Wow. I had to take a little break. I have been working on my closet since 7:30. Two hours and I am just now seeing progress.
I believe God speaks to us through many means. This morning, for me, it was my closet. You can not believe the things we hold on to. Why?
I mean really, am I ever going to wear those stone washed jeans from the eighties? Are those leg warmers going to do me any good in Houston? Then there are the current purchases. I packed away eight pair of boots! The irony of it all is that my closet is no bigger than my half bath downstairs.
I got to thinking, what do we hold on to in life that overwhelms us? Every inch of my shelves are packed with...you got it-shoes! How many shoes can one wear in a lifetime? Usually, I find myself wearing the same shoes daily and they are either running shoes or my sandals. Yet I continue to buy shoes I like and put them on my shelf. I refuse to get rid of them because I might need that color or that style.
We pack our lives with stuff too. Perhaps someone told us we were unworthy years ago and we feed the lie. Maybe someone deserted us or betrayed us. We pack our closets with things that confirm how we feel and then we find it difficult to move on. As a result, we hold on to that thing and continue to pack it away refusing to let it go. Perhaps its a vice or a sinful desire. We hide it in the back of our closet hoping no one discovers we have it.
It's time to clean our your closet and put away the things that do not glorify God. In cleaning my closet out, I took a good look at the contents. Then I pulled things from my hangers and if they were going out, I put them on the floor. Next...the trash or a donation box. That's how we begin.
Examine the things in your life that do not belong. The things that may be weighing you down. Next, determine that they don't belong and just get rid of it. How you might ask. If it is something that heavy that you don't know where to begin keep this in mind. There is nothing to big that God can't handle. It begins with us making the decision to take a good look at ourselves then taking that first step to do it.
I have known that my closet was in need of cleaning. It is too easy to miss the hamper or stack shoes on the floor or not pull cleaning from the plastic. I knew if I just made the commitment, I could do it. The problem was I had no incentive. Last night when my husband said the exterminator would be coming today....I got that incentive.
So whatever it takes, make up your mind that you need to clean that closet. My spiritual incentive is that I want to greet Christ with a "clean closet" with nothing hindering my walk with Him.
Speaking of cleaning it out, I must return to my closet. As I remove items, I pray that God will also remove things in my life that are not glorifying to him. I am ready to "clean it out!"
Put to death therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature, sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:5-10
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Busted!
My husband and I were driving somewhere yesterday when I saw this sign on a church marquee:
"If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be evidence to convict you?"
I had to think about that for a bit. Wow, what a question. This would be one case you would not want to be dismissed for lack of evidence.
Today, we saw evidence of Jesus in the lives of teenagers as some of our Seniors 2012 spoke in our church. They spoke of dark times, doubt, faith to move, being in a pit, walls that needed to come down, and the results when Jesus brought then through.
These teens were bold in their stand for Christ. Many will be leaving in the fall for colleges throughout the country. I pray that their testimony and love of Christ will travel with them.
I often think if my life is evidence of my love for Christ. I sometimes get angry at the cashier taking too long, or at the cook that undercooked my steak, or at the teller that miscounted funds. How we react in these situations can very well be evidence.
The bigger situations are the bigger tests. How do I react when a friend betrays me, or a partner stands me up, or someone does not share my beliefs. It is important to understand that I may be the only Jesus people see. I can not speak one thing and portray another.
This morning before we left for church, I told my husband "My new prayer is going to be Philippians 1:27." If I make this my prayer, then it will always bring me back to who I am and who I represent. I want to "conduct myself in a manner worhty of the gospel of Christ."
Someone once said "Your behavior will arrive long before your belief does." I want to make sure that how I carry myself says that I represent Christ.
I do not want to hear....busted!
Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I know that you stand firm in one spirit. Philippians 1:27
"If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be evidence to convict you?"
I had to think about that for a bit. Wow, what a question. This would be one case you would not want to be dismissed for lack of evidence.
Today, we saw evidence of Jesus in the lives of teenagers as some of our Seniors 2012 spoke in our church. They spoke of dark times, doubt, faith to move, being in a pit, walls that needed to come down, and the results when Jesus brought then through.
These teens were bold in their stand for Christ. Many will be leaving in the fall for colleges throughout the country. I pray that their testimony and love of Christ will travel with them.
I often think if my life is evidence of my love for Christ. I sometimes get angry at the cashier taking too long, or at the cook that undercooked my steak, or at the teller that miscounted funds. How we react in these situations can very well be evidence.
The bigger situations are the bigger tests. How do I react when a friend betrays me, or a partner stands me up, or someone does not share my beliefs. It is important to understand that I may be the only Jesus people see. I can not speak one thing and portray another.
This morning before we left for church, I told my husband "My new prayer is going to be Philippians 1:27." If I make this my prayer, then it will always bring me back to who I am and who I represent. I want to "conduct myself in a manner worhty of the gospel of Christ."
Someone once said "Your behavior will arrive long before your belief does." I want to make sure that how I carry myself says that I represent Christ.
I do not want to hear....busted!
Whatever happens conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I know that you stand firm in one spirit. Philippians 1:27
Saturday, May 5, 2012
I am Thankful
On Wednesday nights I attend a Ladies Bible Study called Real Woman. Our teacher posted this question on Face Book this morning "What are you thankful for?"
Wow what a question. There are about 10-15 women in that class and I started thinking of what I was thankful for...just me! Well, it is Saturday and it is my day off. Really...my day off. I have nothing to do. I woke up at 4:30 and did my devotion. Having completed that, I read some of my book Fatal Distractions.
At 6:00am, I asked my sister if she wanted to eat breakfast so we met at IHop...we talked, we didn't even eat. So I have the whole rest of the day to "be off" and for that I am thankful.
My son is taking an SAT test this morning, our other son got accepted into Sam Houston State University yesterday and today is our daughter's birthday. My parents are safe, we are healthy and we have a home to live in. We worship in a great church, we have great leadership and fab friends...even those who lose at dominoes. For that I am thankful.
I have to say thank you to Selena Hendrix for reminding me that today, I have many things to be thankful for.
The God who does great wonders, who by his understanding made the heavens. The God who spread out the earth upon the waters, who made the great lights and sent the sun to govern the day and the mon and stars the night-for that, I am thankful!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever......Psalms 136
Wow what a question. There are about 10-15 women in that class and I started thinking of what I was thankful for...just me! Well, it is Saturday and it is my day off. Really...my day off. I have nothing to do. I woke up at 4:30 and did my devotion. Having completed that, I read some of my book Fatal Distractions.
At 6:00am, I asked my sister if she wanted to eat breakfast so we met at IHop...we talked, we didn't even eat. So I have the whole rest of the day to "be off" and for that I am thankful.
My son is taking an SAT test this morning, our other son got accepted into Sam Houston State University yesterday and today is our daughter's birthday. My parents are safe, we are healthy and we have a home to live in. We worship in a great church, we have great leadership and fab friends...even those who lose at dominoes. For that I am thankful.
I have to say thank you to Selena Hendrix for reminding me that today, I have many things to be thankful for.
The God who does great wonders, who by his understanding made the heavens. The God who spread out the earth upon the waters, who made the great lights and sent the sun to govern the day and the mon and stars the night-for that, I am thankful!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever......Psalms 136
Friday, May 4, 2012
There is Hope!
Seventeen years ago today, my niece was born. As I wished her a Happy Birthday, I thought of the story of her name.
When it was discovered that it would be a girl, my brother informed the family that her name was to be Alyssa Marie. From that day on, she became Alyssa. Her mother and I were pregnant at the same time but my son was born two months earlier. He didn't have a name yet but everybody knew the girl would be Alyssa Marie.
One month before she was born, they received a phone call that her mother's cousin and maid of honor Kimberly Salinas had been killed by a drunk driver. Her dear friend and bridesmaid, Hope, also in the vehicle was severely injured. It was tragic.
Kimberly Salinas was the only daughter in her family and her parents grieved her deeply. It was a great loss to everyone and a very sad funeral. To add to the grief, Kimberly's birthday would have been one month later. My brother and his family had a tough journey ahead with his wife eight months pregnant.
The following month, Alyssa Marie was born. She was the most beautiful child [all my nieces are] I'd ever seen. I toted my own child to the nursery window where my brother stood in tears. I simply said "Alyssa Marie is beautiful." To my surprise, he whispered "Her name is Kimberly Hope."
As only God could have orchestrated, our Kimberly Hope was born on Kimberly Salinas' birthday...today. Sometimes there just isn't an explaination but we knew this...there was no more Alyssa Marie, she was now Kimberly Hope. Everytime we mention her name, everytime there is a birthday celebration, we remember Kimberly and Hope.
This reminded me of a story where a son was born and it was decided he would be named after his father. The child's mother intervened and said "No-His name shall be John" The tradition was that the boy would be named after the father or a relative and no one existed with this name. Everyone expected that the child's name would be Zechariah.
God had a different plan. This child born to Elizabeth and Zechariah was to be called a prophet of the Most High and would go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him [Luke 1:76]. He would later be known as John the Baptist who prepared the way for our Savior.
Some things can not be explained in our human sense. I can only imagine how my brother felt as he was making that drive to the hospital on May 4th! Kimberly Salinas' parents also went to the hospital to welcome Kimberly Hope into the world on their daughter's birthday only weeks after her death.
I watched her through the window having made her entrance into this world. In looking at her, I knew "There was Hope."
Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and he wrote "His name is John." Immediately, his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking "What then is this child going to be for the Lord's hand was with him. Luke 1:62-66
Happy Birthday Kimberly Hope!
When it was discovered that it would be a girl, my brother informed the family that her name was to be Alyssa Marie. From that day on, she became Alyssa. Her mother and I were pregnant at the same time but my son was born two months earlier. He didn't have a name yet but everybody knew the girl would be Alyssa Marie.
One month before she was born, they received a phone call that her mother's cousin and maid of honor Kimberly Salinas had been killed by a drunk driver. Her dear friend and bridesmaid, Hope, also in the vehicle was severely injured. It was tragic.
Kimberly Salinas was the only daughter in her family and her parents grieved her deeply. It was a great loss to everyone and a very sad funeral. To add to the grief, Kimberly's birthday would have been one month later. My brother and his family had a tough journey ahead with his wife eight months pregnant.
The following month, Alyssa Marie was born. She was the most beautiful child [all my nieces are] I'd ever seen. I toted my own child to the nursery window where my brother stood in tears. I simply said "Alyssa Marie is beautiful." To my surprise, he whispered "Her name is Kimberly Hope."
As only God could have orchestrated, our Kimberly Hope was born on Kimberly Salinas' birthday...today. Sometimes there just isn't an explaination but we knew this...there was no more Alyssa Marie, she was now Kimberly Hope. Everytime we mention her name, everytime there is a birthday celebration, we remember Kimberly and Hope.
This reminded me of a story where a son was born and it was decided he would be named after his father. The child's mother intervened and said "No-His name shall be John" The tradition was that the boy would be named after the father or a relative and no one existed with this name. Everyone expected that the child's name would be Zechariah.
God had a different plan. This child born to Elizabeth and Zechariah was to be called a prophet of the Most High and would go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him [Luke 1:76]. He would later be known as John the Baptist who prepared the way for our Savior.
Some things can not be explained in our human sense. I can only imagine how my brother felt as he was making that drive to the hospital on May 4th! Kimberly Salinas' parents also went to the hospital to welcome Kimberly Hope into the world on their daughter's birthday only weeks after her death.
I watched her through the window having made her entrance into this world. In looking at her, I knew "There was Hope."
Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and he wrote "His name is John." Immediately, his mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed and he began to speak, praising God. The neighbors were all filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking "What then is this child going to be for the Lord's hand was with him. Luke 1:62-66
Happy Birthday Kimberly Hope!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Let your words be few
For those of you who know me personally, you know I like to talk. I like debates, public speaking, teaching, and about anything else that requires me to make a presentation. I'm usually not shy about initiating conversations.
On this particular day, I happened to be in court with a friend. We were waiting for our time to go before the judge. I was trying to explain how the process worked when the baliff walked in and gave last minute instructions including "do not talk" when court begins.
It was a full room and I've been there before...everyone always talks! When it gets too loud, baliff yells our "order" and there is silence again. As time went on, people went before the judge and were asked questions and given instructions. I found it easy to turn to my friend and tell her something when I heard "If I see ya'll talking one more time, I'm gonna hold you in contempt!" I looked up to see the judge glaring at me. I still had to ask [in my mind of course] "You talking to me?" Fortunately for me, I recognize the authority of a court and you'd better believe I did not say another word!
Of course my friend and I got a good laugh and it made for a good story.
So many times that's how we approach God. We approach him with our wish list or problem solving solutions or just general griping when he has asked us to be still and know that He is God [Psalms 46:10]. We know what he says and we've read the instructions but sometimes we think that He must not know what I am going through or how to fix it and we just want to tell him.
I am wondering how many times God would tell me that He was "holding me in contempt" because I just don't shut up. I just want to reinforce my need or my pain or my desire.
If you think about it, when the judge is talking and I am talking in the background, someone is going to miss something. So it is with us. When we are talking and not allowing God to speak to us, we will miss something. It might be something important.
As for me, I learned my lesson. I will approach a court room with a new respect. I will also guard my steps when I go to the house of God and I will go to listen. The only way I can do that is to let my words be few!
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
On this particular day, I happened to be in court with a friend. We were waiting for our time to go before the judge. I was trying to explain how the process worked when the baliff walked in and gave last minute instructions including "do not talk" when court begins.
It was a full room and I've been there before...everyone always talks! When it gets too loud, baliff yells our "order" and there is silence again. As time went on, people went before the judge and were asked questions and given instructions. I found it easy to turn to my friend and tell her something when I heard "If I see ya'll talking one more time, I'm gonna hold you in contempt!" I looked up to see the judge glaring at me. I still had to ask [in my mind of course] "You talking to me?" Fortunately for me, I recognize the authority of a court and you'd better believe I did not say another word!
Of course my friend and I got a good laugh and it made for a good story.
So many times that's how we approach God. We approach him with our wish list or problem solving solutions or just general griping when he has asked us to be still and know that He is God [Psalms 46:10]. We know what he says and we've read the instructions but sometimes we think that He must not know what I am going through or how to fix it and we just want to tell him.
I am wondering how many times God would tell me that He was "holding me in contempt" because I just don't shut up. I just want to reinforce my need or my pain or my desire.
If you think about it, when the judge is talking and I am talking in the background, someone is going to miss something. So it is with us. When we are talking and not allowing God to speak to us, we will miss something. It might be something important.
As for me, I learned my lesson. I will approach a court room with a new respect. I will also guard my steps when I go to the house of God and I will go to listen. The only way I can do that is to let my words be few!
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
I'm sorry!
Yesterday I went to do something I have waited eighteen months for. It was my "independence day." I was finally losing my braces. No more snags, wires, cuts, snaps and all else that goes with it. I was going to be free!
When I arrived, I was the only one in there and was greeted by a lady I have know for years. I met her at a Singles Class in church and we both attend there. She seated me in my chair and explained what was to come.
Once she had completed her portion, Dr. Woehst came in. I love Dr. Woehst. He is always smiling and has such a sensitive, caring spirit. I have to tell you though, when it comes to my teeth, I'm pretty protective.
I have never had a cavity in my life but I do have sensitive teeth. He managed to remove the braces with superb finess. I didn't even feel it. Then it came to removing the adhesive...ouch! He did the best he could but there were a couple of times that it felt he went straight to the nerve. It was painful.
He immediately said "I'm sorry" and continued his task. Again, pain that was pretty intense not because of anything HE was doing, simply because my teeth are so sensitive. He simply stopped and whispered "I'm sorry." One time he whispered "I'm sorry-I'm so so sorry." After about three "I'm sorry's" I said "But you keep doing it!"
All three of us broke out in laughter. This then became today's post. I told Dr. Woehst that the apology was like our apology to God when we sin. We go to God and say I'm sorry; sin again and go to God and say I'm sorry....but we keep doing it.
There is not a single one of us that is without sin [Romans 3:23]. We were born sinners. We may find ourself confessing our sin to God and asking for forgiveness daily. Do not be discouraged. He is a God of forgiveness. He died and was resurrected once to pay for our multiple sins.
God's Word says that "if we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive our sin" everytime. While it was painful and somthing I had to endure, the good news is that after that "I'm sorry" I experienced freedom and you can too!
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you; God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1: 5-9
A special thank you to Dr. Woehst and his staff especially Sondra Cook and Crystal, the best!
When I arrived, I was the only one in there and was greeted by a lady I have know for years. I met her at a Singles Class in church and we both attend there. She seated me in my chair and explained what was to come.
Once she had completed her portion, Dr. Woehst came in. I love Dr. Woehst. He is always smiling and has such a sensitive, caring spirit. I have to tell you though, when it comes to my teeth, I'm pretty protective.
I have never had a cavity in my life but I do have sensitive teeth. He managed to remove the braces with superb finess. I didn't even feel it. Then it came to removing the adhesive...ouch! He did the best he could but there were a couple of times that it felt he went straight to the nerve. It was painful.
He immediately said "I'm sorry" and continued his task. Again, pain that was pretty intense not because of anything HE was doing, simply because my teeth are so sensitive. He simply stopped and whispered "I'm sorry." One time he whispered "I'm sorry-I'm so so sorry." After about three "I'm sorry's" I said "But you keep doing it!"
All three of us broke out in laughter. This then became today's post. I told Dr. Woehst that the apology was like our apology to God when we sin. We go to God and say I'm sorry; sin again and go to God and say I'm sorry....but we keep doing it.
There is not a single one of us that is without sin [Romans 3:23]. We were born sinners. We may find ourself confessing our sin to God and asking for forgiveness daily. Do not be discouraged. He is a God of forgiveness. He died and was resurrected once to pay for our multiple sins.
God's Word says that "if we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive our sin" everytime. While it was painful and somthing I had to endure, the good news is that after that "I'm sorry" I experienced freedom and you can too!
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you; God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1: 5-9
A special thank you to Dr. Woehst and his staff especially Sondra Cook and Crystal, the best!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Learn from the Squirrels
Yesterday I went for a run. Despite the humidity being high and my spunk being low, I ran anyway. I left my house and headed for the greenbelts. There aren't many people out in the middle of the day and it's great.
I was dreading what was to come and knew it would not be at "record speed" although for me that's a slow record. As I was running, I was oblivious that kids were in recess and everyone turned to watch as I ran by.
I was lost in the music that was providing a comfortable pace. I saw a mother with her child at the swings, birds flying in the air and tree stumps...many tree stumps from all the trees that have been cut down. My attention was then turned to just completing the task.
As I continued to run, I saw an elderly couple walking. The man continued to walk but the lady stopped. I assumed she was resting or letting her dog rest and I went past them. As I approached my destination, I saw a squirrel. The squirrel was standing on one of the stumps and it was surrounded with slices of bread. Another squirrel was trying to approach but the original squirrel was protective of the bread.
I smiled and continued my run. Then I saw it. Another squirrel standing on a stump and it was eating strawberries! "Strawberries" I thought, where did a squirrel get strawberries? As I looked harder, I also saw grapes. Wow-a banquet but where did it come from? This squirrel did not mind sharing as there were two others eating strawberries.
Then with the media majic of a CSI show, I retraced my steps in my mind and I could see that elderly lady that had stopped. I recall seeing something in her hand that I now know was a plastic container. She was the one that was delivering the goodies.
I thought how typical of the squirrel to not want to share it's bread when a few paces down, squirrels were eating fruit. I suppose we can sometimes take that attitude of wanting to protect what we have because we are not confident of how the next need will be fulfilled.
You may have heard that the sparrow does not worry where the next meal will come from. Neither do ducks, turtles in a pond, fish, or even squirrels.
God provided for these squirrels. He is a God of provision. Learn from the squirrels.
Look at the birds of the air; they do now sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavely Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Matthew 6:26
I was dreading what was to come and knew it would not be at "record speed" although for me that's a slow record. As I was running, I was oblivious that kids were in recess and everyone turned to watch as I ran by.
I was lost in the music that was providing a comfortable pace. I saw a mother with her child at the swings, birds flying in the air and tree stumps...many tree stumps from all the trees that have been cut down. My attention was then turned to just completing the task.
As I continued to run, I saw an elderly couple walking. The man continued to walk but the lady stopped. I assumed she was resting or letting her dog rest and I went past them. As I approached my destination, I saw a squirrel. The squirrel was standing on one of the stumps and it was surrounded with slices of bread. Another squirrel was trying to approach but the original squirrel was protective of the bread.
I smiled and continued my run. Then I saw it. Another squirrel standing on a stump and it was eating strawberries! "Strawberries" I thought, where did a squirrel get strawberries? As I looked harder, I also saw grapes. Wow-a banquet but where did it come from? This squirrel did not mind sharing as there were two others eating strawberries.
Then with the media majic of a CSI show, I retraced my steps in my mind and I could see that elderly lady that had stopped. I recall seeing something in her hand that I now know was a plastic container. She was the one that was delivering the goodies.
I thought how typical of the squirrel to not want to share it's bread when a few paces down, squirrels were eating fruit. I suppose we can sometimes take that attitude of wanting to protect what we have because we are not confident of how the next need will be fulfilled.
You may have heard that the sparrow does not worry where the next meal will come from. Neither do ducks, turtles in a pond, fish, or even squirrels.
God provided for these squirrels. He is a God of provision. Learn from the squirrels.
Look at the birds of the air; they do now sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavely Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Matthew 6:26
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