It's a God Thing

 
     God often leads us to places and information for future use because He knows where our life road leads to before we do.
     When I was about 13, my mom took me to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  People from all over the world go there for expert medical advice and research.  I was the prime candidate to send for help with our hereditary neuromuscular disease, CMT.  As they ran different diagnostic tests, they also gave advice for my future needs.  'It was a God thing' that they told me about the postural drainage method of coughing.  It is a way of positioning yourself on your belly on the bed and letting your shoulders and arms hang off the end of the bed.  The key is letting gravity do the work that the muscles can't.  So back then, it was info to be filed away in my memory file.  Yet, over the past 15-plus years, it has been life-saving info that is rarely spoken of by respiratory therapists.  I'm often the show-n-tell show when I'm in the hospital to demonstrate their textbook knowledge.
     The Bible is our place of information given to us that foretells what the future holds.  Are you using that resource to prepare for your destiny or is it just filed away for that emergency moment of need?  'When you know better, you do better.'

Worry

     Have you ever stopped to think about things you've worried about in the past?  Did things not turn out for good, even if the journey wasn't easy?  'Worry is a misuse of imagination.'  I know I've thought of the craziest what-if scenarios but you can go insane with that kind of thinking.
     'Worry is a burden God never meant for us to bear.'  He wants us to hand it over to Him because He is the controller over each of our worlds.  Worry is a cycle to nowhere.  'What worries you masters you.'
     Nothing in life is final, except death.  You can rebuild, you can try again, or change your ways but there are second chances out there.  If there is one thing to truly worry about then it's your eternal destiny.  If you are unsure or following wrong ideas, then you need to shine some Light into that shadow.  People often do sweat the small stuff but put off thoughts that truly matter.  Worry, like when you're in a hurry, leads only to a scurry and a fury.
    Worry will steal your joy and keep you busy doing nothing. Worry will also keep you preoccupied in a holding pattern until you see what God had planned all along.

The Storm

    The storms of life will come and we must endure it until it passes.  It is not fun but it is often a teachable moment for those with malleable hearts and minds.
    Bowing your head is a sign of humble respect to the Lord.  It's a posture that demonstrates a need for a Comforter that is greater than ourselves. It says I need help and I can't get through this alone.
    Saying a prayer is our plead to the Lord to meet our desperate needs.  He will often calm the storm or calm you to get through it.  Your prayer requests never go unheard but the answer depends on His timing and will for you.
    Weather the storm because His mercies are new everyday.  Come rain or shine in your life, there is purpose in everything.  How you handle your storms is an example to many.  Are you thunder and lightning or are you making lemonade with your lemons?
    Gary Allan sings it best, 'Every storm runs out of rain, just like every dark nite turns into day.  Every heartache will fade away, just like every storm runs, runs outa rain.'

Daily Bread

    Well this has been my week for homemade bread.  Yes, lucky me.  I've had 3 friends bring 3 different kinds of bread they made to me.  Louise made sourdough bread, Charity made dinner bread, and Maru made banana bread.  I'm not usually a big bread eater but homemade bread is a whole different story.  I am eating it daily...yummo.
    As much as the homemade bread makes me feel full, it will never nourish me enough.  Our daily bread is the Bible/The Word and will satisfy our souls.  What does it feel like to be hungry for The Word?  You may feel lost without direction, depressed with the world's situation, or needing words of praise.
    I use the devotional, Our Daily Bread, every day.  It's a short and concise story backed up by a Bible verse.  It is enough to give you a thought to ponder for the day.  It also directs your mind towards God, instead of the world.
    Feed your mind and soul as much as your stomach and then you'll have a perfect diet.


Lord, I meditate on Your precepts and contemplate
Your ways. I delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your Word. Open my eyes that
I may see wondrous things from Your law.  [odb.org]

Fleetwood Mac

    Charlene and I had a great night at the Fleetwood Mac concert last night.  Let me share some of the highlights with you.
    My dad drove us and dropped us off and picked us up.  It makes it alot easier on me and saves us from the hassles of parking.  Anyways on the way there, we were at the Kiehl/107 light.  I looked across and said there's Charity and family.  We waved, honked, flashed the lights, stuck an arm out the window and no response.  Are they blind?  As we passed the truck, they looked at us like we were aliens.  We said it wasn't them and laughed so hard.
     Okay so we get there and our seats are perfect.  It started about 20min late but that's okay.  They played my favorite songs [Landslide, Silver Spring], some I really like [Gypsy, Stand Back, You Can Go Your Own Way n more] and some I'd never heard before.  I wanted to do spins in my chair during Gypsy but I refrained.  This show was from 815 to 11-something with no intermission and I love that.  Lindsey [guitar] and Mick [drums] were like Energizer bunnies on their instruments.  Their solos were incredible.
    The Clintons were in town and they were in a box seat across from us.  I know, big whoop, but I thought I'd mention it.
    I give thanks that my sinus drainage held off long enough for me to enjoy a great party night of music with my best friend, Charlene.  Thanks to my dad for a great Christmas gift and bonus taxi service.

Try To....

    Oh, if we could all have this in our daily lives.  Some captions convict me more than others and this one hits home.
    Exodus 10:20  ''But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.''  We do not want to be arrogant and say we will follow the Lord's will and then turn back to our self desires.  Are we repeat offenders like Pharoah?  I think often so and then we have to deal with the consequences.  May our hearts never harden so that we can't hear God's voice in our ear and ignore His will.
    Okay, here is the hardest of the three to me.  I don't really have a short temper but often too quick of a reaction.  I try to remember how patient God is with me, when I'm about to blow a fuse but it's not a no-fail system.  May we always give more grace than is needed.
    I watched a movie the other day where the guy was in big trouble with his job and said he said, 'I just hafta hit something.... so he hit the chair.'  We should never take our anger out on anyone physically or emotionally.  May your touch be soft as a feather and we will never cause harm.

Visiting

   I love to visit with people. I like to hear their stories and share mine. I would love to do more of it if I could.  My greatest hindrance is accessibility into people's homes so I often have to have them come to my place.  It works out for the people willing to show up over here but I'd like to just do a drop by visit myself once in a while.
   I even had a job interview in Chicago once where I couldn't get in the building.  I called and had the interview in the van. What would you guess my chances of getting that job were? ha.
  There is one place I can always go without any help and that's to God's throne.  He is always accessible.  My only hindrance is myself.  I just have to take the time to show up for prayer time with Him.  It's true, prayer is the biggest help to others and to me.
   Psalm 61;1-3  ''Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.''

It's a God Thing

    'Do not look at the mountain but to the One who moves the mountain.'  That is how I try to see my different problems that I face everyday and 'its a God thing'.  Only through God as my foundation can I stand up thru the swaying winds of the world and it's strife.
    We all encounter problems from every direction, but 'do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.' John 14;27  Whether we have a breeze or a tornado of trouble, God has allowed it in our lives to show or teach us something.
    I'm not going to pick out one problem of mine to use as an example because they all make me stronger and more humble each day. 'Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.'  My reality is that my God is bigger than all my problems combined.

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.'