Fight The Battle

Mark 13:28-30 (New International Version)

28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

It’s been a long time since I’ve written. I’m not really sure where to start. The past couple of years have been a whirlwind of sorts. Learning so many new things, new people in my life, a change in who God was creating me to be, just lots and lots of things that took me away from writing. I can say that it was always in the back of my mind but God wasn’t giving me the words to write. I guess he knew better and that I wouldn’t be able to put to words all the things that were happening at one time.

When give your life over to God, it’s a real struggle at times. We are so accustomed to “doing our own thing, in our timing and what we want” that when we pray about God’s will for our lives, we forget…..he has total control. Like the scenario of getting rid of baggage…we drop it at the altar and then a few days later we miss the baggage and we pick it back up again. It’s a vicious cycle, a rollercoaster of emotions and just not healthy. Every time I’ve done that same thing, I’ve picked up that baggage once again and started that cycle over and over and over. I decided that when I start “missing the baggage” that I ask God to show me the “ugliness” of the baggage instead of longing for something that really has no place in my life right now.

Sometimes you just have to walk away from something you’ve always known, including people, places, reminders of bad times/good times and start fresh. Don’t you just love the smell of clean sheets? Boy, I do! Seems like you get a better nights rest, you are more comfortable and the anticipation of feeling them against your skin. That’s exactly how I feel when I come to God and ask for discernment of events, of circumstances and asking him to heal me of emotional pain, physical pain or just to hear my cries. Knowing that he will work within me to make me clean and help me to feel fresh and new.

I know that God has many plans for my life. I know that he wants me to continue to write and photograph his beauty. I know that he wants me to continue to learn his ways, worship him and to fellowship with others. He also wants me to branch out into uncharted waters and to love others as he loves them. I know that he is preparing me for many things in the future and that he will always be there for me and never leave me, nor forsake me. Just as he promises. Sometimes we have to be willing to listen, learn and be taught. Sometimes the argument isn’t worth the breath that you put in it….but the stillness of a small voice can make a great change in all circumstances.

My prayer for you today is that you find peace, contentment and joy in your life today. God is always present….even when you may think he’s deserted you. Continue to love and have faith….it’s worth the battle.

 

You Are Not Everybody Else

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

In viewing a recent Joyce Meyer telecast, she spoke on being a difference to others and that when we are baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, we are different. She made a statement that has really rang true to me, “You are Not Everybody Else!”

There are times when I wonder why I can’t do what other people do and why I have to live the life that I do, but that same sentence comes to mind and it’s a reminder from God that we are called to be different.

I can remember times when my Mother would fuss at me in regards to some friends I had made at school and she would be upset at something I was doing, or just being the loving, caring Mother she was and she’d have the same sort of sentence, “You are not somebody else, you are who you are.” I used to think, well, why can’t I be like everybody else? Now I realize more than ever that I was called to be different even in my youth.

As I look back and see where I have made many mistakes, I know that God has used me to teach others or that he has put me through something so that I can be a witness to others. I so enjoy my fellowship with the women at our church and our group studies. We grow together, we share our lives, adventures, sorrows, pain, tears, joy and laughter. When you find those whom you can truly be yourself with and you don’t have to explain your whole life to, then you’ve really found good friends.

Sometimes we don’t need to hear the whole story, just where you are right now and just being your friend. Sometimes the whole story reaches the right person and they can relate more, because they too, have shared in that similar pain.

My prayer for you today is that you become connected to a group. That you find a place of fellowship with other believers and that you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Originally written 7-28-07

 

Being Who You Were Created To Be

Ephesians 2:10 (New International Version)

10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

How many people really know the person that you really are? I can say there are very few people in my life that really know all the tragedies of my life, my desires and my shortcomings. They are the people whom I know and trust to be honest and forthcoming with me, to speak in love, and that also see a side of me that isn’t always willing to come forward.

When God reshapes you, molds you, and delivers you from bondage, you are able to be the person he created you to be and called you to be. What matters most is that you are serving him and that he is ultimately the only one that matters in the way you are thought of. What other people think of you doesn’t really matter, it’s what you think of yourself.

When I think about all the dreams, desires, and passions that I have in life, I realize that I am a person who has one thing that some may not have. I truly want to serve others and to be a blessing and positive influence in the lives of other people. I don’t want to be someone who is critical or wants to keep you from being all you can be, but that I want to encourage you to step out and enjoy life. I have not always been that way.

Women are known to be nurturers. Sometimes we mistake nurturing for controlling behaviors. We don’t have to tell people what to do, but to encourage them. Listening has been a skill that I have had to learn and realize that I don’t always have answers for other people’s problems, but they just need someone to vent to. Sometimes they answer their own questions and realize they already had the answers, but they just needed to hear themselves speak it.

Encouragement is defined as following by Dictionary.com: the act of encouraging. Encouraging is: to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.

In my next adventures of life, that is what I truly want to do for others. I want to be the encourager, the help mate, the one who others can depend on for kind words or kind actions when they are in need.

My prayer for you today is that you find encouragement in your everyday life and that you find time to encourage someone else along the way.

Originally written 9-03-07

 

Mary’s Baby

Luke 1:38 (NKJV)

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

As I think of Mary and the whole story of Jesus, I think of a young girl who must have had a million questions for God about her future, but she decided that she would just live according to God’s purpose for her life. She had to subject to HIS WILL and not her own. In my T.D. Jakes Woman Thou Art Loosed Bible, he states that Mary didn’t say, “Let it be according to my marital status, my job, or according to what I deserve” but she said, “according to YOUR word.” She knew enough to believe God and to submit to Him.

When the Holy Spirit begins to overshadow your life you will see the power of Jesus do mighty things in your life. All the things that you thought you couldn’t accomplish, all the dreams and aspirations you’ve had locked up for so many years will start taking shape. When a broken person submits to God he does things that only he can do regardless of how you’ve previously fallen. Isn’t it wonderful to be loved by a God who continually loves us and disciplines us as well.

When I look at my own life, I can recount things that were not pleasing to God, but I also remember that he does not remember those things once we have repented. If only we could be the same way in many situations. We carry around old baggage; we keep the fires burning on something that has died many years ago.

A thought that continually comes to mind is the birth of Jesus. What a wonderful reminder of something so awesome and that it was given to me so that I may not go through this world with such burdens, anxieties and shortcomings. How can I not continue to do God’s will when he was so giving of his own son for me? How can I not teach and be willing to go wherever he wants me to go?

My prayer for you this day is that you begin to live your life “according to His will.” May you find that the path may be easier and less complicated if you are willing to surrender to Him. Merry Christmas!

 

PEACE

Luke 12:6-7 (NIV)

6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Peace is defined by dictionary.com as follows: freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc.; tranquillity; serenity.

In my own life, I strive for peace. In order to do so, I have to continually meditate on the word and I have to make time to be quiet before the Lord. Sometimes when you don’t know the words to say in prayer, just the quiet and opening up of your heart to him is all he needs.

Sometimes you have to find peace or contentment in where you are at the moment. Sometimes a beautiful flower, a sunset, a bird chirping or a newborn babies cry are things that are peaceful. I enjoy going to the Pisgah Covered Bridge and just sitting and listening to the water as it flows down the stream. Many times I sit at night and just look at the stars and watch to see if there might be a glimpse of a shooting star. That can bring peace.

Peace is often just what you do in the midst of chaos. Sometimes we find peace in our friendships and in laughter. I have been blessed with a multitude of friends whom I can call on day or night. Each person brings something different to my life and they bring a different perspective to each new problem or each situation in my life. Sometimes we just laugh.

Peace is sometimes found in the writings of others. Some people don’t like to read, but it brings me peace. I love music, so I listen to CD’s that are uplifting and I can sing along to. I wouldn’t call my singing the best, but hey, do I do it anyway. A friend used to joke with me about seeing me on the highway and she’d say, “You were just singing and didn’t see me.” Honestly, with my lack of focus sometimes, I don’t need to see anyone on the highway, but the singing does make me happy and joyful.

In this stressful world, what we do in order to bring some sort of peace into our lives can make a difference. Being with your family, sharing stories with friends, taking time to listen to the elderly or just being by yourself can bring peace. Some people don’t enjoy being alone, sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. I have a photo on my desktop for my computer and it’s my son on his motorcycle giving me the peace sign. You know, that brings him peace.

My prayer for you today is that you find some peace in your life. Whatever it takes and whatever way you decide to find it, find some PEACE.

Merry Christmas to all and be blessed during this special season of hope and peace!  For unto us was born a Savior who came that we may have peace on earth.

(originally written 8-28-07)

 

Hey, I’m Here

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NIV)

17 But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

How available do you make yourself to other people? Do you say that you’re willing to do something and then you don’t make yourself available for the task at hand? God truly wants us to make ourselves available to those in need.

I recently spent time at the homeless shelter and what a real blessing it is to those who have a need. Just by spending a few hours with someone who may feel they have no one can make a big difference in their life and how the perceive other people. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to minister to those who have needs?

We all want something in our lives. Sometimes the very things that we want are not given to us because we want them in the wrong way. If we are looking to get something from the relationship or the friendship, then we are not doing it out of love for another person. The Lord has a way of teaching us how to give than to receive.

I find that when I do something for another person, then most likely I receive as big a blessing from it than they do. My willingness to give of my time makes a huge impact on the other person and they begin to see that not all people are out to get something from them. They are able to give something back to another person.

Recently I had a visit from a Jehovah’s Witness. A young Mother and her son approached my home and I carefully listened to what she had to say and in turn her son wanted to share about God’s love with me. He was so cute and I thanked them for their willingness to do what they had been called to do. Even though it’s a little different from what I do in God’s kingdom, it is what they feel called to do. What I received from it was also a blessing and a revelation that I also have something to give to other people. I also shared with her about what I enjoy about children and their willingness to want to share with others about God’s love. As she was leaving she said to me, “Be blessed.” And I too, wanted her to be blessed by her faithfulness.

Even though we may not being the same thing as someone else, we must know that we are doing what we are called to do and that no two people do things the same thing. Each person has to know their true calling and to recognize it when we are called and act upon it.

Sometimes we can bless many people and sometimes it may be just one. If you are open to hear and receive then we too will be blessed. Don’t ever feel that you have nothing to give. God teaches us many things in his timing and what you do in the meantime is the most important thing.

Contentment with where you are is something that has really become clear to me. Even though I may not have all things I truly want and desire right now, God has a greater plan. I can’t make something happen and I can’t become God, because that is his job. I don’t have to do anything but I can do what he wants me to do and serve with a grateful heart.

My prayer for you today is to recognize where God has called you and where he’s trying to lead you. In your faithfulness, you will receive the blessings that he so very much wants to give you.

written 9-07-07

 

Am I Being Humble?

Job 8:7 (New International Version)

7 Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

Psalm 25:9 (New International Version)
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Humble is: not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful,
Humility is: the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.

I am beginning to see where the Lord wants me to be more humble. Many times in my life I have thought that I needed a big fine house, a fancy car, the finest clothes and “things” to make my life better. When I started trying to simplify my life, I began to realize was that I had everything I needed and that I would always have the provisions I needed if I completely depended on God. His word says that he will give us food, clothing and shelter. Anything that we have extra is a blessing.

Some people think that things will make them more content, happier, or just make it look like they are happier. I have been around many people who seem to have it all and really aren’t happy. Right now, I’m at place where I’m really happy and content with my life and where it seems to be going. I’m not trying to make something happen but that I am looking for opportunities to better myself and for Jake’s future. Ultimately, everything is provided by the Father and yes, we have to do our part, also.

I really enjoyed working with the Ladies Class in preparing the meal for church. It’s a great task to feed many people and there are lots of pans and dishes. I found that I enjoyed washing the dishes as well as preparing the food. I have worked in several restaurants and I never thought that working in a restaurant was glamorous, but I realized every job I’ve ever had, I’ve been able to use those skills later.

Many times I’ve felt that I have not contributed to helping others. A person said to me a couple of weeks ago, “I see your name on so many lists, you do entirely too much.” When you are given time to rest from the daily stresses and strains of life, you realize that you have to choose where you want to serve and where you can’t serve. I can only do what I am called to do. I also realized that I wasn’t giving myself enough time to even think about a relationship. When Jake is grown, what will I be doing then? I don’t want to be alone but I want to have the right relationship, not just something that seems to work right now. A relationship should be one that you start slow and that you both are content with where you are right now and not making something happen.

Modesty is a shining light; it prepares the mind to receive knowledge, and the heart for truth.   Madam Guizot

Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

My prayer for you today is that you seek humility and that you know that you are meant for goodness and prosperity. God always rewards those who seek him.
written: 05-24-07

 

A Light in the Darkness

Genesis 1:3-5 (New International Version)

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Many times in our lives we will think that all is dark and there is no light to our circumstances. As I sit here and look out the window, it’s totally dark. Every once in a while a car will come up the road and I’ll see the lights. God has to remind us in different ways that there is a light at the end of every dark tunnel. That he will prevail as long as we stay focused on him and that we continue to seek the light.

Sometimes when I turn off the lights to my basement, I have to hold on to the railing in order to get up the steps. I have counted the steps and know exactly how many are there before I reach the top and I can see the light from the kitchen. Wow, if we hold onto God, then we’ll reach the light even in our darkest hours.

1 John 1:4-6 (New International Version)

4We write this to make our joy complete.

Walking in the light

5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

Many times I can remember walking in darkness. I would do something that wasn’t of God and I would wonder why my life was the way it was. During those times I would return to God and ask for forgiveness and repent of my sinful ways and the load would seem to be much easier. Our flesh wants to do one thing, our mind tells us another and then we succumb to sin. The daily process of renewing your mind is something we are required to do. I can’t get to where the Lord wants me to go unless I am truly willing to surrender to his ways.

My prayer for you today is that you remember in darkness there is always light. A childhood song, “This Little Light of Mine”, reminds me that I want my light to shine and that I want to live a victorious life in Christ.

written 06-08-07

 

The Dogwood Tree

Ephesians 5:27 ESV

 

So that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

 

 

As I awaken each morning I can see a dogwood tree outside my window.  This year it has more leaves and now berries in which will feed the birds.  As I sit and reflect on the beauty of this tree, I am reminded of what this tree means to me.  Its leaves form the shape of a cross, the center is a reminder of the crown on thorns placed upon Jesus’ head and the red berries are a reminder of the blood which was shed for me in Jesus’ death.

 

 I have lived in this house for around 16 years and this tree has continued to grow and even though my house is surrounded by many trees this one tree continues to reach toward the sunlight and parts are pruned by death and others are reaching higher and higher towards the light.  As I continue in my daily walk with Jesus, I am pruned daily of the things that are not Christlike in my behavior and are replaced with the fruits of the spirit. 

 

A friend said the following to me this week, “When we are in Christ, we don’t have to carry baggage, we carry luggage.  Luggage is something that we carry when we are going on a trip/vacation and when we go on vacation, we carry all the good things with us.  We don’t carry old clothes or things that don’t make us look good.  With Christ we are adorned with good things and we don’t have to carry old things around with us.”   What a wonderful description of what we become when we are in Christ.

 

Sometimes when we are changed into the likeness of Christ some people don’t see what we have become because they are not at a place in Christ to see the goodness.  Sometimes they are still in the past and aren’t looking at the present.  It sometimes hurts me to hear people say, “Well, you used to be like this or you used to do these things.”  What they fail to recognize is the fact that I am not the same person and that I have been transformed by the renewing of my mind through Christ.  It’s okay that they don’t see it, because I know in my heart that I have been changed. 

 

Another revelation came to me with spilling red Koolaid on a white shirt.  Even though it made a stain on my shirt, I was reminded that I am always covered by the blood of Jesus.  Two different times this week I have spilled a drink on my shirt and chuckled because it was again that reminder of Christ’s blood that was shed for me.  What an awesome revelation and one that came at a time when I wondered whether God hears my prayers or thought that he was for some reason or another he was mad at me.  I wore both of those shirts to different places to complete some errands and not one person asked about the stain.  I guess in my confidence in Christ, it didn’t really matter about the stain.

 

When you are willing to see what God has to say to you in different ways, you are receptive to the guiding of the Holy Spirit.  Each day I begin a new journey on my walk with Jesus and each day he shows me more about himself and what I need to change in order to be more like him. 

 

My prayer for you today is that you remember the beauty of God’s creations, the subtle reminders of his promises to you and that you are always covered by the blood.  As you walk with him, you will see what he can change in you. 

 

Teaching Others About Christ

 

2 Timothy 1:11-12 ESV

 

For which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do.

 

 

 

As I sit and reflect about my own walk with Christ I am reminded that each of us have different gifts and talents.  Upon reading my daily devotional from The Upper Room, today’s devotional was entitled “Sing Your Song.”  Even though I don’t sing in the praise team or choir, I do try to worship through singing.  It makes my heart fill with joy and gladness to be able to put words into a sweet sound heard by our Lord.  I don’t have a professional singing voice, but God hears it with great joy and knows that it comes from my heart.

 

My gift is of writing and teaching small children.  I delight in seeing those little eyes light up when you speak about Jesus and the wonderful stories of ordinary people doing great things for Christ through his power in them.  Each day I want to continue to be “childlike” in my reading of the word and to see that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

 

Several years ago I went on a spiritual retreat, Walk to Emmaus.  As I heard the teachings and sang wonderful songs of praise, I remembered during my life all the times that Jesus had walked so closely with me and I had not recognized him.  Each day he walks closer and closer and he begins to mold and shape me into his likeness.  With each pruning and season, I can see what things he wants me to change and what areas that I have grown in and that he is promoting me to other areas of service to the church and my community.

 

My own son was given an affirmation of praise in his decision to wear a t-shirt from a summer activity which involved my church.  This praise came from the principal of his school.  He has started middle school this year and with this new adventure also comes more challenges and I try to remind him that he is in Christ and that he will be protected daily by prayer and his desire to do the right thing.  Middle School is a hard transition for some children, but with prayer from parents and the praise of those around him who also believe in Christ, I believe his school days are much easier to bear.

 

 

I was also reminded of my duty to teach adults about Christ recently while cleaning at a local manufacturing plant.  I was not sure of why I was there and why I needed to be doing such a menial task, but it became more apparent that we are sent to the places where there is much need in regards to the kingdom.  Another Sister in Christ could see Christ in me and reminded me that she too was there to bring others closer to Christ.  From the moment I met her, I knew there was something different about her and we came together to share our faith during a short break.

 

 

 Regardless of what you do in regards to employment, there are opportunities to share Christ with others.  I am fortunate to teach at my church Day School and even though I would like to just stay within those walls at times, I know that I have been called to reach out to the lost in many areas.  Wherever I go and whatever I do, I am called to preach the good news of salvation to all.  I had to come to grips of sorts with the idea of being outside of my comfort zone in some areas and to be strong in my faith and willing to share about God’s goodness.

 

My prayer for you today is that you remember everywhere you go, that you are called to teach others about God’s love and goodness.  Whether you are the CEO or the janitor, you can reach others around you.