.
I know how much it must have meant to her because you see that woman was me. My Jesus was her Jesus too. As I was thrown to ground waiting for the stones to hit my body, I know Jesus knelt and became humble for me. With His gesture of grace and favor, He saved me.

I needed to learn something from the woman, I needed to learn only Jesus can change the hearts of men and women. I needed to learn when I am faced with the threat of stones being hurled, I can remain quiet and let my Lord save me by writing out love for me in the sand. I needed to learn no matter what my sin, I can arise forgiven in His grace and power.

Passion

2009-01-01T17:06:00.006-06:00

Passion. The mere word sends shivers down my spine. Passion to have an uncontrollable outburst of emotion...what??? Where is my passion, my desire?!!! Did I leave it behind somewhere? I wonder if it fell from the hole in my pocket? Where is it? Did I hide it under a rock? No, surely not under a rock.

As a matter fact, I hide my passion under things like guilt, shame, unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and the ever popular tiredness! My passions are hidden, because I choose to hide it. I have places I haven't wanted to look. I want to live in denial. The walls I built around my self are comforting. It's easier to be passionless...to do the bear minimum.

Passionless Prayer - When my prayer life is all about me, instead God's will for me.
Passionless Friendships - When I extend myself enough to only those I want to like.
Passionless Bible Study - When I read but don't absorb.
Passionless Worship - When I think about worship in terms of how it makes me feel, instead of glorifying God.
Passionless Leader - When I feel I need motivation instead of giving it.

Challenges for me this year are to find the passion for my Lord, the passion for my life, passion for every aspect in my life. Really a challenge for everyone to look at and think about. Where do your passions lie?

It's easy to talk about harder to actually accomplish the goals. Another challenge, as resolutions get promised don't lose sight of the objective, regaining passion! Leaping forward and trusting God with my life entire, not little bits and pieces of my life, but the Lord deserves my passion. He had passion for me, enough passion to send Jesus to die for me.

I look forwarded to the joys, hopes even the troubled times for this new year. As the Lord stretches my faith, I hope I can lay my best at His feet! To gain control I have to relinquish it. When I finally give up and let God have charge over my life, I can lay down my brokenness, faithlessness, my anger, my bondage to control, He picks me up dusts me off and unleashes me back into the world healed and restored!

Isa 58:8
Your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.

WHEN MY SOUL CRIES OUT

2008-12-20T12:13:00.008-06:00

I've been assaulted recently by emotions. Emotions evoking sadness and helplessness. Feeling this way is when my soul cries out. I need to feel the Lord close to me. I need to feel secure. I long for peace and quiet lullabies for my weary soul.

When my soul cries out, I ask for comfort and the Comforter comes.
When my soul cries out, I cry out Abba Father and He assures me He has been there all along.
When my soul cries out, I want to thrash, kick and scream and He whispers gently in my ear.
When my soul cries out, I need vengeance or justice, then He reminds me of His grace.
When my soul cries out, I have tears rolling down my face at the madness this world can bring and He tells me, He has a plan.
When my soul cries out, I rant about how much more do I have to endure, as He reminds me of His strength.
When my soul cries out, I tell Him all my woes and He listens.
When my soul cries out, I realize He is my God and I will trust Him.
When my soul cries out, I am but a woman and He shows me His loveliness.
When my soul cries out, I release my anger, my bitterness, my loneliness and He unveils His goodness.
When my soul cries out, the Lord brings me peace, a peace I cannot understand.
When my soul cries out, the Lord wraps me in love, a love beyond all measure.
When my soul cries out, my Lord unfolds joys before me.
When my soul cries out, my Lord showers me with mercy and grace.

I realize when my soul cries out, I am speechless and amazed at His beauty and favor He has for me. He is a devoted God. He is tireless Lord. He is a loving Savior. When my soul cries out, He is always here for me. He quenches my thirst with tranquility and harmony. The Lord dries my tears with His kindness. I can face anything, as He lifts me out of the mire and restores my spirit.

Matthew 11:28–30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

The Bah Humbug of All Humbugs!

2008-12-19T16:27:00.004-06:00

I am the Bah Humbugs of all Humbugs!
I mean I like Christmas. I just don’t enjoy the Christmas season. All hustle and bustle bothers me. I dread the “Countdown to Christmas”. I hate the “Save more at 5 AM” sales. I hate shopping anytime much less at 5 AM.

It seems that Christmas Season is the time for gluttons to shine. I hate how credit card companies try to get you deeper in debt. I hate how TV ads try to get you to buy want you don’t need. But most of all, I hate how the always “cheerful-ready-for Christmas people” have their wonderfully wrapped gifts under the tree and have Christmas cookies rolling out by the dozen. You know the folks who have their homes decorated by Thanksgiving. They have the Holiday Cheer and eggnog ready to pour. These happy folks always full of merriment. You know them, there the ones singing Christmas carols in the office or humming tunes in line at the grocery store. Bah Humbug!

It’s easy to forget why we celebrate Christmas. Being a humbug I have to really think about it. Being Santa’s helper is not the reason, having the biggest most decorated tree is not the motivation, getting the most lights and the best lawn décor is not the cause. What is the explanation of this holiday, we call Christmas? Are we so steeped in family traditions that we forget? Are we afraid our children’s memories will be the worst, requiring post Christmas counseling and therapy? Can we really remember why Christmas is Christmas? All the advertising dollars spent getting people to want what they don’t have and the stores promoting their sale-a-ramas. Where does it end? Bah Humbug!

Where is the Christmas spirit, when you are those long lines at the store? Where is the kindness when the 50% off sign is calling you to grab those “must have items”? Where is the joy when you have to park miles away to get to the overcrowded mall?Bah Humbug! Where does the madness end?

It ends at a manger.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:8-12

Simply A Baby
A baby, not a warrior, not a political figure, not a celebrity
A baby, defenseless to the outside world, helpless and holy, God and human, Emmanuel, God is with us. Jesus, a newborn lying in a feeding trough
A baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, Jesus sacrificing a crown and the glory of heaven, so we could have a different life.
A baby, like no other, the Savior of the world, Christ the Lord
A baby, God’s greatest gift to mankind
A baby with the wonderment and restrictions of the earth
A baby living as humans do
A baby whose death would cause the earth to shake and a curtain to rip
A baby whose resurrection would defeat death

It was birth like no other; His life would end in a death of obedience and sacrifice to pay the debt of sin and separation. From a manger to the cross, a baby to a man, God’s joy and sorrow, Jesus has come to be our redeemer. Christmas is about His beginning, a reminder of how much God loves us. Yes, the madness ends at a simple manger, and it makes look at Christmas in a new light. The wonderment and amazing simplicity of the manger silences my bah humbugs.

Who you have in the boat

2008-12-02T15:37:00.016-06:00

I have a very close friend and he going through a struggle. He found out he might lose his job. He is a great, happy go lucky guy and a strong Christian. He knows the Lord will take care of him. He's just concerned about his family. He's anxious of course, who wouldn't be. He's fearful of the future unknown.

As I was falling asleep last night I was suddenly transported to a dream state. I was assaulted by a strong image. In my dream, I was thinking about my dear friend and how he is feeling a little anxious about this life situation. I was praying for him and all who are in the same boat. Then an image appeared to me, it was of someone in a boat. Not a ship, or destroyer...just a regular wooden boat. The boat was big enough for a couple of people. The boat was a little worn, but still held together fairly well. The boat gently rode the crest of the ocean. It seemed to me it was haplessly lolling along. The boat was not new and I could see enough to notice it needed a new paint job for certain.

What I saw next was my friend in the boat. He was just sitting in the boat minding his own business. I then saw in the distance a storm was gathering. I could see the clouds darkening. I was frightened. I was not in the water, but somewhere high above. I couldn't warn my friend of the danger and the storm looked ominous. I could see rain begin to fall. The rain then picked up and began to pour down in sheets. The water from the sky was violently meeting the water from the sea. I saw the boat teeter. I saw it sway.

The waves were running up against the boat and the boat was moving at the storms whim. My friend stood up and faced the wind, his shirt bellowed up and behind him. The winds were relentless and the waves crashed upon the side of the boat. The boat was rocking like an empty cradle pushed too hard. I was amazed and frightened for my friend. I saw him try to steady himself by grabbing the side of the boat. I thought he can't hold on forever!

My friend knelt down and he shook something beside him. Another man rose from the bottom of the boat. He stood and spoke gentleness into my friends ear. I hadn't noticed the huddled lump at the bottom of the boat before. My friend stood beside the man and watched. The man then rose his hands into the air and the storm quieted. The boat was still and now just gently swaying in the water.

The sky became friendly again. The wind and rain just stopped, not subsided but stopped. I was astonished and in awe. My friend knelt once more and with his head bowed began to sob, I saw him wipe tears away from his eyes. The man now lay his hands on my friend's shoulder. After a few moments, my friend rose and embraced the man.

I could only watch, but I felt a knot in my stomach. My mouth went dry and I stood in amazement. I could watch from a safe distance, but I know what the storm feels like. It's scary. It's lonely. It can seem overwhelming. This was not my storm. I could only see the man from a distance and how the man saved my friend from the storm. As I watched, my heart was overjoyed and I fell to my knees in thankfulness.

When I awoke out of the slumber and remembered the dream, the message was clear...
The storms don't matter.
The waves can't engulf you.
The wind can't knock you down.
The water won't drown you.
If....if you have Jesus in your boat.

When life happens and trouble comes it matters who you have in the boat!

Mark 4: 39...He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

The Path to Peace

2008-11-25T10:42:00.012-06:00

I was recently in my living room with a woman and she began to talk about all the problems she has had in her life. I was heartbroken for her. She was a pariah in her own family. She was never thought self-worth in fact just the opposite. She was and is emotionally crippled by her past. She, then asked what was the path to peace in my life. After thinking and reflecting on my own road, I answered, "We have to be committed in the process of healing and only through the Lord and His healing has brought me peace." This world throws obstacles in our path and our goal is to overcome those obstacles. Unfortunately, we live among folks slinging arrows and stones. When you are living through a traumatic experience, it is hard to conceive hope, but hope is there!

What is hope? The expectation of something great or better. The hope is, we don't have to stay there. We do not have to live in the past. We can be made righteous. We are covered with filth and can be made white as snow.

How? By taking all that hurt, bitterness and anger and give it to someone. Take the sack of ugliness, the bag of self deprecation and get it off your back. Take the shame, guilt and indignation. Take it and give it to Jesus!

In John 16:33 Jesus tells us that we will have trouble, but then look at his promise "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

“Take Heart” He has overcome the world. What does that mean and who is he speaking to and about? Lots of commentaries are written about this. They say Jesus is speaking to the disciples about his death and resurrection. Jesus was trying to prepare them for what was to come.He also gives them a hope and a promise. Despite Jesus' preparation no one could fathom the horrors of the cross, or the amazement of the resurrection. His death and resurrection intertwined... mourning and then joy. Don’t forget that Jesus is also speaking to us. Jesus is confirming, we will experience loss, grief and pain. Then look at what Jesus says, "Take Heart, I have overcome the world." He is assuring us if we believe in Him, even despite our circumstance we can experience joy, trust, love and peace. Peace! Tranquility! Contentment!

It requires us to do something…it requires us to believe in Him, really believe. A belief He can take away those feelings of hurt, anguish, pain. Believe He has already overcome this world. So take Him the hurt you have experienced at the hands of a parent. Take Him the shame of having an abortion. Take Him the guilt of your past sins. Take Him the curses and words uttered in contempt from a spouse. Take Him the addictions binding you. Take Him the scars of abuse. Take Him your worry of the future. Take Him the feeling of unworthiness. Take Him your loneliness. Take Him the sickness. Take Him the doubting heart. Take Him the grief of loss. Take Him the bitterness of divorce. Take Him the anger you are carrying. Take Him the overwhelming pain that you can’t even describe. Give it to Jesus!

Give Jesus everything! Give Him your troubles. Give Jesus all your pain. He says to take His yoke for it is light. Lay it all at His feet and let Him begin to heal you. Let Jesus be the shoulder to lean on. Let Jesus carry you through the storm. Let Him pull you up. He can bring you peace, He can make you whole again!

Jesus has already overcome this world. Let Him overcome your wounds. Let Jesus free you from your past...and start living in hope, start living in His peace and start living the promise!

How Can I Keep From Singing Your Praise

2008-11-17T14:26:00.008-06:00

We did this song by Chris Tomlin a few weeks ago, How can I keep from singing Your praise. I've heard it on the radio a few times and I just can't get it off my mind.

The songs speaks of weathering storms and darkest nights. I can totally relate to it. I went through a very sad, painful divorce about 6 years ago. I can speak from a place of security about it now, because the Lord intervened in my life and He began to heal the wounds I had.

It was a very unhealthy marriage. I can totally admit I was probably one of the worst wives ever. I didn't enjoy being married. It was full of turmoil and strife. Along the way, I became a mother and I absolutely lost myself in motherhood. I loved that part of it. In the midst of the worst moments of my marriage, I would cry out to God and ask is this what I have to endure for the rest of my life. This can't be what You the creator of all things had in store for me. The choice of divorce was not mine, but I followed and counter punched my way through the traumatic experience. I realize now, I would not have walked out, in the agony of abuse, I justified the reasons I should stay.

When I was growing up and playing house with my dolls, I never imagined grief or pain being associated with a marriage and wanting a family. I thought only of love and of happy endings. As the marriage got worse and worse, I still clung to the happy ever after. I longed for it, I prayed for it. It's funny to look back and wonder why I tried so hard to make everything right.

During the divorce process, I became angry, bitter and resolved to never again be hurt or let someone dupe me again. As I established my relationship with the Lord again and became reacquainted with His grace, I began to heal. I turned to Him for all my needs. In my hour of desperation, I began to learn something about my God. My God is a merciful God. My God is a tender God. My Lord is the only one, who will ever understand my pain. My Lord is the one who heard my cries so long ago. I can truly say I was rescued from a dangerous situation. God has provided for me through it all. His provisions exceeded anything I could have asked for. My church became a soft place to fall. My sons became the joy and happiness I had longed for. God was now my husband. The truth is I am glad I came through storm. I'm thankful the horribleness is over.

I can't help my past, but I can move forward with the assurance God will always be there for me, as He has always been there for me. His love is amazing and His forgiveness is unfathomable to the human mind. When I do look back in wonderment, and thank the Lord for my children and that time in my life, it makes me appreciate the life I have now. I am in wonder and awe of His wisdom and how He blessed me even in my time of darkness.

They are many things I give praises for, but the most meaningful is the praise I lay at my Father's feet... The praise I gave in my brokenness. The praise I shouted in my loneliness. The praise I gave through the tears and sorrow. The praise I gave with hope when I was surrounded by darkness. The praise I gave in the good times. The praise I whispered in my quiet moments. The praise in the midst of the storm.

Taking a glance back from a safe distance and seeing how my God, my Lord, my Jesus brought me through the storm is the reason, I love this song...

How can I keep from singing His praise, how can I ever say enough, how amazing is His love...

2 Samuel 22: 33-34 God is my strong fortress;And He sets the blameless in His way. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me on my high places.

Praying Through It All

2008-11-12T08:35:00.013-06:00

WOW! You know studying for this weeks lesson has really made me think about prayer. My own personal relationship with the Lord. Communication with Him, it sounds easy and it can be. But sometimes it is so hard to openly communicate. I can't seem to find the words to express what I am feeling.

It's difficult for me, because well when it comes down to it I don't want to enter His throne room. God is so holy and I fall short daily. I carry malice in my heart. I have revenge on my lips. My eyes look upon things that are shameful. My mind lingers on things that are hateful. My hands carry the sword of unrighteousness. My feet wander into the badlands. How can I approach my God with unclean hands, heart and mind? How can I praise, plead, beg, exalt when I am in the pit of life?!

Praying through it all, it's ironic the very thing that keeps me from speaking openly with my Lord, is the very reason He sent His Son to earth. I can't express how awed to know that God loves me, really loves me with the unclean hands, heart and mind. I didn't ask for a sacrifice, Jesus gave it willingly. I did not know my sins were sins until I saw His righteousness.

Going through the list of my unworthiness, I have to stop and ask for forgiveness...sometimes over and over again! God still wants me to communicate with Him. It's not like He doesn't know my heart, my thoughts already.

I pray for a better understanding of who God is and why He has shaped me this way. He has a reason for everything!

He is JEHOVAH, my Lord yet loves me as His own.
He is YESHUA, my savior who came to rescue me.
He is JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, the Lord of righteousness who bestows righteousness on me.
He is JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, the Lord our shepherd protecting and guarding me.
He is EL ELYON, the most high and yet He loves the lowly.
He is JEHOVAH-SHALOM, the God who provides me peace.
He is JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH, the Lord that sanctifies even in my unworthiness.

Entering His throne is not about me and my lacking merit, for He has sanctified me with the blood of Jesus. His throne is a place of blessing and honor. His throne room is a place of forgiveness. I approach Him with unclean lips and He cleanses them. At His feet, I can find peace. In His presence,I am finally rescued and loved.

Lord bids us all to come to you, even with our troubled hearts and lay them down. Restore us, guard us, heal us of our brokenness. We praise you for who You are. We remember the longing You had for us. Thank you for being JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH, the Lord who is there!

Encountering Jesus

2008-11-04T14:59:00.002-06:00

Our senior Pastor Jess Cole delivered a message about Worship. Not just the status quo worship but Passionate Worship. Through the message, I received a very distinct message about how I choose to encounter people, how I choose to encounter God.

He ask a question and gave a challenge...a dare. The question is "Am I that way?"
Do I look like wholesome milk on Sunday mornings and sour as the week goes on?
Do I clothe myself in self-righteousness on Sunday mornings and disgrace the Lord the rest of the week?

How do I approach God in my every day life? Do I have reverence for people or God...do I really revere them. What do I normally do when I encounter Jesus?

It was a hard thing to do...look inside and wonder....
I wonder what my response to someone losing a love one would be
I wonder how it would feel to be the "butt" of my own sarcasm and sharp tongue
I wonder how can I approach God with an unrepentant heart
I wonder what is like for people around me when I choose to sin openly
I wonder what it feels like to turn my back on someone, because I don't want to hear what they have to say
I wonder how it feels to be lonely and need a friend, as I choose not to be a friend

It made me realize how I encounter others, is exactly how I encounter Jesus. If I am a christian, I know I am not perfect, but not to even strive to be perfected in His grace?! If I want a different relationship with my God, if I want to know the Christ, who died for me, deeply, if I need to change the way I approach life, then why can't I change?

Change is a thing that must begin in the heart. Change must begin to seep into the mind. Change must become a habit. Change must become a longing. Change must be a goal to reach for. Change comes only when I choose to let go of worldly things. Change can be achieved, but I must want to change. Change must come for a healthy fear and reverence for God.

So my challenge is to change...my heart, my mind, my way of thinking and adopt God grace in all things. Grace is an unmerited favor. Grace comes by an encounter with Jesus, so powerful I can only fall to knees and say thank you for changing me.

Hebrews 12: 1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Fall is in the air

2008-11-03T18:48:00.002-06:00

Fall is in the air...It's cooler
Fall is in the air...I can smell wood burning in fireplaces, lingering and making me want to curl up with a good book and hot cocoa
Fall is in the air...Nature is receding into our version of Winter in South Texas
Fall is in the air...Football on a big screen, barbecue on the pit, good friends to share it with
Fall is in the air...A season we can enjoy without sweating or freezing
Fall is in the air...Turkey, gravy, dressing, family, friends and blessings
Fall is in the air...Time before the crazy, busy Christmas happenings
Fall is in the air...Pulling the windows up, turning off the air conditioning, and enjoying the breezes God created
Fall is in the air...An extra hour of sleep, enjoying the coolness of evening falling faster into our midst
Fall is in the air...Time to enjoy the gathering of family, time to reflect on the Lord's goodness
Fall is in the air...Life slowly slipping into the next year with excitement
Fall is in the air...Time for relationships to be mended, time for forgiveness to be given
Fall is in the air...Cookies in the oven, grandma's recipes to be shared
Fall is in the air...Reading a story and cuddling with your kids
Fall is in the air...Digging through the attic for decorations
Fall is in the air...Star gazing, mischief making, marshmallow's roasting
Fall is in the air...A reminder of God's hand on everything in the universe
Fall is in the air...A season for giving thanks
Fall is in the air...A time for everything...

Ecclesiastes 3

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

Stronger Than

2008-10-28T15:10:00.004-05:00

You are stronger than your circumstances!

Stronger than being betrayed by someone you love
Stronger than getting fired from your job
Stronger than the sickness you endure
Stronger than the chains of addiction
Stronger than the parent who hurt or ignored you
Stronger than the husband/wife who left you
Stronger than the enemy who hates you
Stronger than the zero balance in your bank account
Stronger than losing a loved one
Stronger than a broken heart
Stronger than the hurt you feel
Stronger than the grip of loneliness
Stronger than the guilt or shame you carry
Stronger than watching the prodigal walk away
Stronger than anything this world can throw at you

Let Him be your strenght when you don't think you can bear anymore...give Him all the hurt, the worry, the guilt, the shame.

In Christ you are stronger than anything...

Phillipians 4: 12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Blowing It Big Time

2008-10-22T08:53:00.004-05:00

I would like to share of story of Blowing It Big Time. I have 3 teenage sons. They are all amazing. They can all be total brats also. I sometimes blow it with them big time. They see me and know it's coming, the barrage of questions - more like interrogations, the "What were you thinking!" conversations, the "Okay, you did your chores, so what do you want-a brownie!" and the ever popular - "Because I said so....!" BLOW IT, BLEW IT...GONE!

I was thinking when did I become such a tyrant? When did I stop caring about them or viewing them as my favorite kids in the whole world? Here are all my excuses...I'm a single mom, I'm tried, I'm frustrated at the never ending laundry pile. Not enough me time. Not enough support from their dad. NOT ENOUGH TIME IN THE DAY. Not enough of anything....

Blowing it big is not really about them, it most certainly is about me. So how do I fix the problem (okay maybe "fix" is the wrong word-that's my co-dependent nature talking) . I have to look at me and figure out why there is not enough of anything. It might be I need another job. It might mean moving to a different house. It might mean asking for help (which by the way I hate). I might mean taking more me time. It might mean saying no to people in my life.

When I blow it big time with my kids, it doesn't mean I don't love them. It might mean I have buried the love under a pile of dirty socks. What it also means is I can say "I'm sorry," and really mean it. Ultimately, I have to get reminded of Christ and how He loved us. He loved us even though we didn't deserve it. He keeps loving, He keeps giving us grace. I need to deal with them with more grace and love. It's funny I thought the formative years where between 2-5 years old, but I think they are the teenage years. They start to shape their lives and following examples (good or bad). They begin to come into their own skins. It's scary for them...soon they will be in the world without the safety net of "Mom!"

I also have to learn to let go, but letting go doesn't mean I will ever quit being their mom. It's letting them find their way in God's grace and hopefully mom's grace.

Second chances are always a good thing and when I Blow It Big Time, I need their grace.

Circle of Friends

2008-10-17T22:58:00.007-05:00

Circle of Friends - I went to a movie the other night with some friends. I have to let you know the movie we wasn't that great, but I had so much fun with my friends, the movie almost didn't matter.

Circle of Friends - I have so many friends and I love them all. It's interesting when I look back of the course of my life and I examine my friendships. I have always had really great friends! I have maintained so many friendships throughout the years. Even if I don't see them as often as I would like I still have a yearning to catch up and let them know how much I love and care about them.

Circle of Friends - I think it's important to have friends. People you can depend on to love you through difficult times. Friends who don't mind you telling them the same old story! Friends who you can call and say I'M HAVING A BAD DAY! Friends to just hang out with and not say anything, but laugh at everything. Friends who set you straight. Friends who offer advice. Friends who just want to see how you are. Friends who ask you out for a cup of coffee to talk. Friends who can share a struggle with and know it won't be all over town the next day. Friends who treat you to dinner and a movie, because they know you can't afford it.

Circle of Friends - I have an inner circle of friends that I know I would not have made it through the divorce process without them. I have friends who I share things with that I was so ashamed of and in my surprise, just loved me despite my sin. I've had friends lift me up in prayer and surround me with goodness. I have friends who will to intercede for me in prayer. I have friends that bring a smile to my face, just by being around. Friends who hold me up when I needed a shoulder and friends who pulled me up when I need pulling.

Circle of Friends - Jesus had friends. He called friends to walk beside Him. He wanted companionship. Even when they let Him down, He still loved them. He had a circle of friends. Friends that believed in Him. Friends that listened to Him. Friends that He could share things with. He washed their stinking feet. (I have very good friends, but I don't think I want to wash their feet and I wouldn't want them to come near mine.) Friends He ate with. Friends, he walked and talked with.

Circle of Friends- A circle is a number of persons bound by a common tie. A circle is unbroken. A circle is a series ending where it began perpetually repeated. Friends are not lined up like ducks at a shooting range, knock one down then go on to the next. Friends surround you. Friends never stop loving repeatedly.

Circle of Friends - I love my friends! My prayer and hope is the circle remain unbroken.

Proverbs 17:17 A Friend loves at all times....