Hi you! So...okay...a few Sundays back, I heard an awesomely interesting message at church. It kept resonating with Jim and me, and it led to some chatter at home in the days following. I love a sermon that speaks to me right in the middle my life - a message that really does a mind shift on me, in a good way. For so long, I thought of myself as a sinner - AND YES, I am a sinner by nature and if you look at my past thoughts and deeds. But biblically, the bible tells us that if we are a follower of Christ, our old ways, our old ways of thinking and our old sins are washed away by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. So if God sees us as a new creature, as clean, why don’t we see ourselves in the same light? Why do we hang on to our past and stay tortured by it, when we’ve been given such an awesome gift of a new beginning....of a new life?
So, it’s time to make the shift in the way we think about ourselves. If you are a believer, like me, then you are a new creation. Stop living life focused on sin and begin to see yourself as a saint. As new creations, we need to see ourselves as God see us. He no longer sees us as sinners who on occasion do good things. No, in fact, he now sees us as saints who occasionally sin.
When you are talking to others, don’t describe yourself as a sinner like everyone else, but instead describe yourself as forgiven. You were made new when you were born again and because of Christ the old is washed away. Because of what he did for us, we are washed as white as snow. The way you see yourself changes the way you live.
For those of us that are believers (a follower of Christ), never forget that we are saints called to live a life of greatness, filled with peace and joy...all in Jesus’ name. We are the new saints the bible speaks of....how AWESOME is that! How awesome is HE! I’m hoping this weekend finds you happy, feeling loved and having a refreshed and changed mindset of who you are in this world, where you belong in this world....and to whom you belong.
HUGS & LOVE friends!!!
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special
possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I'm so sorry I haven't been blogging as much as usual. Google made some changes to the way we blog and it's hindered me from sharing as often as I like. Mostly, I guess, I've been too busy to figure out the changes, so although I've been THINKING and wanting to share with you, I've let progress drown me out. OOPS! That's so not like me...I may...possibly...be getting too old for my own good.
I hope this note finds you doing good and enjoying your days. Hey, what's with the song "Somebody that I used to know"? I love it, but now it's everywhere...don't ya hate when you like a song "first" and then radio and TV get to it and play it like crazy? Okay, I don't hate it, but sometimes I feel like my secret is out on something good I found just for me.
So what ya doin' today? I'm watering my grass, watering my flowers, watering my kids...soon I'll be feeding all 3 listed above. Hey, do you do this...you're starving and the kids are starving and so you hurry up and throw something yummy together and then when the food is finished you find: you're no longer hungry. I DO! And so maybe I pick at a small plate of something, and then it never fails, 2 hours later I'm starving.
Okay, talk with you later...HUGS!!!!
I hope this note finds you doing good and enjoying your days. Hey, what's with the song "Somebody that I used to know"? I love it, but now it's everywhere...don't ya hate when you like a song "first" and then radio and TV get to it and play it like crazy? Okay, I don't hate it, but sometimes I feel like my secret is out on something good I found just for me.
So what ya doin' today? I'm watering my grass, watering my flowers, watering my kids...soon I'll be feeding all 3 listed above. Hey, do you do this...you're starving and the kids are starving and so you hurry up and throw something yummy together and then when the food is finished you find: you're no longer hungry. I DO! And so maybe I pick at a small plate of something, and then it never fails, 2 hours later I'm starving.
Okay, talk with you later...HUGS!!!!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Let God Be God
Sometimes we try with all our might to do things the way we want them to be done, instead of doing them the way God wills them to be done. When something doesn’t work out the way we would have liked or planned, it is easy to get upset, or down. We all are guilty of a time when we wanted our way and not God’s way. Maybe for a brief moment we thought we knew better than God what was best for our lives. Friends, let God be God in life, because his will and plans for us are specific; he knows what is best for each of us. God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. It may not be in our timing, but trust Him and his intimate knowledge and love for us to do what’s best from his vantage point.
Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Humbly Humble
When you think of someone who is humble, do you think of someone that is strong or weak? To many they may see humility as a weakness, but to Jesus he made it the cornerstone of his character. Humbleness is freedom from pride, it is lowliness, meekness, modesty and mildness. That is what Jesus called us to be, humble - like himself. Being humble like Christ draws people to us as they were drawn to him. As a rule, people are not drawn to those who are prideful, boastful and arrogant. Your light of Christ shines brightest when your character is that of humbleness. Even though to the world it many come across as weak, don’t be afraid of being humble. To God it is a characteristic that he longs for us to have.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Luke 14:11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Proverbs 15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Philippians 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Luke 14:11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Proverbs 15:33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.
1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Blame game...
Just thinking today...it's that kinda day! As I was listening to someone going on and one, this is what came to mind (just thought I'd share):
"How can you blame God for the bad stuff, when you never stop to thank him for the good stuff. If you're going to blame him for the bad stuff then you should blame him for the good stuff as well. Have ya ever thanked him for the good stuff?" hum.
"How can you blame God for the bad stuff, when you never stop to thank him for the good stuff. If you're going to blame him for the bad stuff then you should blame him for the good stuff as well. Have ya ever thanked him for the good stuff?" hum.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Absent When Present.
This is how I look at relationships and how some people unrelate IN them: It’s one thing (a cruddy thing) to be absent when you’re absent, but it's still extremely hurtful and disrespectful to be absent when you’re present. This just spilled out of my mouth one day when Jim and I were talking about people in our lives and how they make us "feel". Because really, what impacts us so much in our relationships is how people make us feel.
If you're being honest....you've felt this, I'm sure! Maybe you’re talking with someone and they’re looking at you, but you can clearly tell that they are planning their next move or how to get to the person they really what to talk to. Shoot, maybe I’m boring, but then don’t waste my time with nonsense. With this being said, we should use these moments to learn what not to do in our conversations with others. When we communicate, conversations need to go back and fourth; we should never find ourselves bombarding the other person with every detail of our life or our troubles and not reciprocate and show interest or concern for what is going on in their life.
We have several people in our life that do this. They approach us or call us when they need something, to borrow something, to get something for free or just to hear themselves talk and vent I suppose. I love that people find me comforting or easy to talk AT or find some sort of something in what I say. But sometimes, I would like to be comforted. Sometimes I need to be comforted. I don't want any THING from anyone, but sometimes I'd like to know that I count, I'm loved, and someone has some kind of concern for me. When my emotional boat sinks, I'd like to know that someone other than my husband and parents are there to pull me ashore.
One time I had a friend tell me that they are sorry we haven't gotten together lately, but hey had been focusing on the people in their life that are basically misled. They were spending time just getting together on a small scale trying just to be an influence in their life to make a change in them. They feel comfortable drinking and bar hoping with them and just want to spend time in the trenches, hopefully making an impression. I say that's terrific that you're being a positive influence. But what about feeding your spirit with like minded people, as well. Feeding yourself with positive people so you can continue to work in the trenches. How about not making excuses of why you bar hop...if you want to bar hop than do it...I don't care...I won't judge you for it...but the logic is not logical. And what about the other people in your life, the other ones that maybe are doing well, but could use a positive word or conversation to keep them lifted, keep them feeling cherished, or just to have good clean fun with.
I sometimes feel like a dumping ground and when they're done dumping, they are done...PERIOD! I have had people stop me as my family and I are walking on to our next destination and eat up a 1/2 hour (or an hour) of my time with a conversation that has nothing to do with them, myself or anyone I know. Meanwhile my children and husband are in the car waiting to leave for lunch. When someone says they need to go now...let them - usually it's true! I can understand wanting to chit chat, but usually that means back and forth conversation - sometimes I feel like some people just want to hear THEMSELVES talk and if I happen to be the person in front of them, they don't mind unloading no matter what the circumstances are.
I think the worst is when they don't even pretend to make small talk before they ASK you for whatever they want. They don't even pretend that they have been dying to talk to you, but just have been busy with life. They just come up, straight forward, out of the blue and ask you (or call you to ask you) for SOMETHING; it may be a thing, information or for you to take on a ministry or to make a donation. At least pretend, while you're requesting of me, that I'm human and I'm here! Otherwise, text me...and I can just ignore you...because that's how you make me feel.
You know, if you're truly interested in friending someone and building a trusting relationship where you can have great, fun, meaningful moments, you should always be listening and learning more about that person and then be able to share openly about yourself. But when a conversation is one sided, the communication is cut off and you will only ever make it 1/2 way down one way of a two way street.
Take the cotton balls OUT of your ears and place them into your mouth once in awhile. (Get it, shut up once in awhile and try listening for a change). I'm sure I have been guilty of this many times - just know I strive NOT to be like this...and I'm a jabber jaw, so it's hard. Communication is a learned skill, and we all can improve our skills no matter what our age, profession, strengths or weaknesses.
If you're being honest....you've felt this, I'm sure! Maybe you’re talking with someone and they’re looking at you, but you can clearly tell that they are planning their next move or how to get to the person they really what to talk to. Shoot, maybe I’m boring, but then don’t waste my time with nonsense. With this being said, we should use these moments to learn what not to do in our conversations with others. When we communicate, conversations need to go back and fourth; we should never find ourselves bombarding the other person with every detail of our life or our troubles and not reciprocate and show interest or concern for what is going on in their life.
We have several people in our life that do this. They approach us or call us when they need something, to borrow something, to get something for free or just to hear themselves talk and vent I suppose. I love that people find me comforting or easy to talk AT or find some sort of something in what I say. But sometimes, I would like to be comforted. Sometimes I need to be comforted. I don't want any THING from anyone, but sometimes I'd like to know that I count, I'm loved, and someone has some kind of concern for me. When my emotional boat sinks, I'd like to know that someone other than my husband and parents are there to pull me ashore.
One time I had a friend tell me that they are sorry we haven't gotten together lately, but hey had been focusing on the people in their life that are basically misled. They were spending time just getting together on a small scale trying just to be an influence in their life to make a change in them. They feel comfortable drinking and bar hoping with them and just want to spend time in the trenches, hopefully making an impression. I say that's terrific that you're being a positive influence. But what about feeding your spirit with like minded people, as well. Feeding yourself with positive people so you can continue to work in the trenches. How about not making excuses of why you bar hop...if you want to bar hop than do it...I don't care...I won't judge you for it...but the logic is not logical. And what about the other people in your life, the other ones that maybe are doing well, but could use a positive word or conversation to keep them lifted, keep them feeling cherished, or just to have good clean fun with.
I sometimes feel like a dumping ground and when they're done dumping, they are done...PERIOD! I have had people stop me as my family and I are walking on to our next destination and eat up a 1/2 hour (or an hour) of my time with a conversation that has nothing to do with them, myself or anyone I know. Meanwhile my children and husband are in the car waiting to leave for lunch. When someone says they need to go now...let them - usually it's true! I can understand wanting to chit chat, but usually that means back and forth conversation - sometimes I feel like some people just want to hear THEMSELVES talk and if I happen to be the person in front of them, they don't mind unloading no matter what the circumstances are.
I think the worst is when they don't even pretend to make small talk before they ASK you for whatever they want. They don't even pretend that they have been dying to talk to you, but just have been busy with life. They just come up, straight forward, out of the blue and ask you (or call you to ask you) for SOMETHING; it may be a thing, information or for you to take on a ministry or to make a donation. At least pretend, while you're requesting of me, that I'm human and I'm here! Otherwise, text me...and I can just ignore you...because that's how you make me feel.
You know, if you're truly interested in friending someone and building a trusting relationship where you can have great, fun, meaningful moments, you should always be listening and learning more about that person and then be able to share openly about yourself. But when a conversation is one sided, the communication is cut off and you will only ever make it 1/2 way down one way of a two way street.
Take the cotton balls OUT of your ears and place them into your mouth once in awhile. (Get it, shut up once in awhile and try listening for a change). I'm sure I have been guilty of this many times - just know I strive NOT to be like this...and I'm a jabber jaw, so it's hard. Communication is a learned skill, and we all can improve our skills no matter what our age, profession, strengths or weaknesses.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Divided Attention
Nothing is more disheartening than when you're in a conversation with someone and that person is only giving us part of their attention. We can clearly see the person looking over our shoulders, looking around us and thru us, and not making any type of clear eye contact. This reveals the lack of interest the person has in either the topic we’re discussing or us as a person.
Maybe the person is looking at you, but you can clearly tell that they are planning their next move or how to get to the person they really what to talk to. With this being said, we should use these moments to learn what not to do in our conversations with others. Most importantly, we need to avoid doing this in our relationship with God. We must strive to give him all our attention, to show him how much he really means to us. May we never take our eyes off of him, may we not be distracted by the thing around us, and may we always give him our undivided attention.
Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Proverbs 2:2-5
Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Maybe the person is looking at you, but you can clearly tell that they are planning their next move or how to get to the person they really what to talk to. With this being said, we should use these moments to learn what not to do in our conversations with others. Most importantly, we need to avoid doing this in our relationship with God. We must strive to give him all our attention, to show him how much he really means to us. May we never take our eyes off of him, may we not be distracted by the thing around us, and may we always give him our undivided attention.
Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Proverbs 2:2-5
Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Friday, March 9, 2012
The Struggle!
Where there is Christ...there too will be mockers, doubters and sinners. Where there is Christ and those who love him, evil shall be there too...for it hates the truth, truth seekers and truth tellers. It watches and waits, it slinks in when no one is looking and dares you to come closer. It fights to close the eyes, shut the ears, bind the hands and seal the mouth...for it knows that the heart knows the truth even when the flesh fights against it - the heart strives to get and give the truth.
Evil fights with everything in its power to deny it, to banish it, to unravel it, to disprove it, to punish it...to mock it. Why does it try so hard? Because it too knows the truth but has been exiled due to its own choices and wishes the same for you. But the end of the story is, was and will be forever the same...Christ. Love. Truth. Unboastful, unwavering, unscathed, unshaken. He is humbly strong, constant and steadfast - faithful. Beginning and the end!
Evil fights with everything in its power to deny it, to banish it, to unravel it, to disprove it, to punish it...to mock it. Why does it try so hard? Because it too knows the truth but has been exiled due to its own choices and wishes the same for you. But the end of the story is, was and will be forever the same...Christ. Love. Truth. Unboastful, unwavering, unscathed, unshaken. He is humbly strong, constant and steadfast - faithful. Beginning and the end!
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