CHOSEN

I sit and wonder what it would be like to be chosen first.  Remember in gym class or recess when kids were choosing who would be on their team or their side?  The anxiety of waiting as teams were chosen, sides were taken.  I'm sure I'm not the only one to be chosen last or next to last to be on a team.  I wasn't into sports or playing games (still ain't).  The ones chosen first were using the most athletic, you know those go getters who always managed to score the most points.  I was not one of those people.  For a long time growing up I felt defeated and unwanted.  I wasn't an athlete, I didn't like to sew like my sister, I didn't have musical abilities like my brother and I wasn't a straight A student.  I was me.  Different. 

The shear thought of being chosen seemed like a far off dream.  I thought I'd always be chosen last, you know last yesterday's leftovers, you either pick it up and eat it or throw it out.  Okay I know this may sound sad but actually in many ways it was a good thing because no body expected that much out of me.  I wasn't expected to hit a home run or make a basket or hit a hole in one.  There was no stress, no expectations and to be honest no disappointment if I didn't perform.  I learned to embrace that reality and I come to expect it.  I have never wanted to be in charge of anything or had any desire to be a leader.  For a long time I thought something had to be wrong with me.  Others set goals and worked to achieve them.  Others had these big dreams and ideas to lead the way and do amazing things, not me.  I was me.  Different.

While others didn't understand my attitude and had a hard time dealing with it, I was perfectly content to be who I was, different.  I am different.  It doesn't matter if I win a game or a trophy or an award, I am content in who I am.  It doesn't matter to me if other choose me to be on their team or not because to be really honest here, I have been chosen for a much more important purpose.  This purpose will never bring me fame or fortune, trophies or awards are not part of the plan.  My purpose has to do with Jesus Christ.  I am on His A-team.  He chose me before I truly knew Him.  He knew I what I wasn't but He also saw what I could be.  He knew my weaknesses and failures yet He chose me.  

I may not have been chosen by people, but I have been chosen by My Lord and Savior.  Others may reject me but He never will.  He has called me, chosen me to be who He the person He created me to be.  You too are chosen.  He loves you just the way you are.  

1 Peter 2:9  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

FRIENDSHIPS

There is something about these beautiful flamingos that inspire me and get me thinking about friends, true friends.  You know those friends who are there for you in good times and bad. Those friends who encourage you but also are honest with you and are willing to point out your mistakes and failings.   It's so easy for us to fall for those fair weathered friends who are there during the good times, those friends who are there for you as long as you pick up the tab, those friends who are there for you because you listen and listen and listen until your ears bleed.  We all know people like that, don't we?  They never have enough money to pay the tab, they don't want to listen to your problems they have enough to deal with, they don't want to hear the truth.  During my lifetime I have seen friends come and go.  I am very picky with who I let into my "circle of trust". 

"It's all about me" friendships are difficult for me.  You know, those ones who talk about themselves and their families, their friends, their trips, their awards, etc.  The ones who never ask you how you're doing because they honestly don't care. The ones who feel free to point out everything you do wrong but if you utter one little word to point out something they're doing wrong, they blow up and stomp like a toddler who doesn't get their way.  Then there is the "gossiping" friendships.  Those ones for me are almost impossible to bear.  They have the new gossip on the couple down the street, they have the skuttlebut on the new pastor at church, they heard from a friend, of a friend, of a friend about that beautiful lady that just moved into the neighborhood.  Sound familiar?

We've all had friends like these and for me it is difficult.  I have been hurt by so many people who I thought were my friends.  Rumors, gossip, betrayal and jealousy has led me to disolve many friendships over the years.  I guard my heart closely and that's a good thing for me.  If I don't I end up in a situation or circumstance I wasn't meant to be involved in.  I end up in pain and heartache.  I end up in a fowl mood and angry.  I end up becoming someone I wasn't designed to be.  So yes, I guard my heart closely.  This wisdom for me has proven right and wise. 

Proverbs 4:23 Guard you heart for out of it flows the issues of life.

Who are you friends with?  Do they encourage you and lift you up?  Do they ask you about how you are doing and do they listen to you?  Do they ask for forgiveness when they've done wrong?  Do they bring you closer to Jesus or do they take you to the nearest bar?  Do you have to lower your moral standards when you are with them? 

My closest women friends draw me closer to Jesus.  They encourage me and lift me up and they actually listen to me.  Please be careful to guard your heart and choose your friendships carefully.

LIVING LIFE TOGETHER

Life is difficult, I'm sure you'd all agree.  No matter what road you're on right now, there are twists and turns, hills and valleys, smooth pavement and pot holes.  As we travel down our path in life we come across situations and circumstances that is too much for us to handle alone.  We need friends we can count on, a core group of people we can turn to in times of trouble.  Sometimes we need someone to just listen and dry our tears, other times we need someone to point us in the right direction, and still other times we need someone who will be honest with us and tell us we're wrong.  

I was listening to Rick Warren a few weeks ago talk about his life group, I was moved to tears.  Rick Warren is a pastor who wrote the best selling book, Purpose Driven Life.  Surely someone like that doesn't need a Life Group.  Well the story he told rocked me to my very core.  You see 4 years ago Rick"s son committed suicide.  Rick was in a dark place, I'm sure you can imagine.  His Life Group immediately  came to his house and literally moved into the house with him and his wife.  They did not leave his side!  They did not leave him alone!  Can you imagine?  How awesome is that? 

Life Groups - living life together is simply amazing and necessary.  I was involved in 2 Life Groups in the past and currently I am in one at Ogden called Ladies Prayer Group.  These ladies I am in this group with mean the world to me.  We have been there through hard times and good times.  We have supported each other  and prayed for each other.  We have cried together, rejoiced together and praised God together.  We've fought cancer together, watched as our childrens fertility issues were erased, we've experienced births and deaths, healings and illness together.  We have a group text of 11 women who constantly ask for prayers no matter what time of day or night.  We live life together as a group.  I don't know where I'd be without these women in my life.  As recently as Sunday, a friend had a family emergency, I texted my Life Group and instantly had 11 others praying with me.  This is the way Jesus Christ wants us to live, in community. 

Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the day approaching. 

Life Groups are a true blessing from God.  If you are not in one, get in one or your chruch doesn't do Life Groups, start one today!  Trust me it is life changing.

I'M GOING OUT ON A LIMB HERE...

Earlier this year we had eleven of our trees removed that were close to the house.  I really didn't want to do this but they were too close to the house and they were nut trees which meant for weeks in the fall we heard nuts falling, hitting our roof and rolling down.  To say it was annoying would be an understatement.  Oh don't worry we have plenty of other trees in our yard.  While watching the guys taking down these trees I was amazed at the risks they take.  These were not small trees, they towered over our home so watching them climb these trees made me curious, how willing am I to go out on the limb to a dream.

Life is not without risks.  Every day we step out of bed we risk our lives for one thing or another so the question for me is not simple am I going to go out on a limb, but what or who am I willing to risk my life for?  Trust me this is not an easy question for me to answer let alone contemplate.  I love my comfort zone.  I love the safety of my home.  I don't like taking risks.  I am not the adventurous type.  The sheer thought scares the heck out of me.  Yet in a weird way it also intrigues me and in an even weirder way inspires me.

Why does it intrigue me or inspire me?  Well when I look at the life of Jesus Christ, He risked everything and in the end He risked His life to let people know God loves them.  If He can do that to let me know how much God loves me, how can I sit on my but and not risk my life.  Okay maybe I'm not in a position to risk my life but I can risk a lot by what I say and do.  I risk offending non believers by my belief in Jesus Christ.  I risk offending believers by telling them the truth about their behavior or their words.  I risk offending people in general by telling them how much God has blessed me and my family.  Generally speaking I'd rather risk offending people than offending God!

Jesus Christ didn't care if He offended the religious leaders of His time.  He spoke truth and He spoke love.  He destroyed the ritualistic garbage and the laws the pharisees created.  His death tore the veil in the temple so that we could have a relationship with God.  His resurrection gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit whcih meant the presence of God Himself dwells in us.  We don't need to pray to Mary or saints to intercede for us because Jesus Christ is our intercessor.  We don't need to go to a priest to confess our sins, we go directly to God Himself.  I will not attend church as a holy day of obligation, church should never be thought of as an obligation.  I go to church because I want to.  The presence of God does not only dwell in a church building, His presence dwells in me through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Okay now I may really be risking offending peope but here goes nothing....

The only way to heaven is belief in Jesus Christ.  It doesn't matter what religion you are, what matters is who you believe in!     

RISE ABOVE, LOOK UP

I struggle with understanding others.  We seem to live in a world in which people are easily offended, stressed beyond belief, and entitled.  There is also a scarcity mindset that boggles my brain.  I am wired differently and that is what causes my confusion.  Being raised a catholic, I went to church every weekend.  I learned to pray by watching my parents pray nightly.  Yet even though they prayed, their life was filled with worries.  I remember many nights watching my mother pace the floor waiting for my older brother or sister to come home.  I remember the stress on both of their faces when my brother ran away from home.  I remember the tension when he finally returned.  I remember the worries when my dad got laid off from his job.  Worries, stress and tension yet they still prayed and never gave up on God.

I learned one very valuable lesson from my vantage point as being the baby of the family.  I decided that, with God as my witness, I did not want to live in a state of worry.  I wanted a life of peace and joy. I did not want my mind consumed with the garbage of this world.  Some friends once asked me how I can go through life without worrying.  I told them that I just decided as a child that I would not worry.   People said you can't control your mind to not worry.  People thought I was crazy (some probably still do).  I don't know why God wired me the way He did, but I'm glad.

My faith was built a long time ago.  As a catholic I was never taught to read the bible and even though I went through 12 years of catholic school, the bible was never really discussed.  I don't know why but even thoough I didn't know scripture, I trusted God to handle my life the way He saw fit.  I have always had a deep faith and trust in Him.  Besides I understood one thing clearly, God had a plan for my life and there was nothing else for me to do but trust in His plan.  To say I have lived 100% worry free would be a lie.  When tough times hit and I hit a storm in life, worry hits me just like you but then I recall the simple fact that I have made it this far and He has me in the palm of His hands so I pray ad the worry leaves.

Listen life on this earth is short and fleeting.  We never know how long we will live here on this planet so why waste our time worrying and thinking about things of this world.  Focus on God, focus on Jesus Christ.  Our homes may burn to the grown, our trophies may rust, our diamonds may fall out and shatter, but love, grace, forgiveness, and mercy are eternal possessions we will never loose.  Set you mind and your heart on what is above and eternal. 

Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthy things.

 

ARE YOU A PRICKLY CACTUS OR A BEAUTIFUL FLOWER?

Remember the old saying, "you get what you give"?  I remember that saying!  There were times growing up when I would stop and think about what I was saying or doing.  Is this something I really want to get back?  Usually the answer was no.  We all have choices in our lives but these choices also carry with them, consequences.  I know none of us really like that word but it's the simple, honest truth.  Every choice, every decision we make creates a result that is either positive or negative.  If we choose to disobey the law, we face the consequences of a huge ticket or possible prison time.  If we choose to ignore our marriage vows, we face the ramifications of that decision.  If we choose to open our mouth before thinking, we have to face to outcome of our words.

There are so many people who choose wrongly and yet seem so surprised by the consequences they face.  Seriously?  You thought it'd be okay to do what you wanted and you wouldn't get caught?  You wouldn't have to be held responsible for your actions?  Really?    Then to top it off you blame the innocent bystander who told the truth?  You got caught with your pants down and it's not your fault?  Your friend heard the rumor you started and your surprised she's angry?  That police officer caught you going 55 in a 35 mile an hour zone and it's a speed trap?  You voice your opinion because yours is the only opinion that matters and your confused why no one speaks to you?

Luke 6:37-38  "Do not judge and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn and you will not be condemned.  Forgive and you will be forgiven.  Give and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Choices!  Decisions!  These will result in consequences whether we want to accept that fact or not.  I hear believers say they can never forgive someone for what they did.  Well if you can't forgive others should God really forgive you?   Think about that for a moment.  Seriously consider this simple fact...would you want people to talk to you the way you talk to others?  Would you want people to treat you the way you treat your family?  Would you want others to give you a piece of their mind, the way you give others a piece of your mind?

It's hard to face the consequences for our actions and words, but we must.  We shouldn't be surprised by others reactions to our actions.  We need to stop blaming God and others when we are the cause of our own messes.  Own up to the truth and face the consequences.  You will come out stronger, better and nicer than before. 

DARKNESS CANNOT OVERCOME THE LIGHT

John 1:3-5 (The Message)  Everything was created through Him; nothing - not one thing _ came into being without Him.  What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by.  The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; darkness couldn't put it out!  

This world may seem insanely dark right now.  Evil seems to be everywhere.  Hatred and anger and rage fills the morning and evening news broadcasts.  Despair and hopelessness are feelings that seem to be growing. I see the posts on Facebook and it can be overwhelming and down right scary.  But let me be honest here....if that is where you get your truth from, the news or Facebook, then it's no wonder why there is so much depression and hopelessness.  Heck I would feel that way too.  But I don't watch the news, instead I choose to listen and read the Good News.  I don't believe everything on Facebook, I take all of it with a grain of salt.  Are you banking your future on the here and now?  Is your hope and your future tied into the what the news is saying?  Is your destiny and your feelings tied to what is being said on Facebook?  Seriously?

Listen to me please!!!!  There is only one future, one hope, one destiny for me....JESUS CHRIST!!!!  When all hope seems lost, He fills me with hope because He already knows the end of the story of my life,  I WIN!!  When my future seems bleak , He shows me a glimpse of my eternity with Him in heaven.  When my destiny seems uncertain because of all the evil in the world, He lifts my head up and I see what lies ahead for me, eternity in His light. 

We can easily be overcome with all the evil in this world or we can shine the light and the love of Jesus Christ for all to see.  You see darkness can NEVER overcome light.  It is a physical impossibility,  Light always and every time overcomes the darkness.   Jesus Christ is the light of the world and as believers we have His light within us, we just need to act like it and talk like it.  Oh trust me the easy path, the wide path would be so much more comfortable right now.  To throw our fists in the air and scream out obscenities at those we disagree with would seem logical.   To post things on Facebook to prove our point, is what we feel we should do.  BUT is that what Jesus would do?  WWJD?

I decided to take the narrow path, the less traveled path, the difficult path because this path I am on has a light that has already overcome the darkness!  The path I have chosen has already been decided.  The path I am on leads to light and life. You see Jesus Christ has already defeated Satan and won.  So I need to step out and shine my light and love for all to see.  When that happens, love wins, light wins.  Evil will continue to happen in this world but when we stand as the light of Jesus Christ and let His love pour from our words and actions, darkness,Satan, will flee.  He cannot stand in the light of the presence of Jesus Christ. 

Join with me to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ everywhere, yes even on Facebook for all your friends to see.

WHAT YOU SEE ISN'T ALWAYS WHAT YOU GET.

Okay I know it's been a while but here I am once again.  I guess you could say I have been getting my head on straight.  For a while God has allowed the enemy to sift me, to test me, to see what I'm really made of.  I know some of you may be asking why God would allow this to happen?  Well to be honest I really didn't know what was going on until recently.  I felt sort of lost, a drift at sea.  I have felt sort of alone with this struggle, which is where the enemy thought he'd get me.  But the truth is that this season of sifting has been amazing.  When everything goes our way, when life is simple with no problems and no ripples, then we don't need God.  So to say I am thankful for this process would be an understatement.  

The thing that is beautiful about believing in Jesus Christ is no matter what our circumstances are, He is there.  No matter how bad life may seem at the moment, He has a better plan and a bigger dream.  Even when well meaning people try to speak truth into your life, they can often lead you astray.  That is what happened to me.  My mind was clouded with judgmental attitudes because of listening to some well meaning people.  People I thought were my friends, really weren't.  They just wanted someone to agree with them.  Sadly I did without turning to God's Holy Word.  I was sifted and led astray.  

But that was then and this is now.  When you look at this photo it may not seem like anything amazing.  It's a picture of clouds.  Big deal.  Well this is a photo I took at my mom's home in Arizona.  In Arizona clouds are a big deal because in all the times I have been out there, these storm clouds are a rare sight to see.  99% of the time I have been there has been clear blue skies.  Okay maybe a light fluffy little puff of a cloud may appear, but nothing like this.  So what does this have to do with this blog?  

Like this photo, people are not always what appear to be.  Looks can be deceiving.  I know people who put on their fake smiles, and their fake happy, go lucky attitude in front of their friends then turn into a raging lunatic when you turn your back on them.  There are people who hide their true identity and true motives.  The enemy sifted me through these people.  He wanted me to become angry and judgmental and defensive and he wanted me to ignore these people who simply needed love.  I learned that when the I think the enemy is out for someone else, he's really after me.  

God is love, God is truth, God is mercy, God is grace!  He brought me to my knees by allowing the enemy to sift me and brought me back to what is important....Him! I pray that I will no longer listen to lies of the enemy that spews forth from the well meaning people in my life.  If what others say sounds like gossip, it is.  If what others say doesn't match up with God's Word, then I need to disregard it.  Lesson Learned!  Thank You God for allowing me to be sifted and tested.