MY SAFE PLACE

Psalm 91:1-7  He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."  For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.  You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 

In this crazy world where believers are kidnapped, persecuted and killed, my refuge, my fortress, my safe place is here on my deck at home.  Watching the sunrise, it reminds me of how close God is to me.  This is the place I feel God's presence the most.  In the early morning, as the sun breaks through the darkness of the night, I feel the presence of God shining on me.  His love warms me on those cool mornings.  His presence overwhelms me and brings me to tears.  

He delivers me from my enemies and loves me with a never ending love.  He accepts me with all my faults and stains.  He embraces me when I am at my worst.  He and only He knows my true heart and how much it aches to know Him better.  He has covered me with His grace and strength.  He has given me the power I need to make it through each day.  

I do not need to be in church to be in the presence of God for He is always with me everywhere I go.  He is with me in everything I do.  The amazing, yet sad, thing is that many fail to see this truth.  To some, God is only present in church.  They couldn't be more wrong.  For me, church is a place for us believers to gather together to celebrate God's presence in our everyday lives.   The church I go to beckons for us to live in the very presence of God every day!  My church is a place to strengthen my knowledge of God and join together to embrace God's presence in our everyday lives.  

This Psalm reassures me that the very presence of God, my Heavenly Father, is watching over me.  protecting me and keeping me safe.  No matter what may happen to me in my lifetime I know God is with me.  God is my refuge, my fortress, my deliverer.  

I am sure all those Christians who have been killed for their beliefs feel the same way.  They were willing to suffer and die for Jesus Christ.  Because of their faith, God was with them when they died.  Because of their faith they now live in eternity with Jesus Christ.  No more pain, no more fear, no more sorrow.

Jesus Christ is the bridge that connects me to the very presence of God.  He sacrificed His life so that I could sit on my deck and watch a sunrise with God sitting right next to me.  You may think this is a fantasy life that I am living.  Basking in the presence of  a God I cannot see, speaking like a Jesus freak on drugs, and singing songs about someone who you feel doesn't exist.  Well let me tell you honestly.  I cannot see the physical form of God, but I can feel His presence with me.  He has saved me from hurt and death many times.  I have heard His still small voice that whispers to me and guides me.  I have an eternal drug that feeds my habit of love and acceptance.  

Because of Jesus Christ, I have no worries, no fears.   I have a peace that surpasses all understanding.  I have the knowledge that when I die, I will live in eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ.  If you want to experience this, join me on the adventure of a lifetime and dwell in the shelter of a Gd who loves you more than you can every fully understand.

Today Lord, I want to stand in your presence and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.  Forgive me for the sins that have hardened my heart.  Wash me clean.  Be my refuge, my fortress ad my deliverer, in Jesus name I pray, amen.

RAISING UP BABY

Our children are amazing, crazy, funny, and at times a little insane, but look who their parents are.  Okay raising our 4 munchkins was not easy, in fact most days were quite challenging.  Thank God I had Jerry to help me.  Each one of our 4 children are unique, special, and a one of a kind.  When they were growing up, life seemed like a constant chaos.  Trying to get them to behave, especially out in public, was not always easy.  To say I wish I knew then what I know now would be an understatement.  I would have been much more relaxed. Well maybe I would have been at least a little more relaxed. 

Would I have changed anything in raising them?  Yes!  I would have encouraged them more.  I would have built up their confidence more.  i would have read them Bible stories like David and Goliath, how a small, tiny shepherd boy killed a Giant with just a sling and a stone.   Or how about Joseph who forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery because they were jealous of him.  I would tell them the story of a stuttering young man who led the Israelites out of Egypt.  I would have told them about how Jesus used a murderer, Saul who became Paul, to write some of the most beautiful books of the Bible.

As parents we are often so quick to point out our children's faults, we forget to let their uniqueness shine.  Instead of letting their light shine, we bury it under a bushel basket of  proper behavior, (adult behavior).  Yes we need to train them to behave a certain way, but sometimes the spunk and tenacity God has given some of our children, we try to beat it out of them.  

Sit still!  Stop moving!  Shut up!  Behave!  These are just a small portion of the phrases we use to curtail a child's uniqueness.  I wish I fully understood many years ago. how to trust God in being our partner in raising our children.  

Proverbs 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. 

To have confidence that if i do my best, God will handle the rest, may have changed the way I parented.  Yes, children will go off course.  Yes, children will disobey and try our patience.   But if we take time to remind them that God loves them.  If we take the time to tell them they can fight the devil with God's Word.  If we tell them that even when they fail and go astray, we and God will forgive them.  If we tell them that they are loved and accepted for who God created them to be.  If we instill in them the faith and confidence we have in God and them, that they will do what is right.  If we let them be the people God created them to be, then our children will not depart from what we have taught them. 

I can hear you now, "yea, right".  Well even though I did not parent the way I could have and should have.  Even though my children wandered off course, they have always come back to God and Jesus.  

I truly believe that raising children is the most important job in the world because these children hold the future in their hands and it is our responsibility to raise them properly.  Not only with manners and respect, but with knowledge of who they are through Jesus Christ.

Lord, please help me to instill in my children and grandchildren your love, your strength and your power.  May our children always come back to you and not depart from your ways, in Jesus name I pray, amen. 

WRESTLING WITH GOD

Have you ever had one of those nights where you toss and turn?  One of those nights that feels like sleep is non existent?  I had one of those nights Saturday.  Sleep?  Yea right.  My mind was fighting me and nothing I took seemed to help me sleep.  Usually my mind is quite relaxed but Saturday was both the case.  I was confused.  I was puzzled.  I felt broken.  No one had done or said anything to me.  Nothing dramatic happened.  Thoughts had invaded my mind and I let them in.   In fact I am still trying to understand what they meant and who they are from.   Are they my thoughts?  Are they thoughts from the devil?  Or are these thoughts actually from God? 

You see, I have been toying with ending this blog.  There are so many blogs and so many people with different opinions that I sit and wonder if God is really using me through this blog or I am doing this for my own purposes.  Since the beginning I truly felt God was the author of this blog, but recently I have had my doubts.  I do not want to continue this if I am doing this on my own.  The only way I want to continue is if God is the one in charge.  

Saturday night, I asked, I prayed and I wrestled with God.  I know that the devil is the author of confusion, but I still wonder what I am doing.  I have never had any schooling in writing and I am not qualified to teach anyone anything, yet I still feel called to write this blog.  Why?  I still feel like I am wrestling with God.  No clear answer is in front of me, no clear direction.  

Gen 32:24-26  And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." 

Jacob wrestled with God and did not let go of Him until He blessed him.  Maybe I should do the same?  I don't know, I am still confused and puzzled but for now I will continue.  I think Jacob felt the same way.  Still instead of giving up, instead of walking away, Jacob held on to God and fought to get God's blessings.  

Saturday night I fought back the tears, I dealt with the disappointments and the expectations.  I wrestled with the truth and the lies.  My mind has been overwhelmed  and my heart is still full of questions. So pray for me as I continue this wrestling process.

Lord clear my mind and my heart.  Show me the truth, show me the light.  Guide me in Jesus name I pray, amen!

PEACE BE WITH YOU ?

Peace be with you?  Is peace with us?  Do we have peace?  Do we know what peace even looks like or feels like?  Is our life peaceful or stressful?  These are questions we really need to ask ourselves and honestly answer.   Anger, rage, jealousy, envy, bitterness, hatred, greed, are just some of the emotions that can give us a clue as to whether we have peace or not.  For us to answer these questions honestly we have search our hearts.  So let's begin.

These next questions are ones I ask myself quite often;  Am I happy for my friend who got a brand new home, when I a living in a dinky home that is overcrowded?  Am I okay that my co worker got the promotion I wanted?  Am I praying for that man who just cut me off in traffic, praying he gets where he needs to be safely since he is in such a hurry?  Do I forgive my friend who said some rather mean things about me?   Do I treat all people as equals, or are some better than others?  Do I realize that when I am pointing my finger in judgement that there are 3 other fingers pointing back at me?

I know, OUCH!!  To me these questions tend to clarify whether I am truly at peace or not.  For me as a believer, I must have peace.  I'm not talking about laziness and not doing anything.  What I am talking about is a peace that I will do whatever I can and then I relax and trust in God with a peace knowing that He will work it all out for my good.  

So I didn't get the job promotion.  Maybe that would have added too much stress into my life and after all God may have a better job for me.  Maybe I don't have a new home or as big a home as my friend, that's okay.  After all she has to clean it now.  Maybe it was rude for that man to cut me off in traffic but maybe he's rushing to the hospital to witness the birth of his child.  Maybe it wasn't nice for my friend to say those things about me, but it wasn't nice for me to say those things about her I said also.  Maybe that couple is living together before they get married, but I know I'm not perfect and I have sinned also.  

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Why do we struggle to find peace?  Why is it so hard for us to realize that we already have peace?  That's right we already have peace.  You see as a believer in Jesus Christ, this verse states it clearly, Jesus left us with peace,  We already have it, we just need to activate it.  So why don't we?

Control!!!!  We do not want to give up control.  If we give up control, we know we will find the peace that Jesus Christ gave us, but if we give up control that means we have lost control.  Scary?  For some of us.  But if we truly believe and have faith in Jesus Christ, than we have to realize He has our best interest at heart.  He loves us and yes we will go through storms and trials, but we have to have peace knowing He will work it all out for our good.  If we don't believe that, then that is when we don't have peace.  

Our hearts should not be troubled or afraid.  I know easier said than done, but it's true.  If we were living like we are supposed to, with peace, than we wouldn't be so stressed out.  There would be less heart attacks.  There would be less sickness and diseases.  There would be less high blood pressure. Life would be so much more fulfilling and happier.  

You have peace  It's inside of you given to you by your Savior, Jesus Christ.  Claim it today!  Take a hold of it today!   Give up control and release the trouble from your heart today.  Don't live afraid.  

Peace is yours!

Lord thank you for the peace you have given me.  Help to surrender control and the stress from my life so that I can rid my heart of the trouble and fear that invades it.  Today I chose peace.  In Jesus name I pray, amen

 

STAND UP, BE BOLD, BE CONFIDENT

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, which means lent has begun for us Christians.  Some of you may have got ashes on your forehead, some didn't.  Truthfully I don't feel it matters whether you got ashes or not.  If we got ashes, does that make us better?  No.  If we didn't get ashes does that make us less?  No.  I truly feel it's more of a heart matter.  What does my heart tell me about the importance of these 40 days?  For some of us, our first concern is what are we going to give up?  Chocolate?  Pop?  Facebook?  Internet?  Carbs?  The list could go on for miles.  As a child I usually gave up something that was somewhat easy.  Usually I chose something I didn't like anyway.  But now as an adult I have taken a different tune.  Instead of giving up something I chose to do something better to suit God's will for my life.  My question to you and myself is simple;  What can I do during lent that will help fulfill God's plan for my life and draw me closer to Him?

The old saying, "be careful what you ask for"  came true to me as I posed this question to God before I started to write today.  As you will see, God opened my eyes in ways I didn't think possible.  As I write this today, thousands upon tens of thousands, and maybe even more of our fellow believers are being persecuted and executed for their faith.  Some are in prison, some are worse off.  As we sit in our comfy homes, with heat or air conditioning, these people are losing their freedom and their lives in order to stand up for their faith.  Are we willing to stand up?  Are we willing to step out of our comfy zone and be bold and confident for Jesus Christ?

Matthew 10:32-34  "Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?  "Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut—  

I know these are not easy words to grasp but we need to start standing up for Jesus Christ.  Now before you all grab your guns and swords and start yelling about going to hell if you're not a believer, let me say what my heart is saying.   We can stand up in ways we never dreamed just by loving others.  Acceptance, love, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, gentleness, peace and joy are a way we can stand up.   Instead of condemning and finger pointing, we can stand up for Jesus by being like Him.

It is so easy for some of us to get on our high horse and start preaching before we even reach out to others with love.   Okay let me say this example.  How can we preach love to the homeless without first feeding them and sharing our food with them?  How can preach forgiveness to the prisoner  without forgiving him?   How can we preach acceptance to a prostitute without accepting her as a fellow sinner?  

I totally understand how uncomfortable it is to stand up for my faith. To me taking a stand doesn't mean putting people in uncomfortable situations.  I have friends who are atheists, I know people who are Jehovah Witnesses and some who chose an eastern religion.  Does that mean they are not my friends?   Does that mean I should not hang with them?  Of course not!   I love them. I accept them as a friend and I just be the me God made me to be.   Taking a stand for my faith does not mean I need to be rude or preachy at them.  I do not need to be a religious Pharisee and shun them and put them out of my life.   So how do I take a stand for my faith and beliefs among these friends?  I show them the love of Jesus.

 Maybe I'm wrong, but taking a stand doesn't need contain finger pointing or condemnation.   Jesus never finger pointed or spread condemnation to anyone except the highly religious leaders of His time.  Sometimes being bold and confident is just allowing someone who believes differently to be loved and feel loved and not judged.  "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone".  I don't know about you but I am not without sin so I will cast a stone against anyone.   However I will stand up, be bold and confident by sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him.  

Words are cheap!  It is our actions that will truly demonstrate how bold and confident we are in Jesus Christ.  So let's take a stand by loving everyone, even those who do not believe as we do.

Lord, help us to love like you love. Help us to stand up by standing out as someone who loves everyone.   Give us the boldness and confidence to stand up and share your love everywhere we go and with everyone we meet in Jesus name I pray, amen.

LIFE OR DEATH - YOUR CHOICE

  

Deuteronomy 30:16 -18 For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy "But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. 

There are rules, laws and regulations everywhere we turn.  Some people fight these things and other embrace them, the choice is yours.  But if you chose to fight against these laws, rules and regulations, you also must be willing to pay the consequences.  There is no way we can play the blame game when we know what is expected of us and we shouldn't be surprised when we are caught red handed.  

The commands of God are simple!  They are not complicated. The consequences are also clearly stated.  Life or death hangs in the balance.  I'm not talking about physical death or life, but a spiritual death and life.  For some this may not matter, but to me it is utterly important. 

 I have been called by God.  I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior.  That means I need to do my best to obey God's commands.  It's not always easy for me to do, but I do my best and then ask for forgiveness when I disobey.  I want to live a long and a good life so I cling to the cross and I strive to obey, not through my own strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit that lives in me.  

Listen, I know God was talking to the Israelites when He said this, but it is also for today!  If we want to enjoy this life and live a good life, we must do our best to obey, even when it is not easy.  The reward is so worth it!!  When I obey God, He renews my spiritual life within me.  He gives me peace and joy in the midst of trials and storms.  He has lifted me from the pits of hell and gave me a new life, a new hope and the promise of eternity.   

Deuteronomy 30:19  "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 

If you had to choose right now, which would you chose?  As for me, I choose life!  I choose to see the good and positive things in life.  I choose to lift my head and my hands to heaven in thanks for this life He has given me.  I would never dream of choosing curses!  Who would?  

Blessing rain down on me everyday I open my eyes and breathe in the love of Jesus Christ.  I am not rich, I am not wealthy, I do not have anything money could buy, but I am rich in love and joy and peace.  I am rich in love from my children and grandchildren.  I am rich in friendships that lift me up.  I am rich in a peace that surpasses all human understanding.  I am rich in the love from my Heavenly Father who sacrificed His only Son for me!  

Life or death, blessings or cursings.  The choice is yours!  

Jesus Christ, today I choose life!  I choose blessings!  I run to you today as my Lord and Savior.  Change me, mold me, transform me.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to obey your commands to the best of my ability, in Jesus name I pray, amen!  

WORRY IS A WASTE OF TIME

As I logged onto Facebook yesterday I was blown away by the number of my friends on Facebook who are filled with worry.  Some of course have many reasons to be worried.  Job worries, health worries, family worries, and so on and so on and so on.  As I read through the many posts I was saddened.  Not because of all their worries, but because maybe I have missed out on trying to get across to people how pointless worry is.  So here I go!

Worry is a waste of time!  It is pointless to sit and worry and wring our hands and waste our time worrying about something that may never happen!  When we worry, we put our health at risk.  It causes stress in our bodies and we all know or at least we should know, that stress kills our bodies faster than anything!  Listen do we have reasons to worry?  With all the chaos of this world who wouldn't worry?  I need to know what's coming my way, I need to be prepared, I need to have some options in place in case this does happen.  Seriously? 

 "Oh but what if is does happen?"  So what if it does happen?  What has worry done to prepare you for the worst case scenario?  Nothing except cause a bunch of stress that has taken it's toll on your health.  If your worried about your health, guess what?  It just got worse with all that worry.  If your worried about a job, guess what?  You're so exhausted from all the worry that you cannot perform your job to the best of your ability.  If your worried about your family, guess what?  Everything just got worse because you were so engrossed on worrying about what could happen you missed what did happen. 

Now before you get all defensive and jump all over me because I'm being harsh let me explain where I come from.  I have been in many, many situations that could have and should have caused me to worry.  No one fully knows what I have been through so don't judge me, please.  Just let me say from my personal experiences I have learned worry is a waste of time.  I determined at a very young age that worry was dumb!  It did nothing and changed nothing so why worry?  A total waste!  Wringing of hands didn't change the situation,  Pacing the floor didn't help things.  All worry did was add stress.  Nerves are shot.  Sleep is non existent.   What good does worry do?  It doesn't help you feel better, but this does...... 

Philippians 4:6-7  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

STOP WORRYING!!!   As a believer we should be the ones who are not worried, not stressed!  If we are a true believer we should not be concerned about what could happen because God has a plan.  His plan is for our good, not our disaster.  He gives us hope for a brighter future and hope for tomorrow.  But if we waste time worrying about what may never happen, we have hurt our health by all the stress.  As a true believer I must know, truly know that God has me in the palm of His hands.  He knows my future already.  

If we are true believers, this verse should be comforting and relaxing.  I have a peace that surpasses all understanding because I do not worry much.  I still do fall back occasionally but God brings this verse back to my memory and instantly my worry disappears.  I take time to thank Him and pray for what I need to and then turn it over to Him and let it go!!  

Listen I know bad things happen to good people.  But when I trust in and rely on Him, I can give up my worry and have confidence that He alone is the one who controls my life.  And if I end up losing my life than at least I know I will live in eternity with Him in peace and joy.  Trust in God's plan and stop worrying!!  God has your back!!

Lord please guide us to let go of the worry that destroys your plan for us.  We give all our worries to you today and release all our stress because we trust in you alone.  Give us a peace that surpasses all understanding in Jesus name I pray, amen.

LOVE AND RESPECT

After spending 37 Valentine's Days together I still love this man to the moon and back.  He is my soul mate, my strength, and my hero here on Earth.  He has been there for me through thick and thin, good times and bad, richer and poorer and in sickness and health.  We have been through so much together we could write a book.  I have yelled and cried, I have pouted and stomped my feet, I have huffed and puffed, but he never ran away.  

You see 35 years ago we made a vow together before the Lord.  We took that vow very seriously!  There were times when it may have been easier to throw in the towel and give up, but we knew that if we worked together we would make it.  

You see our marriage is a threesome.  Now don't get the wrong idea here!  God is the third person in this marriage between Jerry and I.  He has been from the start.  He has pointed out our faults and where we needed to grow and change, and He has pushed us to become better people.  Together with God by our side we have endured many trials and storms, but we have also enjoyed great times of joy and peace.

A few years ago we read a book called "Love and Respect".  To say it was an amazing book would be an understatement.  It was life changing for me because for me to love Jerry, was easy.  That is my very nature to love an show love, but to learn how to really respect my husband and show him respect was and still is challenging.  You may wonder where I got the idea about respecting my husband.  Well read the Bible verse below.     

Ephesians 5:33  A husband also must love his wife. He must love her just as he loves himself. And a wife must respect her husband. 

You see God knows our very nature so well that He has to tell us wives to respect our husbands.  Also the opposite is true for husbands.  Men naturally know how to respect each other.  They do it all the time, but to show love and affection is something they have to work at,  That is why God put it in the Bible.  

I can get so wrapped up in my selfishness that I forget to show Jerry respect.  That "I want what I want" attitude rears it's ugly head and my mouth opens without a second thought.  When that happens I guarantee you I am not respecting Jerry at all.  After 37 years together, 35 married, he can read me like a book (sometimes).  

To say I love Jerry is a no brainer!!  To say I respect Jerry is an understatement!!  Is it always easy, breezy?  Heck no!  I am human and still get tempted to run my mouth without thinking, we still go through "the crazy cycle", but now we recognize it and talk and laugh wondering when we will ever learn.  

Life is crazy and I am crazy!  I am unique and different.  I chose to respect my husband.  I thank him for all the hard work he has done over the years to provide a living for us.  I thank him for all the endless hours of service he does to help others.  He is my hero here on Earth! 

Lord, thank you for teaching me how to respect Jerry.  Thank you for being our rock and our refuge.  Help all those who are married, learn to love and respect each other in Jesus name I pray, amen!

LET'S START A LOVE REVOLUTION

Let's start a love revolution!  Come on and join me in sharing God's love everywhere we go and with everyone we meet.  Could you just imagine what that would feel like?  Can you picture what that would look like?  Can you imagine how much this love revolution would change the world?  No more wars, just love and acceptance and peace.  No more bickering and fighting and arguing, just compassion, understanding and love.  

What would a love revolution look like and sound like?  Well we can start off simple by just smiling at everyone we meet.   How about bringing in our neighbors trash can instead of letting it blow all over the street.  Or we could simply place our grocery cart in the provided stall or bring it back in the store instead of just putting it wherever and letting it scratch and dent someone else's car.  Maybe we could give a waitress a 20% tip instead of a 10% tip.  I know we could pay for someone else's meal at a restaurant.  We could hold a door open for the person coming in behind us.  We could let someone take cuts at the grocery store who seems to be in a hurry.  Maybe we could start to say please and thank you again.  Instead of finger pointing and whispering behind someone's back, we could walk up to them and ask them if they would like some help.  

Think about it for a moment.  Whose life could you change just by being a loving, caring, kind person?  Whose day could you brighten just by smiling?  Whose heart would leap with joy to hear one simple thank you?  Who needs to experience the love, acceptance and mercy from you today?  Who needs to feel God's presence from you today?

If we are truly Christians, then why don't we act like it?  Stop all the stupid finger pointing!  Stop all the dumb judgemental attitudes!  Stop all the whining and complaining!  Stop all the jealousy and envy! Stop all the anger and rage!  Stop all the selfishness and greed!  Stop acting like the devil!

As Christians, as believers, we are called to a higher standard, we are to behave in ways that Jesus Christ would, yet we don't even come close.  We can be the mist righteous, judgemental, condemning people on this Earth.  Am I right?  I know I am because I can be like this at times.  But I shouldn't be.  That is why I am calling for a love revolution.  

Ephesians 5:1-2  Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

Walk in love!

I know we can do it IF we are truly believers!  We are called and directed to walk in love the way Jesus did!  I know it's not as easy as it seems but we need to.  Not under our own power but under the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us.  We cannot do this love thing alone, we have to join together and trust God will give us the wisdom, the strength, the power and the love we need to complete this mission.  

Do you see that pregnant waitress who has been on her feet for 8 hours?   Do you see that homeless man on the street corner?  Do you see that mother struggling to grocery shop with her children?  Do you see that elderly gentleman who has to put a few groceries back because he doesn't have enough?  Do you see the mother in the hospital with her cancer stricken baby girl?  Do you see that father working 2 or 3 jobs trying to feed his family?  Do you see that teenage boy walking into danger?  Do you see that teenage girl headed for trouble?  Well do you see these people?  Or do we just walk by and say a prayer for them?

Maybe we are their answer?  Maybe God sent us as an answer to their prayer.  Maybe we are their only hope.  Maybe we are the only one who can show them the love of their heavenly Father?  

So, let's start a love revolution,  Let's begin by making a difference in just one person's life today.  Sound good?

Lord, help me to walk in love the way Jesus did when He lived on this Earth.  Help me to be an imitator of you.  Help me to make a difference in just one persons life today, in Jesus name I pray, amen!

RUN TOWARDS THE LIGHT!!!!

In this world today there are so many areas of darkness.  In fact by watching the evening news it may seem like we are surrounded by darkness.  This Earth seems like it is becoming a dark, desolate, barren place with no life force, no energy, no goodness.  Overcome by evil, we question everything and everyone.  We believe no one!  We become angry and upset when a news reporter is accused of fabricating a story.  We bicker and argue over stupid nonsense.  Don't believe me?  Read the news, get on Facebook or twitter, watch the TV talk shows.  It saddens me.  No actually it sickens me.

Religions bicker over who's doctrine is right.  People disagree about vaccines or no vaccines.  Voices are raised in anger over someone's Christmas decorations.  Lawsuits are overwhelming our courts, no one wants to take the blame for their own stupidity.  ( I realize that SOME lawsuits are necessary and important.)   Fist fights break out over words and darkness fills the hearts of many, even some of those who sit in church every Sunday.

No this is not a feel good message, yet!!  For the most part it's sad that we see and concentrate so much on the darkness and evil.  It's sad that we let someone else's words provoke us.  It's sickening that we blame others for our own ignorance.  It's depressing to keep dwelling on everything that is wrong in this world.  

I for one, can't take anymore!  I am sick of the darkness winning over souls of well meaning people.  I am tired of the news broadcasting everything that is wrong with this world.  I am fed up with the lack of  manners and good taste.  So today, and everyday, I am running towards the light!  I am running to the fountain of life.  

Psalm 36:9  For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. 

The only way to see the light at the end of the tunnel is to cling to Jesus Christ.  The only way to enjoy this life is to run to the fountain of life, Jesus Christ.  Listen, life is hard enough why work so hard and for so long striving to get out of the darkness and evil when the answer is right in front of our face, Jesus Christ.  

He is the light that pierces the darkness, He is the truth that sets us free, He is the life giving water that refreshes my soul, He has given me a life in which I will never thirst again.  He has given me forgiveness I do not deserve.  He has given me strength to endure any trial or storm.  He has given me my life back and there is a joy and a peace so deep and profound that the darkness of this world can never overcome it.  

His light shines forth in my heart and proceeds out of my mouth.  His words from the Bible give me life and hope for a better tomorrow.  He has quenched my thirst with His fountain of life.  That empty void in my heart has been filled to overflowing by His endless love and mercy.  Through Jesus Christ alone, I have been given life.  Don't miss out on this joy that is awaiting you.  Don't miss out on the fountain of life because eternity is a long time to spend in darkness.

Jesus Christ,, You are my Lord and Savior.  I come to you today and ask you to come into my heart and redeem me from the darkness that overshadows me.  Fill me with your presence and transform me into your image, in your holy name I pray, amen!

ARE WE EVER FULLY SATISFIED?

My mom has taught me many lessons over my lifetime, but one I have recently learned spoke volumes to my heart.   She has lived in this home for 30 years.  As I look around I see pictures and vases and statues from the home I grew up in back in Michigan.  As I open the cupboards I find pots and pans that she used back in Michigan.  Glasses they received on their wedding, 60 years ago, still are being used.  On the bed I am sleeping on is a bedspread that was in my sisters bed back home.  

I am amazed!!!  She has beautiful things she has had for 30 - 60 years.  She has taken great care to take care of the things God has given her.  She appreciates them and is content with what she has.  I look into my heart and wonder am I content?

Lets be honest, now days we replace our cell phones every 2 years, we buy new furniture every 10 years or so.  We are in such a hurry that we race through our chores and break glasses and plates, we don't stop to think abut it because we know we can just go out to the store and replace those things.  In this fast pace world we live in we want more, we want bigger, we want better, we want more.  When we hear the world content, to us that means we are settling for less we deserve.  

Okay wake up call for me!!!   I need to learn to be content.  My mom is an inspiration to me.  She is happy where she is, with what she has, she is content!  

When I listen to people talk, they never seem satisfied or content.  "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence".  This saying says so much about how most of us live our life, how sad.  How many divorces have occurred because of looking for someone better?  How many foreclosures have happened because we weren't satisfied with our current home?  Credit cards, how much debt do we have because we don't know how to be satisfied or content?

Philippians 4:11-12  Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances.  I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. 

Jesus Christ wants us to learn to live our life content and satisfied.  If we cannot be happy and grateful with what we currently have why should we ever have anything more?  Content and satisfied does not mean settling.  It means loving your life where you are and being grateful for the blessing we have.  

My contentment and satisfaction rests in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He is all I need to live my life happy!  No matter what my current circumstances are, I am happy!  I have learned through this life that nothing and no one can make me happy or content, it's up to me to find my happiness and contentment and I found that in Jesus Christ.  

    I have lived on welfare and foodstamps, and I have had enough money to buy what I wanted, but through it all I found contentment.  I am grateful for all that I have and I am content with the life God has given me.  Contentment has nothing to do with settling, it has everything to do with being grateful for where you are and what you have.  Taking care of what God has given you brings contentment and satisfaction.  

God, today I choose to live my life content and satisfied.  Thank you for the blessings in my life and thank you for the example I have learned through my mom.  In Jesus name I pray, amen!

PROSPERITY? WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Some of us humans have this whole prosperity thing screwed up.  When the word prosperity is brought up in a church setting right away everyone screams heathen.  Everyone points their fingers and condemns the pastor or speaker without hearing the full message.  Sometimes we in our own greedy attitude focus on the belief that they have to be talking about money.  After all that is what prosperity means, right?

Well by today's standards, yes.  But by the standards God taught us, no.  God wants us to succeed in His purpose for us.  God wants us to be successful at reaching the lost and broken.  God wants us to increase in our wisdom and peace.  I looked up prosper in the 1828 Websters dictionary and this is the definition I found:

 To grow or increase; to thrive; to make gain; as, to prosper in business. Our agriculture, commerce and manufactures now prosper

To favor; to render successful.   To be successful; to succeed.

Yes, our standards have changed along with our definitions.  Today's definition has everything to do with fame and fortune.  It's all about money by today's definition, but not if we carefully consider what God was talking about,  To me and from my simple mind, when God talks about us prospering and from what I have listened to from many preachers and teachers, is that God wants to bless us for our obedience to Him.  God wants to prosper us, bless us and give us His favor.  Not because of who we are and what we done, but because we obey Him and believe in the one whom He sent, Jesus Christ. 

 Deuteronomy 29:9  Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. 

The favor, the blessings, the prosperity is not monetary, but I will tell you that God has prospered me in ways I never imagined possible.  I have done my best to obey Him, but I fail miserably.  The thing about God is He sees my heart.  Although I fail and deserve to be burnt in hell, God sees my heart.  He knows I try and try and try to do my best to obey Him.  God knows I believe in Jesus Christ and that I have accepted Him as my Lord and Savior.  Because of those facts alone, God has prospered me.

Blasphemer!!  Is that what some of you were thinking?  I hope not because God has blessed me and He has poured out His favor upon me.  Okay let me clarify something here, I am not talking about money!!!  I am talking about a peace that surpasses all understanding.  I am talking about my health, which no amount of money can buy.  I am talking about the love of a man who has owned my heart (after Jesus) for over 36 years.  I am talking about my children and grandchildren that bring me so much joy and happiness.  That's right I am prosperous!!!  God has prospered me!!!  God has favored me!!!  And for those simple facts I fall on my knees every single night and thank God for all He has blessed me with.

3 John 1:2  Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 

Is the prosperity Gospel wrong?  I'm not a scholar and I'm not God so I will not judge.  But I do know this, when Jesus came down to earth as a human being, He brought to us, compassion, love and acceptance.  He never got in any sinner's face and yelled that they were going to hell if they didn't believe in Him.  He never yelled "Blasphemer!!" or "Hypocrite!!!" to anyone except the Pharisees and Sadducee's.  

So before we assume anything from any preacher or teacher, we need to look at ourselves and our own hearts before we start pointing fingers.  At least that is my opinion!!  That is what God has spoke to my heart this past weekend.  Any message from any pastor, preacher or teacher can be taken out of context and we are all guilty of making assumptions and finger pointing so let's just be like Jesus and look at the heart!  

Heavenly Father help us to stop pointing fingers and start loving the hearts of people who are trying to do your will.  Help us to focus on the truth of your word and help us to remove the plank in our own eye before we point out the splinter in other's eyes, in Jesus name amen!!

CLAIMS OF PROSPERITY GOSPEL CONFUSES ME, HELP!!!

Matthew 19:26  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Can someone please explain the difference between the "prosperity gospel" claims some christians tend to throw at certain preachers and or teacher?  To be honest I am confused because when I read the Bible, there are statements made by Jesus by some may consider prosperity teaching.  Like the verse above.  If I read this correct Jesus Himself said that with God all things are possible, right?  So why is it wrong for a preacher or teacher to say this in terms of having faith in God to get a better job?

I may be wrong, and if I am please tell me!!!  But Jesus said some things are possible He said ALL things are possible, right?

Alright I get some of the prosperity stuff people complain about, but honestly when I read the Bible, I see it filled with endless possibilities and hopes and dreams.  Yes in reading it also claims we will go through hardships and trials, we will struggle, we will sin, we will be persecuted and hated by some.  But let me post my next verse.

   Hebrews 10:23  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 

So if this says God is faithful, then what is wrong in believing and having hope that God will bless you with great health, peace that surpasses all understanding and love overflowing?  

Okay I know that some feel these teachers and/or preachers are talking about money, but from what I gather they are talking about God blessing them with the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.  At least that is what I get from their messages.  

Maybe I am naive and if I am please let me know but is it wrong to believe what God's word says?

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me

To me this verse says I can accomplish all things.  It's not me doing it but Christ doing all things through me.  Because of Jesus Christ I have hope, I have strength, I have faith.  Is it wrong to believe that if I lose my job, God will provide me anther one?  I am confused. 

John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

If I read this correctly Jesus is telling His disciples, and us, that He came to give an abundant life.  Yes I agree some may concentrate much more on the money side of this verse, but to me it means that Jesus came for us to enjoy our life on this earth.  For me I believe He came to give us peace through trials and storms.  He came to give us an abundance amount of love.  He came to give us an abundant amount of forgiveness and grace overwhelming.  

So let me honestly ask this question, (and I am not be cynical here).  Who is concerned more about money, the preacher and/or teacher who teaches a prosperity gospel of Jesus Christ or the people pointing fingers at the ones teaching and/or preaching about the prosperity of truly knowing Jesus Christ?  Just a question people.  I am truly confused.  

I remember one time a man saying that rich people are always accused of being greedy and loving money, yet he also stated that people who live in poverty are also greedy and love money they wish they had.  I need clarity here!  True and honest clarity please not a bickering match of who is right and who is wrong.

Lord, guide me to the truth and the light you alone can give me.  Open my eyes to your truth in Jesus name I pray, amen!

 

  

WHAT'S LOVE?

That can be a rather complicated question.   To all of us love means many different things.  There are so many different definitions, so many different feelings, so many different emotions.  Then there are many different levels of love.  Love makes puts butterflies in our tummies, it makes our heart skip a beat, or it can make our mouth water. 

This sundae Jerry and I got at Downtown Disney a few weeks ago renewed my love for sundaes.  My mouth watered and my eyes just about popped out of my head.  The chocolate, the strawberries, the ice cream, the whipped cream, and the chocolate covered strawberry on top still speaks of love to me.  Oh I better stop talking about this sundae right now!  My mouth is watering.

  

We humans attach the word love to many things.  We love our pets, we love our homes, we love our vacation time, we love our church, we love a certain entertainer, we love our TV shows, we love the drama in some peoples lives, we love the sunshine, we say we love so many different things and people that the term "love" has become diluted.

What's love?  No I mean real love.  What is real love?   Can you live without it?  Can you accept it?  Can you give it?

You know I look at my life and I realize that I have been blessed to have Jerry as my true love.  The funny thing is true love is not the way they portray in the movies.  It is hard, it is messy and it can be very risky.  To give your heart away to someone else, to share all your dark secrets and intimate details of yourself means your heart is left wide open to be hurt.  But without true love, life is meaningless and empty.  

Yes I can get frustrated with Jerry as well as he gets frustrated with me.  (I'm not perfect, I'm a work in progress.)  But with patience and forgiveness and love we have come out on top.  Love isn't easy and it isn't a fairy tale.  It takes work and commitment to make true love work.   One of the wisest things I ever heard about love is this, "Love is a decision, not an emotion.  Every morning you wake up you have a decision to make.  Will you love that person lying next to you or not?"   How you answer that question will determine if your love will last or not.

1 Corinthians 13:1  If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 

The love I receive from Jerry fills my heart to overflowing, as well as my love for him puts a smile on my face and my heart skip a beat every time he walks into the room, even after 35 years of marriage.  But I do have to confess I have a love that is deeper and more profound than Jerry.  Sorry hon!

My love for Jesus Christ my Savior goes deeper and wider than anything I have ever experienced.  The true love I have for Jesus has filled my life with a peace so profound and so deep that it is probably unbelievable to those of you who don't believe in Him.  I wake up every morning not only loving my husband, but loving my Savior who died for me.  This love I have for Jesus warms my heart and fills even the cloudiest, stormiest days, with sunshine.

And you know what?  He loves me too!  His love for me fills me and surrounds me, it overtakes me and embraces me to the very depth of my soul and beyond.  His loves gives me confidence and strength.  His love for me has given me an assurance that one day I will live in heaven with Him for eternity.  His love has given me hope even on the darkest of nights.  His love has overwhelmed me and transformed me.  

If you have never known this type of love before I want you to know that Jesus Christ loves you too!  He is waiting for you and longing for you to love Him and accept Him.  I will never be without love again because His Holy Spirit dwells in me and renews His love for me every second of every minute of every hour of every day.  

Jesus, today I want to experience the love you have for me.  Come into my heart and fill me to overflowing with your love.  In Your name I pray, amen!  

DO YOU FEEL STRESSED BEYOND BELIEF?

What in the world was God thinking when He talked about us entering His rest?  Doesn't He know how busy this world is?  Doesn't He understand that if I work 7 days a week, then I get extra pay?  I don't have time to rest, I'm a single mom trying to make a living for my kids.  If I take a day to rest, I will lose a days wages and time to show my boss how devoted I am to this company.  

Do these sayings sound familiar to you?  There are some of us who have such a hard time relaxing, let alone resting.  We work 12 hour days 7 days a week and occasionally we take a week's vacation.  We miss out on family time, we miss out on birthday's and special occasions because we have to make a living.  To physically rest seems like a dream come true.  We work for our retirement when we finally can rest, yet so many die shortly after retirement begins.  It just doesn't seem fair does it?  

Work, work, work day after day after day!  Worry, worry, worry about our future.  We pace the floor and wring our hands.  We overindulge on caffeine to keep us awake.  We ignore the warning signals and ignore our health.  We keep our hands on the steering wheel of our life and our foot is pressed down to the floor on the accelerator.  We move in fast forward never taking time to rest, never learning how to rest.

These pelicans have learned to rest.  They are looking for food, they are searching for fish but instead of frantically flying back and forth, they are simply floating on the sea, resting, trusting God to provide them with the food they need to live.  Oh what we could learn from these pelicans.

"Resting in God" does not mean just sitting on the sidelines waiting for God to reign down food and money.  As far as I am concerned to "rest in God" means I need to do what I can, but then the rest I leave up to God.  It may sound simple, but that is my description.

I live a relaxed life.  That does not mean I sit in my lazy boy eating bon bons all day long.  What it does mean is I do my job, what I can do, what I should do and then I trust in God to supply my needs.  I do not work overtime and will not miss out on special occasions to make more money I rely on God.  I do not worry about what is going to happen, I trust in God.    I do not stress out about my bills or my family, I rest in God.

Hebrews 4:9-11  So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 

Listen when we let go of the steering wheel and allow God to accelerate us at His rate of speed, we find that we are much happier and much healthier.  When we learn to rest, rely and trust in God, we live a life that is less stressed.  Once we learn to enter the rest of God we can breath much easier.  

We cannot overwork and live life overstressed and plan on our retirement because, to be honest, all that work and stress will kill us before our time.  I have seen it!  People retire and within a year or two they are dead.

God has a master plan for your life but He will not, I repeat, He will not take the steering wheel away from you.  You have to give it up and ask Him to take control of the wheel.  So today I ask you to let go of that steering wheel, get your foot off the accelerator.   Give God control and then continue to do what you can and allow God to do what you cannot do.  You won't be sorry.  I haven't been.

God, today I give you control of my life.  I am relying on you, trusting in you and resting in you.  Today I am choosing you.  Teach me through your word, how to rest in you, in Jesus name I pray, amen!

TESTED, TRIED AND TRUE!!!

You know looking at this picture makes me think.  To be honest we cannot see the sun, but we know it's there.  The cloud is hiding the sun as we can see, but just because we cannot see it does not mean it doesn't exist.  Just because the sun is hidden doesn't mean it has stopped working.  In fact the evidence is crystal clear because we see the light shining out from behind the cloud.  We don't literally see it, yet we see the obvious glow from behind the cloud so we trust that the sun is still there.

We don't see the oxygen we breathe, yet we know it is there or else we would be dead.  We have to have the oxygen to breathe so just because we cannot see it doesn't mean it don't exist.  We don't see the wind, yet we feel it as it kisses our cheeks on a hot summer day.  We go through life believing in things we do not see all the time.  Whether you are a Christian or not, you believe in things that are not seen with the naked eye.  

This life is a journey filled with ups and downs, trials and storms, rainbows and promises.  I cannot physically see the person of God I believe in just like the sunshine I cannot because it is hidden behind a cloud, but I know He is there.  I cannot physically feel His presence like I can feel the wind that kisses my cheeks, but I know He is there.  I may not see or feel Him, yet I believe in Him.  

Some of you may call me foolish or delusional, but I believe.  For I have felt His presence in my life.  I have seen the change in myself, my words, my actions and my attitudes.  I have felt His power surround me and protect me from the strategies of the devil.  I have felt His forgiveness wash over me.  I have experienced His power and influence in my life for the better.

This is my personal choice!  I will never force my beliefs on anyone!  For me, I haven chosen to believe in God and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.   I have read the Bible and I know it to be 100% true.  My choice!

This choice has not gone without some challenges and trials.  I have been tested and tempted by the devil and rose victorious.  I have been tired and convicted by the devil, but never found guilty because the Blood of Jesus Christ, my Savior, has redeemed me and rescued me. 

I have been thrown into a prison of my own making at times because I chose a wrong path and didn't listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  But because of my faithfulness and my beliefs, I have been set free!  I have been given the crown of life. 

Revelation 2:10  Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

The crown of life I possess is not filled with precious jewels and gold, instead this crown of life contains for me, a peace so rare and so deep that it is indescribable. It contains a love so amazing that I could cry.  This crown contains the priceless gift of forgiveness and acceptance.  

I cannot see this crown, for it is not something to wear.  This crown lives in my heart and fills me with overflowing life and power.  You see although I cannot see this crown, I know it lives in me because I have changed for the better.  I feel this power alive in my heart. I feel this love embracing my every thought and word.  I will continue to believe in my God and His Son Jesus Christ.  I have His Holy Spirit living in me and changing me day after day.  I have received the crown of life and victory is mine.  It can be yours also.  

God is waiting for you!  He is longing to hear from you!  All you need to do is just believe in His Son, Jesus Christ and allow Him into your heart.  Take it from one who has been tested and tried!  I now have true peace!

Jesus Christ I believe in you,  Come into my heart today and give me a peace which surpasses all understanding.  Guard my heart and mind.  Embrace me with your love and forgive me for my sins and failings.  Create a new me, in Jesus name I pray, amen!