Trust

    Where do you put your trust?  The common denominator in this caption is 'Lord, I trust You.'  I think many people trust that God will let them into heaven but His authority over them stops there. We want to trust in ourselves too much despite our repeated failures.
    Do you trust God......
    For all things....  God will supply all our needs.  Job 10:12  'You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.'
   With all things...  God controls everything, even when He gives and takes away.  Job 37; 23-24 'The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?”
    In all things... God will never forsake us.  He takes care of everything.. the birds, the flowers, the weather, and the list is endless, and includes you.  Psalm 23;4  'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.'
    Through all things... God will bring you through it, if He brought you to it.  Psalm 23;6  'Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.'
    Above all things... God should be your Vision and the only Ruler of your heart.  Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Gary Allan Concert

     When Magic Springs announced their concert series lineup this spring, I knew right off that I wanted to go see Gary Allan.  I saw that the date was in the middle of July so we waited until the last minute to buy tickets because who knew how the weather would be.  Well thanks to Karla we got discount tickets and the weather was predicted to be nice.

     The weather ended up being a perfect 78 average temperature and no mosquitos.  It was pretty crowded when we got there and we took the first open spot for our lawn chairs.  While looking for us, my dad found better seating for us in the non-smoking area.  So we had a great view to see the concert.

     Gary sang for 2 hours straight with no intermission.  He sang all my favorite songs including, 'Learning How to Bend.'  He sang a new one called 'Bones' that I totally love now too.  He ended with 'The Best I Ever Had' which I think refers to his late wife.

      He sang a fast song while Karla went to take a picture and she came back with a few dance moves in her step.  So I got in the spirit and did three fast spins in my chair.  It was fun and I'm sure people wondered how much we had had to drink.... none, for those with curious minds.

      A guy with a few beers in his system got chummy with my dad.  He said 'I love having a good time.'  It happened to be the same guy my mom reported earlier to security for smoking in the non-smoking area......lol.

     As we left, Karla and I got t-shirts.  Then a couple approached us and offered me the guitar pick they had caught.  They already had one from a previous concert and thought I'd enjoy it more.  There are kind and generous people still out there in this dark world.

     As we drove back home, we were all hungry.  Who wants IHOP?  More like who doesn't?  We came to the first one, it was packed and short staffed.  The second was packed with I-30 speedway folks.  Finally, the third IHOP was packed with taekwondo people but we ate there anyway.

    We got home at 1:15am tired and full but we all had a good time and were glad we went.  The night was perfect in every way and I did remarkably well.  The Lord gave me a night with extra energy and no coughing spells.  I just say 'Thank You'

Anger Solution

    Anger can just brew and boil up in us, if we let it.  Keeping our anger under control can be challenging for all of us.  Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion, if controlled well.  We should express our frustration in an assertive yet non-confrontational manner.  It is not about who can yell the loudest or who gets the last word.
    The caption above gives the best anger management advice... prayer.  Prayer changes people on both sides.  This doesn't mean to advise anyone to say 'I pray [they] will see things my way.'  When we pray the right way, we will be calmer, think more clearly and be open to seeing things through God's perspective.
     Anger is danger, if it is let loose off it's leash.  Tame the tongue, just like it is a wild animal.

Faith is...

    What do you have faith in?  If it is in yourself, then pride has blinded you.  If it is in your fellow man, you probably haven't lived long enough or don't have close relationships with others.  We as humans are guaranteed to be a disappointment at some point.  'We all fall short of the glory of God.'
     Hebrews 11:1 ''Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.'' Faith is confidence and trust in something.  In this verse, faith is the evidence of where our trust lies regardless of the situation of what we see.
    I think Job is one of the great stories of unshaken faith.  There was nothing the devil could do to him that made him lose his faith in Christ.  Loss of possessions, loss of loved ones, slanderous remarks, and painful afflictions were not enough to break his relationship with God.
    Is your faith in God that strong?  Can you believe that everything that happens to you is for your good?

Prayer Benefits

    It is important to have a prayer circle of friends and family in your life.  There is a convicting quote that goes like this, 'what if we only received what we prayed for last night?'  Yes, I know I need the prayers of others and I reap the benefits of them.  I am better at praying for others rather than for myself.  I'm not sure if that's doubt or surrendering to His will but it is probably a combination of both, even when I know all things are possible with Him.
    There is power in numbers so share your trials and triumphs with others.  We need others prayers as well as they need ours.  Prayer changes people and that includes both sides of the request.
    If you have ever prayed for me, even if it was just once or many times, I thank you and God who answered your prayer.  My prayer circle benefits me daily.

Who Called?

    Have you ever received a phone call from someone who is just a 'taker?'  Do you use your caller ID for those calls and not pick up?  We all know the feeling of being used and it's not a good feeling.  A simple 'thank you' is often all we want in return. It's been said 'to consider yourself the light to someone when the darkness surrounds them and they think of you for help.'
    Well Charlie Brown reminds us here that God wants to hear from us in both our wants and our appreciative thoughts.  'If you only pray when you're in trouble, then you're in trouble.'  Prayer is free, wireless, hands free communication that's available all the time so what's stopping you?  Do you dare admit it is you?
    'There are many Christians who think that they prove their love for the Lord by going to church, tithing their income, and sharing the gospel. All these things are important, but actions are empty unless we are connecting with God personally on a regular basis. Believers often rationalize by saying they are too busy. We tell ourselves, I just need to finish a few things, and then I’ll pray and read the Bible, but there always seems to be a new task to replace each completed one. We must choose to make time for the Lord.' [intouch.org]

It's a God Thing

     During the summer months, kids enjoy a break from school.  Adults usually take a week or so in the summer for a vacation break from work.  Although I'm not quite feeling it today, I have enjoyed a break from coughing for over a month.  I believe 'it's a God thing.'  I've had friends suffering lately with colds, viruses, fever and rashes so I know I've been spared mercifully.
     So what is different when I'm on a cough break?  Less worry, more freedom and more energy. For example, I enjoyed 2 games of bowling yesterday, the rivermarket over the weekend, long visits with friends even in the heat, and eating out at further distances from home.
    Yes, the view from the mountain of joy is different from the valley of strife so this is my way of 'telling it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is Lord' and gets the credit.

Everything We Need

   
     Psalm 23 is probably the most well known Psalm of the Bible.  I never had thought about it in the way this caption breaks it down.  How wonderful it is to be reminded how God gives us everything we need.  There is nothing left out.
    Psalm 119;27-28  '' Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.''  In the bible study I was in, we learned how to break down verses to get a better and more indepth meaning to them.  It's important not to just read the words but to look for the meaning in them.
     May we remember every day that God is with us and when we doubt we can remember this Psalm to reassure us.

Someday

    Can anybody tell me when your 'someday' will be?  We put off things because often we are uncertain of how to make it happen, wrong timing or just pure procrastination.  That's your choice but don't fool yourself into thinking your lack of planning calls for an emergency on someone else's part.  There are deadlines in this world and time management is key to making those less stressful.
    'Someday' is a familiar date on the non-Christian's calendar.  Many people live on borrowed time with an eternal risk at stake.  Someday we will all die physically.  Don't race with the clock and try to beat it.  Choose to live your life for and with Christ....today,not someday.

Just Right

    Don't you love it when things just go right?  Do you say 'Thank you Lord' or just take it as a good coincidence?  As sure as we are to let little issues ruin our mood, we should get overly excited and grateful when little things work in our favor.  'Coincidences are God's way of remaining anonymous' but we should know Who to give credit to.
    Today when Karla and I went down to the Rivermarket farmer's market, I wasn't sure our plans were going to work out.  We got in a line of traffic where a trolley had broken down in the middle of the busiest street.  So we took the round about way to get closer to the market area.  As we were in the line to pay 5 dollars to park, a lady got in her car right next to us and we got her free parking spot...woohoo.  We not only saved 5 dollars but we were curbside to the market!  We were both thrilled and thanked the Lord.
    We took delight in both the sun and The Son shining on our path today.  We welcomed a little shade too.

The Love of a Pet

     I can verify that this caption is absolutely true of both the dogs and cats I've been the owner of. They say 'touch' is very important to a healthy soul.  My cat, Tiger, loves to be near me or just to have her paw on me.  When I came home from the hospital in 2010, all my animals wanted to be near me.  They surely told me in their own way, 'we missed you and want you well.'
     Pets are great for therapy, companionship and security.  They do have a stronger sensory system than ours and I believe they can sense when we feel bad.  They are people-pleasers and can often empathize better than some humans.  If you want to spend the day in bed, they are cool with that.
     I think God shows His love to us in many forms and that includes pets.  'All creatures great and small, the Lord created them all.'

Prayerful Things

     Who are we to decide what is prayer-worthy?  I think our own doubts of what is possible tend to keep us from putting big issues in our prayers.  We have to remind ourselves that 'all things are possible with God' and then we can overcome our doubts.  We also tend to think we are bothering God if we talk with Him about our trivial problems.  If it matters to you then it matters to God.  He wants to hear from us and there is no level or scale of importance.
     I've personally encountered things in my life and wished in my head that it could be changed or different.  Since I didn't know the solution, I didn't think it was possible to change it.  Only when I spoke out loud my problem was an answer given.  My example is of my standing machine and how I stood uncomfortably for so long until it was adjusted.  I think our prayer list can often reflect this type of thinking.
    I know God hears our hearts but He wants our prayers too.  Prayer may not change God's will for us but hopefully it will change us.

It's a God Thing

    Who is in charge of everything?  I can tell you, show you and remind you that 'It is a God thing' and no one else's.  We fool ourselves when we think we've accomplished anything on our own.  Sometimes I think about needing to talk with someone and go down my list of people possibilities.  Then one by one they don't get selected for whatever reason by me and then when I'm out of choices, I soon realize my choice is The One who knows all and can solve all my woes.
     We often get so overwhelmed by our problems that we forget Who is greater than any of our biggest or smallest of problems.  Sometimes we anticipate trouble before it even has a chance to occur.  Our focus should not be on what could go wrong but instead think of what could go right.
    Thursday is the day to celebrate our independence but may we never lose our total dependence on God in our lives because He is in charge.  Have a 'Happy 4th of July'.

Seriously

    Some days it's easier to be all of these things than others.  Some days it takes a whole-hearted effort on your part and you still may fail.  We are all prone to wander and give in to laziness, being unsympathetic to others and have our irritable moments.  I know I'm not alone on this, right?  We all have our days but it's important not to make it a habit.  Is your reputation one like Lucy's?
   'The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10
    The key is to die to our own selfish desires and therefore, have a heart and life for God.  We will then do for others with a willing heart, not be ignorant and dismissive to the pains of others and remain cheerful through it all.

Where's Your Fruit?

 
     One of the biggest reasons people turn away from church is because they see how so- called Christians act in daily life.  There should be a noticeable difference in how the saved and unsaved react, respond, and live in this world of problems and hardships.  That difference is the fruit of the Spirit.  When God is the ruler of your heart and mind, not yourself, these things will be obvious in your life.  The lack of them is even more obvious to those around you... think about it.
   
     Self-control, do you have it or the temper of a wasp?  Do you make a mountain out of every mole hill?  When you lose it, the devil has you in his hands.
     Gentleness, do you have a soft touch?  Or is it just about getting the task done?
     Faithfulness, can people count on you to be reliable?  Do you trust God in all circumstances?
     Goodness, do you approach things and people looking for the good in them?  Do you try to do good for others?
      Kindness, are your words and ways thoughtful?
      Patience, can you wait or is everything a 'right now' issue?
      Peace, is there a calmness about you that soothes your soul?
      Joy, is there joy in your heart?  Deep down where it's untouchable to earthly disappointments?
      Love, the greatest and the foundation of all these fruits.

     Are these in your fruit bowl of life or do you just sample them on rare occasions?  Galatians 5;16-17  '' So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.''
     May the Spirit be our guiding light and let Christ shine through us.  May we also never be a stumbling block to others by our example.

Sugar Coated?

2 Timothy 4; 3-4  '' For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.''


     As Mary Poppins sang, 'Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.'  Well the church in today's world often thinks we need to sugar coat the Word to avoid losing it's members.  It is a wrong, dangerous theory and misleading.  Sermons often preach 'the good life' message of wealth and earthly benefits to becoming a believer, which is false teaching.  God never promises an easy life but promises strength to get you through life.
     If you're attending a church that never deals with subjects like sin, hell, repentance or forgiveness then you need to think about whether the messages are spiritual doctrine or motivational jargon. There is a huge difference.
    We must remember that whatever we are going through or face in our lives that it's 'not about you but it's about God's glory.'  The Word is good for us, even when it's hard to swallow.

Who is Good?

   Well this caption makes me think of the firestorm against Paula Deen by the media and her sponsors.  I think it is wrong and hypocritical to disown her for things said in the past, off air and apologized for.  We are all sinners and not one of us is good.  Our comparison scale is biased when we say 'well I'm better than him/her' because our only example of true good is Jesus.  We all fall short when we stand next to His example.
   Yes, cast the first stone if your words have never been ugly or disrespectful.  Yes, never ever?  The stone you throw should boomerang back to you and hit you square between the eyes because you are blinded to your own sin.
   Forgiveness is the answer, not the pointing of the finger.  When you point your index finger, your three other fingers point back to you.  May those who want to blame be put to shame and may peaceful bliss come from forgiveness.

Thirsty

   
     When it's 98 degrees outside, aren't we all thirsty?  The power of suggestion is in full force driving down the road of drink advertisements.  Is it Sonic happy hour time?  Who wants a smoothie?  Is the snowcone place on the way?  Frozen lemonade, now that sounds good.  There's nothing like a good cool down from the inside out with a good cold drink.  It doesn't last but only for a short while.
     John 4;13-14  ''Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
    Yes only Jesus can refresh us, revive us and restore us in an everlasting way.  I strongly suggest you to drink up His Word and your cup will runneth over.

It's a God Thing

    How often do we think about food and what our choice to enjoy will be?  I can say 'quite often' for myself.  'It's a God thing' that not only does God provide for our needs to satisfy our hunger but that He also gives us so many choices.  Even if you got to pick your favorite food, could you eat only that every day for every meal?  The Israelites begged for food in the desert and God provided them with something they didn't even know what it was at first, manna from heaven.  Yes it was nutritious, but with time they complained for something different.  I can understand that but we must remember God gives us what we need, not just what we want.
  ''Have you ever doubted the Lord could supply your needs? Maybe your circumstances seemed so desperate that you lost hope. That’s what happened to the Israelites after escaping Egyptian slavery. They were free but stranded in the desert. As their food ran out, they started to worry and complain. But the Lord had not led them out of Egypt to perish in the wilderness. As Life Principle #11 says, God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him.''  from intouch.org
     Our food supply and its variety of choices is a prime example of God not only meeting our needs but giving us more than we deserve.  Grace is giving us what we don't deserve, and it's a God thing.

Day is Done

    It's almost 8pm now, so it's kind of a late blog post.  Was your day what you wanted it to be?  Sometimes we can't rest at night because we didn't get done today all that we thought we should have.  Take note from Charlie Brown and let it go till tomorrow.
    There is only one exception to that theory and that is to never put off your decision to follow Christ.  We are not promised tomorrow and only knowing your eternal destiny will you rest with blessed assurance.... everything else can wait till another day.