Do Unto Others

     We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God.  Therefore, we all have our faults.  Some may think my biggest fault lies within my mouth.  Yes, some days my biggest accomplishment is keeping my mouth shut.  I realize tho that I'm only responsible for what I say, not for what people hear or interpret.
    The good news is that no matter what our faults are, no one is denied the call of the gospel.  John 3;16 says 'whoever believes in Me shall not perish but have eternal life.'  Whoever includes everyone, not who you think deserves it.  There are no fault exclusions because God knows we would all be excluded without Jesus as our sin debt reliever.  He doesn't love us any less because of our faults but He redeems us in spite of them.
     Just as I don't drive my scooter without regard to who is in my path, we must think of others in our lives too.  Look past the faults and see the heart of others, then you'll see the true treasure of someone.

Be You

    'Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.'  Romans 12;2
    There will only be one you in this world so be true to yourself.  It is easy to follow the crowd but it takes true convictions to stand alone.  I think it's a common misconception that everyone should go to college.  That's just not true and you're not a failure if life leads you in a different direction.  I do think your skill or trade should be built upon to better yourself in life.  We need all kinds of people and occupations to run this world.
    Aren't you glad we are all different?  What if we were all robots, like your worst nightmare?  Our differences make us special and beautiful.  I think you stand out best when others see the attention you give to God in your life, rather than when you draw attention to yourself.

Keep It At Home

    Oh My Word!  I will 'try' to make my point without losing it completely.  What I witnessed this morning would literally 'gag a maggot.'
     So this may not be an encouraging blog but more of a public awareness blog.  I must say public display of sickness is at the top of the list of my pet peeves...keep it home.  So what set me on my soapbox?  A five year old boy prancing around with four streams of snot running down from his nose past his mouth.  If that's not enough, the oblivious parents did very little clean up or anything to prevent any germ spreading prevention.
    If I sound harsh then so be it.  What's minor to some is major to others.
    [just sayin' from a usually gentle heart]
   

Look Up

     From my friend's blog.....'Bill Bright says that all of man's problems can be traced back to his concept of God.'
     Where we turn, whether in good times or bad, shows where our heart truly is.  As Snoopy says we must look up to God with both our dilemmas and questions, as well as our praise and thanks.  If you're looking down or back on your life with regret, then you're missing the boat of forgiveness.  We all live a journey of mistakes but when you know better then you do better.  We look up to our Example and Saviour to direct our paths, guide us to eternity and forgive our wrongs.
     'Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up.'

Stop, for a Moment

     Today I had a few friends over with their kiddos for an afternoon visit here at the house.  I think everyone had a good time.  The popsicles, the golf cart riding/driving, and even the Tinkertoys were a big hit. It was a perfect day to be outside and just enjoy each other's company.
     I think the caption above is one key to happiness.  Yes, we all have stuff we could be doing, like yardwork, cleaning, organizing, etc.  It reminds me of the Mary and Martha story.  Luke 10;38-42 '' As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  If you're so busy with life, you'll miss out on life itself.
     I'm glad the parents that were over today were willing to take a break from all the work of life and just live it a little.

It's a God Thing

     Sometimes when what we think are disasters in our lives, turn out to be true blessings in disguise.  We panic and think what are we going to do but God already has it planned out.  We must turn our worry over to trust in Him.
     This is my story of how I met the true blessing of Karla. I had met Karla a couple of weeks before when she was helping a friend with her mother's care.  The second time I met her I said I like her and I think I'd like her for an assistant.  Well soon after, my former aide quit unexpectedly and without notice.  'It was a God thing' that Karla had turned down other job opportunities and was available and willing to work with me.
      KARLA...Kind, Attentive, Reliable, Loving, And so much more.  I can't express enough how much her presence and friendship has boosted my everyday spirit.  She's only been here about 7 months but she can finish my sentences, anticipate my needs before the asking, and raised the bar for others.  She is a God thing and I'm forever grateful.

Yea, I Wish

    Yes, not all of us have that 'let's go workout' gene in our DNA but instead we have the 'let's go get something to eat' gene.  Eating is enough of a workout for me in that it can make my heart rate go up to 140 at times.  True, I feel rewarded after both exercising and eating but really which is more fun--eating obviously.  When I say obviously, I'm referring to my jeans reaching their limit.
    So what if we took a twist on this caption.  ''I wish exercising 'my faith' was as easy as eating 'my blessings'.''  Hmm, how true is that?  We have no trouble taking and enjoying what we are given but yet our trust in Him and giving back is not always an immediate response.  Could you do without the blessings as much as you do without your faith?  I think it's a symbiotic relationship between the two.
    You will reap what you sow......and if I ever doubt that, my waistline reminds me.  [Yes, I know I'm not the best example but we must look at ourselves before pointing the finger.]

The Hokey-Pokey

    Well going to bed is really all about the hokey-pokey for me.  Since I have to sleep in one position all night, then my comfort level is dependent on the arrangement of my body parts.  Every night involves telling someone to 'put my right foot out, put my left foot in.'  Yes, I still remember the days of just falling into bed with no thought on my mind but sleep itself.  I long for the day when I'll be able to do that again in heaven.
    I hope the rest of my life is not centered around a ritualistic pattern.  Sometimes we get into a rut of patterns and just go thru the motions.  Children are taught memorized prayers to get them into the habit of praying but as we grow our prayers should become our own and not just a ritual.  Going to church should be a time of worship and not just a place to be on Sunday.  'Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than a garage makes you into a car.'
    So I encourage you to think about what it's really all about and 'turn yourself around.'

Marriage Defined

    Marriage defined by God is one man wed to one woman until death do they part.  Culture and the government may attempt to redefine it but the Word of God is forever and unchanging.  Alot of people use emotions or feelings to justify the wrong.  I like to use math in these instances to take all emotions out.  If 7=man and 8=woman, then 7 plus 8=15.  Ok so 7 plus 7, nor 8 plus 8 will ever equal 15.  They are not the same and therefore they cannot be defined the same.
     Yes, it all goes back to God giving Eve, not Steve, to Adam to be his mate for life.  We are all born with weaknesses and if yours is in this area, it is better to be single.  A single led life is better and happier than one that will turn you over to your desires and separate you from God eternally.
     My beliefs on marriage aren't just against gay marriage but also polygamy or any other twist on the true definition of marriage by God.  'Love the sinner, hate the sin and remember we are all sinners.'

Influence

 "I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because THE WORLD HAS SO MUCH INFLUENCE OVER THE CHURCH." ~ Charles Spurgeon


    I think Spurgeon hit the nail on the head with that quote.  So many are more concerned with what our culture says is okay than what is Biblically correct.  We excuse bad behavior as just being a free spirit or that's just how things are these days.  No.. it's lack of teaching right from wrong and having proper expectations.
    The devil uses his influence best in areas where we are lukewarm.  We need to be bold and stand firm in our beliefs.  Politicians and the subject of gay marriage are a prime example of the sway in beliefs.  It is politically correct to be for it but there is no doubt it is Biblically incorrect.  'For what shall a man profit, if he gains the world but loses his soul?'  Mark 8;36
     Are you a light to others in this dark world?  Do you hide behind the curtain on sensitive topics?  It's important to be a guiding light and not a blaze burner.  We want to be contagious but not in a way that makes others avoid you and your 'soap box'.  Use your influence to build others up in Christ so they may see the world differently and not as their home.

No Where to Hide

    We have all wanted to hide and escape for awhile.  Not even the bathroom is safe for parents with persistant kids.  My friend tells her kids, 'unless you're bleeding, go away.'
    As the police search today for the second suspect of the Boston Marathon bombing, it is just a matter of time before being caught.  It's not 'if' but 'when' and lessening the threat of more harm.  The lockdown of Boston hopes to keep people safer and hinders the hiding in the crowd idea.
    We cannot hide from God.  He sees all, knows all and is everywhere.  The joke about 'whether the man in the woods is still wrong, even if he's alone' can remind us that if it's wrong in God's eyes then yes, it's wrong anywhere and everywhere.  Unless you are saved and your wrongs are erased then judgement day will recall all your hidden secrets and you will have no where to hide.
    Your attempts to hide anything from God are as obvious as an ostrich burying his head in the sand.

Tired

    Who hasn't said this?  I think I've said it my whole life.  Sometimes we just feel drained and need a little more time in the refueling station.  Have you ever felt that you've...talked your head off, worked your tail off, cried your eyes out, walked your legs off, or sang your heart out?  Then you feel there's nothing left of you.
     We are not all on the same clock or journey.  It is our job to encourage people in their walk with the Lord, but they must be ready.  We can't force people when they just keep hitting the snooze to life's alarm of their eternal destiny.
     Rest in the peace of the Lord but don't waste your days in slumber.  Romans 13; 11-12  'And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.'

It's a God Thing

    Sometimes when you feel blessed, you can't give anything or anyone the credit but God.  That is  what I've felt the past couple of weeks.  'It's a God thing' that I've been doing so well lately.  I wish I could say it's because of exercise, the time of year or my eating habits so that I could continue with it but I can't so I'm just going to take it and count it as a blessing.
    I'll mention a few examples.  I went to the George Strait concert the other night with friends.  Yes, I took my air but even then I usually need to cough.  This night was 4 hours with no cough, just a fun night.  I usually have to cough after I eat but I've enjoyed eating out a few times lately without the rush to get back home.  I've enjoyed being at church for longer than just the service and felt good enough to hang out and visit for an extra hour.
    I can't explain it so I just give God the glory and enjoy it.  'His love endures forever.'

Mirror, Mirror

    Most of us are vain and check the mirror for physical or cosmetic flaws.  It is good to check yourself but do you see past that?  God does.  What does your image reflect spiritually?  We too often see 'pretty' people in the world with an ugly attitude.  'God doesn't like ugly.'
    Our walk in this life is meant to transform us into the likeness of Christ.  Colossians 3;12  'Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.'  Our talk must match our walk otherwise others will see the hypocrisy in our reflection.  The impression you leave on someone is from your total package.  Some people look smart until they open their mouths and remove all doubt. 
    Your TOM's will do nothing to help your walk with the Lord, so make sure that what people really see in you will show them the Spirit of Christ.  'You may be the only Bible they see.'

No Fear

    Do you walk with confidence because the Lord is your Shepherd?  or... Do you walk around oblivious to the dangers around you relying on your own strength?  The former is much better and peaceful than the latter.
    This chicken, often like us, doesn't appreciate how death will come like a thief in the night and we must be prepared.  We just strut around living a life centered on our little coop.  Our feathers get ruffled when we end up in the valleys but do we praise our Protector?
    'Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' Psalm 23;6
    If your trust comes from the Lord, your paths will be on the right direction.  If your trust is in yourself or your works, you will forever fall short.  We are saved by grace, not by works.

Giving Back

     What is a tithe?  A tenth part of one's annual income contributed voluntarily, especially for the support of the clergy or church.  Well that's the dictionary's definition but it's really a way of giving back to the Kingdom to show your gratitude to God.  It furthers the work of the gospel here in our local churches.
     Don't you think you've already got a good deal with all the blessings you've received?  Some people want to give little or nothing back in return.  Do you think that because tomorrow is tax day that you've given enough?  The Bible says 'So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  The IRS nor does God accept a groupon or substitutes.  Cain wanted to give an alternative to a blood offering but that was unacceptable to God.
     It's important in this age of 'getting a free ride in life' kind of thinking to teach kids at a young age to not just be takers but more importantly to be givers of gratitude.

The Winds of Life

     Big winds have never been my friend.  I've been blown over once in Rochester, MN.  I also remember my UCA days and maneuvering myself down the sidewalk behind the science building.  It was kind of sloped and my heavy backpack helped to keep my balance but I stopped in my tracks when the wind blew.  It was just enough to tip me over.  It never did knock me down because I held on tight and believed I could make it.
     Change is not my friend either.  I like the patterns and routines in my life.  New people, new ideas, new routines do not come in easily into my life but transition in.
     So to say that big winds of change are not my friend is an understatement.  I cannot nor do I face them alone.  I believe God is always with me and I hold tight to His promises.  'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'  There have been times when we've all just assumed to have been swept away by those winds of life but I believe God will finish the work He began in us.
     It's a common reaction to lower our heads when facing a strong wind in our face so maybe we should also bow our heads and pray when the winds of life hit us as well.

Who Listens?

   Who hasn't felt like the yellow traffic light?  Kids are not alone in this, as adults also feel unheard in the workplace, the home, or even in church matters.  It is good to give advice as a warning but you are only responsible for what you say, not what they hear.  Selective hearing is a form of ignoring the precautious warning.  Just like the yellow light cautions us, we can choose to slow down and heed the danger or we can speed right thru the warning and risk the consequences.
   The Bible is our traffic light to life.  It tells us what we need to STOP doing.  It CAUTIONS us with the consequences to our sinful actions and thoughts.  It also tells us what to GO and do unto others and how to glorify God.
   Is God saying you never listen to Him?  Are you ignoring Him and paying the consequences?  I urge you to screech to a halt and stop living a life for yourself and go live a life that glorifies your Creator.

It's a God Thing

    One might think that because my body in general is not strong in the muscle department that my eyesight would be weak as well.  That couldn't be farther from the truth. I can't explain it because our eyes are dependent on the optic muscles.  Therefore, 'It's a God thing' that my vision is as sharp as a hawk.  Some people refer to me as 'eagle eye.'  I can see a black ant across the room on berber carpet, while others say where, where?  My eyes also see the big picture despite it's lack of presence before me because of my vision of faith.  My hope lies more in what I can't see yet, but it is backed by the proof I see now.
    People often have hardened hearts and don't see what is right before them.  Jesus reminded the witnesses of His feeding the thousands with 5 loaves of bread.  Mark 8;18  '' Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?''  Some can't see the forest for all the trees.  Many get caught up in the details trying to explain it all and they miss the obvious work of God before their very eyes.
    One day the veil will be lifted and both the blind and the ones who can see now, will see it all clearly.

Cosby Says......

          I'm handing today's blog over to Bill Cosby.  I saw this on facebook and just thought I would share it with you.  Today's culture can limit you, even in the land of opportunity.


They're standing on the corner and they can't speak English.
I can't even talk the way these people talk: Why you ain't, Where you is, What he drive, Where he stay, Where he work, Who you be...
And I blamed the kid until I heard the mother talk. And then I heard the father talk.

Everybody knows it's important to speak English except these knuckleheads. You can't be a doctor with that kind of crap coming out of your mouth. In fact you will never get any kind of job making a decent living.

People marched and were hit in the face with rocks to get an Education, and now we've got these knuckleheads walking around.

The lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal. These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids.
$500 sneakers for what?

And they won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics.

I am talking about these people who cry when their son is standing there in an orange suit. Where were you when he was 2? Where were you when he was 12? Where were you when he was 18 and how come you didn't know that he had a pistol?

And where is the father? Or who is his father?

People putting their clothes on backward: Isn't that a sign of something gone wrong?
People with their hats on backward, pants down around the crack, isn't that a sign of something?

Isn't it a sign of something when she has her dress all the way up and got all type of needles [piercing] going through her body? What part of Africa did this come from??
We are not Africans. Those people are not Africans; they don't know a thing about Africa.

I say this all of the time. It would be like white people saying they are European-American. That is totally stupid.

I was born here, and so were my parents and grand parents and, very likely my great grandparents. I don't have any connection to Africa, no more than white Americans have to Germany , Scotland , England , Ireland , or the Netherlands . The same applies to 99 percent of all the black Americans as regards to Africa . So stop, already! ! !
With names like Shaniqua, Taliqua and Mohammed and all of that crap ......... And all of them are in jail.

Brown or black versus the Board of Education is no longer the white person's problem.
We have got to take the neighborhood back.
People used to be ashamed. Today a woman has eight children with eight different 'husbands' -- or men or whatever you call them now.

We have millionaire football players who cannot read. We have million-dollar basketball players who can't write two paragraphs. We, as black folks have to do a better job.

Someone working at Wal-Mart with seven kids, you are hurting us.
We have to start holding each other to a higher standard.
We cannot blame the white people any longer.'

Dr. William Henry 'Bill' Cosby, Jr., Ed. D.

WELL SAID, BILL It's NOT about color...It's about behavior!

Pause

    In this world, we often react too quickly to just about everything.  Pause should be a common word to us, not a foreign word.  What's the rush?  Where's the fire?  Taking a moment can prevent impulsive reactions that do more harm than good.
    Even in the Psalms, the word 'Selah' means pause and praise.  Selah occurs 71 times in the Psalms.  It means take the time to consider what you just read.  Pausing stresses the importance of the meaning of the words David wrote.
    If we would stop our own line of thinking and pause to get God's direction, then we would lead more peaceful lives.  I'm not saying it's easy not to be trigger happy with our words but it would be better.
    You can't spell 'pause' without the 'use'... coincidence, I think not.

Know the Difference

     Okay, I don't care what anyone says, now that's funny.  I love cool frogs and they are my theme in my room during the summertime.  I think this lil guy is pretty cool.
     The point of this blog post is the difference between confidence and arrogance.  Confidence is believing in yourself and trying despite the obstacles with a humble attitude.  Arrogance is a bragging persona that thinks too highly of themselves despite their obvious faults.  Confidence is respected while arrogance is a deterrent. 'Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong.' 'Arrogance is weakness disguised as strength.'  'Arrogance is knowledge without the wisdom.'  I would say humility is the bridge between the two and we must tread carefully.
    Who do you want in your court?  The one who can walk the walk but may fall or the one who talks the talk but can't walk at all?

Not Alone

   Sometimes we feel like whatever we are going through, we are all alone and no one else bears that burden.  It's not true.  I can tell you living with a progressive disease is an adaptive work in progress.  You encounter new struggles and have to figure your way through them.
   One of my obstacles is having to cough and getting back home in time to use my cough assist machine.  It limits your range of travel because it's a matter of how long you can wait or struggle till you can cough.  For example, I won't go to LR if I'm not doing well in general and Hot Springs is out of the question unless we take the motor home.  It's very frustrating to want to go but fearful to do so...and I'm not a fearful person without cause.
    We have searched and tried different battery power sources but they aren't pure or strong enough electrically for my power hungry cough helper.  Today, I searched the internet and found other people who have already traveled my road and shared their solutions.  It puts a hope in my heart and eases my mind for the future.  I'm thankful for those people who help others with their stories and advice.
    This is just another example of God providing and meeting my needs in His timing.  [No, I don't have it yet or worked out but I trust I will.]  God is good, all the time... and that's that.

Problems

    How true is this caption?  I think it hits home with how we often deal with the problems we face.  We feed the problem, we point blame for our problems and we replay them in our minds like a broken record.  Often our last resort is turning to God when we realize we are empty handed in our ability to fix anything.
   'Struggles are required in order to survive in life, because in order to stand up in life, you have to know what falling down is like.'  We are meant to learn from our trials.  God gave us the gift of memory to help us not repeat bad decisions but also to remember His faithfulness through those difficult times.  'Problems are not stop signs but are guidelines to a better future.'
    God wants us to 'Come to Him, all ye who are weary and burdened, He will give you rest.'

It's a God Thing

     Did you cringe when you saw or heard about the compound break of the Louisville basketball player's leg Sunday?   Oww, you know that had to hurt to the max.  The force on the bone from the fall was just too great a pressure for it to be absorbed.
     It made me think of all the falls I have had so far.  Yes there are too many to count but I can't count any as graceful.  'It's a God thing' that as many times as I've bit the dust, the only bones I've broken are my nose and little toe.  When I say 'only' I'm not discounting them as trivial because the pain was as real as anything else.  What often hurts the worst is our pride.  Good grief, did anybody see that?  Sometimes we need a little leveling to get level headed again.
    Psalm 34;19-20  'The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.'
    Proverbs 16;18  'Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.'

Friendship

'A friend loves at all times.'  Proverbs 17;17

     Friendships are a true gift from God, especially when we use our influence with each other to glorify Him.  Each friend has a special quality that encourages us in our daily walk.  'A friend gives us the total freedom to be ourselves.'
    As much as Snoopy or any other dog thinks they are man's best friend, there is only one 'perfect friend' that can and does meet all our needs.  God is full of advice, always ready to listen, available to lean on, will never leave your side, loves you, holds your hand with a smile, and is awaiting the time for you to be together.
    You have to be a friend to have friends.  I want my friends to know the Friend that will not fail them because I and other friends will fall short at times.  There is the One who we can turn to 24/7 and be lifted up from any trouble we encounter.  He is like the stars, we can't always see them but they are always there.

The Thoughts That Went Into It

    As we drove down a street adjacent to ours today, I could see the beginning processes of a new subdivision being built.  What has been a wooded area for all my years here is now being transformed with the power of bull dozers and saws.  The underground pipes wait their turn to be laid.  It is an overwhelming process beyond my thoughts of what, when and where things should go.
    Even more incomprehensible is God's creation of everything under the sun in this world, plus the heavens above us as well.  How can you look around on this gorgeous spring day and not see His handiwork displayed?  'How great Thou art' is the biggest understatement of all time but it's a praise intended statement.
   Psalm 14; 1-2  ''The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.''
   It's no joke to be the fool who believes and relies on his own understanding.