God Finishes His Work

 

God Finishes His Work
"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me"   (Psalm 138:8). 

"He who has begun will carry on the work which is being wrought within my soul. The LORD is concerned about everything that concerns me. All that is now good, but not perfect, the LORD will watch over, preserve, and carry out to completion. This is a great comfort. I could not perfect the work of grace myself. Of that I am quite sure, for I fail every day and have only held on so long as I have because the LORD has helped me. If the LORD were to leave me, all my past experience would go for nothing, and I should perish from the way. But the LORD will continue to bless me. He will perfect my faith, my love, my character, my lifework. He will do this because He has begun a work in me. He gave me the concern I feel, and, in a measure, He has fulfilled my gracious aspirations, He never leaves a work unfinished; this would not be for His glory, nor would it be like Him. He knows how to accomplish His gracious design, and though my own evil nature and the world and the devil all conspire to hinder Him, I do not doubt His promise. He will perfect that which concerneth me, and I will praise Him forever. LORD, let Thy gracious work make some advance this day!"

When You're Smiling....

Today is a good day for me!  The sun is trying to peek thru the clouds.  I have a job I love.  I have friends who I am blessed with and on top of all that.....I have an amazing family!!!  As I have said before, the past couple of months have been hard ones.  There are days when I realize I really cant complain.  My mom used to sing a song, "When your smiling.....When your smiling.....the whole world smiles with you!"  

 

It is great having days that make you smile, however when I read the verses of Psalm 56 it reminded me that other people may not be feeling the same way as I am.  While it is great to share my smiles and happiness with everyone around me, it is important for me to remember that others are going thru different circumstances than me.  It is not difficult for me to to think back and remember that I have days when I did not feel that the world was smiling with me and I can quickly recall the feelings and expressions that came with that time.  Today is a great day for me.....so what a great chance for me to take the time to help someone else who may be struggling. I have been struggling lately and my family has come to my rescue on more than one occasion.  I have never been more grateful for my family than I have been the past couple of days. Thank you to all my family (and you know who you are) for reaching out to me and my family!  I am humbled by it and grateful for it. 

Dear Lord, Help me to remember to never assume someone is feeling the same way I am.  Help me to have YOUR heart and care for those who are struggling.  AMEN!

 

Smiling is Infectious........

Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin,
When he smiled I realized, I’d passed it on to him .
I thought about that smile, then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine, could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected, Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected!
Everyone needs a smile!!!
God gave us the ability … Let’s share it!

Just a quick reminder.......

The past several months have been hard ones at our house.  I have been searching and praying to God for instruction and wisdom for what has been done, and what lies ahead of us.  Last night, I picked up my Bible to read my devotions, and I was sooo tired that I did not think to ask God to give me instruction or encouragement from His words.  I basically wanted to read it and put it down so that I could go to sleep.  But, I got a big surprise!  God did talk to me and I went to bed thinking about what I had read. 

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."  Jeremiah 1:5

What was I reminded of?  That God sees the end from the beginning.  He already has a plan for me.......and for you.  He has already got the whole thing worked out.  Before Jeremiah was ever born, GOd had a plan for his life already worked out.  That same truth applies to me and you.  It is great to know I do not have to figure this whole thing out.  Sometimes we see thru a glass darkly.  But you know what?  God sees everything perfectly. 

Did you know you were chosen before God laid the foundation for this world?  That was a long time ago.  God knew you and me before we ever existed.He knew you before the world was here.  You were chosen.  You were not an accident.  GOD KNEW YOU!

Soo, once again I am reminded that I am not an accident and God has the best plans for my life mapped out for me and my family..............and for you and your family.  God desires to help me.  God is in the business of helping people, and He wants me and you to rely on HIm to help and carry us through each day and each decision we make. 

God has my life mapped out.  So, even tho I feel as tho I am struggling some days to keep my head above water, God is standing there holding my hand and guiding me.  I am soo glad God knows whats going on.  Now, I need to learn the patience I need to wait on the Lord for answers.  Until then, THANK YOU LORD for knowing me and for already having everything worked out.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!  :)

Peek A BOOO!!!

Dont you just love playing peek a boo with a baby??  I went to the store earlier today and got in line behind a young mom whose baby was sitting in her carrier.  The little one was grumpy and you could tell she had had enough of shopping.  I made eye contact at her and smiled real big!  She just stared at me.  (which I cant blame her.....others stare at me too.  LOL!!)  I then put my hands over my face and uncovered them real slowly and said "PEEK A BOO!!"  I looked at the baby girl and she cracked a smile.  I did it again.......this time she smiled bigger.  I kept repeating it until she started laughing. And by that point, I couldnt stop my self because I loved to hear her laughing!   I am sooo very, very sure that people were staring at me and wondering what in the world I was doing.  As the momma finished her transaction, she went to push her buggy away and said "Thank you, Mam!!  You actually really helped me out just now by entertaining her."  I told her it was my priviledge. 

I walked away from the store proud of myself for making someone else's day just a little bit brighter.  But, then I could hear God say......"Why arent you this way with everyone of my sheep?"  I have to admit that I am bad about picking and choosing who I am going to smile at and who I am going to speak to.  God convicted my heart.  If I can smile at a baby and help keep her occupied for her very, very young mother for just a few minutes.......then, I certainly can smile at everyone else around me.  Smiling is not hard and uses less muscles to smile than to frown.  I'm afraid I am bad about being a "Thinker" and the thinking shows on my face as if I might be upset when I am not at all!!! 

So once again, God used something small to get my attention and remind me to smile more often.  Smile at those around me and always lend a helping hand if and when I can.  Thank God for bringing that precious young baby in my way today.......bless her, protect her and thank you for reminding me how you are full of LOVE and smiles for me everyday!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring is sprunging!!!  Okay.....so, I know that is not correct grammar.  I apologize.  But, I do have to say that I love this time of year when the trees start budding and the flowers start blooming.  The weather is warm during the day and cool at night.  Its perfect for long walks and barbques. 

During this time of spring, it has always been said to me that with all the new growth going on around us, it is a wonderful and perfect time to regroup and get back on the right track with my priorities and with my life.  How true that is..........although I think anytime is a good time to do this.  Sooo.....I got thinking about where I have strayed and where I definetly need to improve................and sad enough, my list was long.  LOL!!!  I sat and stared at my list and just couldnt hardly believe how bad I really am.  I thought about sharing with you some of my "badness".......but, I just cant bring myself to tell you.  LOL!!!  So, let me just say that along with the spring and the newness of all that is blossoming around me, I am going to take some time to get back on track.  Reading my Bible, praying, trying hard to leave all my problems and issues at the feet of Jesus.  No worrying, no fretting and asking God for guidance in every day and every step I take.  This should be an easy task for me......but, I often make it hard.  So, wont you join me?  Lets start over this spring and be refreshed in Christ as we grow in our Christian walk!!  Enjoy the weather and the freshness that spring has to offer! 

THE FORK

This story is not mine. I have heard it over and over again thruout the years.  Well, I heard it again on the radio today and wanted to share it.  I want to be like the lady in this story......Ready and willing for what ever is coming up next!!! 


The Fork
There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things"in order", she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. The woman also requested to be buried with her favorite Bible.
Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the pastor's reply.
This is very important," the woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The pastor stood looking at the woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked.
"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor.
The woman explained. "In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, "Keep your fork". It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!
So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?". Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork....the best is yet to come."
The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She KNEW that something better was coming.
At the funeral people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing, another favorite Bible and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.
He was right.
So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us.
Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND even if it means sending back to the person who sent it to you.
And keep your fork!

Living In The Teen Years

When my girls were little, it seemed like every parent my age was dreading the day their children would become teenagers......"those horrid teen years".  We all knew and heard stories of sweet children who the Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde change upon hitting adolescence, turning into almost unrecognizable monsters.  In my mind, adolescence was certain to be the end of family, peace and happiness as we knew it. I was dreading it more than most, since my children were very close in age. 

I now have three teenage daughters in high school......all at the same time.  That dreaded season in our lives of being the parent of teenagers is now upon us.  To my amazement, these years have been fast paced and sometimes crazy, but I have to tell you that I would not change it for anything!  My house is always full of teenagers who entertain us with their wonderful humor.  They also break our hearts with their struggles.  Friends stop over all the time, and descend on our pantry and refrigerator like they have never eaten before.  I don't want to give you the impression that life is perfect, or that my teens do not present huge challenges to me and my husband.  These years are keeping me on my knees as I watch my girls spread their wings.  I can tell you with out a doubt that there is never a dull moment in the Blondin household.

Olivia is going to be graduating soon.....Abigail will then be a senior....and Leanna will be our budding sophomore.  My girls are unique and different and not every strategy works for every child.  But there are some things that I am learning along this road of raising three teenage daughters. 

If you want your children to have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ, then model what it looks like for them on a daily basis.  I am not talking about following a set of rules here.  Teenagers will define our genuineness by the fruit we bear.  My life should be marked with love, forgiveness, humility and grace.  This alone keeps me on my toes because I am far from perfect and far from being a perfect Christian.  We have been going through some tough times recently and have had to make some tough decisions.  We did not hide this from our girls.  They saw our struggles and our tears.  I hope they can learn from how we have dealt with the struggles and saw that the Lord was in the process the whole time. 

I want my teenagers to know that their home is safe and a refuge.  I am not as faithful about this as I would like to be but I do try to make it a point to stop what I am doing and ask them day, activities, or time with friends.  My husband is soo good to always go to each girls room and make personal contact with them every morning before he leaves for work.  They know how much he loves them and that he is interested in letting them know that he wants them to have a good day.  Its easy to nag at my teens....they are an easy target for this since they can be irresponsible, thoughtless and self centered.  I want my girls to know that I like them and that I am happy they are there at home.  I want them to know how much we love them and how much we love having them at home instead of out and about. 

Pick my battles carefully.  I know many teenagers who wear tattered and strange clothing and their parents are embarrassed and make it a huge issue in their home.  And this is the age of piercings and tattoos. Is it a sin?  Does the Bible have something specific to say about it?  As my husband and I have had to address the issues of clothing, hair styles, piercings, makeup and more I have learned that I needed help with keeping my perspective on their way of thinking.  Prayer.....pray, pray, pray....and ask yourself 'Is it a sin?"  I know that outward appearances are going to change with the times, and I realized that I needed to be more interested with what would last for eternity: salvation and their commitment to Christ.  I am learning to major on the major issues and let the minor ones die. 

I don't know about your teenagers, but mine do not talk when they are not in the mood.  One of my daughters actually responds with one word answers all the time and it can at times drive me crazy.  As my girls have gotten older, I have realized that their lives have become the focus of my household.  I have dropped many of my own activities and spent a lot of time just hanging around the house because the girls were home.  When they finally want to talk, I am there to listen......and sometimes, all they want is for you to listen and not necessarily give advice.  Once again, pray, pray, pray!  Ask God it give you answers and the right words to say to your child as they are telling you what is on their own heart.

Staying involved and being a cheerleader of my teenager is a huge part of my life right now.  I offer to help when I can....and sometimes I'm not always able to volunteer, but I still want my child to know that I am interested in what they are doing.  Being involved in their lives gives us the opportunity to have contact with the people who are a part of my girls lives.  This will also give you a chance to get to know other parents as well.  Just being involved with Olivia's band activities, we have met many parents and gotten to know many of her friends.  Whether they admit it or not, they want to see you at their performances.  They may verbally discourage you from coming to watch their events, yet in their hearts, they still value your support and appreciation for their abilities.  Whether it is a part in a play, a band concert, a color guard performance, a cheer leading competition I want to make sure I am there and seated where they can see me.  I have not regretted attending a single event that one of my girls has been in. 

Though my girls are outwardly becoming more independent, they still need my interest, involvement, love and Godly guidance.  Dealing with three adolescents has had its rough moments.  We have had many days when it was hard to see the sun shine in our house.  But, I always want them to have the opportunity to know they can come home to parents who not only love them, but like them too.  Soo,......to Olivia, Abby and Leanna.....what amazing gifts from God you have been and continue to be.  You challenge me each day to stay on my knees and to be a Godly example.  I love being a part of your life and I love that God chose me to be your mom!

Finding TIme To Rest....

"The Lord is my shepherd.  I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.  He restores my soul."

Psalm 23:1-3

Life is an everyday thing and often filled with uncertainty, which is a reality that can make me very nervous.  You see...I want tot know what the plan is and I love it even more when I know how the plan is going to work.  Details!  I like details!  But, this is not how it often turns out.  Everyday is a new day and I dont know how it is going to turn out.  This is where God calls me to rest.  REST.  Sometimes I dont want to rest, and when I do rest...I sometimes feel guilty.  I have places to go, things to do, and important things to accomplish.  I can hear the whisper of the One who knows me best and loves me most..."April, its time to rest."  I have tried to ignore that whisper on more than one occasion, but the Lord is my shepherd and He is used to dealing with stubborn sheep like me.  Why does He want me to refresh my soul and give me peace that only can be found in Him?

First, I have to admit that I need rest.  Many of us have bought into the lie that who we are is based on what we do or dont do.  We fill every waking moment with something or someone in order to prove our worth.  I'm guilty of this.  After all, we must be worthy if we are doing worthy things, .....right?

When we admit our need to rest, we are acknowledging that we are human and limited in ourselves.  We need rest in Him.

After I admit, I need to turn to Jesus for rest.  I read in a devotional book that while relaxation is any activity that slows you down, restoration is an inside job and can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

When I turn to Jesus for rest, I need to lay my burdens down.  The number one stress is the result of bearing a burden that is not yours to carry.  Exhaustion comes when we take on a responsibility God never intended us to have.  Along with exhaustion comes emptiness that comes when we fail to take on a responsibility God does intend for us to assume.  God designes His plan and agenda for our life.  When we step outside of that plan, we are stepping into our own power and depending on our own strength, both of which will be depleted soon.

Resting in Him has always been a struggle.  I lay it down at His feet, and before I know it, I have picked it back up and I'm running with it.  Fatigue is not a spiritual gift.  Could it be that when I refuse to rest physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually through Jesus Christ, I am choosing to sin?  When I think I have the least amount of time to rest is when I need to rest the most.

Are you tired and exhausted from trying to live life on your own?  Come to Jesusu and you will find rest.  It seems like I am always tired and every step is hard.  Lord, Please forgive me when I turn to you as a last resort instead of running to You first.  Today, I turn to You, Lord for rest.  ---- Wont you join me?

What!!! Me Worry?



Have you ever been in the situation where you were truly worried, on a regular basis, as to whether you were going to be able to put food on the table, pay the mortgage, and cover the monthly bills?  For many people, this is a way of life.....living pay check to pay check and worrying.  Worried that they are never going to have enough financial monies to take care of their expenses without falling further into debt.  .  I think there is an old expression, "I've got more month than money".  Sadly enough, this is all to real for many people.  

Why is it soo easy to worry and so hard not to?  In Mathew 6:34 the Bible says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Even though our Lord Jesus reminds us of God's promises to provide for our every need, it is in our nature and lives that we often don't really trust Him.  Worry and anxiety still fill our lives and leave a dark cloud hanging over our heads.  Even for those who have plenty, keeping sight of what's important and essential for life is still difficult because our sin leads us to always want more.  We lose sight of whats most vital and necessary to living and whats not.

No matter how much I confess my faith and trust in the Lord's promises to provide us with all that we need, I still worry and feel anxious about our lives.....even when I have all that I need.  The truth is that for me personally, I loose sight of what is most vital for my life - my relationship with God.  I get soo caught up in the hurriedness of life, how we are going to pay bills, cover the mortgage, pay for necessities of life for our girls that I absolutely without a doubt take my eyes off of God and on to myself.  In the end, I have opened myself up to temptation and the sin of worry.  Seeking first "His kingdom" and believing that all "These things will be given to us as well" (Luke 12:31) according to the Bible gets lost in all of my anxiety and worry.

Dear Heavenly Father, it is really very easy for me to worry about money and other things so much that I tend to forget that You give me everything I need.  That's your promise to me.  Help me to faithfully hold on to that promise and trust that You will provide every one of my needs.  Help me to trust You for the little things as well.  Thank you for your love and blessings.  ---Amen!

I Resolve......Not To Resolve!

Just a few days ago, the New Year was rung in and I heard several people making their resolutions.  I heard, "When the holidays are over, I'm going on a diet to loose these pounds before summer."  OR "My resolution is to start exercising three times a week."  Even I have been guilty of not only thinking the same things.....but, saying them out loud.  I heard on the news last night that the number one New Years Resolution in America is to lose weight.  Start exercising came in second and quit smoking came in third followed by getting out of debt as the fourth.

Through the years, I have made some resolutions and always failed within a couple of weeks.....sometimes within a couple of days.  So, this year I am not going to make any kind of New Year's resolution, because by the end of the year I will not have lost those pounds....I might of actually gained a few!  And my exercise routine of walking from my car to my office five days a week does not really qualify as a legitimate exercise program.  :)

New Years resolutions are sort of a tradition for the beginning of each new year......just like dropping the ball on Times Square is a tradition.  But, I'm afraid that my resolutions last about as long as it takes the ball to drop sometimes.  Then, it all becomes a well meant and good intention.  

Sooo I am sticking to the commitment that I am no longer going to make a New Years Resolution........oh no!......Did I just make a resolution?  Oh well, no time to ponder that one.  So for now, I will take one day at a time and trust God to supply all my needs.  

Would you like to resolve not to resolve with me?  :)  LOL 

Thought for the day: Attitude

Attitude
By:  Charles Swindoll

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say, or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.  It will make or break a company...a church...a home.  The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.  We can not change our past, we can not change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We can not change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.  I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it.  And so it is with you.  We are in charge of our attitudes."

Thought for the Day: Keep Plodding Away

  

One of our most famous fairy tales....or fables....is the tale of the "Tortoise and the Hare"  An over confident bunny is caught napping while a plodding turtle finishes the race.  No matter how daunting your day may be, keep plodding away.  Though others may make fun of you and your path or your goal, pursue the race set before you with unswerving purpose.  Remember when you see a turtle that the going may be slow, but your Heavenly Father has equipped you to reach the finish line.  Your victory will be a great surprise to those who tried to discourage you  ----  you may even surprise yourself!!! 

The Learner's Permit

In the state of Tennessee, you can get your learners permit at the age of 15.  Well, Abby did not push getting hers, so I did not mention it to her.  She is now 16, and all of a sudden felt the urgent need to get that permit......she even said to us that she was behind everybody.  Everyone else had their drivers license, she needed to get that permit so she could start driving. I have the awesome pleasure of teaching our girls to drive.  It just seemed to be the natural thing to do since I was with them a whole lot more in the car than they were with their daddy.  I remembered the nervousness I felt not only for Olivia but for myself as we were learning to drive.......and now here we were at round two......., its Abby's turn.  

We took her to get her learner's permit and she failed the first test.  I remember seeing her face when they told her she missed  just one question too many.  And the question was about drunk driving.  She was crushed........I felt horrible.  Not that she didn't pass the test, but that I still had a couple of days before the driving began and my hair turned just a little bit grayer.  We waited the allotted  7 days, and this time her Daddy took her back to the testing center where she passed with flying colors.  Did he let her drive to school when they left the DMV and let her get some much needed practice in?   Why of course not........that job was for me.  I told him he was a chicken.  :)  LOL!

 Abby has been driving now for a couple of months, and I have to say that she is doing fairly well.  But, yesterday was a BIG day.  We were going to go driving on the Interstate.  Abby's sister, Leanna, had to be in Nashville and Abby asked if she could drive home.  I reluctantly said yes...........with major fear and trepidation I got into the passenger seat.........buckled in and said a quite prayer for safety.  Abigail got in the drivers seat.....buckled in.........adjusted her mirrors and off we went.  I am not going to lie............I was a nervous wreck!!!  I was putting my life in my 16 year olds hands while letting her drive down a 6 lane interstate with speeding semi trucks and cars!!!  WHAT WAS I THINKING??????  And, just where was her daddy during this very important moment of her life.........and mine?  

Off we go.....with me working hard to keep my voice at normal tones and levels and letting her concentrate on driving down the very busy I-24 Interstate back towards Murfreesboro.  With every semi that screamed past us, I was holding on to the seat praying.  I looked over at Abby and you could tell she was really paying close attention to what she was doing.....which was a relief in some ways.  She drove the speed limit, and we pretty much stayed in the far right lane.....where the slow cars drive.  All the way home from Nashville, she really did a good job but I had never been so happy to see our exit looming in the distance.  

We made it to our exit, and Abby pulls up to the merge sign and instead of looking at the traffic coming.......she just pulled straight out and merged without giving any right of way to the car that just about hit us and was slamming on their breaks.  I could see my life pass before me!  I screamed at Abby........STOP!!!!    NOOOO........GAS IT!  GAS IT!!  Poor Abby got all flustered and did exactly the opposite of what I was telling her and let off the gas.  It all felt as if we were in slow motion..............as slow as she possible could.......she pulled in front of this on coming car and very slowly got into her lane and very slowly kept going!  The car that we almost had a major car wreck with, honked their horn, got in the next lane and flew past us while still honking the whole time!!!  

"Abby.....merge means you stop and see if you can go....not pulling out in front of a speeding car!!!"   -----------    "I KNOW MOM!!!"   ----------------  "Then why were you driving soooooooo slow?  Why did you not gas it!!???!!!"  ------------------  "I don't know mom.....I kind of froze when I realize what I had done."  

My heart was beating soooo hard......I just could not hardly say anything else.  Abby drove the rest of the way home without incident and we arrived safe and sound.   Over all, she did very well.  But, I sure was glad that we were home and that our interstate driving lesson with on ramps and exit ramps was over!!

After our eventful day, I had to remind myself that Abby did not have a drivers permit.......she had a LEARNERS permit.  Thus, she was learning.  She had permission to learn.....and learn she would.  

Last night as I was laying in bed, I was thinking about our big adventure for the day and I prayed and thanked God for keeping us safe and sound.  But, I believe he reminded me of a few things.....I wonder if perhaps I got a taste of how our Heavenly Father feels as his children embark on their Christian journey.  Like Abby passing the written test, she felt like she knew all the rules.  We as Christians think that tooo.....we think we can keep our life under control, know when to stop, go,  slow down, and speed up.  Then we see a yellow light and we wonder......does that mean to slow down, or speed up and go through quickly without giving thought to merging.  

I have been caught in the intersection of life more times than I care to admit.  I've had times when I couldn't decide whether to go forward or stop or back up.  As a result, I found myself idling in the middle of my journey, holding up traffic.  I think on some of those days, God is saying to me,"Back up.  That's right, back up and wait until I give you a green light."  I've decided that when it comes to driving down the road of life, I only have my learner's permit.  He has never given me permission to take hold of the wheel and apply my foot to the accelerator without Him in the car.

SOOO......to my sweet Abigail Rae.  You really did do a good job on the interstate.....and I am proud of you for keeping your cool when I in my opera voice yelled at you about not merging correctly.  You have the right to learn....that's what a learners permit is all about and momma's going to work harder at not being soo nervous!   

Knowing God's Will For My HEART

 

Knowing God's Will For My Heart

I have been praying and praying for a long time now about knowing God's will for my life....for our family.  It gets hard sometimes because you want God to give you an immediate answer, and that is not how our God works.  God does not run on our time.....He runs only on HIS timing.  But prayer is the greatest tool we have to talk to God about the desires of our hearts along with the frustrations of having to wait and wait for that answer.  Make sure your waiting for God's answer....not the answer you asked for.  God always knows best and His answer may not always line up with what we were thinking, but He knows our future and what is best for us. 

But, there is one thing I can do.  I can know God's will for my heart.  When Olivia was a little girl, she was such a happy little one.  Her eyes sparkled every time something new would come along.  With all the wonder of a three year old, she found excitement and wealth in little things.  It really did not take much.....a brand new crayon, a ladybug on the windowsill, a squirrel on the bird feeder, a bracelet made from yarn, funny shapes of pasta and flowers blooming fresh from the ground.  Olivia found them all exciting and was soo very happy and grateful for them.  She would always scream for me to come see her surprising new discovery and I would rush over to see her delight.  One night at meal time, we asked Olivia to say the blessing over the food and she thanked God for all the wonderful new discoveries she had made that day.....forgot about the food.  I loved it, and am pretty sure God knew her heart while she was giving thanks for everything else.  Now that I look back on it, Olivia's life at the time was a reminder of the verse in Bible, " Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done!"  Col. 2:7  There is nothing sweeter than for a child to open your eyes and remind you of all that we have to be grateful for.

I've always been amazed at the children of Israel.  Have you ever seen such an ungrateful lot?  God frees them from their chains, drowns their pursuers, shades them with a cloud by day, provides them with a nightlight at night, brings forth water in the midst of the desert, gives them bread from heaven, talks one on one with their leader and promises them beautiful new homes in a land that will be all theirs.  What slave would have dreamed to have soo much?  But they are not thankful.  Worse....they complain!  I wonder what would have happened to their story if they had not complained.....if they had grateful hearts full of thankfulness.  Falling into the trap of murmuring is easy to do.  God's will for our lives does not include griping and grumbling.  We are called to an attitude of gratitude. 

Its and old saying that every cloud has its silver lining.  Days may seem bleak, and gloominess may settle over our hearts, but there is always something to be thankful for.  No matter what happens in a day, look for that glittering glimpse of heaven around the edges of gray.  May God bring us up short in the middle of a murmur and cause us to remember HIS will for our hearts......which is thankfulness. 

Knowing God's will for our life sometimes causes us to learn many lessons......one of which is patience and waiting upon the Lord.  But knowing God's will for my heart...is easy.  Gratefulness, being thankful and giving thanks even in the mundane.  Thank you Lord for reminding me.  

WATCH OUT FOR WORMS!

"Dear friends, you are like visitors and strangers in this world...

People who do not believe are living all around you. 

They might say that you are doing wrong. 

So live good lives.  Then they will see the good things you do,

and they will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again."
I Peter 2:11 - 12 

I've always had a desire to be fruitful for God.  Being fruitful for God isn't something you do all by yourself, free of outside interference.  Being fruitful for God is your every day walk that is full of ups and downs.  In one way, your fruitfulness is every one's business.

Think about where orchards and vineyards grow.....they grow outside!  Fruit needs access to the sun, the rain, and plenty of fresh air.  As a christian, your growing your fruit out in the open, too  ----  where people can see.  Your fruit is your life....the way you live your life.  God's kind of fruit always has to do with people because He cares more about them than anything else.  He loves His children, and He wants us to love them by serving them.  As you work on figuring out how He wants you to bear fruit, this will be your first clue:  It will probably have something to do with helping others.  -----  Helping others.....serving others.....befriending the unfriendly......loving the difficult.....serving others. 

But what if a worm gets loose in your orchard?  You have done something wrong...no one is perfect.  God did not make us to be perfect.....just willing.  But, people are watching all the time.  If you call yourself a Christian, people will expect you to act and behave in a way they can admire. 

Peter wrote that we should watch how we behave because there are people around us all the time who don't know much about God.  They do know that God's people supposedly do the right thing.  But if they see us behave poorly, they receive the wrong message.  It may look like our faith doesn't make any difference in the way we live  ----   that our standards of conduct are no better than anyone elses.

But Peter also says that the good things we do make a big difference.  When people see our good works, they will begin giving the credit to God.

I hope you don't get the wrong idea.  I hope you don't think that as soon as you make a mistake or a poor decision, you cant ever bear fruit for God again.  We are all sinners....saved by grace.....so we couldn't be more wrong.  The Bible is filled with stories of people who messed up then went on to do great things for God.  God never gives up on us, and He always offer us a fresh start.

The most important thing to remember is that your fruit tree is planted right out there in public.  Anyone can walk up and inspect the baskets of fruit your are producing for God.  Much of that fruit will be about loving and serving those people.  But watch out for worms!!  They say one bad apple can spoil the whole barrel. 

Can I Really Count It All As Joy?

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials"

James 1:2

Can you imagine what it would be like if no one was willing to endure a little hardship?  What if Noah Had decided that the whole ark business was just too much work for a man nearing his retirement?

What if Moses had quit and gone home after the 3 plagues?

What if Joshua decided to tip toe past Jericho?

What if Esther was unwilling to reschedule a manicure?

What if David had declared that he did not like confrontations - especially with foreign giants?

What if Solomon had asked for cash up front?

What if Daniel had decided it was easier to try to fit in?

But, they didn't.  They had a job to do.....and they looked to God for their guidance with each step they took.  They counted it all joy.  It can be a monumental shift in perspective, but we too can count it all joy.... meaning we would need to change the way we think and instead of always seeing the glass half empty, we instead see the good in it and see the glass half full.  All our perseverance and endurance will result in both present joy and future joy.  It all counts.  

What does it mean to count your trials as joy?  I know its just not that easy for me to count any of my trials as joy.....especially in the mornings when we are getting ready for work and school and everyone has the morning  grouchies.  We each have different struggles, so personalize this concept.  What is on your list?  Do you have a list?  Write down what kind of struggles or trials you might have.  Its good to see those things on paper sometimes.  But when your looking at your list, ask God to give you eyes to see the bigger picture....the bigger perspective in order to find joy in our trials.  Pray that God will help you see things His way.

In God's way of thinking, everything that comes our way has a purpose.  The things we'd rather forget or do over again might be the very things He is using to make us stronger, wiser, and more trusting.  We are to count it all joy, even when life throws us a curve ball. 

Nobody's Perfect.....But Being a Good Example Sure Can Help!

I'd rather see a sermon, than hear one any day.
I'd rather one would walk with me - than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil - more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear.
And the best of all the people are the ones who live their creed,
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true -
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you, and the high advice you give.
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
                                     By: Edgar Guest

Nobody's perfect.  I know some people think they are close to it...(hahaha) but, thank the Lord that nobody has it ALL together and is perfect in all that they do.  I used to think that some people (women/moms) had it all together.  But, as I get older I do realize that they dont.  Surely their house is not clean ALL the time......right?  ")

In my own home, I',m beginning to see more and more of my reflection as I look at my teenage daughters.  Thankfully I do see some good traits; but I also see some of my negative traits popping up from time to time.  It was a highly convicting moment when I heard my own daughter using the exact same whining words of complaint that I used in a griping session I had with my husband.

We have all done things that we regret.  I think of Peter who denied that he even knew Jesus  -  no once, not twice, but three times.  No doubt Peter felt like a failure.  Peter had to feel as if he could not build a church when he displayed some weaknesses.  But, he learned that God is a forgiving God.  He forgives us, renews us, and still uses us, despite our mistakes. 

After Jesus was resurrected, he came to Peter and asked 3 times, "Peter, do you love me?"  Peter answered, "Lord, you know all things; you ,know that I love you." And Jesus told him, "Feed my sheep"  John 21:17.  Peter had messed up, but God still had a great plan for Peter's life!  Peter would become the leader of the first century church, feeding the many followers who would soon come to know Christ as their Savior.

We are also bound to mess up from time to time.....at least I know I am.  And, some days its more than once!  Boy oh boy, I know that I mess up a LOT!  But I am so very thankful that the Lord has said, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1John 1:9.  God can still use us, because God forgives us!  In fact, when we make a mistake, God can use us to teach our children by example how to come before him, repent, and accept his wonderful mercy and love. 

I just recently had to go to one of my daughters and tell her I was sorry for the way I acted and the things I said out of haste.  She accepted my apology and gratefully it is behind us now.  I want my life to be the best sermon and sermon example all three of my daughters will ever see or hear.  I do want my girls to be godly teenagers who grow up to be godly women.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  As my light shines for Christ, my girls will see my good deeds and praise the Lord - with their words and with their lives. 

It's sooo true......, Actions speak louder than words!!!  "The foundations of character are built not by lecture, but by bricks of good example, laid day by day."  -Leo B. Blessing

Lord, help my each step, my every breath and my fast moving mouth be a good example for my girls.  And, may that example always come from a heart that is willing to keep looking to you for guidance and strength.  Amen!

F.R.I.E.N.D.

F  -   a friend never fails to be faithful, even when others falter.  She wont say, "You're fat" (even if you are)or focus on your flaws.  She is the first to point out your finest features.  A friend will fortify your fragile frame.  She will free you to flourish.  A friend will never forsake you.

R  -  a friend is a rare and ready rock you can run to in the rain.  She will rescue you from rushing rivers - regardless.  She will revive your heart, refresh your soul, and reassure you of rapid recovery.

I  -  a friend is not impatient or impolite.  She will inquire about your day and include you in her plans.  She will identify your most incredible ideas and ingenious innovations.  A friend is interesting, inspiring, and indispensable.  She is the keeper of your most intimate secrets.

E  -  a friend is a friend till the end.  She is eager to listen and easy to talk with.  She's your most energetic encourager.  A friend will embrace you even in the midst of your most embarrassing encounters.

N  -  a friend will not nag (unless it is absolutely necessary)  Naturally, she  knows your deepest needs and is also nice enough to nudge you when you are neglecting your nest, being too nosy, or contemplating nonsense.

D  -  a friend is devoted and dependable.  Her destiny is to divert you from defeat, and her devices for depression usually involve the delicious.  It's a friend's divine duty to drown your disappointments and dispose of your dismay, and many times she does it in a most delightful way!

Thank you to my FRIEND!!!  -  I love you and believe with all my heart that God gave you to me.  You know who you are.  :)

A Daughter Is.....

A Daughter Is.....

A daughter is a new beginning

A daughter is an awful reminder of the

way you behaved at fourteen.

A daughter means that you will know the meaning

of the verb TO WORRY.

A daughter is the person to whom all that stuff

that has been twenty years in the attic belongs.

A daughter is your excuse for making a doll house.

A daughter spells out the end of monotony.

A daughter is the one who feathers her new nest

with feathers from your old one.

A daughter is the person you thought you would

stop worrying about when she hit twenty one.

But who is still worrying you silly at forty five.

A daughter is your part in forever.

-- Pam Brown  --