I am an avid football fan! I love sitting in front of the television watching football. Actually, there alot of things I don't know about the game but I love it anyway. You see football signifies "quality time." It was my thing with my dad.
Mom hated football, my older brother didn't have time for it so "daddy was all mine!" So this post is not about my dad and football but let me say this: I have a love of the game because I got to sit at my dad's side, I got to hold his hand, I got to ask "what happened daddy" and those are memorable times. To all the daddies out there ....quality time!
So now for my post...In football, even now I ask my husband "What does that mean?" "What just happened?" I have asked some crazy questions. However, I do know enough to enjoy and love the game, but for me in my life, football has always meant quality time.
I have often asked what does that sign mean, or why is that a penalty? A penalty is called when a player violates one of the "rules" such as they pulled on the opposing player's face mask or they intentionally interfered with an opposing players catch, or they tackled an opposing player by pulling on him from his neck area [horse collar]. The penalty flag is yellow and in some games is thrown often.
Something that was changed a while back was challenges. This is where a team gets to challenge a call made by a referee. The team challenging wants a review or has a question about the call or simply wants them to take another look. The challenge flag is red.
I purchased these two flags for my younger brother who is an avid home team football fan. I was going to use them as a joke but have had them for two months and they are still here. Everytime I look at them I say I am going to use them. Well today I am!
I thought about my life with Christ and asked myself this questions....does God have to throw more penalty flags at me for my disobedience or do I throw more challenge flags at God for not getting my way?
God rarely throws penalty flags at me and I have to believe that is because of his grace and mercy and not anything I do.
I on the other hand have found myself throwing the challenge flag often. "Hey, take another look at that injustice against me" or "Why do I have to go?" or "No, you've got the wrong girl God!" If I looked at the field of my life I feel fairly sure it would be filled with "red flags."
I don't want to be that person that constantly challenges God's plan for me and I don't want to be that person that gets penalized for disobedience. I want to be that woman of God that is prudent, alert, wise and takes refuge in the wings of her God.
So what is it for you? Penalty or Challenge?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Proverbs 22:3
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
I walk the line
This morning I was running and my iPod switched over to Johnny Cash. The song playing was I Walk the Line. I remember telling a friend long ago how awesome that must be that one would love another with that commitment.
As I listened to the words, I was reminded that someone does love me that much. Someone loved me enough to give his live for me. the question here is MY dedication. Do I walk that line? Do I submit to God's will or do I fight it? Do I find other "loves" in life more enticing or satisfying?
I run with fervor asking myself why obedience is so hard, painful or just plain contrary to my plan? No one likes to be taken out of their comfort zone. As I run deep in the territory of broken trees, limbs, sweet gum balls and rocks, I think of all the things that could "trip me up" and ruin my venture of another half marathon.
I often find myself looking for things that will trip me up in my "walk" with Christ. As much as we want to "Walk that line" we may fail. The difference in the Johnny Cash song is that God will not disown us if we fall off track. Years ago, God called for the Isrealites or walk that line and obey Him giving them many opportunities. In their disobedience, they worshipped other Gods, turned their backs on God and did everything but follow Him.
"I keep a close watch on this heart of mine,
I keep my eyes wide open all the time..."
Yea! Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life (Prov 4:23) , keep your eyes wide open for the tricks of the enemy and know that someone loves you enough to offer you eternal life. What a gift. My prayer is that I will succeed in walking that line!
This is what the Lord showed me; The Lord was standing by a wall that had been true to plumb with a plumb line in His hand. And the Lord asked "What do you see Amos?" A plum line . Then the Lord said "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. Amos 7:7
As I listened to the words, I was reminded that someone does love me that much. Someone loved me enough to give his live for me. the question here is MY dedication. Do I walk that line? Do I submit to God's will or do I fight it? Do I find other "loves" in life more enticing or satisfying?
I run with fervor asking myself why obedience is so hard, painful or just plain contrary to my plan? No one likes to be taken out of their comfort zone. As I run deep in the territory of broken trees, limbs, sweet gum balls and rocks, I think of all the things that could "trip me up" and ruin my venture of another half marathon.
I often find myself looking for things that will trip me up in my "walk" with Christ. As much as we want to "Walk that line" we may fail. The difference in the Johnny Cash song is that God will not disown us if we fall off track. Years ago, God called for the Isrealites or walk that line and obey Him giving them many opportunities. In their disobedience, they worshipped other Gods, turned their backs on God and did everything but follow Him.
"I keep a close watch on this heart of mine,
I keep my eyes wide open all the time..."
Yea! Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life (Prov 4:23) , keep your eyes wide open for the tricks of the enemy and know that someone loves you enough to offer you eternal life. What a gift. My prayer is that I will succeed in walking that line!
This is what the Lord showed me; The Lord was standing by a wall that had been true to plumb with a plumb line in His hand. And the Lord asked "What do you see Amos?" A plum line . Then the Lord said "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel; I will spare them no longer. Amos 7:7
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
From Grave to Grace
Good Morning and what a great one in Houston, Texas. This morning I woke up to a husband with a couple of briskets in the smoker. I sat to write and was reminded of a mistake I made yesterday.
As I sat to write yesterday, I made a mistake I have made in the past. I am one of those "typers" that does not look at the keys very often. I sit down, I get comfortable and I take off. Yesterday as I wrote, I intended to write the word grace. Instead, I inadvertently typed grave.
The irony in it is that I was intending to type "We are saved by grace" but instead, I typed "We are saved by grave." Upon typing it and then actually seeing it, I realized the truth in the statement. You see, we are saved by grace but it took Christ going to the grave in order for us to receive that gift.
He was mistreated, questioned, beaten, accused, and so much more and yet he endured it for us. He was ultimately hung on a cross and left on that cross to his death. His death became an opportunity for life to each of us. The day darkened, as life left his body. As evening approached a rich man named Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of a rock then he rolled a stone over it and went home. [Matthew 27:57-60].
The grave. It was new, it was fresh and a stone was rolled in front of it to seal it. Not only was a stone rolled in front of it but it was also sealed and a guard posted in front of it to ensure Jesus would not fulfill the Word of God by "rising after three days." [Matthew 27:66]
But our Savior would not be held back by a stone, or a seal, or a guard. He came to fulfill the Word of God and provide salvation for His people. God loves us so much that He sent his only son that whosoever believes in Him might be saved. [John 3:16]
Yes it is by grace that we are saved but that would not have taken place had it not been for the grave.
From the grave to grace...only our Savior could!
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4
As I sat to write yesterday, I made a mistake I have made in the past. I am one of those "typers" that does not look at the keys very often. I sit down, I get comfortable and I take off. Yesterday as I wrote, I intended to write the word grace. Instead, I inadvertently typed grave.
The irony in it is that I was intending to type "We are saved by grace" but instead, I typed "We are saved by grave." Upon typing it and then actually seeing it, I realized the truth in the statement. You see, we are saved by grace but it took Christ going to the grave in order for us to receive that gift.
He was mistreated, questioned, beaten, accused, and so much more and yet he endured it for us. He was ultimately hung on a cross and left on that cross to his death. His death became an opportunity for life to each of us. The day darkened, as life left his body. As evening approached a rich man named Joseph went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. He took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of a rock then he rolled a stone over it and went home. [Matthew 27:57-60].
The grave. It was new, it was fresh and a stone was rolled in front of it to seal it. Not only was a stone rolled in front of it but it was also sealed and a guard posted in front of it to ensure Jesus would not fulfill the Word of God by "rising after three days." [Matthew 27:66]
But our Savior would not be held back by a stone, or a seal, or a guard. He came to fulfill the Word of God and provide salvation for His people. God loves us so much that He sent his only son that whosoever believes in Him might be saved. [John 3:16]
Yes it is by grace that we are saved but that would not have taken place had it not been for the grave.
From the grave to grace...only our Savior could!
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
America is under attack
In 2001, then President George Bush was told "Mr. President, America is under attack." President Bush wasted no time in reacting in order to protect our precious country.
Today, the people of God are under attack. Last night I cried as I read a facebook post about a dear, sweet lady who was experiencing her own trial and yet all to the Glory of God. As a ladies bible study teacher myself, I see and hear the experiences of the enemy's attack. In fact, I experience them in my own life.
The enemy has hit hard and he is attacking the heavy hitters. He is attacking those that are hungry to follow Christ and share His Word. I have heard heartbreaking stories of ladies who are faithful in serving Christ by continuously attending classes and absorbing the Word of God.
Broken homes, prodigal children, singleness, divorce, terminal illness and so much more are the topics of attacks. Many grieve and share their most tender moments in these classes. I have no answers. In fact, a few weeks ago, my son asked me this question "Mom, why do bad things happen to *good people?" a question asked by Roy and Dale Rogers [1950's singing cowboys] asked when they lost their precious baby girl. My response to my son was this "The enemy wants to shut down those good people. Those people are the ones making a difference for the Kingdom of God. He has the others where he wants them....these are the ones that will make a difference and he has to take them out!"
This morning is one of the few mornings my husband has taken off. We linger in getting started and just spend time talking. Quiet time. I ask him about the things going on around us and talk about being under attack. He makes an impacting statement..."Man your battle stations!"
It is time, we are there. America, the people of God are under attack and it's time to man your battle stations. We have plenty of ammunition with our greatest weapons being prayer and the Word of God.
Yes, there are hard times. Sometimes we can't see to the next moment for our own pain but I have good news...Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world! [1 John 4: 4] The enemy will not win. [Revelation 20:10]
The children of God are under attack, it's time to man your battle stations!
Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope and hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5: 1-5
*Good people is used as the terminology of a young man and was intended to represent Christians. We are not saved by works so any works or "good" that we do will not save us. Only by God's grace will we be saved. Acts 4:12
Today, the people of God are under attack. Last night I cried as I read a facebook post about a dear, sweet lady who was experiencing her own trial and yet all to the Glory of God. As a ladies bible study teacher myself, I see and hear the experiences of the enemy's attack. In fact, I experience them in my own life.
The enemy has hit hard and he is attacking the heavy hitters. He is attacking those that are hungry to follow Christ and share His Word. I have heard heartbreaking stories of ladies who are faithful in serving Christ by continuously attending classes and absorbing the Word of God.
Broken homes, prodigal children, singleness, divorce, terminal illness and so much more are the topics of attacks. Many grieve and share their most tender moments in these classes. I have no answers. In fact, a few weeks ago, my son asked me this question "Mom, why do bad things happen to *good people?" a question asked by Roy and Dale Rogers [1950's singing cowboys] asked when they lost their precious baby girl. My response to my son was this "The enemy wants to shut down those good people. Those people are the ones making a difference for the Kingdom of God. He has the others where he wants them....these are the ones that will make a difference and he has to take them out!"
This morning is one of the few mornings my husband has taken off. We linger in getting started and just spend time talking. Quiet time. I ask him about the things going on around us and talk about being under attack. He makes an impacting statement..."Man your battle stations!"
It is time, we are there. America, the people of God are under attack and it's time to man your battle stations. We have plenty of ammunition with our greatest weapons being prayer and the Word of God.
Yes, there are hard times. Sometimes we can't see to the next moment for our own pain but I have good news...Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world! [1 John 4: 4] The enemy will not win. [Revelation 20:10]
The children of God are under attack, it's time to man your battle stations!
Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope and hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5: 1-5
*Good people is used as the terminology of a young man and was intended to represent Christians. We are not saved by works so any works or "good" that we do will not save us. Only by God's grace will we be saved. Acts 4:12
Monday, October 14, 2013
I have a driver
This weekend we got away for a short trip. It is always good to get away even if it is for 48 hours. We filled the time with every event we could find. I love travelling but I do not like driving. I am thrilled to have a driver.
While on the road, I get to watch a movie, read a book, listen to music, and even write. During our trip up, I noticed we hit a rough spot that shook me. I raised my head long enough to say "Hey, what happened? My driver simply replied "We hit a rough spot on the road, we're out of it now." I returned to reading my book.
We travelled country roads, went shopping, tried new restaurants and I never touched a key much less started a car. I love having a driver.
On the way home, we started off good. I packed my ipad, books, and reading material for the ride when suddenly, it started raining. It was raining hard and I thought "Thank goodness I'm not driving." After a while, my driver jokingly said "Look, it's raining here but not there." I asked if we could pull over, take a detour or just wait until the rain subsided. At one point, a large truck flooded our windshield with water making it even more difficult to see the road. I felt apprehension in my driver's ability but yet not enough to want to drive myself.
I was glad I had a driver.
It reminded me of my life with Christ. That is the one time I want to drive. I want to take my own road. I want to weave in and out of "rough spots" in the road, I want to avoid the rain and I want to own it.
I could turn it over to Christ and let Him drive, let him get me through the rough spots, let Him get me through the rain. Instead, I want to "handle" issues in my life I want to take the reins and drive my way out. In life, I let my driver drive as I kickback and relax. Shouldn't I do the same with Christ? Shouldn't I have the confidence that He can do it because He is in control?
I must face many things in life and take many roads, some may be rough. I am relieved and comforted that I have a driver. All I have to do is turn it over to Him and take my place in the passenger seat.
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13
Love my long trip driver, my husband Mark.
While on the road, I get to watch a movie, read a book, listen to music, and even write. During our trip up, I noticed we hit a rough spot that shook me. I raised my head long enough to say "Hey, what happened? My driver simply replied "We hit a rough spot on the road, we're out of it now." I returned to reading my book.
We travelled country roads, went shopping, tried new restaurants and I never touched a key much less started a car. I love having a driver.
On the way home, we started off good. I packed my ipad, books, and reading material for the ride when suddenly, it started raining. It was raining hard and I thought "Thank goodness I'm not driving." After a while, my driver jokingly said "Look, it's raining here but not there." I asked if we could pull over, take a detour or just wait until the rain subsided. At one point, a large truck flooded our windshield with water making it even more difficult to see the road. I felt apprehension in my driver's ability but yet not enough to want to drive myself.
I was glad I had a driver.
It reminded me of my life with Christ. That is the one time I want to drive. I want to take my own road. I want to weave in and out of "rough spots" in the road, I want to avoid the rain and I want to own it.
I could turn it over to Christ and let Him drive, let him get me through the rough spots, let Him get me through the rain. Instead, I want to "handle" issues in my life I want to take the reins and drive my way out. In life, I let my driver drive as I kickback and relax. Shouldn't I do the same with Christ? Shouldn't I have the confidence that He can do it because He is in control?
I must face many things in life and take many roads, some may be rough. I am relieved and comforted that I have a driver. All I have to do is turn it over to Him and take my place in the passenger seat.
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13
Love my long trip driver, my husband Mark.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Expiration Date
Years ago, when my husband and I first married, we loved a restaurant called Steak and Ale. It was popular specifically for it's fabulous salad bar. It offered a wide variety with no limits and when you finished the salad, it left you with little appetite for steak.
My husband on the other hand liked the salad bar but loved the steak. At any rate, my mother-on-law gave us a gift certificate for dinner at the restaurant. We held on to it waiting for a special occasion. We did not want to use it until the time was right. Furthermore, it was a gift from my mother in law and that made it special.
We were aware that there was an expiration date but expected that we had plenty of time. We do that don't we? We rely on that expiration date and base everything around that date. What we hadn't counted on was that my mother-in-law would pass away from a massive stroke shortly thereafter.
Afterwards, it was difficult for my husband to discuss the gift certificate and it became even more special. Again, knowing it had an expiration date, we realized we had a time frame in which to use it. One day, my husband pulled the gift certificate and said "I just couldn't do it-it was her last gift to us." That was 2006.
We decided to wait just a little bit longer. What we had not counted on was that within weeks and I do mean weeks, the restaurant filed for bancruptcy and closed immediately.
We drove by the restaurant and it was closed. Within a few more days, it was leveled....gone! A fast food restaurant now stands where Steak and Ale once was.
Today, as I searched for a receipe in the inside corner of our kitchen cabinet I saw it...a plain white envelope with Mark written on it in my mother-in-law's handwriting. It has been seven years and he has held on to this for so long.
It's not like he remembers that it's there, it just is. I know how much it grieved him that we had not used it but after the restaurant closed, he still held on as a means to feel her close.
In this case, we could have had a great meal but our decision to hold on to it just a little longer resulted in something much bigger than a meal.
So many times we "put God in the cupboard" only to pull him out when we "need him" or want to feel close to him.
God has given us a lifetime deal with no expiration date. There's no need to hide it, keep it in a safe place, or try to guard it. We just need to take advantage of it and use it. It will never expire.
That gift is the gift of eternal life. No chance of bancruptcy or rejection and the only expiration date is when God calls you home.
We lost out on the restaurant relying on an expiration date. In reality, there were greater things going on that caused the restaurant to fail-much to our disappointment. Don't keep putting off the decision to follow Christ by thinking you have plenty of time. Only He knows the day and time. Why wait for that expiration date?
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade...1 Peter 1:3
My husband on the other hand liked the salad bar but loved the steak. At any rate, my mother-on-law gave us a gift certificate for dinner at the restaurant. We held on to it waiting for a special occasion. We did not want to use it until the time was right. Furthermore, it was a gift from my mother in law and that made it special.
We were aware that there was an expiration date but expected that we had plenty of time. We do that don't we? We rely on that expiration date and base everything around that date. What we hadn't counted on was that my mother-in-law would pass away from a massive stroke shortly thereafter.
Afterwards, it was difficult for my husband to discuss the gift certificate and it became even more special. Again, knowing it had an expiration date, we realized we had a time frame in which to use it. One day, my husband pulled the gift certificate and said "I just couldn't do it-it was her last gift to us." That was 2006.
We decided to wait just a little bit longer. What we had not counted on was that within weeks and I do mean weeks, the restaurant filed for bancruptcy and closed immediately.
We drove by the restaurant and it was closed. Within a few more days, it was leveled....gone! A fast food restaurant now stands where Steak and Ale once was.
Today, as I searched for a receipe in the inside corner of our kitchen cabinet I saw it...a plain white envelope with Mark written on it in my mother-in-law's handwriting. It has been seven years and he has held on to this for so long.
It's not like he remembers that it's there, it just is. I know how much it grieved him that we had not used it but after the restaurant closed, he still held on as a means to feel her close.
In this case, we could have had a great meal but our decision to hold on to it just a little longer resulted in something much bigger than a meal.
So many times we "put God in the cupboard" only to pull him out when we "need him" or want to feel close to him.
God has given us a lifetime deal with no expiration date. There's no need to hide it, keep it in a safe place, or try to guard it. We just need to take advantage of it and use it. It will never expire.
That gift is the gift of eternal life. No chance of bancruptcy or rejection and the only expiration date is when God calls you home.
We lost out on the restaurant relying on an expiration date. In reality, there were greater things going on that caused the restaurant to fail-much to our disappointment. Don't keep putting off the decision to follow Christ by thinking you have plenty of time. Only He knows the day and time. Why wait for that expiration date?
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade...1 Peter 1:3
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Final Hour
Wow! Has it really almost been a month? I have been super swampped and this is a much needed, much longed for day off. So much has gone on...so many changes in our life.
My husband and I spent some much needed time together the other day. We woke up, took our time, went at our own pace and decided to take a drive to one of our favorite burger places to just get a burger and relax.
We sat and talked about our kids, our life, where God has us right now and why. We talked about God's plan for us and how we may not see it right now but we will go obediently.
As we drove away, we had the right of way and a green light. From the corner of my eye I saw a vehicle pull into our path completely disregarding his stop sign. My husband made an evasive move and the other car was able to stop albeit in a moving lane of traffic.
As we pulled away, I noticed the license plate and told my husband "It says Happy Hour" to which my quick witted husband replied "It was almost his final hour."
The final hour. If we only had notice of when that was going to be. What would you do? What would you get in order? What differences would you settle? Would you forgive a friend, co-worker or a family member? Would you give your favorite piece of jewelry to a loved one or write a letter to a child?
Would you call long lost friends and make time for them? Would you pray for the lost or try to share the Word of God?
My friend, we are in the final hour. Not one day is promised to us. Today is the day to settle those differences, today is the day to share the gospel, today is the day of salvation...don't wait for the final hour!
In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
My husband and I spent some much needed time together the other day. We woke up, took our time, went at our own pace and decided to take a drive to one of our favorite burger places to just get a burger and relax.
We sat and talked about our kids, our life, where God has us right now and why. We talked about God's plan for us and how we may not see it right now but we will go obediently.
As we drove away, we had the right of way and a green light. From the corner of my eye I saw a vehicle pull into our path completely disregarding his stop sign. My husband made an evasive move and the other car was able to stop albeit in a moving lane of traffic.
As we pulled away, I noticed the license plate and told my husband "It says Happy Hour" to which my quick witted husband replied "It was almost his final hour."
The final hour. If we only had notice of when that was going to be. What would you do? What would you get in order? What differences would you settle? Would you forgive a friend, co-worker or a family member? Would you give your favorite piece of jewelry to a loved one or write a letter to a child?
Would you call long lost friends and make time for them? Would you pray for the lost or try to share the Word of God?
My friend, we are in the final hour. Not one day is promised to us. Today is the day to settle those differences, today is the day to share the gospel, today is the day of salvation...don't wait for the final hour!
In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
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