Love Yourself

        I guess I've been on kind of a theme lately that boils down to 'love yourself.'  We need to be true to who we are and have confidence that that is enough.  We are not defined by our circumstances but by how we react, adapt and handle them.  'Others will treat you exactly as you treat yourself.'  'With love, doubt disappears, fears fade, and there's a comfort that develops which makes even being alone a place of solace.'
       'Too many people undervalue what they are, and overvalue what they are not.'  We are all too quick to play the comparison game when we should be counting our own blessings and gifts.  We need to learn that we don't need others acceptance but that we need to accept ourselves.
      We are often our own worst critic. "I have had more trouble with myself than with any other man." – Dwight L. Moody   When we embrace who we are, then life will be simpler and fall into place.  'Trust but don't be naive. Listen to others, but don't lose your own voice.'  So many people claim to be trying 'to find themselves' but I think the greatest barrier is the effort to please others.  When you love yourself, you will want to share and give that love to others.  'My cup runneth over.'

To the Core

              Besides joy, what is deep down in your heart?  What are your core values?  We all want to be on the receiving end of these, but we must also be givers of them too.
             As Mahatma Ghandi said, "Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny."
            Defining your values gives you purpose and direction.  They help prevent us from making bad choices.  They help your decision making simpler.  They give you confidence that your doing the right thing by living according to what's important to you.
          If you question whatever you're doing, and you should, ask yourself.... 'Is it?  Respectful, Peaceful, Truthful, Patient, Honest, Kind, Gentle, Joyful, Loving, Helpful, Prayerful, and Compassionate.

Experience

       I could write all day warning others about what to avoid doing during your life, but as most of us who are older know, somethings you have to learn for yourself.  Just as a little kid is told  'Don't touch that', we have to feel it for ourselves.  Experience is often not a one time lesson, even when it should be.  We often say 'Ill never do that again' and yet find ourselves in the same boat.
      One of life's greatest experiences is the love of God in our personal lives.  Do you learn from it and pass it on?  Do you dismiss it with a sense of entitlement?
     Whether good or bad, God allows our experiences to happen in order to draw us closer to Him.  It is said that through the trials we endure, we will become better or bitter.  Experiences are part of the Potter molding us, the clay, into what He wants us to be.  Learn from your mistakes because they are the experiences meant to teach you and keep you on the right path.

Take Out Luncheon

       
       Well I haven't been 'out' to eat since October but that doesn't mean I haven't had take out by any means.  I do love to order out.  I have missed eating out with friends because it's more about the fellowship than the food.
        So today I planned a takeout luncheon here in the basement with 3 close friends.. Karla, Gloria and Cathy.  We all love Mexican food so I chose Santo Coyote as the restaurant to order from.  My dad was kind enough to go get our food so that we didn't have to get out on this blustery cold day.
       We had a good 2 hour visit with no cough interruptions.  I was pleased because even tho I am still weaker than I'd prefer, the Lord gave me strength when I needed it most.  I am also pleased to have a friend to set up our luncheon and friends willing to come over despite the cold temperatures.  Friends are a treasure and I've hit the ultimate gold mine with mine.

Take Care Of

          How true I think this caption is worthy to be applied in our daily lives.  I think we often talk to ourselves or about ourselves in a negative manner that we wouldn't dare say to anyone else.  I think being comfortable and confident in your own skin begins with the conversation with you have with yourself.
         Our thoughts are also not all meant to become words.  Just because you think it, doesn't mean you have to say it.  The frontal lobe of your brain is where your filter that prompts your use of discretion is located.  Some must have brain damage there because they have no inhibitions in what they say or do.  ''The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.''
         One of the fruits of the Spirit is self control.  Often our thoughts become our words so we must take care of both of them with self control.

Love

    I may not blog everyday but that doesn't mean I don't care.  I think one of my gifts is to encourage others and that's why I blog.  So this is just a simple love note to each of my readers.  I may not say 'I love you' enough but now you have it in writing, and if my actions don't show it enough either.
   We never know when our last day will be so make sure your loved ones know your love for them.  As Garth Brooks sings, 'will the love I gave in the past gona be enough to last, if tomorrow never comes.'

He's There

    Most people can call out for help or go get someone if needed.  I use a doorbell that can be heard throughout the house to call for assistance.  Yes, I'm pretty diligent about making sure it is with me.  Sometimes even when I know the buzzer is on my chest, I reach to touch it to reassure myself that it is there with me.
   I think our prayer life can also provide that reassurance to our lives.  Of course God is always with us but talking with Him is a way to touch base with Him.  'Prayer is the bridge between panic and peace.'  When you feel scared or overwhelmed, doesn't it help to know you're not alone.
   My buzzer is my alarm system but God is my security system.  God doesn't want to just be on-call for you in the panic moments, He wants to be your ever-present Guide, Protector and Savior.

Sweet Sleep

     Oh how I miss my younger days of sweet sleep with not a hurt in the world.  I really don't have pain in my life like some suffer with, but my bed does often feel like those above.  I have to sleep in one position all night now and that is a major difference than in my youth.  'Hang on to 16 as long as you can, changes come around real soon making us women and men.'  Yes, that includes no longer sleeping till noon.
     When we went to Puerto Vallarta several years ago, the bed literally was a concrete slab with a mattress on top of it.  It gave me a whole new appreciation for box springs.
    Sleep is often disrupted by our anxious thoughts.  ''If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.'' Proverbs 3;24  God is in control, whether we are awake or asleep.  We rob ourselves of rest when we let worry control our thoughts.
    My trouble with sleep lately has just been from aches caused by pressure points.  All I've found to help is the more cushy pillows the better it is.
    Interrupted sleep can be an opportunity to pray.  My friend, Phillip, says he prays for me every time he is woken up during his sleep at night.  Prayer for your own needs or for someone else may be just the cure to ease your mind into a restful night of sleep.

Head to Toe

     I definitely thought this printable flyer was worth sharing.  Parents are to train up their children so that they may walk with the Lord all the days of their lives.  As I've said before, 'If you don't teach your children to love the Lord, the world will teach them not to.'  I find it heartbreaking to see parents, who were brought up in a Christian home, not taking the time and responsibility to instill God's word in their own children.  Do you think they will learn it in school, from tv, or their friends?  Children will follow a parent's lead and what is important to you will be their guide.  I don't think this prayer guide applies only to the children but also to the parents and each one of us.

Yes, We Do

Matthew 9;37  ''Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.''

        Yes, you can separate the men from the boys when you see 'watchers' versus 'helpers.'  The observers are usually the first to tell you what you did wrong or what you should have done.  I like people with initiative and that don't have to be asked or told to pitch in and help.
       Some people think the 'pastors' of the world are the ones called to spread the Gospel to others.  We are 'all' called to be missionaries to the world in which we live.  'Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere.'  You don't have to have the gift of teaching or be full of Biblical facts to share how God has changed your life personally.  Spark a light and let God engulf the blaze in someone's heart.

Sinful Consequences

     There are so many things wrong in this world and it is all derived from sin.  We are all born into sin and are all facilitators of sin.  Only through your belief in Jesus Christ can your sin debt be paid in full.
     Today is the March for Life walk.  Abortion is one of the many things that have gone wrong in this world. ''So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you'' Matthew 7:12  As Reagan said, 'I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.'  How come selfishness overrules the helpless?  ''“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’'' Matthew 5;21
     God wants to make things right with each one of us.  He insists very loudly about His forgiveness, will you listen and respond?  God is bigger than your biggest problem.  ''“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'' Isaiah 1;18

Best Friend

     Emma and Grace are best friends and I hope forever so.  What does it mean to have a best friend?  It is someone you can depend on, turn to, confide in, share with and trust in during both the good times and bad times.  A friendship with a God center is the best.  Job 29;4  ''Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God’s intimate friendship blessed my house.''
    Our friends will disappoint us, even when they would never want to intentionally.  We must put God before all others because He is 'THE' BFF [best friend forever] for each of us.

Eating Healthier?

     I wouldn't call myself a healthy eater by choice.  When I was younger, I often came home from school and ate DingDongs, nachos, or 4 to 6 pecan twirls.  I've never been a big fan of rabbit food, aka salad, either.  Now I avoid lettuce on everything due to my difficulty in swallowing it.  Also, I'm not a big fruit eater. I like a few good peaches and bananas every once in a while.
    Well maybe I've turned a corner in my life by circumstances out of my control.  My swallowing test the other day recommended 'pureed foods' added to my diet.  So I bought a NutriBullet.  I'm just in the beginning of trying different things but so far so good.  My friend, Gloria, came over today and made me her version of a smoothie with greek yogurt.  Yesterday, I pureed Wendy's chili and could now eat what I had once given up.  I hope to add more things back into my food list with this new approach.
     May we all be willing to try new approaches to how we do things because it may be of benefit.  Yes I'm going to try 'salad' or spinach in a smoothie......soon.

   

Expectation vs Reality

    Whenever is see 'DIY' [do it yourself] projects, the caption above is what flashes thru my head.  I did cut my own bangs when I was young once and time does heal some mistakes.  Sometimes our 'foolish wisdom' is displayed more than we would like to admit.
    I wonder if this caption could also be viewed as how we see ourselves vs how God sees us?  Take off the makeup and get down to our bare minimum.  Is our heart as pretty on the inside as we show it to others?
   What does God 'expect' from us?  Micah 6;8  ''He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.''  Can you make those 3 things a 'reality' in your life?

At Peace

2 Timothy 4;16-18   ''At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.''


     Have you ever felt abandoned like Paul in the verses above?  As Tim McGraw sings, 'I'll find comfort God knows, cuz you left me just when I needed you most.'  Man is man with faults and that includes all of us.  Are we as grace giving as Paul so that 'it may not be counted against them?'  I think that is where you find peace in your heart.  Holding a grudge holds you as the prisoner more than any other.
     When you know 'the Lord stood with me and strengthened me' applies to you too, then you can stand firm alone through any of life's trials.  The Lord is always on our defense team and 'will rescue me from every evil deed.'
      We are never forsaken by the One we need the most.  We have 3 types of people in our lives... people for a season, people for a reason, and a few people for a lifetime... but God for eternity.

Use Your Gifts

     Okay so not all of us are musically gifted, including myself.  My friend, Kelly, teaches violin but I will stick with my straw.  I can do okay on my hammer dulcimer but I don't consider it a talent but more of a determined effort.
     1 Corinthians 12;4-6  ''There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.''
    We all have something to offer.  There are many ways to use your gift in an area of service that differs from others, but is as equally important.  I think my voice of encouragement is much more useful here on my blog than it would be in the church choir.  ''We need to recognize that lack of confidence does not equal humility. In fact, genuinely humble people have enormous confidence because it rests in a great God.''
    To think you have nothing worthwhile to give is a self-centered thought.  No effort spent on others is ever a waste, even if they don't appreciate it like you'd want them to.  Give of yourself and you will be rewarded with more than you gave.

The Thermostat

     I just thought this was funny, because I've been a Henry and I've dealt with some Henry's.  The thermostat is a marriage issue, a workplace issue, a restaurant issue and really just a part of life issue.
     When I worked, the boss ultimately had to put a lockbox over the thermostat.  Somebody kept putting it on 60 degrees and then someone would spike it to 75 degrees.  You either froze or sweated.  I just carried my portable heater with me to different work stations, if I got cold.  I was also blessed to have my own workroom with my own thermostat just for that room.
    Just so you know, I'll be living in the 75-80 degree all the time part of heaven if you wana look me up.

Worry

        As much as I believe the quote above, sometimes you just can't help but worry.  Shouldn't we just be thankful, that whatever comes will be what God wants for us?  Our minds can know this, but what we doubt is whether we can handle or accept it.  There is good to be found in everything, so don't let your worry blind you from it.  May we fill our minds with thoughts of peace, courage, health, and hope, for "our life is what our thoughts make it."

How to break the worry habit before it breaks you........[found this on the internet by Dale Carnagie]

--Crowd worry out of your mind by keeping busy. Plenty of action is one of the best therapies ever devised for curing "wibber gibbers."
--Don't fuss about trifles. Don't permit little things--the mere termites of life--to ruin your happines.
--Use the law of averages to outlaw your worries. Ask yourself: "What are the odds against this thing's happening at all?"
--Co-operate with the inevitable. If you know a circumstance is beyond your power to change or revise, say to yourself: "It is so; it cannot be otherwise."
--Put a "stop-less" order on your worries. Decide just how much anxiety a thing may be worth--and refuse to give it anymore.
--Let the past bury its dead. Don't saw sawdust.

Tested

Proverbs 3; 5-8  ''Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.''











        My doctor last week set me up an appointment for me to have a swallowing test today at the hospital. Ever since then I've told myself to 'trust in the Lord' for whatever the outcome would be.  I really, really tried.  As my nervous stomach can tell you, I did have my 'own understanding' about what I expected to happen.  I dreaded what my 'wise' thoughts envisioned for my future.
        As much as I and my whole body wanted to postpone the appointment, I forced myself to just get it done.  Karla and my dad took me, and my equipment for any worst case scenarios.  The test consists of eating and drinking different things while being in an xray video.  You can see the food go down or get stuck in its path.  I watched my dinosaur-looking self too in the video.
       Much to my disbelief, I passed the test.  Of course, my swallowing is impaired and must be carefully done but no major changes at this point.  I thank those who prayed specifically for me regarding this today.
God is greater than our doubts and faithful through it all.

Gym n Spa Day

     Okay so this is Jack's stand-in....lol.  Yes, these cold winter days are making us get creative with our time.  Below are some pictures of my 8 minute workout today and our paraffin home spa treatments.  Nothing feels better than hot wax on your skin on a cold, blustery day.  I think we all enjoyed it and now we all have soft hands.

Exercise?

     Exercise comes in all forms for me.  I would much rather do retail therapy, than some workout video.  Yes it's easier to access the accessory counter than any exercise equipment.
     These cold shut-in days make me feel guilty tho and my conscience tells me to do something.  The freezing temperatures diminish any desire to hit the stores, even with good sales.  So I gave in today.  I had Karla help me do my standing exercise machine.  I haven't been on it in several months but I was proud of myself for the 8 minutes I did accomplish.
    We all have that little voice inside of us urging us to do what we should.  We hear what we want to and follow thru when we want to too.  If only we could bottle up that good feeling after we've exercised and drink it when it's time to do it again.

Faith When It's Windy

      Tonight we are expected to have a windchill factor of -5 to -15 degrees.   Brrrr is one word for it.  The wind just runs right thru the body down to the bone.  It makes it feel colder than it really is.
      Life is full of windchill moments that can break us down to the core too.  Burdens, like financial demands, illness, or loss of someone close, can strip us of our grip on life's perspective.  As the caption illustrates, we must cling to our faith that will sustain us.
      2 Corinthians 4; 7-9  ''But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.''
      Is your faith stronger than the winds of this life?  If your roots are deep, there is no need to fear the wind.

Friendship

         If you think about it, I think friendship is a God thing.  He brings the right people to you at just the right time for a certain reason.  I've gone to church with people and not become their friend till meeting them at another church.  I've become friends with business owners just because they picked me out as a customer to get to know.  I have a prayer circle of friends across the world because distance hasn't broken our bond of friendship.
         Friendship is 'weird' but rearranged to be a 'wired' blessing from God.  Friends are like a bouquet of flowers, they're all different but beautiful in their own way.  'Friendship isn't a big thing, it's a million little things.'

I've Found It

      Many people are in search for the meaning of life.  The search is more intense when we are suffering and in distress.  Why do we have to struggle thru trials and hardship?  The answer is in God's desire to draw us closer to Him.
      2 Corinthians 4; 16-18  ''Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.''
     Purpose for the pain....... Yet in our weakness, we can be strong.  We can inspire others not only to pray more but we can see our need for someone other than ourselves.. a Savior.
     Strength for the struggle.....  Without Christ, it would be easy to give up.  'All things are possible with God' can be your life verse and help you realize you are stronger than you think possible.
     Faith for the fight.....  When you trust that  'all things work for good for those who believe in God', you find it easier to give it all you've got.  Knowing that even if you lose your fight, your faith secures you against any fears ahead.
      May we all see the purpose, have the strength, and rest in our faith of Christ in every struggle we face.  As I face a swallowing test next week, I carry all three of these attributes with me on a daily base.  It makes the road on my journey smoother, straighter and calmer.

Will They Know?

      A friend of mine requested the song, 'Then They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love', last night at church.  I felt the guilty arrow hit me in the heart.  Do I 'always' represent myself as a Christian?  Obviously not because I honestly don't feel love for everything and everybody.  As the song says tho, 'that we pray that our unity will one day be restored'.  When all sin is washed away, we will love like Jesus loves us.. unconditionally.  We will be 'One in the spirit and one with the Lord.'
     So when, not if, my impatience strikes again, I will try to show more love.  When a stranger knows nothing about you, don't you at least want them to see Christ-like behavior and temperament from you?
    Jesus was sent for 'whosoever' believeth in Him and there are no qualifications, other than to believe.  We have to remember that when we see others on the street and not in our circle, that Jesus died for them too and they need to hear about the greatest love of all, Jesus, from us.

The End

       As we have ended 2013 and begun 2014, where do you find yourself?  There is a point in one's life where you've tried it all on your own and you realize 'you' are not enough.  That is the crossroad God wants you to get to, so that you see your need for Him as your Savior.
      Matthew 10; 38-39  ''Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.''
     Life is a journey towards humility.  Where we don't think less of ourselves but think of ourselves less.  God was the first to do that when He sent His Son for us.
    We've all been subject to the feelings of discouragement, but that is when we see our need for God best.  ''The great British preacher C.H. Spurgeon led multitudes to Christ through his powerful sermons. But he suffered awful bouts with melancholy. He often felt as if he'd accomplished nothing in his life. He once lamented, I've got the blackest heart in Britain. Frequently he would go into his garden, raise his hands to God and cry, Lord, I've never desired you more, yet my spirit has never been so low. Why is this happening?''
      As in Psalm 38, God wants us to reach the same point as David.....''Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.''  What you may consider as your lowest point, may just be your greatest saving point.  When we give up our pride, arrogance, and self reliance, then God can truly begin a new work in your heart.