Moderation

      Does this picture cause any flashbacks of last night and all that Halloween candy?  Was it of your kids or did you include yourself?  We often want to taste it all at once or at least have a constant flow of the goodies.
      Moderation, not depravation, is key. You don't have to go by the all or nothing theory but just pace yourself.  ''The heart is great which shows moderation in the midst of prosperity.''  We are to save for a rainy day, not just blow it all at once.  Sales often go up at the first of the month because people get their monthly checks then and stock up.  The tendency to spend it all without thinking ahead is a common flaw in society.
      In everything we must exhibit self-control, even something as good as honey.  Proverbs 25:16
''If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.''

Way Back Wednesday---Downsizing

     










          This was our house in 2001 in Walnut Grove, MO.  It is about a 20 minute drive north of Springfield.  It was a beautiful house with the perfect layout for someone in a scooter.  The yard was just a little over an acre.  Across the street was a milk farm, so it was definetely filled with country air at times.  The town was so small, it had one red light.  Two of my coworkers also lived here.
         To say that I downsized is an understatement.  I moved from a 2000 plus square foot house to a 500 square foot room.  I cut back in all areas of my life, not just possessions.
         A house does not make a home.  Sometimes God strips us of all that we consider important to remind us to make Him first and above all else.  It's not a pleasant process but a necessary one.  He will do whatever it takes to draw His children back to Him.  'He gives and takes away, my heart will choose to say, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.'  Memories were made here, both good and bad, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.
         Whether your own downsizing is caused by the economy or a storm, remember we are blessed beyond measure.  There is a difference between needs and wants.  God provides for all our needs and we are never truly without.

Lamentations 3; 19-24
''The thought of my suffering and homelessness
    is bitter beyond words.^]
 I will never forget this awful time,
    as I grieve over my loss.
 Yet I still dare to hope
    when I remember this:

 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
 Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”

A Cheerful Heart

      There is only so much prescribed medicine can do for the body.  The soul suffers too during illness.  Doesn't the soul really feed the body in some ways?  If our hearts have a peace that endures, won't it carry us through the most difficult times?
       When I have been in the hospital, the visits from friends do as much to get me better as the next round of medicine.  It builds my desire to press on and focus my thoughts on getting back out there.  If you focus on the room, the IV, and the pain.... I believe it will drain you and take longer to get well.  Laughter is the best medicine.  It gets your blood pumping and your mind on other things.
        I encourage you to visit those who are going through hard times.  Don't just ask about the current problem but fill them with the joy and hope of tomorrow through a cheerful heart.

Take a Seat

     If you've ever been to a government office, this caption reflects the attitude that you'll receive from most of the workers there.  The Department of 'whatever' is often a waiting place for you to get the run around when your name is finally called.
     People want more government in their lives?  Do you want all your activities to need a permit or have regulations?  I know we used to go mudding in our jeeps but the areas allowed got smaller and smaller to grant such access to fun.
     How many of you out there avoid the emergency room because of the long waits?  If the government goes to socialized medicine, you can expect long waits for everything, not just emergency trips.  Countries who now have 'free' medical care, also have long waiting lists for surgeries.  How would you like to wait 6 months for a procedure you need now?
     This is just some food for thought until you cast your vote.  Remember as you wait in that long voting line, think to yourself.. 'Do I want my life run by the government on an even bigger scale?'

Bon Qui Qui Nite

1. 

      You might be thinking 'Bon What What??'  Well Bon Qui Qui is a character created by comedienne Anjelah Johnson.  BQQ is a ghetto blasting smartie pants that doesn't take any flack from anybody.  She worked at King Burger, where you can get your order your way but DON'T GO CRAZY.  If your order gets complicated, she will call SAC-CURITY.
       So here are the 14 of us who got together to show off our wannabe ghetto, world smacking selves. It was a fun night of enchiladas, junk food, and lots of laughs.  We watched a one hour standup routine and cracked up at all the true- isms that came up.
        That's about all I can share because what happens in da hood, stays in da hood.

Not Clearly Seen

       We often ask 'Why?' or 'What is going on?'  Our power went out this morning and I thought these very phrases.  After a few minutes, an ambulance and fire trucks raced down the street.  I therefore got a better picture of the problem and shifted my focus a little less off of my needs.
       Sometimes we can see later why something happened but not always.  We have to see that whether it is sorrow or joy that is brought to us, it has a purpose in refining us.  Our life's journey is not just a survival mission but one of transforming us into who we are meant to be in Christ.  We are sometimes called to do our part for the Kingdom and reject what our flesh would prefer.
       Our human nature tends to want to put our needs first but that's not what the Bible teaches.  My friend has a bracelet with 'THIRD' written on it.  She says it is a reminder to put God first, others second and yourself third.
       We each play a part in this whole world so when we shift our minds off just ourselves, we will more clearly see a bigger picture.  One day we will see the masterpiece of the Master in all its wonder.

Sneaks Up On You

     Okay so I haven't made that many biscuits in my life but I've made enough to know opening them scares me every time.  I know the 'POP' is coming but so is my jump reaction.  My friend and I were making cupcakes the other day when the icing canister wouldn't work.  Suddenly, it popped and we both jumped like we'd been shot thru the kitchen window.
      The shock of death is coming as well but we don't know when it will hit us.  Are you going to say, 'Wait, I wasn't ready?'  Are you terrified with anticipation?   There is no way to avoid the biscuit can of life from popping and saying it's over.  We need to be prepared and ready at any time to leave this world.  The can of life is hard and tough but after the pop there is a softness that awaits us.
       May you be prepared to jump for joy as the jack-in-the-box does, when your time is up on this earth.  It will be more fresh and satisfying than waking up to the smell of biscuits in the oven.

Way Back Wednesday-----Parasailing in Maui

   



      These are pictures from June 1994 in Maui.  My parents treated Marc and I to a 5 day all inclusive vacation to Maui.  Everyone should go to Hawaii at least once in their lifetime.
       We took 500 of our own money to pay for things we wanted to do while we were there.  I'd have to say this last full day of our vacation was one of the favorite days of my life.  We were in the hotel lobby and Marc said 'we can do anything you want today, it's your pick.'  Really, anything?  So I went over to the brochure case of activities and this brochure on parasailing caught my eye.  I hesitated because I knew Marc was not a fan of heights but he did say anything.  I took it over to him and he said okay without any fuss.
       We found the boat down by the ocean's marina area.  As we got out on the water, the butterflies in my stomach came alive.  There was no backing out now but we gladly let the other couple go first.  As I recall, you go up 750 feet in the air.  Whoa!  The picture of me above is before we took our turn, I have no idea what I looked like after... maybe as green as my shirt.  While we were up there flying like the birds, the seat tilted because of our weight differences.  It added a little to the fear factor but we quickly took in the moment and enjoyed our heavenly flight.  It was one of those things you wish you could do twice but it's too expensive.
      We did different adventures every day we were there and maybe future blogs will include them but parasailing topped them all.  I encourage you to set aside your fears and enjoy life's moments of adventure.

Not So Cool

     I don't know about you but in a mirrorless, unrecorded, videoless room, I think I'm pretty cool in my own mind.  Now if I see myself in a mirror, hear my own voice or watch a video of me dancing..... the awkward reality hits me.  I'm not so cool.  That's okay tho, as we need to be comfortable with who we are.  We weren't made from a cookie cutter so our strengths and weaknesses vary individually.  We should embrace our differences.
     As we studied James in our bible study last night, we are to humble ourselves.  ''God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  We may think we are 'all that' and more but it is in our best interest to kick ourselves off that pedestal.  Romans 12:3 ''For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.''
     I really don't like humbling moments.  They usually come in the form of a fall or some display of which I say 'I hope nobody saw that but me.'  They are necessary tho to keep us in check from being too proud.  Proverbs 16:18  ''Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.''

Built For God

^''For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.''         2 Timothy 1;7

     I have said before that we should all realize that we were made by God for God.  So when I read this caption it made me consider, 'Am I doing what I was built for?'  Or am I playing it safe with no real impact in other's lives?
     We can consider our use of spiritual gifts. Whatever yours may be.. if you don't use it, it will decay.  The more we use it, the better we will become at it.  We can't let our fear of failure drive our intended purposes away.
      We can also consider our ways in which we spread the gospel.  Yes, I am on the shy side in person with strangers but my boldness comes out behind the keyboard.  We don't all have to share in the same way but it is important to share your faith in some way.
      What shall we fear with God on our side?  Embarrassment or looking foolish is probably at the center of it but it all boils down to pride.  Be a bold witness without getting on a soapbox.


      From Matthew Henry commentary,  'God hath delivered us from the spirit of fear, and hath given us the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. The spirit of power, or of courage and resolution to encounter difficulties and dangers;--the spirit of love to God, which will carry us through the opposition we may meet with..........the spirit of love to God will set us above the fear of man, and all the hurt that a man can do us;--and the spirit of a sound mind, or quietness of mind, a peaceable enjoyment of ourselves, for we are oftentimes discouraged in our way and work by the creatures of our own fancy and imagination, which a sober, solid, thinking mind would obviate, and would easily answer.'

Time Management

       I've become a time manager as my weakness in breathing has progressed.  Sure I used to work 8 hour days and be up and active the other 6 hours of a day.  Now a 3 hour break without air is considered an accomplishment.  I often have to choose activity A or B, not both.  A friend says, ''prior planning prevents poor performance.''  I can testify to that, in that if I don't rest before something I won't last as long as I want.  I have to prioritize my desired activities within my window of energy allotted to me.
       How long are you going to last?  Are you preparing now for eternity?  Our days are numbered and passing by at this very moment.  Are you managing your time wisely?
       We will reap what we sow so I hope you are using your time to plant seeds worth producing.  Invest your time into that which benefits both you and others.

Pray then Vote

     Here are some verses to pray with and consider before voting Nov. 6th.  Remember, you have no right to complain if you don't exercise your right to vote.  May our country turn back to God in all its ways and recognize our trust in Him.

II Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, will heal their land.  

Acts 17:30 - Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.
Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.
Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.
Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.
Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.
II Kings 13:16 - Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.
Daniel 2:20-22 - the Bible tells us that God sets up kings and God deposes kings.   God is in control.  
Luke 12:54-57 – Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.
Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.
Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.
John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.
Philippians 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.
Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; would guide him in battle (this election); and would sustain him and give him victory.
Hebrews 11:32-34 – Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.
2 Corinthians 12:9 – Pray that the Lord would empower and enable his man in any area of weakness.
Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.  

Sharp Edges

     How easy is it for you to walk barefooted across a rocky parking lot?  I know kids do it but my feet are just not that tough.  The jagged, sharp edges just make me cringe at the thought of them poking in my skin.
     Sometimes life can be like a sharp edge that drives us into who we are to be.  We want that thorn removed but yet God says His grace is sufficient.  He uses our weaknesses to make us spiritually stronger.  I personally just have come to accept my weak traits without focusing my life around them the best I can.  I know there will come a day without any of them to bear.  What a glorious day that will be.
     Have you ever reached a point in life where you've tried and failed in all your efforts?  'What more can I do,' may have run thru your mind.  That is rock bottom.  The Rock of Ages is awaiting your awareness of Him for strength and all your needing at the time.  Our sense of helplessness is like a lighthouse light leading us to Him.
     When we hit the bottom, there is no where to go or look but up.

Discernment

     I can always tell when the litter box needs changed.  No, it doesn't take long before it overwhelms the room.  No one wants to linger in a stinky room.  Even my cats want a clean bathroom to go in.  Who can blame them, I want my bathroom clean too.
     Our minds should be as quick to discern what is right or not right to expose ourselves to.  False teaching should be like a bad smell to you as well.  Some preachers just do sermons on what sounds good or what they think people want to hear and avoid the subject of sin and repentance.
     The Holy Spirit is our discernment guide to a believer's conscience.  We get that feeling that this is wrong and it's up to us to follow that.  We must use the Word to confirm that we are in agreement with the direction God wants us to take.

Way Back Wednesday....Standing

     









     





       Haven't we all been on the long car ride or plane trip, where we couldn't wait to get out and stretch our legs?  Standing does so much for our circulation and muscles.  Ah, it feels so good to not be confined in one position for too long.
       As I can no longer stand on my own, I do have a standing machine that allows me to still have that ability.  Now, if I'd only use it regularly.
       There are more ways to stand than just physically.  'If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.'  We must stand firm in our faith regardless of the trials that come.  Plant your feet in the Word and you won't be blown over by the winds of life's storms.  Sometimes we need to stand down, which means to not intervene but to wait patiently.  That's a hard one for most of us because we want to fix the problem.  We also must stand up against ideas of cultural change that go against God's word.  Just because things are promoted on TV or in society in general does not make it permissible in the eyes of God.
       Winston Churchill said, ''You have enemies?  Good, that means you stood up for something, sometime in your life.''

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
Luke 21:19
Stand firm, and you will win life

Neglect

     Okay, so I don't have a green thumb.  I like flowers and plants but I don't give them the daily attention they probably need.  I just know they are there then suddenly I'll notice a wilted, droopy look.  When did it last get watered...hmm, if I can't remember then it's probably past time.
     We often get busy in our own lives and neglect things and people.  ''I've just been too busy to ....''  If you're too busy to read your Bible daily, then you're busier than God intended you to be.  When we do this, we are neglecting ourselves of the soul's nourishment.  Your droopiness will appear in your attitude and fellowship.  We also get self absorbed and neglect those we should be helping or staying in touch with.  Whether near or far, it is important to maintain relationships with those we care about.  Facebook helps me stay connected with friends but even so I find myself being neglectful with them.
      Aren't you glad God is never neglectful?  'I will never forsake you.'  He cares for us in so many ways we don't even recognize.  He is the fountain from which all blessings flow.

The Child and the Path

     If you look at your own life's path, can you see how it has taught you things?  A mother of four recently told me her doctor once told her, 'let your child get hurt a little and they will learn to avoid doing that again.'  You can't catch every fall, nor are you supposed to.
     As this caption implies, we cannot put kids in a protective bubble from all the hurts of the world.  If you fight every battle for them, they'll never learn independence.  What you can do is equip them for the battles.
    How is that best done?  A godly example and teaching biblical principles.  Reading and explaining  the Proverbs is a good source of wisdom.  They say hindsight is 20/20 but how much clearer would decisions be made with foresighted wisdom.
    There are things that will jump into our paths unexpectedly but when we recognize that we never walk our paths alone, we are comforted with that knowledge.


   

Hand It Over

     I think this caption illustrates the point of letting our lives in every way be handed over to God.  We think we have things in control but then trials happen to remind us of our need for Him.
     How weak are our hands?  Mine are very weak.  We can wring our hands over distress and cry into our hands with sadness but it doesn't do any good.  His hands tho are mighty. Even the ocean won't go past the boundaries His hands have set.  'He's got the whole world in His hands', as the song says.
     How wise are we?  Hopefully, you are wise enough to know how little we know.  'His thoughts and ways are far beyond ours.'  If we would follow His lead then our paths in life would be so much smoother.  The book of Proverbs is a whole book on helping us get wisdom and showing us how to live wisely.
    How deep is your love?  Love on earth is often conditional and fleeting.  God loved us while we were still sinners and yet loved us enough to send His Son to save us from that sin.  I know I want my life in a secure, unconditional love.
    What can I give to you God when you've given me so much?  My life and all that it includes in it, the good and the bad I hand it over to You.

Accepting Others

     Is it part of human nature to surround ourselves with people just like us?  I think we often shy away from those that we consider 'different.'  I saw a headline for a news story the other day, 'What's the right thing to say to the disabled.'  Really?  Treating people based on what you see differently rather than just as another human being is the source of the problem.
     You may be different as the new kid in school or new in the workplace, therefore it kind of puts a target on your back to prove yourself as worthy to get to know.  It's not fair but that is how the world works.
     God doesn't show favoritism.  Rich or poor, high class or low class, well dressed or rags.  God considers our hearts for Him as the valuable part of us.  May we too not judge by appearance but check out the heart of a person first.
 
James 2:1 ''My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.''

Romans 2:11 ''For God does not show favoritism.''

Galatians 2:6  ''As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message.''

Adding all of the part of James 2 that I'm drawing from after seeing the first comment.......to clarify..

''My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.  Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,”  have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?''

Too Small

     In this world, we can become overwhelmed and think what can I do that will really change anything?  Let me introduce you to a little fellow called the mosquito.  He is small but can kill you with malaria or west nile virus.  Or how often has a small baby's cry made a negative difference in your eating out experience?  We can swell up and look bad in front of others from both small sources.
     On the up side, how much does a dying plant perk up with just a little glass of water?  How much does one little compliment make your day seem special?  It doesn't take much to be an encouragement to a thirsty soul.
     When others see us and our actions, it leaves them with an impression--good or bad.  You are making a difference and it may seem small to you but big to others.  As we plant seeds of the Truth, we may not see it grow but it has to start somewhere so why not with you.