Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Throw Yourself In

A.W. Tozer | Trust Without Borders


James 4;10  ''Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.''


              We often try to hide our flaws from the world because we don't want to appear weak or less than in other's eyes.  God has not only seen it and heard it from all of your being, but knows where you're headed to.
              Surrendering to God's will in one's life is to live with a Christ centered purpose.  As in James 4;7, when we submit to God then we can resist the devil.
              You will be hard pressed to find a friend that knows and accepts all your flaws, bad moods, and ugliness here on earth, but God is our friend that does just that.  God accepts me 'just as I am' with an understanding love that surpasses all.  There is 'no one, no not one that is good' so humble yourself  before the grace of God knowing that no amount of good works will satisfy like a surrendered heart and soul.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Wag It

Are you a barker or a wagger? A 5-minute devotion from Hungry for God: Bark Less, Wag More



                        Our dog, Jack, rarely barks but frequently wags his tail.  Like most of us, he has a pretty good life but I'm sure he has a few things he'd like to change.
                       Do you talk more about your blessings or your burdens?  We must see our lives through a godly perspective, not a worldly perspective.  The world will make you feel short changed because there will always be more to be had.  A godly perspective humbles us and provides for God's will to be done in our lives, more so than our own will.
                      We would all do well to have more of a grateful heart, than a critical heart.  It is not always easy, but finding content in all circumstances is a goal worth aiming for.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Best Listener

truth!



                  Sometimes we just don't want to share our thoughts with others.  It might seem trivial, or like gossip, or just can't be put into words.  Whatever troubles us is of concern to God, regardless of no one else caring.  God is our safe place to vent and leave our burdens with.  'When I am cast down in spirit and soul, He whispers sweet peace to me.''
                  When our words fail us, our hearts can still be heard.  Often our eyes are the windows to our souls.  People often tell me they can see how I feel in my eyes without me saying a word.  God has an even better connection with us than that.  Jesus felt burdens just like we do and yet said 'Forgive them, for they know not what they do.'
                  Prayer from a sincere heart is the best thing you can do for others and yourself.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

What's Your Legacy?

"It's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you've given back." — Denzel Washington



                               Do you remember how important it was to you to get your yearbook signed back in high school?  We all wanted those blank pages filled up with memories from our friends.  We wanted to see that we had made a mark in others lives in those fast four years.
                              What about the mark we leave during the rest of our lives, the majority of our years?  You will be remembered most by how you treated people, more than what you said or did.  Maybe that's why God commands us to 'love one another' because it matters most in a purpose driven life for Christ.
                             When I think of my own funeral, I would like all the attendees to have their own special 'I remember when' moment in their minds.  My life accomplishments are more my own memories but a legacy is more about the impact that one has in other's lives.  Recently, I've been blessed by others telling me how my life has encouraged or strengthened their lives..... AND THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.  

Monday, May 11, 2015

What to Look For..

When it rains, look for rainbows. When it's dark, look for stars.



Proverbs 19;23  ''The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.''

                       Being in the hospital recently wasn't my first rodeo nor my first time up to bat.  My health struggles are part of my life story and I've accepted that.  When I was younger, my fears led to fainting, endless tears and panic.  Experience in the physical realm of discomfort has helped my faith grow and helped me trust beyond what I feel.
                      Do you truly believe God is with you every step of the way and that He uses people for His purposes?  I found comfort in recognizing nurses and aides from my last hospital stay and knew I was in good hands.  I found comfort in my new doctor listening and answering 'my' questions.  I found comfort from all my visitors that each have their own special relationship with me.
                     I'm not saying this was not a storm without bolts of lightning, but there is always a silver lining of peace.  My peace comes from knowing I'm in God's hands and on His timetable.....and nothing can change that.
                     

Friday, May 8, 2015

Foto Friday

Friday... feeling better
at TuttiFrutti NLR

Ive got great connections for
get well treats... thanks R.H.

Tiger missed me

Jack promoting a day of rest

Chris Tomlin concert....2 days before
going into the hospital