What would be the proper way to say, "Thank you" to people who are special in your life? How do you let them know how special they are to you? Words aren't sufficient. Gifts would be inappropriate. But, I need them to know they're special to me and have blessed my life.
People don't have to be in your life for twenty, forty or fifty years to be special and important, accepted as family. You don't even have to see them everyday to love them. You just do. That's what my friend Ceecee and her family have come to mean to me. I haven't known them long, don't have to, to be able to love them like I do. One common event brought us together, the death of our spouses. This alone, can almost "take you out" trying to get through each day without the one you loved. It's a hard thing to have to come to grips with the fact they are gone and you have to go on without them and you have to figure out things all by yourself.
Days hurt us. Nights hurt even more. Being around others is not necessarily a pleasant thing for us but we keep going. When I try to encourage her, she blesses me. I had been praying these heavy days would become lighter and lighter for her and still do.
A recent health-related event has brought us closer. Her son was diagnosed with a health challenge that could have taken his life. However, the Lord had other plans and I'm so thankful. I was concerned that had her son not pulled through this, it could have been very devastating to her and her other children and family members. But, God is able and He blessed her son to make it through a huge hurdle in his life.
I thank my friend for allowing me to be there and do my ministry the Lord gave to me. It's the Ministry of Presence. What a blessing to do this ministry. Nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary, just being present. I thank God for this ministry that only He could have given me. I'm a helper by nature, having worked in the healthcare field for many years, especially in the Intensive Care Areas. I have seen the sufferings of so many families and have been able to be a part of the team that helped their family members. If one works in the ICUs long enough, this can take a toll on a person like me. So, to do the Ministry of Presence is a special blessing to me. I am not working on the family members anymore but am able to understand and often explain what is happening to loved ones.
So, I hope in some small way I have been able to be a contribution and help to my friend. I hope in some small way, my presence has helped. I hope in some small way, her load has seemed lighter just because I was available. I hope in some small way God has been pleased. See, we don't always have to be doing something to help others. Sometimes, just being present speaks volumes, particularly when there might already be so many others around.
So, on this Thanksgiving Eve, I thank God for ALL His blessings and the fact that in some small way, I am able to say, "Thanks" to my friend, Ceecee, for allowing me to do my Ministry of Presence and be so blessed by her. I love you, Ceecee.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Please Forgive Me, Lord
I'm sitting in my office now listening to songs I have selected as my "Favorites" on YouTube. One song in particular is now playing. It is, "Change" by Tramaine Hawkins.
I am taking personal inventory of my life and relationships. A lot of things have happened to me in recent months. There were months when I was not working and had almost no income. Of course, this economy has hit just about everyone lately in one way or the other. In observing others who have or are going through adversity now, one thing I have noticed is that people are just open and honest with what is happening. No longer are people ashamed of what is happening to them because it's happening to a lot of people of all economic levels. So, to admit openly that one has lost a job, home, car, can't pay bills, etc., is not something that everyone is keeping to themselves. This does not mean that everyone is going around hollering out the issues they are having. It just means that people are no longer ashamed to admit, even to themselves, that they, too, have been hit.
This is something that I'm learning. It has been rough and there have been days when I might have preferred to just give up on everything and everyone but something always held me back from doing that. It was the Holy Spirit, Who always let me know He was with me. In my mind and in my thoughts, I have had to admit some things that I had never admitted before. I had to admit that there are some mistakes that I made that put me in this position. There are some things that occurred over which I had no control that also contributed to this situation. Admittance is not easy, especially to oneself. This, I would imagine, is something like n addict might go through (admitting there is a problem). This learning to admit some things to myself is actually helping me to grow. It is helping me to see some areas that need serious changing in my life. I'm grateful for them because I really do not want to ever be in this position again and will do what I can to be sure of that, with the Holy Spirit's help.
But, the biggest thing I'm getting out of all this is that God's Holy Spirit really is still with me throughout all this. He is still with me, even when I don't feel He is there. I had to examine that also and discovered that when I do not feel Him, it's because of something else that is attributed to me - I have not kept up my relationship end. I have not been as faithful to my quiet time, my reading of the Word, my prayer time. So, as I look at the entire situation, I see that I have been the biggest problem. Then, I ask God to clean up what I have messed up.
The Lord has always told me that He is always here for me. He has told me over and over that He can always be reached. He has assured me that He knows what He is doing and everything I'm going through is for my own good. I have not always believed that (another problem I have). Lord, will I ever get this right?
I pray for forgiveness of my sins, my wrongdoings, my mistakes, my lack of seriousness on the part of my relationship with the Lord and any other mistakes I have committed knowingly or unknowingly. This is a real eye-opener for me. I have learned not to put too much care, worship, hold, whatever you want to call it, on material things. They are here today and gone tomorrow, sometimes. I have gone through the thinking of how I have to "do what I have to do" to take care of myself. I have not always left that to the Lord. That's due to my poor relationship development, not the Lord's fault.
I'm also learning that not all friends are real friends. Real friends are hard to come by. There were days when I thought, "If I could just talk to someone about what I'm going through...". The Lord would also tell me He is here to listen to me but I often ignored Him. Then, when I would make a call to a human (I felt I needed to hear a human voice), the Lord would ALWAYS show me why He told me not to call any human but to just call on Him. This is not to diminish the good deeds done by anyone who did anything good for me. I love and appreciate them for what they did and they know who they are. Thank you so much. I even have learned to be appreciative when "No" was the answer. We don't always get our way in all things.
Thank You, Lord, for this valley experience. Thank You, Lord, for days when everything did not go my way. Thank You, Lord, for those days when I wanted to give up but You changed my mind. Thank You, Lord, for the good things that would happen on some of the "bad days". Thank You, Lord, for ways you made when it seemed too dark. Thank You, Lord, for the joy I have down deep in my heart that You would draw out of me and cause me to begin praising You in the midst of these storms. Thank You, Lord, for all the blessings (of all sizes) that You have given me. Thank You, Lord, for even allowing me to have those crying days. Thank You for drying up all my tears. Thank You for restoring my faith. Thank You for changing my heart and mind. Thank You for opening my spiritual eyes and heart. Thank You for allowing me to remain here. All of my good days do FAR OUTWEIGH my bad days. Only You could see me through this and still love me unconditionally. Only You would not pass judgment on me. Only You would not turn Your back on me. I love and praise You, Lord. To You be all glory and honor.
I know there is a tremendous testimony coming out of this. Whether it is a testimony that is heard by anyone else, it's heard by me and I will gladly repeat it to me over and over again. "Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me...."
I am taking personal inventory of my life and relationships. A lot of things have happened to me in recent months. There were months when I was not working and had almost no income. Of course, this economy has hit just about everyone lately in one way or the other. In observing others who have or are going through adversity now, one thing I have noticed is that people are just open and honest with what is happening. No longer are people ashamed of what is happening to them because it's happening to a lot of people of all economic levels. So, to admit openly that one has lost a job, home, car, can't pay bills, etc., is not something that everyone is keeping to themselves. This does not mean that everyone is going around hollering out the issues they are having. It just means that people are no longer ashamed to admit, even to themselves, that they, too, have been hit.
This is something that I'm learning. It has been rough and there have been days when I might have preferred to just give up on everything and everyone but something always held me back from doing that. It was the Holy Spirit, Who always let me know He was with me. In my mind and in my thoughts, I have had to admit some things that I had never admitted before. I had to admit that there are some mistakes that I made that put me in this position. There are some things that occurred over which I had no control that also contributed to this situation. Admittance is not easy, especially to oneself. This, I would imagine, is something like n addict might go through (admitting there is a problem). This learning to admit some things to myself is actually helping me to grow. It is helping me to see some areas that need serious changing in my life. I'm grateful for them because I really do not want to ever be in this position again and will do what I can to be sure of that, with the Holy Spirit's help.
But, the biggest thing I'm getting out of all this is that God's Holy Spirit really is still with me throughout all this. He is still with me, even when I don't feel He is there. I had to examine that also and discovered that when I do not feel Him, it's because of something else that is attributed to me - I have not kept up my relationship end. I have not been as faithful to my quiet time, my reading of the Word, my prayer time. So, as I look at the entire situation, I see that I have been the biggest problem. Then, I ask God to clean up what I have messed up.
The Lord has always told me that He is always here for me. He has told me over and over that He can always be reached. He has assured me that He knows what He is doing and everything I'm going through is for my own good. I have not always believed that (another problem I have). Lord, will I ever get this right?
I pray for forgiveness of my sins, my wrongdoings, my mistakes, my lack of seriousness on the part of my relationship with the Lord and any other mistakes I have committed knowingly or unknowingly. This is a real eye-opener for me. I have learned not to put too much care, worship, hold, whatever you want to call it, on material things. They are here today and gone tomorrow, sometimes. I have gone through the thinking of how I have to "do what I have to do" to take care of myself. I have not always left that to the Lord. That's due to my poor relationship development, not the Lord's fault.
I'm also learning that not all friends are real friends. Real friends are hard to come by. There were days when I thought, "If I could just talk to someone about what I'm going through...". The Lord would also tell me He is here to listen to me but I often ignored Him. Then, when I would make a call to a human (I felt I needed to hear a human voice), the Lord would ALWAYS show me why He told me not to call any human but to just call on Him. This is not to diminish the good deeds done by anyone who did anything good for me. I love and appreciate them for what they did and they know who they are. Thank you so much. I even have learned to be appreciative when "No" was the answer. We don't always get our way in all things.
Thank You, Lord, for this valley experience. Thank You, Lord, for days when everything did not go my way. Thank You, Lord, for those days when I wanted to give up but You changed my mind. Thank You, Lord, for the good things that would happen on some of the "bad days". Thank You, Lord, for ways you made when it seemed too dark. Thank You, Lord, for the joy I have down deep in my heart that You would draw out of me and cause me to begin praising You in the midst of these storms. Thank You, Lord, for all the blessings (of all sizes) that You have given me. Thank You, Lord, for even allowing me to have those crying days. Thank You for drying up all my tears. Thank You for restoring my faith. Thank You for changing my heart and mind. Thank You for opening my spiritual eyes and heart. Thank You for allowing me to remain here. All of my good days do FAR OUTWEIGH my bad days. Only You could see me through this and still love me unconditionally. Only You would not pass judgment on me. Only You would not turn Your back on me. I love and praise You, Lord. To You be all glory and honor.
I know there is a tremendous testimony coming out of this. Whether it is a testimony that is heard by anyone else, it's heard by me and I will gladly repeat it to me over and over again. "Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me...."
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Year
Good Morning. Well, it's the saying we're all hearing now, "It's a new year, now what?"
I've been giving this a lot of thought. I have thought about all the things that I had to bring over into this new year from last year. I've thought about new things I wish would happen this year. I've thought about things I hope WON'T happen this year (lol). But, then I realize that the year is comprised of all of these things. It wouldn't be a year or day or month without them. So, I'm learning to change my thinking about my circumstances. I do ask God to give me strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. I am looking forward to growing more this year.
Change is good and growth is better, at least for me. I don't want to keep repeating the same mistakes; I want to learn from my mistakes and grow thereby. This means there are some resources I will need. I used to think I could make it on my own, that I knew what all I needed to do but I have found that to NOT be true. So, I am making my way to and through those helpful resources.
The first and main resourse is the Bible. Now, that's where I can get the BEST instruction of all. That's where I can be reassured. That's where I can get the courage I really need to go a step further, and another step and another step. This is the place I know I can go and the advice is not built on human assumption. This is the real place to go to for my help. After that, prayer is the next step. It won't be enough for me to read and study the Bible without praying over what I read and studied and asking for wisdom in applying what I read. I know I need help every step of the way through lifes journeys. Then, I'm able to consult some persons who have other wisdom that has been presented to me.
In my Sunday School Class a few weeks ago, the teacher made this statement, "Pick a book, any book." At first, I didn't know what he was talking about but he clarified it by saying, "Pick any book in the Bible and make it your favorite book because this is where you can go and always find help, comfort, instruction, etc., to fit your situation." So, I'm studying Ephesians. I've also picked favorite scriptures. They are Psalm 100 and Psalm 103. These will be my daily scriptures. Of course, all the books in the Bible offer whatever we need to get through this life so Ephesians might become one of my favorite books.
As I sit in my office and type this, I am so longing to study and pray over this business God has blessed me to operate. I do not claim this as my own but His and I'm the vessel He's using to bless others. So, it's time for me to close this session and read and pray so I can get my encouragement for this day. He's already blessed me with life, health and strength and shown favor in a situation. I do know that I still need Him in all my life so I need to go to the throne.
I pray you have a God-blessed day.
I've been giving this a lot of thought. I have thought about all the things that I had to bring over into this new year from last year. I've thought about new things I wish would happen this year. I've thought about things I hope WON'T happen this year (lol). But, then I realize that the year is comprised of all of these things. It wouldn't be a year or day or month without them. So, I'm learning to change my thinking about my circumstances. I do ask God to give me strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. I am looking forward to growing more this year.
Change is good and growth is better, at least for me. I don't want to keep repeating the same mistakes; I want to learn from my mistakes and grow thereby. This means there are some resources I will need. I used to think I could make it on my own, that I knew what all I needed to do but I have found that to NOT be true. So, I am making my way to and through those helpful resources.
The first and main resourse is the Bible. Now, that's where I can get the BEST instruction of all. That's where I can be reassured. That's where I can get the courage I really need to go a step further, and another step and another step. This is the place I know I can go and the advice is not built on human assumption. This is the real place to go to for my help. After that, prayer is the next step. It won't be enough for me to read and study the Bible without praying over what I read and studied and asking for wisdom in applying what I read. I know I need help every step of the way through lifes journeys. Then, I'm able to consult some persons who have other wisdom that has been presented to me.
In my Sunday School Class a few weeks ago, the teacher made this statement, "Pick a book, any book." At first, I didn't know what he was talking about but he clarified it by saying, "Pick any book in the Bible and make it your favorite book because this is where you can go and always find help, comfort, instruction, etc., to fit your situation." So, I'm studying Ephesians. I've also picked favorite scriptures. They are Psalm 100 and Psalm 103. These will be my daily scriptures. Of course, all the books in the Bible offer whatever we need to get through this life so Ephesians might become one of my favorite books.
As I sit in my office and type this, I am so longing to study and pray over this business God has blessed me to operate. I do not claim this as my own but His and I'm the vessel He's using to bless others. So, it's time for me to close this session and read and pray so I can get my encouragement for this day. He's already blessed me with life, health and strength and shown favor in a situation. I do know that I still need Him in all my life so I need to go to the throne.
I pray you have a God-blessed day.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
It Really is Important and It's MyJob to Tell You!
Knowing CPR, this possible life-saving technique, is as important as knowing how to tie your shoes. We were taught to keep our shoes ties so we would not trip, fall and hurt ourselves (prevention). Well, knowing CPR is to be thought of in the same light.
CPR can and does save lives. Knowing how to do it properly saves lives. CPR has not been thought of as something that was urgently needed until it's too late. Often, family members die because they needed to have CPR performed but no one around knew how to do it.
Well, that can end!! Good news!!! I can teach you in four hours!!! Learning CPR and fully understanding what it is about is exciting. It's so educational when we understand the when, where, how, why and who of things. That's exactly what I'll teach you in my classes.
We have classes available for health care professionals and non-health care professionals. That means we have classes for EVERYONE!! Some of our clients include, but are not limited to: Boy Scouts, teachers, bus drivers, babysitters, administrators, personal trainers, concerned family members, day care center personnel, health care personnel, construction workers, just to name a few.
We know that our technique for learning CPR (American Heart Association certified) will ensure that when called upon to perform it, students will recall what was learned in class. You will leave the class knowing the importance of knowing CPR because it really is important. We provide a nice, clean, relaxed atmosphere for learning.
Give us a call today at 480.233.4289 to get signed up for a class or check out the schedule at touchingheartswithcpr.com.
CPR can and does save lives. Knowing how to do it properly saves lives. CPR has not been thought of as something that was urgently needed until it's too late. Often, family members die because they needed to have CPR performed but no one around knew how to do it.
Well, that can end!! Good news!!! I can teach you in four hours!!! Learning CPR and fully understanding what it is about is exciting. It's so educational when we understand the when, where, how, why and who of things. That's exactly what I'll teach you in my classes.
We have classes available for health care professionals and non-health care professionals. That means we have classes for EVERYONE!! Some of our clients include, but are not limited to: Boy Scouts, teachers, bus drivers, babysitters, administrators, personal trainers, concerned family members, day care center personnel, health care personnel, construction workers, just to name a few.
We know that our technique for learning CPR (American Heart Association certified) will ensure that when called upon to perform it, students will recall what was learned in class. You will leave the class knowing the importance of knowing CPR because it really is important. We provide a nice, clean, relaxed atmosphere for learning.
Give us a call today at 480.233.4289 to get signed up for a class or check out the schedule at touchingheartswithcpr.com.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Fearing Fear
Have you ever been afraid of fear? Has it ever taken over your thoughts to the point that that's all you think about? Power is given to fear when we constantly think about it. Sometimes, something can happen in our life that causes us to fear because we do not see the end of a circumstance.
Fear can lead to so many things. I was recently confronted with something that caused me a great deal of fear. In accepting this fear, I became depressed because I allowed the spirit of fear to speak to me. This fear was so overwhelming that I did not have a desire, at times, to even pray or seek the Lord in the matter. I realized the extent to which the fear had captured me and felt helpless all because the spirit of fear told me that I was helpless. Even though I know scriptures that would defeat this, I had allowed fear to occupy my being. This was a dangerous place in which to be and it wanted me to stay there. I knew that I was stressing, worrying, losing my victory and maintaining my sense of fear.
Even in the midst of accepting this state of fear, I could always hear the Holy Spirit saying something to me to remind me that I am more than a conqueror but I wasn't believing it because I was looking at the circumstance. I wondered if I would ever overcome thiis fear. I cried out to the Lord, told Him my back was up against the wall and that I needed Him. At first, I felt nothing. But, I knew down deep inside that God had not created me to be defeated by anything.
No weapon formed against me shall prosper is a scripture that I kept hearing in my ear and mind. I realized that I had to get to the point where I believed that Word again. I had to focus on God, not the circumstance. Although this is so elementary to most of us, there are times when, if allowed, fear can get us to forget what we have always known about the Lord and discount His ability to bring us through situations. I even remembered all the situations that He has brought me through recently that were far more serious and harmful than this current one but fear kept messing with my mind.
Thanks be to God for victory. Viictory came to me through hearing the Word preached. Victory came to me through encouraging words of a friend, a faithful, true friend. God is able. God knows my situations. God DOES LOVE ME. God remembers me at all times and is with me in the valley as well as on the mountaintop.
I am determined to reset my mind. I will dwell on the postive things that will happen to me. I will attract those positive thoughts and not allow the negative to get a foothold on my mind. I will look to the Lord for my deliverance. I thank Him now for victory; victory in the Lord God Almighty.
Fear can lead to so many things. I was recently confronted with something that caused me a great deal of fear. In accepting this fear, I became depressed because I allowed the spirit of fear to speak to me. This fear was so overwhelming that I did not have a desire, at times, to even pray or seek the Lord in the matter. I realized the extent to which the fear had captured me and felt helpless all because the spirit of fear told me that I was helpless. Even though I know scriptures that would defeat this, I had allowed fear to occupy my being. This was a dangerous place in which to be and it wanted me to stay there. I knew that I was stressing, worrying, losing my victory and maintaining my sense of fear.
Even in the midst of accepting this state of fear, I could always hear the Holy Spirit saying something to me to remind me that I am more than a conqueror but I wasn't believing it because I was looking at the circumstance. I wondered if I would ever overcome thiis fear. I cried out to the Lord, told Him my back was up against the wall and that I needed Him. At first, I felt nothing. But, I knew down deep inside that God had not created me to be defeated by anything.
No weapon formed against me shall prosper is a scripture that I kept hearing in my ear and mind. I realized that I had to get to the point where I believed that Word again. I had to focus on God, not the circumstance. Although this is so elementary to most of us, there are times when, if allowed, fear can get us to forget what we have always known about the Lord and discount His ability to bring us through situations. I even remembered all the situations that He has brought me through recently that were far more serious and harmful than this current one but fear kept messing with my mind.
Thanks be to God for victory. Viictory came to me through hearing the Word preached. Victory came to me through encouraging words of a friend, a faithful, true friend. God is able. God knows my situations. God DOES LOVE ME. God remembers me at all times and is with me in the valley as well as on the mountaintop.
I am determined to reset my mind. I will dwell on the postive things that will happen to me. I will attract those positive thoughts and not allow the negative to get a foothold on my mind. I will look to the Lord for my deliverance. I thank Him now for victory; victory in the Lord God Almighty.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Some Things Are Changing
Lately, I have noticed changes. I have noticed that parts of me are taking on a different shape. Thank You, Lord. I have noticed that it takes longer to get from one spot to another. Thank You, Lord. I have noticed that it takes some things longer to heal than before. Thank You, Lord. I have noticed that thinking has changed more to the future than ever before. Thank You, Lord.
In all this, I have to admit that sometimes fear comes over me. At other times, sadness comes over me. And, then, JOY comes over me. I am still trying to figure out all that the JOY includes. Now, to me, JOY is loving the Lord and worshipping Him. JOY is knowing Who I serve. JOY is knowing that I am His and that will never change. But, there is more to it than that and I don't know what that is. I do know this - that the Lord, through His Holy Spirit, will let me know.
It's hard to believe that I have made it to be 63 years old. Whew!!! I'm grateful. I enjoy and embarce it. I am not ashamed of it and appreciate each day that I have of it. Don't get me wrong, I have days when I wonder why my JOY is not where it ought to be but I know this is a trick of the enemy. In all my struggles, I am aware of the presence of God. Sometimes, it seems to me that He is far away, another trick fo the enemy. But, He always steps in to remind me that He is here. I have wondered if this happens to others my age who notice things changing in their lives.
I know that anything I have, anything I have done, anything that will come to me in my life is not because of something I have done on my own. I know from where my help comes. So, I take the changes I am noticing with great appreciation and ask God to continue to show me other changes. I ask the Holy Spirit to continue to be with me throughout all my days.
The biggest change I am asking of God is our relationship. I am praying for it to grow beyond anywhere I would have ever believed. I am looking to God for this change. I am anticipating a relationship unlike any I have ever known.
Lord, You know my heart. You know why the tears fall just at the thought of You. You know how I cherish our time together. You know my struggles, changes, ups and downs. You know just Who I need. I know Who I need and that is You. Loving You, Lord, is easy. Thank You for loving me because I cannot imagine that is easy to to but then again, You're God.
In all this, I have to admit that sometimes fear comes over me. At other times, sadness comes over me. And, then, JOY comes over me. I am still trying to figure out all that the JOY includes. Now, to me, JOY is loving the Lord and worshipping Him. JOY is knowing Who I serve. JOY is knowing that I am His and that will never change. But, there is more to it than that and I don't know what that is. I do know this - that the Lord, through His Holy Spirit, will let me know.
It's hard to believe that I have made it to be 63 years old. Whew!!! I'm grateful. I enjoy and embarce it. I am not ashamed of it and appreciate each day that I have of it. Don't get me wrong, I have days when I wonder why my JOY is not where it ought to be but I know this is a trick of the enemy. In all my struggles, I am aware of the presence of God. Sometimes, it seems to me that He is far away, another trick fo the enemy. But, He always steps in to remind me that He is here. I have wondered if this happens to others my age who notice things changing in their lives.
I know that anything I have, anything I have done, anything that will come to me in my life is not because of something I have done on my own. I know from where my help comes. So, I take the changes I am noticing with great appreciation and ask God to continue to show me other changes. I ask the Holy Spirit to continue to be with me throughout all my days.
The biggest change I am asking of God is our relationship. I am praying for it to grow beyond anywhere I would have ever believed. I am looking to God for this change. I am anticipating a relationship unlike any I have ever known.
Lord, You know my heart. You know why the tears fall just at the thought of You. You know how I cherish our time together. You know my struggles, changes, ups and downs. You know just Who I need. I know Who I need and that is You. Loving You, Lord, is easy. Thank You for loving me because I cannot imagine that is easy to to but then again, You're God.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Let's Be Real
As I get more settled into my new apartment, I have time to sit and think and ponder. One of the things I am pondering is why we change our view about certain subjects depending on who it is affecting. For instance, if it's wrong for "Susie" to do something (and we, as humans talk about Susie like she has the plague), then when "Carol" does the same thing we don't seem to have anything negative to say. Yet, the two women did the same thing!!
It appears to me that people are not real. Some people are seeking something from others and that affects how they respond to certain events. If someone is trying to gain something, be more recognized or possibly appear to be a closer friend, there will not be any negative words said aloud to anyone. This is PURE PHONEYNESS (sp). I'm trying to figure out why people can't be for real.
Yet, I don't want to dwell on unreal people. I really am trying hard (it's not always easy) to focus on positive things and be around positive people (again, not always possible). But, I keep trying. As I get older (thank You, Lord), I do realize more and more that it's not what people say or do that matters, it's what the Lord says and does. I am spending my time doing my best to get and stay focused on the Lord. The things that used to excite me, don't anymore. Peace, love, joy, stability, harmony, connection (with the Lord), happiness, contentment, appreciation are some of the states of emotions that I am now looking forward to, appreciating and loving. God be praised for this.
I used to look at the happiness of others and say I with I had that. Now, they can look at the happiness I have and say the same. In other words, I'm not looking at others and wanting what they have. I have it with the Lord and I'm enjoying it. I appreciate the Lord working on me, helping me grow, leading me and blessing me. Looking at others, just like the blog started out, caused me to get confused, messed up and jacked up. I finally got tired of being that way. I'm a work-in-progress but I'm His work.
It appears to me that people are not real. Some people are seeking something from others and that affects how they respond to certain events. If someone is trying to gain something, be more recognized or possibly appear to be a closer friend, there will not be any negative words said aloud to anyone. This is PURE PHONEYNESS (sp). I'm trying to figure out why people can't be for real.
Yet, I don't want to dwell on unreal people. I really am trying hard (it's not always easy) to focus on positive things and be around positive people (again, not always possible). But, I keep trying. As I get older (thank You, Lord), I do realize more and more that it's not what people say or do that matters, it's what the Lord says and does. I am spending my time doing my best to get and stay focused on the Lord. The things that used to excite me, don't anymore. Peace, love, joy, stability, harmony, connection (with the Lord), happiness, contentment, appreciation are some of the states of emotions that I am now looking forward to, appreciating and loving. God be praised for this.
I used to look at the happiness of others and say I with I had that. Now, they can look at the happiness I have and say the same. In other words, I'm not looking at others and wanting what they have. I have it with the Lord and I'm enjoying it. I appreciate the Lord working on me, helping me grow, leading me and blessing me. Looking at others, just like the blog started out, caused me to get confused, messed up and jacked up. I finally got tired of being that way. I'm a work-in-progress but I'm His work.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Counting It All Joy
To be able to look at life and count it all joy is a huge blessing. Although there are days that might not be as great as others, we have been able to make it through.
Lately, I have had some health challenges that have, quite frankly, scared me to my bones. I have found that I dropped my faith and started relying on and looking at people, rather than God. I completely forgot the Holy Spirit, Who keeps me, comforts me and guides me. My throughts were completely on me and how I was going to make it not only through the challenge but life. I found I was worrying about how I was going to deal with things. I completely left God out of the issue.
In my devotion time, I have been challenged with the question of, "What are you doing with the Holy Spirit?" This has come up before and must still be an issue if it is coming up again. This question causes one to pause and take a serious look at our relationship with the Lord and how and what we think of the Holy Spirit.
I am learning how to turn everything completely over to the Holy Spirit. This is a process and is not done automatically, especially since I've been trying to run things all these years. Yet, when I stop to think about someone else being responsible for my life, my brain just seems to stop moving and stay on that point. I believe it is because it's such a serious thing to do. If I turn my life completely over to the Holy Spirit, this means that I am not going to try to run anything. This means that I trust Him completely. This means that I pray, turn it completely over and wait on Him. Now, that's definitely a new concept for me. Is it one I can do? Most definitely. This turning over involved complete obedience (another thing we're working on). All this is tied into my relationship with the Lord. Every aspect of my life must be yielded to Him. This even includes thoughts, actions, desires, words, etc.
As my health challenges arose, I found myself often sitting in a quiet room (be it in the hospital or home) and just waiting to hear from the Lord. I would turn my thoughts and cares over to him and wait for His response. I found I had a peace that I still cannot describe. It was a peace that enabled me to just sit on the bed, in a chair, look out the window and not worry. I observed what was happening around me but did not worry about anything. This peace is beyond all understanding, just as the Word says it would be. I definitely counted that as joy. There is something about not worrying about anything that is indescribeable. I found that once that settles in, really settles in, it continues. It makes the next challenge easier to get through because of the peace that is known, believed and felt. I'm loving this heightened releationship with the Lord.
This is just another way of counting joy in my life. To wake up and be able to do what I do is always reason for joy. To have sense enough to recognize it, is reason for joy. I have friends who have died lately or have had major surgery or other events occur in their life. I look at them and pray they have counted it all joy. I have certainly counted it joy for them.
Do you count it all joy, even in the bad times? Praising the Lord while in the valley will often bring you up out of the valley. Praising Him while going through and sitting back, turning it all over to Him and waiting on Him is reason to count it all joy. His promises are always kept. I love Him so much. And, I love you, too!
Just counting what He has done in our lives is reason to count it all joy. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
Lately, I have had some health challenges that have, quite frankly, scared me to my bones. I have found that I dropped my faith and started relying on and looking at people, rather than God. I completely forgot the Holy Spirit, Who keeps me, comforts me and guides me. My throughts were completely on me and how I was going to make it not only through the challenge but life. I found I was worrying about how I was going to deal with things. I completely left God out of the issue.
In my devotion time, I have been challenged with the question of, "What are you doing with the Holy Spirit?" This has come up before and must still be an issue if it is coming up again. This question causes one to pause and take a serious look at our relationship with the Lord and how and what we think of the Holy Spirit.
I am learning how to turn everything completely over to the Holy Spirit. This is a process and is not done automatically, especially since I've been trying to run things all these years. Yet, when I stop to think about someone else being responsible for my life, my brain just seems to stop moving and stay on that point. I believe it is because it's such a serious thing to do. If I turn my life completely over to the Holy Spirit, this means that I am not going to try to run anything. This means that I trust Him completely. This means that I pray, turn it completely over and wait on Him. Now, that's definitely a new concept for me. Is it one I can do? Most definitely. This turning over involved complete obedience (another thing we're working on). All this is tied into my relationship with the Lord. Every aspect of my life must be yielded to Him. This even includes thoughts, actions, desires, words, etc.
As my health challenges arose, I found myself often sitting in a quiet room (be it in the hospital or home) and just waiting to hear from the Lord. I would turn my thoughts and cares over to him and wait for His response. I found I had a peace that I still cannot describe. It was a peace that enabled me to just sit on the bed, in a chair, look out the window and not worry. I observed what was happening around me but did not worry about anything. This peace is beyond all understanding, just as the Word says it would be. I definitely counted that as joy. There is something about not worrying about anything that is indescribeable. I found that once that settles in, really settles in, it continues. It makes the next challenge easier to get through because of the peace that is known, believed and felt. I'm loving this heightened releationship with the Lord.
This is just another way of counting joy in my life. To wake up and be able to do what I do is always reason for joy. To have sense enough to recognize it, is reason for joy. I have friends who have died lately or have had major surgery or other events occur in their life. I look at them and pray they have counted it all joy. I have certainly counted it joy for them.
Do you count it all joy, even in the bad times? Praising the Lord while in the valley will often bring you up out of the valley. Praising Him while going through and sitting back, turning it all over to Him and waiting on Him is reason to count it all joy. His promises are always kept. I love Him so much. And, I love you, too!
Just counting what He has done in our lives is reason to count it all joy. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Wait, Don't Give Up!!
Today I thought about possibly giving up. I thought about how some things in my life are not going the way I wish they were. I thought that maybe, just maybe, I am not really hearing the Lord's voice. I thought about the fact that I am His child, one of His sheep, and His sheep DO know His voice. So, why was I feeling like I am not hearing Him?
I did feel the need to question God, so I asked Him why others seems to prosper who are doing the same thing I am doing but I am not. I had to ask Him why, since I am willing to work hard and do, are things not as far along as I think they should be?
I had to dig down inside to the "honest" area of my soul and spirit. I had to come clean with myself (because I'm certainly NOT fooling God). I had to honestly say that I need to get myself together. Am I allowing the "things in life" that I want to overshadow the Lord and His place in my life? I could not just answer, "No" so quickly. When I looked back over the past few days, I could see where I moved Him to second place, at a minimum.
How could I allow this to happen? I was studying my Bible, praying, being faithful to Him......but then I let life get in the way and started working very on the life issues and events, forgetting about God. Forgive me, Lord. Here I am doing it again. When am I going to stop this? Why have I fallen back into this state?
Just when I was ready to give up and throw in the towel, I read a devotional that talked about giving up. It came from I Kings 19 and was dealing with Eliajah and how he wanted to give up. The devotion blessed me so much but it was a statement at the bottom of the page that caught my attention. The statement read, "When you're working for Jesus, it's always too soon to quit." In my life, the thing I am working on so hard was given to me by the Lord and I dedicated it and gave it back to Him and always acknowledge that it's His and not mine. Yet, I was going to give up on it. This is His and I cannot give up. He will see it through. He will bless everything to progress in His timing. He will take care of it; He's able.
Thank You, Lord, for taking care of my thinking that was getting out of hand again. Thank You for pointing me to something that would bless me. Thank You for not giving up on me. Thank You for always being with me, always being at work around me and always asking and waiting for me to join You where You're at work around me. Open my spiritual mind, heart and soul to Your will. Remove life's clutter so I can hear You clearly.
Whatever it is, whatever it is, don't give up! Keep on working for the Lord and it will come to pass.
I did feel the need to question God, so I asked Him why others seems to prosper who are doing the same thing I am doing but I am not. I had to ask Him why, since I am willing to work hard and do, are things not as far along as I think they should be?
I had to dig down inside to the "honest" area of my soul and spirit. I had to come clean with myself (because I'm certainly NOT fooling God). I had to honestly say that I need to get myself together. Am I allowing the "things in life" that I want to overshadow the Lord and His place in my life? I could not just answer, "No" so quickly. When I looked back over the past few days, I could see where I moved Him to second place, at a minimum.
How could I allow this to happen? I was studying my Bible, praying, being faithful to Him......but then I let life get in the way and started working very on the life issues and events, forgetting about God. Forgive me, Lord. Here I am doing it again. When am I going to stop this? Why have I fallen back into this state?
Just when I was ready to give up and throw in the towel, I read a devotional that talked about giving up. It came from I Kings 19 and was dealing with Eliajah and how he wanted to give up. The devotion blessed me so much but it was a statement at the bottom of the page that caught my attention. The statement read, "When you're working for Jesus, it's always too soon to quit." In my life, the thing I am working on so hard was given to me by the Lord and I dedicated it and gave it back to Him and always acknowledge that it's His and not mine. Yet, I was going to give up on it. This is His and I cannot give up. He will see it through. He will bless everything to progress in His timing. He will take care of it; He's able.
Thank You, Lord, for taking care of my thinking that was getting out of hand again. Thank You for pointing me to something that would bless me. Thank You for not giving up on me. Thank You for always being with me, always being at work around me and always asking and waiting for me to join You where You're at work around me. Open my spiritual mind, heart and soul to Your will. Remove life's clutter so I can hear You clearly.
Whatever it is, whatever it is, don't give up! Keep on working for the Lord and it will come to pass.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
One Step at a Time
Today, I took another step. I took a step up. In all my years, it seems I've always tried to take at least two steps at a time to ry to make it to my destination. In doing so, I found I have become winded, had blurre vision when I reached my destination and sometimes forgot why my mission.
Slowing down has been something I always thought I could do on my own but the Lord God Almighty had to show me that I wasn't doing it right. He had to knock my flat on my back to really get my attention and to be able to show me that I need only to take one step at atime.
WIthin the recent months, I have been humbled more. I have found that my health was not where I thought it was and it was needing to be dealth with quickly. I have found that some people in my life in 2009 are not/will not go into 2010 in my life (this was very difficult to come to grips with). I have found there really is no need to rush through life to try to reach certain areas that have not been completed and made ready for the new events.
If I just learn to take one step at a time, this enables me to be able to firmly plant my feet on one step before trying to do a balancing act and trying to have my feet in two places at one time. God has no rush timing; only humans do that.
In 2010, I want to be sure my steps are with the Lord. I want to be sure I'm not trying either consciously or unconsciously to rush Him and His timing or my own. I want to be more focused and set realistic goals. I want to see new potential and growth spiritually, physically, financially, relationally, mentally and any other way the Lord would have it.
There is something stirring up within me that I cannot fully explain. I just know that it makes me excited. I know that it makes me happy and I know that it will help me make it through. I know it is the Lord and I know it is Him working on and in me. But, I don't know fully what it all means. I know what I believe and I believe that if I just take it one step at at time, He is right here with me, leading an guiding me, helping me, comforting me.
Some big changes are coming into my life in 2010. Some big changes are coming into just about everyone's life in 2010. I don't mean to sound cliche'. That's just life. However, I am excited about becoming focused, more dependent and trusting on the Lord and followig Him, one step at a time.
Slowing down has been something I always thought I could do on my own but the Lord God Almighty had to show me that I wasn't doing it right. He had to knock my flat on my back to really get my attention and to be able to show me that I need only to take one step at atime.
WIthin the recent months, I have been humbled more. I have found that my health was not where I thought it was and it was needing to be dealth with quickly. I have found that some people in my life in 2009 are not/will not go into 2010 in my life (this was very difficult to come to grips with). I have found there really is no need to rush through life to try to reach certain areas that have not been completed and made ready for the new events.
If I just learn to take one step at a time, this enables me to be able to firmly plant my feet on one step before trying to do a balancing act and trying to have my feet in two places at one time. God has no rush timing; only humans do that.
In 2010, I want to be sure my steps are with the Lord. I want to be sure I'm not trying either consciously or unconsciously to rush Him and His timing or my own. I want to be more focused and set realistic goals. I want to see new potential and growth spiritually, physically, financially, relationally, mentally and any other way the Lord would have it.
There is something stirring up within me that I cannot fully explain. I just know that it makes me excited. I know that it makes me happy and I know that it will help me make it through. I know it is the Lord and I know it is Him working on and in me. But, I don't know fully what it all means. I know what I believe and I believe that if I just take it one step at at time, He is right here with me, leading an guiding me, helping me, comforting me.
Some big changes are coming into my life in 2010. Some big changes are coming into just about everyone's life in 2010. I don't mean to sound cliche'. That's just life. However, I am excited about becoming focused, more dependent and trusting on the Lord and followig Him, one step at a time.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Praying in TImes Like These
It's been a while since I wrote but today seems like a day I need to put something on the blog. I love to blog but just have not kept up with it like I want to but hope to do better in this area.
On my heart today is the fact that we need to be praying more than ever in times like these. If anyone feels that all is well with them not, I always say, "Just keep living." Latelly, my heart has been aching over news I have received regarding my health (which I am happy to say is definitely improving by God's grace) and news from friends who are going through now. There used to be a time when news regarding friends would not stay on my heart like it does now and I'm so grateful for the change. I found myself praying as I awoke this morning for my friends. They hurt, so I hurt. I want the world to be right for them and good; however, I do realize the enemy is very busy and trying to do all he can to shake up the Church.
Knowing, remembering and having the Word of God buried so deeply in our hearts is essential at this time. I do know that a lot of people feel we have plenty of time but with the passing of each second, time is winding down.
I am studying from a great book entitled, "Experiencing the Holy Spirit" and know that it's about the relationship we are supposed to have with the Holy Spirit. That's how we will make it through. That's how I am able to pray for my friends. That's how I realize the wonder-working power of the Holy Spirit and the power which He has given me.
I have never really taken this "power" thing seriously until now. To FINALLY realize what the Lord has been telling me all these years regarding the power within me through the Holy Spirit is not settling in my mind and heart seriously. It's not about looking at anyone but the Holy Spirit. It's about believing in Him and no one else. It's about really knowing and doing His will. To have this comes with the requirement that we pray. Who would NOT want to pray in times like these? Who would not ever utter at least a "Thank You, Jesus" now?
Now, when we pray, we must know that our prayers are heard and have power behind them. We cannot be praying those weak, meaningless prayers anymore. This is serious. Prayer time is first listening to God and then talking with Him. The most effective way to communicate with anyone is to do effective listening. Just being able to sit in our (that's what I call where I live with the Lord) apartment, be silent, look around, feel the presence of the Holy Spiritt and hear His voice is so mind blowing for me. I love hearing Him call my name. I love hearing Him say He wants to spend time with me. I love longing for Him. I love sharing with Him. I love getting direction from Him.
Fortunately, some of my friends (the real ones) are experiencing great miracles and blessing from the Lord. Experiencing the Holy Spirit asked the students to note the signs and wonders that God has been doing around them. To just think of signs, womders and miracles for myself would be selfish. So, I rejoice in knowing that I have friends who are receiving tremendous blessings now. Praise the Lord for this.
I love the Lord so much. I want to walk with Him and talk. I want to sit on my couch with Him. I want to prepare my dinner (when I cook) with Him. I want to enjoy my quiet time with Him. I want to driving in the car with Him. Daily, my desire to be with Him and get more involved in our relationship growns. This is what is enabling me to want to pray for my friends in times like these (and myself). This relationship, which is like no other I have ever experienced, makes me want to do things I have never done before.
I'm going to keep praying. I'm going to keep having the burden of my friends on my heart and talking to the Holy Spirit about them. I'm going to keep rejoicing over the victories and blessings of my other friends.
I close this blog with my gratitude journal for this day: for being a child of God, family, for my health and strength, activity of all my limbs, in my right mind, basic needs being met, some extras provided, fellowship with saints of God, true friends, living in a country where I enjoy freedom, being able to attend church freely, FOR LIFE, improved readings on my Immune System, a growing business. Please have a wonderful, Christ-centered day.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Spending My Time Wisely
Have you ever been told that you need to slow down and relax? I was told that last week when I was in the hospital by my doctor. I was told that I needed to rest. While I was thinking about this, it hit me that I really did need to rest. I had been doing like everyone else running here and there and meeting myself in the process.
This week was spent quietly, once I was released from the hospital. I was tired from life and also from being in the hospital. I had worn myself down so far and was so sick that I had forgotten what feeling good really feels like. Once I realized that what I was feeling was feeling good, I was so excited that I could hardly rest or sleep. It feels real good to feel good.
During this time, I spent almost all day everyday talking with the Lord. I spent, and am still spending, a lot of time thanking Him for sparing my life and giving me another chance to live and strengthen my relationship with Him. What a glorious feeling!!! I take this time seriously and know I am coming through this in a different manner. I know my mind has changed about a lot of things and the way in which I will be approaching them. I know what is important to me (God first) and I know what is NOT important to me (the opinion of others). I know I have to, with the help of the Holy Spirit, take care of me first, not others. I thought I was free from this before but now realize that I am really free. I love it.
So, if you're still running here and there and meeting yourself in the process, STOP, slow down, talk with God. He'll get you straightened out. Have a SERIOUS talk with Him and you'll be blessed.
Have a great day in the Lord.
This week was spent quietly, once I was released from the hospital. I was tired from life and also from being in the hospital. I had worn myself down so far and was so sick that I had forgotten what feeling good really feels like. Once I realized that what I was feeling was feeling good, I was so excited that I could hardly rest or sleep. It feels real good to feel good.
During this time, I spent almost all day everyday talking with the Lord. I spent, and am still spending, a lot of time thanking Him for sparing my life and giving me another chance to live and strengthen my relationship with Him. What a glorious feeling!!! I take this time seriously and know I am coming through this in a different manner. I know my mind has changed about a lot of things and the way in which I will be approaching them. I know what is important to me (God first) and I know what is NOT important to me (the opinion of others). I know I have to, with the help of the Holy Spirit, take care of me first, not others. I thought I was free from this before but now realize that I am really free. I love it.
So, if you're still running here and there and meeting yourself in the process, STOP, slow down, talk with God. He'll get you straightened out. Have a SERIOUS talk with Him and you'll be blessed.
Have a great day in the Lord.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Deliverance and Release
A couple weekends ago, I attended our Women's Retreat. What a wonderful experience; one I will never forget. All the presenters were wonderful.
What got me the most was what I experienced there and since I have been home. This Retreat was a Deliverance Retreat and I expecting deliverance. I wasn't going for any other reason. I have been dealing with life and all it's issues. like everyone else, and I had had enough. I was ready to burst!! I needed to get there and I needed the deliverance that was there.
I had been to retreats in the past. experienced that "high" feeling while there but lost it by the time Monday morning rolled around. But, not this time. This was different.
The Lord has been with me and dealing with this part of my life since I stepped onto the ground at the Retreat. There are things that were bothering me so much that I was experiencing chest pressure (and that was from just working with the Christians!!). I'm not sure why we can't just go to church, worship and praise the Lord and love each other as we are supposed to do. Church does not look like church anymore - it's looks like a corporation with people acting like those in the world who are not yet saved. This has been a tremendously stressful part of my life. So, I knew that this had to be dealt with but could only be dealt with if I allowed the Lord to clear it up for me. I'm so happy to say He has.
Deliverance is freeing. Deliverance is peaceful. Deliverance is refreshing. Deliverance makes you happy. Deliverance removes the stress. Deliverance helps you see clearer. Those things or individuals who were causing me so much pain, don't have that position anymore. The Lord has delivered me from that. How FREEING!!!
Learning about how the Holy Spirit works (we always think we already know everything about Him) was just one of the great blessings I received at the Retreat. The Holy Spirit is always with me and is here for me. I have had more conversations with Him since the Retreat than I probably did prior to the Retreat. Sometimes we just need to get away with some sisters (or brothers if you are a man), take the Holy Spirit with you, just be so happy to be with those you are with, learn to love them unconditionally and receive all the blessings that come with that process. How wonderful I have been feeling.
I am speaking positive things over my life, not negative things. I am speaking with expectation, not defeat. I am walking with the Holy Spirit, not the enemy. Deliverance is a wonderful thing that has happened in my life. I look forward to all the other things the Lord will be doing with me and my life.
What got me the most was what I experienced there and since I have been home. This Retreat was a Deliverance Retreat and I expecting deliverance. I wasn't going for any other reason. I have been dealing with life and all it's issues. like everyone else, and I had had enough. I was ready to burst!! I needed to get there and I needed the deliverance that was there.
I had been to retreats in the past. experienced that "high" feeling while there but lost it by the time Monday morning rolled around. But, not this time. This was different.
The Lord has been with me and dealing with this part of my life since I stepped onto the ground at the Retreat. There are things that were bothering me so much that I was experiencing chest pressure (and that was from just working with the Christians!!). I'm not sure why we can't just go to church, worship and praise the Lord and love each other as we are supposed to do. Church does not look like church anymore - it's looks like a corporation with people acting like those in the world who are not yet saved. This has been a tremendously stressful part of my life. So, I knew that this had to be dealt with but could only be dealt with if I allowed the Lord to clear it up for me. I'm so happy to say He has.
Deliverance is freeing. Deliverance is peaceful. Deliverance is refreshing. Deliverance makes you happy. Deliverance removes the stress. Deliverance helps you see clearer. Those things or individuals who were causing me so much pain, don't have that position anymore. The Lord has delivered me from that. How FREEING!!!
Learning about how the Holy Spirit works (we always think we already know everything about Him) was just one of the great blessings I received at the Retreat. The Holy Spirit is always with me and is here for me. I have had more conversations with Him since the Retreat than I probably did prior to the Retreat. Sometimes we just need to get away with some sisters (or brothers if you are a man), take the Holy Spirit with you, just be so happy to be with those you are with, learn to love them unconditionally and receive all the blessings that come with that process. How wonderful I have been feeling.
I am speaking positive things over my life, not negative things. I am speaking with expectation, not defeat. I am walking with the Holy Spirit, not the enemy. Deliverance is a wonderful thing that has happened in my life. I look forward to all the other things the Lord will be doing with me and my life.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
If Only the Maid Would Come Today
As I look around my place, I see so much work that has to be done today. I have papers that have papers on top of them and those papers have other papers on top of them. All this has been allowed to build up because I have been busy taking care of everyone but myself. So, today, I'm going to take care of me. I ran myself down so much that I became dehydrated last Friday which was definitely scarey because it came on me suddenly - no warning.
No matter how much I tell everyone else to take good care of themselves. I neglected to listen to my own advice, especially being sure to eat right and drink plenty water. Needless to say, I'm eating several times a day and drinking water like it's going out of style.
We have to learn to take care of ourselves, if we want to be around to do those things we think we're here to do. Don't neglect yourself for others. Remember. you're no good to them if you're no good to yourself.
No matter how much I tell everyone else to take good care of themselves. I neglected to listen to my own advice, especially being sure to eat right and drink plenty water. Needless to say, I'm eating several times a day and drinking water like it's going out of style.
We have to learn to take care of ourselves, if we want to be around to do those things we think we're here to do. Don't neglect yourself for others. Remember. you're no good to them if you're no good to yourself.
Friday, June 19, 2009
I Think I Want to Laugh
A very dear friend of mine told me that she just wanted to laugh, she needs to laugh, it will help her. I thought about laughter and realized she is right. Laughter does help us. It can remove tears, angry thoughts, heartache, a very sad looking face and so on.
Laughter has been given the distinction of being the best medicine and there is a lot of truth to that. It's like have a gigantic wave of cleaning solution that comes over us and washes out whatever is bothering (at least for those moments). It can also be recalled by our brains for some time after the initial flood of laughs. It's good to laugh. It's enriching to laugh. It's painless (unless you've had abdominal surgery) to laugh. It's a positive thing to do.
Whenever I've been down and have felt as though I have been down for a while, laughing seems to somehow come into my life and clears out the ugliness of life that has occurred. Laughing uses fewer facial muscles than a frown. Listening to a baby or young child laugh who is being tickled or played with is a sound that warms me. The amount of joy they have in them is something I wish to recapture. Listen to them laugh the next time you're around them. It will invade your being and you'll find yourself laughing right along with them. Then, later that evening, you will recall the laughter of that child and find yourself turning up both sides of your mouth and seeing a smile on your face.
We should make it a requirement of our days - to laugh. Maybe we should begin and end our days with laughter. Laughter can save a relationship; laughter can save a broken heart; laughter can save a person.
So, come one, laugh, laugh, laugh. If it is too difficult to laugh at this moment, start by smiling and keep smiling. Pretty soon, you will find your heart is smiling. Please smile, please laugh.
This is written with you in mind, Smooches. Keep smiling your beautiful smile. Then, let out a great big laugh so that your beautiful face will light up the room and the hearts of anyone who is around you. Keep smiling and laughing. Don't depend on anyone to make you smile or laugh. Do it on your own. Keep that beautiful smile on your face and that terrific heartfelt laugh in your inward being. You are encouraging me to be a better person through laughter. That's special. I love you.
Laughter has been given the distinction of being the best medicine and there is a lot of truth to that. It's like have a gigantic wave of cleaning solution that comes over us and washes out whatever is bothering (at least for those moments). It can also be recalled by our brains for some time after the initial flood of laughs. It's good to laugh. It's enriching to laugh. It's painless (unless you've had abdominal surgery) to laugh. It's a positive thing to do.
Whenever I've been down and have felt as though I have been down for a while, laughing seems to somehow come into my life and clears out the ugliness of life that has occurred. Laughing uses fewer facial muscles than a frown. Listening to a baby or young child laugh who is being tickled or played with is a sound that warms me. The amount of joy they have in them is something I wish to recapture. Listen to them laugh the next time you're around them. It will invade your being and you'll find yourself laughing right along with them. Then, later that evening, you will recall the laughter of that child and find yourself turning up both sides of your mouth and seeing a smile on your face.
We should make it a requirement of our days - to laugh. Maybe we should begin and end our days with laughter. Laughter can save a relationship; laughter can save a broken heart; laughter can save a person.
So, come one, laugh, laugh, laugh. If it is too difficult to laugh at this moment, start by smiling and keep smiling. Pretty soon, you will find your heart is smiling. Please smile, please laugh.
This is written with you in mind, Smooches. Keep smiling your beautiful smile. Then, let out a great big laugh so that your beautiful face will light up the room and the hearts of anyone who is around you. Keep smiling and laughing. Don't depend on anyone to make you smile or laugh. Do it on your own. Keep that beautiful smile on your face and that terrific heartfelt laugh in your inward being. You are encouraging me to be a better person through laughter. That's special. I love you.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Still Grateful
I just wanted to put some things on here that listed my gratitude. I'm grateful for life today. I'm grateful for the absolutely beautiful, cool day we had in Arizona. I'm grateful for work I accomplished that I had been putting off. I'm grateful for friends. I'm grateful for family. I 'm grateful for laughter. I'm grateful for resources. I'm grateful for the ability to think and do. I'm grateful for all my senses working properly. I'm grateful for God's amazing grace and mercy. I'm grateful for work. I'm grateful for a positive expectancy outlook. I'm grateful for learning opportunities. I'm grateful for all the 30 students in my summer class. I'm grateful that I know I should be grateful.
I'm grateful for being able to connect with old friends and make new ones. I'm grateful for bills being paid. I'm grateful for the way being made out of no way. I'm grateful for nightfall so I can get some sleep. Good night and have a blessed evening.
I'm grateful for being able to connect with old friends and make new ones. I'm grateful for bills being paid. I'm grateful for the way being made out of no way. I'm grateful for nightfall so I can get some sleep. Good night and have a blessed evening.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Expectancy or Expectations
Well, you know I've told you that I'm reading this book titled, "The Shack". I find it extremely interesting and thought-provoking. The other day, I was reading a passage and it struck me. It had to do with expectancy and expectations. In a dialogue between two of the MAIN characters, it was stated, "Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value."
The author went on to write, "The idea behind expectations requires that someone does not know the future or outcome and is trying to control behavior to get the desired result. Humans try to control behavior largely through expectations."
This particular chapter went on to deal with the difference between expectancy and expectations. With expectancy it's different. For instance, in a friendship there would be an expectancy that exists. When two people see each other or are apart, there is an expectancy of being together, laughing, talking, etc. That expectancy, the author says, has no concrete definition. Issues arise when we have expectations we put on others. Suddenly the dynamics of the relationship change. People are now expected to perform in a way that meets the expectations of others.
I have been thinking about this a lot. It has caused me to re-examine my thinking on my interactions with others. I am now leaning heavily towards the expectancy way, rather than expectations because I see what it has done to relationships I might have or had. I see how I allowed, through my own expectations, relationships to be stopped. Now, I know there might be some that need to be stopped, I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about the ones that are really designed to last. I saw how I became disappointed, angered, hurt, etc., because I had expectations of others. When I started to think of my interaction with them as one of expectancy, I'm doing a whole lot better. Now, when I see them, I have an expactancy to be happy seeing them, laugh, talk, pray, sing, or whatever with them, rather than them having to be a certain way towards me. This is really helping me, even if it's not helping anyone else.
Some relationships I was just tired of because of the way I perceived others act were redefined and now I am free and that feels good. I realize I had myself bound up in the relationships and had my own expectations on them that no one else was following. They were rules I had set up for them to follow to satisfy me and might not have told the other person about them. What an exhilariting feeling!!! It's so good to be free of that.
How do you look at relationships? Do you have expectations or an expectancy?
On this Memorial Day Weekend, please remember those who have and are fighting for us and have given even their own lives so we can be where we are at this time.
I'm grateful for being set free in my thinking regarding relationships. I am grateful for all our fallen and living soldiers who have given unselfishly of themselves for me. I am grateful for family and friends. I am grateful for this rather quiet, relaxing day. I am grateful for another day of having full use of my limbs and all my senses being in tact. I'm grateful for all the blessings of the day from the Lord. I am so grateful that I have Jesus in my life. I am grateful for quiettime.
The author went on to write, "The idea behind expectations requires that someone does not know the future or outcome and is trying to control behavior to get the desired result. Humans try to control behavior largely through expectations."
This particular chapter went on to deal with the difference between expectancy and expectations. With expectancy it's different. For instance, in a friendship there would be an expectancy that exists. When two people see each other or are apart, there is an expectancy of being together, laughing, talking, etc. That expectancy, the author says, has no concrete definition. Issues arise when we have expectations we put on others. Suddenly the dynamics of the relationship change. People are now expected to perform in a way that meets the expectations of others.
I have been thinking about this a lot. It has caused me to re-examine my thinking on my interactions with others. I am now leaning heavily towards the expectancy way, rather than expectations because I see what it has done to relationships I might have or had. I see how I allowed, through my own expectations, relationships to be stopped. Now, I know there might be some that need to be stopped, I'm not talking about those. I'm talking about the ones that are really designed to last. I saw how I became disappointed, angered, hurt, etc., because I had expectations of others. When I started to think of my interaction with them as one of expectancy, I'm doing a whole lot better. Now, when I see them, I have an expactancy to be happy seeing them, laugh, talk, pray, sing, or whatever with them, rather than them having to be a certain way towards me. This is really helping me, even if it's not helping anyone else.
Some relationships I was just tired of because of the way I perceived others act were redefined and now I am free and that feels good. I realize I had myself bound up in the relationships and had my own expectations on them that no one else was following. They were rules I had set up for them to follow to satisfy me and might not have told the other person about them. What an exhilariting feeling!!! It's so good to be free of that.
How do you look at relationships? Do you have expectations or an expectancy?
On this Memorial Day Weekend, please remember those who have and are fighting for us and have given even their own lives so we can be where we are at this time.
I'm grateful for being set free in my thinking regarding relationships. I am grateful for all our fallen and living soldiers who have given unselfishly of themselves for me. I am grateful for family and friends. I am grateful for this rather quiet, relaxing day. I am grateful for another day of having full use of my limbs and all my senses being in tact. I'm grateful for all the blessings of the day from the Lord. I am so grateful that I have Jesus in my life. I am grateful for quiettime.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Here He Comes in the Nick of Time
Today, I was having a pity party that I was able to mask in front of friends. I really felt very sorry for me. There are things going on in my life that are upsetting at this particular point in time.
In reading the book, "The Shack" (you all really must read it so we can talk), the author reminds us (just as the Bible always has) that we have to really believe that God is who God says He is and we really do have to throw out man's way of thinking when it comes to God. Man's representation of God is somewhat distorted. We have made God look like us, rather than the other way around (I digress).
As I am learning to re-train my brain and recognize God for being God, I remembered what the passage in the book said and it brought me around. Then, I went on with my daily chores, accomplishing much, only to discover that He is STILL here with me and STILL looking out after me. In the nick of time, He showed Himself in the midst of what was going on.
He allowed me to even take time out to cry one of those real good hard cries. This cry was for joy and seeing Him and His help manifested in my life. I don't know how or what He does it; He just does because that's just what God does. The relief I felt had to strongly suppress a scream that I wanted to let out. The thought of the Lord taking time to help me messes with my mind. I know He said He would but I'm still blown away by Him.
Life is wonderful, no matter what the day brings. Life is wonderful because of Who He is. This is one relationship that I want to work on to grow deeper and close in. This is the one I know will last.
I'm so grateful for a loving God. I'm so grateful that I am not alone in my struggles. I'm grateful that I need only to call on Him and He will let me know He is with me. I'm grateful for all of today's blessings. I'm grateful for friends who REALLY love me and that I REALLY love closely. I'm grateful for sunshine and air conditioning. I grateful for work.
In reading the book, "The Shack" (you all really must read it so we can talk), the author reminds us (just as the Bible always has) that we have to really believe that God is who God says He is and we really do have to throw out man's way of thinking when it comes to God. Man's representation of God is somewhat distorted. We have made God look like us, rather than the other way around (I digress).
As I am learning to re-train my brain and recognize God for being God, I remembered what the passage in the book said and it brought me around. Then, I went on with my daily chores, accomplishing much, only to discover that He is STILL here with me and STILL looking out after me. In the nick of time, He showed Himself in the midst of what was going on.
He allowed me to even take time out to cry one of those real good hard cries. This cry was for joy and seeing Him and His help manifested in my life. I don't know how or what He does it; He just does because that's just what God does. The relief I felt had to strongly suppress a scream that I wanted to let out. The thought of the Lord taking time to help me messes with my mind. I know He said He would but I'm still blown away by Him.
Life is wonderful, no matter what the day brings. Life is wonderful because of Who He is. This is one relationship that I want to work on to grow deeper and close in. This is the one I know will last.
I'm so grateful for a loving God. I'm so grateful that I am not alone in my struggles. I'm grateful that I need only to call on Him and He will let me know He is with me. I'm grateful for all of today's blessings. I'm grateful for friends who REALLY love me and that I REALLY love closely. I'm grateful for sunshine and air conditioning. I grateful for work.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
My Mom and Giving Thanks
If she had lived, on June 24th my mother would have been 90 years old. She did not make it physically to 90 but she continues to live in my heart and thoughts.
When I was growing up, I thought there were days when Mama was the meanest woman God had ever created. She spanked me when I did something wrong, she made me do my homework until it was correct, she grounded me when my grades were below HER expectations (even though I always had a GOOD explanation for the ones I received), she had in imposed curfew that NEVER bent, she saw to it that I had what I needed but not always what I wanted, she told me I was not going to waste food she worked so hard to get (even though I felt my daddy had contributed to the food budget so that didn't count). Those days were the ones in which I had the "silent scream" going on inside me and I just wanted to change parents (at least moms) for that short while. Like most children, I saw absolutely no good reason for her to do or say what she was doing or saying. Afterall, I was just trying to be a child, not an adult!!
Well, she, like most moms, was correct. All those lectures, instructions on living a correct life, growing up good, etc., paid off. Now, I actually miss hearing her say any of them to me. I MISS MY MOM! Sometimes, I will look up in church or at the store and see a woman going by me who looks very similar to my mom or could almost be a "dead ringer" (pardon the pun) for her. I will watch these ladies walk or smile or their hand gestures and see some of Mama's in them. Even their hair will be salt and pepper like Mama's and worn exactly the way she wore hers. I used to wonder if this was God's way of sending her back down here and letting me see her but I know now that's not true. But, I do see "her" in others.
I also see some of her traits in me. I laugh like I remember hearing her laugh. I sit on my cough the way I used to see her sit on her. I have hand gestures like hers. Sometimes, I even cough like her. I guess she's just in me and I thank God for that.
I was not the greatest mom (just ask my children). There are many things I am sorry for that they did not get from me but I'm grateful for all that the Lord blessed me to give them. I learned through raising my own children that a child really does NOT know the heartache of a mother. The child really does not know the number of days or times a mother cries for her children. A child really does not know the sacrifices of a mother - UNTIL THEY BECOME A PARENT!! Reality has set in for me. Fortunately, it set in before my mother died and my heart was overwhelmed when that reality hit. I got to see all the blood, sweat and tears she had over me. I was soooooooooooooooo grateful and overwhelmed when that reality set in. My one regret is that I never told her, "Thank You" and now it is too late.
Lord, this day I'm so grateful for the mother YOU gave me. I'm grateful for all the life lessons she taught me and walked me through. I'm grateful for all the things she did for me, whether I know about them or not. I'm grateful for the sacrifices she made just for me. I'm grateful for the times she called me and needed me to do something for her. I'm grateful for her wanting to cook me my favorite Thanksgiving meal (the last one she would have) when I visited her in Indiana. She was ill but did not say a thing to me about it. Her desire was to cook all that food for me. She wanted me to take some of it home with me but there was no way I was going to be able to take it on the plane. I pray she really did understand and have hurt feelings behind that. Sometimes I want to just kick myself for not taking some of it but it's now too late.
Don't let this Mother's Day go by without saying, "Thank You" to your mother. If you are a parent, you KNOW she deserves it!! Don't let it be too late for you. Celebrate you mom this Mother's Day!! Happy Mother's Day to all you fabulous moms!
When I was growing up, I thought there were days when Mama was the meanest woman God had ever created. She spanked me when I did something wrong, she made me do my homework until it was correct, she grounded me when my grades were below HER expectations (even though I always had a GOOD explanation for the ones I received), she had in imposed curfew that NEVER bent, she saw to it that I had what I needed but not always what I wanted, she told me I was not going to waste food she worked so hard to get (even though I felt my daddy had contributed to the food budget so that didn't count). Those days were the ones in which I had the "silent scream" going on inside me and I just wanted to change parents (at least moms) for that short while. Like most children, I saw absolutely no good reason for her to do or say what she was doing or saying. Afterall, I was just trying to be a child, not an adult!!
Well, she, like most moms, was correct. All those lectures, instructions on living a correct life, growing up good, etc., paid off. Now, I actually miss hearing her say any of them to me. I MISS MY MOM! Sometimes, I will look up in church or at the store and see a woman going by me who looks very similar to my mom or could almost be a "dead ringer" (pardon the pun) for her. I will watch these ladies walk or smile or their hand gestures and see some of Mama's in them. Even their hair will be salt and pepper like Mama's and worn exactly the way she wore hers. I used to wonder if this was God's way of sending her back down here and letting me see her but I know now that's not true. But, I do see "her" in others.
I also see some of her traits in me. I laugh like I remember hearing her laugh. I sit on my cough the way I used to see her sit on her. I have hand gestures like hers. Sometimes, I even cough like her. I guess she's just in me and I thank God for that.
I was not the greatest mom (just ask my children). There are many things I am sorry for that they did not get from me but I'm grateful for all that the Lord blessed me to give them. I learned through raising my own children that a child really does NOT know the heartache of a mother. The child really does not know the number of days or times a mother cries for her children. A child really does not know the sacrifices of a mother - UNTIL THEY BECOME A PARENT!! Reality has set in for me. Fortunately, it set in before my mother died and my heart was overwhelmed when that reality hit. I got to see all the blood, sweat and tears she had over me. I was soooooooooooooooo grateful and overwhelmed when that reality set in. My one regret is that I never told her, "Thank You" and now it is too late.
Lord, this day I'm so grateful for the mother YOU gave me. I'm grateful for all the life lessons she taught me and walked me through. I'm grateful for all the things she did for me, whether I know about them or not. I'm grateful for the sacrifices she made just for me. I'm grateful for the times she called me and needed me to do something for her. I'm grateful for her wanting to cook me my favorite Thanksgiving meal (the last one she would have) when I visited her in Indiana. She was ill but did not say a thing to me about it. Her desire was to cook all that food for me. She wanted me to take some of it home with me but there was no way I was going to be able to take it on the plane. I pray she really did understand and have hurt feelings behind that. Sometimes I want to just kick myself for not taking some of it but it's now too late.
Don't let this Mother's Day go by without saying, "Thank You" to your mother. If you are a parent, you KNOW she deserves it!! Don't let it be too late for you. Celebrate you mom this Mother's Day!! Happy Mother's Day to all you fabulous moms!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sometimes You Have to Do It All By Yourself
On Sunday, my pastor preached a sermon entitled, "Sometimes You Have to Do It All By Yourself." The title alone is powerful and thought-provoking.
As he was preaching, I thought about the number of times I have had to go it alone. In the Scripture reading that went with the message (II Samuel 23:8-12) he mentioned the three men noted in the passage and the circumstances each encountered and how they found themself fighting the enemy alone. Yet, at the end of the reading of each of the three men in David's army, the Scripture said the Lord brought about a victory.
When I have had to go it alone in life, I, like you, have taken note of how hard it was, how sometimes I was so tired of being in the fight that I was worn out and had thought of quitting. But, I'm still here and I see that the Lord brought about a victory.
Sometimes our family and friends might run out on us but we're not alone. Sometimes we run out of strength but then we get a "second wind". Isn't life great? Just think of getting that "second wind", that victory. What a blessing. This means that this is another thing to be grateful for.
I'm grateful for battles won, always have the Lord with me, having a great relaxing day, accomplishing most of the things I set out to accomplish, developing plans for accomplishing other things I need to get done, family and friends, all the blessings of the Lord, emails that made me laugh, my quitetime this morning, my senses that are working properly. Thank You, Lord.
As he was preaching, I thought about the number of times I have had to go it alone. In the Scripture reading that went with the message (II Samuel 23:8-12) he mentioned the three men noted in the passage and the circumstances each encountered and how they found themself fighting the enemy alone. Yet, at the end of the reading of each of the three men in David's army, the Scripture said the Lord brought about a victory.
When I have had to go it alone in life, I, like you, have taken note of how hard it was, how sometimes I was so tired of being in the fight that I was worn out and had thought of quitting. But, I'm still here and I see that the Lord brought about a victory.
Sometimes our family and friends might run out on us but we're not alone. Sometimes we run out of strength but then we get a "second wind". Isn't life great? Just think of getting that "second wind", that victory. What a blessing. This means that this is another thing to be grateful for.
I'm grateful for battles won, always have the Lord with me, having a great relaxing day, accomplishing most of the things I set out to accomplish, developing plans for accomplishing other things I need to get done, family and friends, all the blessings of the Lord, emails that made me laugh, my quitetime this morning, my senses that are working properly. Thank You, Lord.
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