Sparkle

    Okay, if you know me at all then you know I love a little bling.  I think a little sparkle can spruce up anything that seems plain.  It catches the eye with it's shiny illumination.
    Don't you want your life to add a little sparkle into the lives of others?  How can we add sparkle?  Your smile should be contagious.  Your mood should be uplifting.  Your actions should be inspiring.  Your words should be encouraging and motivating.
    I think when our hearts and our actions are together in a Spirit led mind then we will leave a little sparkle wherever we go.  The beauty of a diamond is formed by pressure so let the pressures of your daily life turn you into something just as shiny and beautiful.

The Circle of Life

   The circle of life is often not pleasant and a harsh lesson in humility.  We think 'that' won't happen to me but time is the true revealer.  I've heard two stories recently about caregivers dealing with moments that were far from comfortable.  So, I thought I'd give a few humbling points.

   1.  Your body is just like everybody else's, it's your pride that makes you think you're different.
   2.  Whatever has been an embarrassing moment has happened to someone else before you.
   3.  Learn from your experiences and next time it will be better.
   4.  Pride is concerned with who is right, Humility is concerned with what is right.
   5.  Humility is a fertile soil that grows spiritual fruit.
   6.  Being kind is often better than being right when helping others.

   Humility is a tricky thing, just when you think you've got it is right when you lost it.  Be nice and full of mercy when helping others, you never know when you'll be on the receiving end.

The Week

    It's Monday so let's start the week off with a positive attitude.  Let's look for the good in everything that comes our way.  Don't look to see if the glass is full or not, but instead be glad you have a glass.
    I personally am feeling good and have high hopes for the week.  'My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades.'

Never Changes

    The world is often one big marketing strategy.  The Bible says 'there is nothing new under the sun.'  So we just put a new spin on the same old thing and call it new.  Today's topic was sparked by my hair gel.  The last time I bought it, it was Aussie Sydney Smooth but now it's Aussie Miraculously Smooth.  There was no miracle done in the lab to make it any better, nor does it do any miracle on my hair.  It's the same stuff with a flashier name to get me to buy it.
    The Bible never changes.  People often take away or add to its message to make it more appealing to us but that is wrong.  The Word of God is what is and that's enough.  The church today often tries to turn worship into entertainment but what our souls really need is the Truth, plain and simple.  We will all be held accountable to what the Bible says, not what our culture deems as right or wrong.

Spur One Another

   


     Don't we all like unexpected good surprises?  I was awakened by a friend this morning dropping off an easter present for me.  She was putting 'encourage and build each other up' into action.  She was also letting me know that her thoughts were with me even tho we hadn't seen each other in bible study lately.
     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.'
     Our lives do get busy but we should never grow weary in doing good.  A little effort goes a long ways in a recipient's heart.  Love isn't love until you give it away.  As we all like the getting, we should love giving even more.

Cross references:

1. Hebrews 10:24 : S Tit 2:14
2. Hebrews 10:25 : Ac 2:42
3. Hebrews 10:25 : Heb 3:13
4. Hebrews 10:25 : S 1Co 3:13

It's a God Thing

    Have you ever felt the flame of the fire without getting burned?  I think God lets us know we've done wrong as a warning without pouring all of His wrath upon us.  His mercy is defined as withholding what we deserve and we should be grateful.
    So let us rewind down memory lane back to my Levy cruising days.  Let me just preface this as a one time learned lesson, not a habit repeated.  My two friends and I were in the front seat of my Honda Prelude with bucket seats.  We got pulled over by a cop and found out it was illegal to have three people in the front seat.  Who knew?  Well we all had to exit the vehicle so he could look in the car.  Well on this one night, we had split a wine cooler between us.  We were all thinking about the trouble we'd be in if he found it.  It was a 'God thing' of mercy that the empty bottle had rolled out of sight way up under the driver' seat.  Oh yeah, I felt the heat because I did get a ticket and had to go to court but I didn't get burned.
     Mercy is priceless.

Tomorrow

     This caption has been my daily motto for awhile now.  I've been stuck in a holding pattern of sickness or what one may see as forced captivity at home.  I haven't lost hope because I do know there will be a tomorrow coming to look forward to here on earth and eternally.
     We must not see our bad day as having a bad life.  There are no rainbows without the rain.  The trials we encounter help us to appreciate the joys even more.  Trials also help us to see our weaknesses more clearly by being up close and personal.  We can therefore see our desperate need for our Healer, Comforter, and Savior through these moments.  Where there is faith there is hope and where there is hope there are His promises about our tomorrows.
      'Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya. You're only a day away.'

Who?

      Who does this?  Seriously, I see it but wonder what they are thinking.  The odds of you seeing people you know goes up exponentially with how bad you look.  Oh but the rollers let them know you're going to look great later right...lol.
      You can never make a second first impression.  I encourage people to care about how they look.  A lot can be said for clean, decent and appropriate in the way you care for your appearance.  Are you the 'Pigpen' of the Peanuts gang?  Cologne can never beat a bar of soap and water...just sayin'.

4 Good Things

     This caption yells out to me 'Ding Ding, Ding Ding'.  It all points to living your authentic self with others.  You can be true to yourself without an obtrusive approach.
     Pretending...... you can only act for so long.  Your true colors will bleed thru eventually. Be who you are meant to be, not the crowd's wannabe.
     Depending..... love without expecting.  God loved us while we were still sinners.  His love isn't dependent on ours.
     Defending.... not a word is heard when you're building your case in your head.  Ears can't be shut like our mouths for a reason.
     Offending.....  reword it.  You can make your point without making an enemy.  Say it nice or just keep your advice.

Happy or Not?

     I heard on the news last night, Arkansas was ranked 46 out of the 50 states where people were the least happy.  Really?  Happiness is a choice, it's not by chance.  If your happiness is dependent on your circumstances, then your life will crash as often as a wave hits the shore.
    'Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one remembers to turn the Light on.'  The peace of God will sustain you.  As I wind up my third week of being sick, I could be bitter or better for this down time.  I choose better and that starts with the quality of my thoughts.
     If you're not happy, look within.  Then look above and count your blessings.  Lastly, help yourself by helping someone else be happy.

Come On In

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         ''If you knew Jesus was coming to visit you at your house tonight, would you run to the door to welcome him with open arms, or would you (we) need to rush around to hide some things. What do you have in your home that you (we) would be ashamed for him to find?''

         This was a post from my cousin, Gina, on her facebook page and I thought it was a good point to ponder.  Everything we have and own belong to God but would He want to claim it?  Music and movie collections, are they an encouragement to the soul?  Is your home an example of earthly hoarding or an example of humble giving?

         It's okay to surround yourself with things you enjoy and make you happy but there are limits to one's greed and self indulgence.  We must give our first fruits to God, not the leftovers.  'In my house, we will serve the Lord.'  It's not just a saying but should be a way of life.

It's a God Thing

     Today is my friend's birthday, David Nosek.  When I moved back here, he was one of a couple of people that took me under their wing to make my transition smoother.  Our first outing was a Natalie Merchant concert.  It was fun to go with someone who enjoyed her music as much as I did.  We've also enjoyed movies, hockey games, new restaurants and shopping in Memphis excursions.  Friends are ones that even tho you may see them less, you know they're there and can be counted on no less.
     'It's a God thing' that David took the time and effort back then for me when I needed it most.  Showing God's love to others in whatever way you can is a great way to serve as a Christian.  Don't expect it to always be easy and problem free either.  David and I have unspoken of stories that shall remain that way but what's important is the friendship that's stayed intact through it all.
     Happy Birthday David.  I know God brings people into our lives with a purpose that He wants fulfilled.  Thanks for stepping up to the plate.

FBF PRAYER REQUESTS..MARCH 2013

FBF PRAYER REQUESTS FOR MARCH 2013

PHILIP AND SANDRA PRIME
1. Pray for our baptismal service on the 3rd of March. We could have 5 or so who would want to be baptized: Lilia and her son Pablo; A young gal Denise; a young man Jesús; another young man also named Jesús; and possibly a few more. Pray that the Lord would help us to give them wise counsel.

2. Please pray for the visa and vehicle situation here in Mexico.

Changes in the Mexican Visa laws are forcing all foreigners who reside (or plan on residing) in Mexico for the long-term, to apply for residency.  The new law is forcing us to either legalize (import) our van or sell it in the US and buy a Mexican one.

I have been told by two different agencies (non-government) that deal with the importation of vehicles that it is not possible to import the Bookmobile. I am still waiting on one other agency to finish their investigation into the matter.

MARTIN AND HANSY TUOHY

1. The vehicle we have been using needs new license plates to remain legal. There has been many delays in getting them. Please pray we are able to get them by the end of this week.

2. Till Easter camps we have will be traveling quite a bit on the weekends, visiting other churches here in MX. Please pray for travel mercies and ability to minister well to each of the churches.

3. Wisdom is needed as we prepare to pack up here in Puruandiro. Are we packing for good or just so that we can return once we have tied up loose ends in Denmark?

4. Salvation of young family whom we are studying with.I beg your prayers for my oldest sister, Carmen (the mother of Kena). Thursday of last week, 5:30 am, she fainted, felt from the second floor, hit a pot with her head, destroyed one of her knees, and God graciously spared her life! 

 

MONICA SERNATINGER AND QUICO

I beg your prayers for my oldest sister, Carmen (the mother of Kena). Thursday of last week, 5:30 am, she fainted, felt from the second floor, hit a pot with her head, destroyed one of her knees, and God graciously spared her life!
    She got stiches in her head, and last Friday had knee surgery. This week Quico and I spent a few days in Celaya helping care for her. She is doing well and her pains have resided greatly, and she told us repeatedly to have felt so loved by us.  I am still very concerned about her salvation. She is a very devout Catholic who confesses to have put her trust in Christ as her Savior, and that if she would have died, she is sure she would spent eternity in heaven; but also she will forever trust in the intercession on the Virgin Mary for her daily walk and eternity. I left some literature with her and she says to daily read Our Daily Bread devotional. May the Lord give her true understanding of Christ amazing and sufficient grace.
    My health and energy have been so much better. Thank you for your faithful prayers!!!

DENNY NORRIS
We are so grateful for how God is working among the youth in Cannon Beach. Each week we are meeting in the home of one of the church families (we usually fill up the host’s home) as we study through the gospel of John. Besides the Bible study, we recite memory verses, report on Bible reading, pray, have a question and answer time and eat a snack. There is an enthusiasm among them that is contagious… and the families in the church feel blessed to host them. They also have a passion for their lost friends and relatives.

Thanks so much for praying for the quinceañera celebration; the name of Christ was both exalted and proclaimed. Both the fifteen old year girl and her father gave their testimonies.
 

 

 

Waiting

    Who can't relate to this?  Hurry up is what's on everyone's mind.  Are we mindful of others when it's our turn?  I think some people think the handicapped stall is the upgraded area for all to use.  I'm here to say 'it is not'.  When there is a 5 to 1 ratio of regular stalls to an accessible one, you better wait for one of the five.  I am not very patient when I've had to wait on a person that could have used any of the other stalls and this one is my only option.   Your big purse, your tight space phobia, nor it being a phone booth makes you eligible as handicapped.
     'Patience is the companion of wisdom.'  Is it wise to lose our patience?  Not usually.  Our attitude during the wait is what the world sees in us most.  'The meek will inherit the earth' so we must humble ourselves.  Time will not wait for anyone but we must wait for the right timing in the impatient moments.

3 Important Bones

     There are 206 bones in the human body.  They all bear weight, make you stable and give your body it's form.  Reba lists three other bones that are just as essential to success in our lives.
      The wishbone.  We need hope in our lives.  We need something to strive for in the race of life.  'The reason the damned in hell cease acting toward an alteration of their state; despair has taken hold of them.'  When our wishes are conveyed through sincere prayers, they are more likely to come true.
      The backbone.  You have to stand up for yourself.  Your rights, your respect due to you and your beliefs.  Wishy washy is not an option with success. You either get in the game or get on the bench.  As I am often a patient in the healthcare system, I know standing up for what will or will not work for me puts my stubborn backbone to the test.
     The funnybone.  Life is not as serious when you can laugh at yourself.  A sense of humor is one of the most desired characteristics in a person.  A cheerful soul brings joy to others.  Laughter is one of the best medicines so  live, love, and laugh often.
     Enjoy success with these three bones that give hope, convictions and joy in this fallen world.

My Spot

    I think this caption is a true reflection of me the past couple of weeks.  I'm in my favorite place to be and eating everything within reach.  Do you have a favorite chair or an area just to call 'your space'?  It is comforting to be there and can conform to your body's needs like a glove.
    Now we do have to be on guard of becoming a couch potato.  'You don't have to move fast but you do have to move.'  A big risk of the flu is the development of pneumonia due to inactivity.  Pushing yourself within reason can benefit you as much as rest will.  It's a balancing act.
    As I miss out on the fun activities of this weekend, I will focus on the joys of my still moments.  I'm eating like a fat queen, I'm comfortable, I'm not in pain, I'm content with my circumstances, I've got my bed buddy [Tiger] by my side, and I have hope that this too shall pass

The Journey

     How would you rate your journey thus far?  Smooth, bumpy, full of detours?  We are each a product of our individual journey and it has shaped us in many ways.  I personally am an 'A to B' type of traveler.  I like to know where I'm headed and the shortest way to get there.  Life doesn't work that way, does it?  It is said, 'A truly happy person enjoys the scenery on a detour.'   Okay, that's never happened in my life..lol.
     If we don't learn from the pitfalls of our journey, we are most likely to end up in a rut.  The lessons of life are meant to teach us in our weakest areas.  I would say 'patience' is a big theme of mine and these two weeks of flu sickness is not a detour I would've chosen.  It has taught me to put my agenda on hold and let the Lord work on me...in His timing.
    Don't rush your journey and the process that is working in you.  You're right where you need to be.

Again?

     Do you ever think 'oh great, here we go again' when you face a problem for the second or third time?  I think we often remember how hard it was to overcome and how long it took, rather than the steadfastness of the Lord's faithfulness.  We remember the pain or hardship of a problem and not the glory that shined through it.  Strength shows itself stronger through our sufferings.
     'The Lord will provide' in all circumstances.  Our clearest view of the future is reflecting on God's past work in our lives.  Have you ever really done without?  Doubtful, unless a prideful heart interfered.  Everything happens for a reason, it's not coincidence.
     I encourage you to take a look into your past and see how trusting God overpowered any worry or fear you had with a problem.  It's like in the Footprints poem, 'Where were You when I needed You most?  I carried you.'

It's a God Thing

     Do you ever stop to think about where you were born and raised?  Of all the places in the world I could have been placed, I know 'It's a God thing' that I was born in the USA and the South.  There is no other country more free and blessed by God, despite the attempts to shut Him out.  It is the land of opportunity and people flock here to make their dreams come true.
    Being in the South has it's blessings too.  Seasons change but are here just long enough to make you ready for the next.  Southern hospitality is embedded into daily life that is a true southern comfort.  Sweet tea, how could I live without it?
    Hearing the struggles of third world countries, like Haiti, helps me be more thankful that God put me where I could thrive for Him best.  I was born in a small town, Conway, and I prefer being a lil fish in a lil pond.

Not Lonely

    I am a people person but that doesn't mean I dislike being alone at times.  We should all learn to handle being by ourselves and we will then be even better when around others.  I can feel more alone in a crowded room than an empty house.

    A lot of people feel the need to have some sort of distraction present to fill the silence of a room, like constant tv or music.  I think that can be a negative thing.  Are you ever alone with your thoughts?  Can you hear God's whispers above the noise?  Some people sleep with earplugs to get a good night's rest but sometimes we should try a daytime pair to block out the world.  

    Only when we are happy with ourselves can we make others happy.  I encourage you to 'be still' and get to know yourself and your thoughts in some quiet time.  God is with us, so we're never really alone.