Blessings

It is about the baby.  It is about the baby and you.  Ponder what the birth of Jesus means to you.  Follow it through to your real joy- your salvation because of Jesus following His life through to the end of his earthly life.

Blessings for a thought provoking wonder of what this season means to you.  Peace and stamina moving into the new year.  type to you later.

Play on

The Baltimore Ravens lost in the last few minutes to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  It was good game of defense.  The Ravens led the whole game until the last few minutes. . . and then.

Can you see where I'm going?  On this journey it is so important to 'play the game' to the best of your ability.  Never stop, never give up- play on.  But sometimes - just sometimes. . . you lose.  Everyone does. It doesn't mean that you messed up- it just means you didn't win that one.  Don't lose life because you lost, it is only a small portion.   So what that if it didn't work the way you wanted?  Shake it off, learn from it, get back out there- that's what the journey is about. 

Oh - with the game?  Go Ravens! Anyway.  type to you later.

What's Love Got to do with It?

"What's love got to do with it?"  Hmmm.  Oh you know the song- don't you? Let me ask a different question.  What do you mean when you say "I love you?"  Love is very precious and really doesn't come easily.  And then there is action that must accompany those words.  If there is no action with the words there is no power.  Consider what you mean when you say "I love you."  You see love has so much more to do with it that you know.  We will go a little further next time.  I've got to run.  type to you later.

How Much?

My goodness.  Well 'Black Friday' has come and gone.  'Cyber Monday" is over. Now what?  How much?  How much?  What is the receiver of the gift worth to you?  Let me walk with you.

I suggest: That you create something from your heart to give. That makes the gift personal.  Or that you find a symbol related to how you feel- to what you share, and give that.  Can you see?  It will take some thought.  But then love takes thought. 

Of course - children may take a little more- but it can be done.  The thing is there is no gift large enough, small enough, big enough- the ultimate Gift has already been given.  Enjoy Him afresh each day.  type to you later.

Get the Right Book

The Big Toy Book from Toys R' Us are here!  It promises joy and happiness for all children and peace and happiness for parents.  All you have to do is pay.  Hmmm.  

Lord and Taylor's Christmas book is called "Share."  It has all sorts of goodies of what people want and with coupons to get them at a better price.  Hmmm.

Neiman Marcus' Christmas book is called "Champagne and Cupcakes."  And life will be better for all -champagne and cupcakes.  Hmmm.

These and many more Christmas books are available with an inevitable price to you.  Oh yeah. . . In order to experience the joy, happiness, good life the books offer you have to pay. 

Ahhh!  But there is one book that offers joy and peace that is available year round.  It directs you to a full life with joy in communion with the author and finisher.  And the price has already been paid.  It is offered to you free!   

Why do you rush to the other books?  Oh, I'm not saying to give up the fun of  spending what you don't have to please people you don't like.  OR to live larger than you can afford, to jump through one more hoop because you bought into the Christmas book.  OR to substitute bought stuff for love.  OR to stretch yourself to the limits for those you love when all they want is your love. 

Check the book first.  Enjoy the true reason for the upcoming season - the birth of One who lived, died, and lives in order that you can live freely.  type to you later.

Listen, Thanks, Live

Listen. Listen to the words of the songs. Listen. Listen to the whisper of the wind. Listen. Listen to the beat of your heart. Listen. Listen to the guidance of Holy Spirit.  And then follow that guidance.  You see, the 'listening' sets you up, the following moves you up.  

As you listen, be thankful for your blessings.  Go ahead- count them.  Just count the blessings today only. Oh you are blessed.  Don't forget to thank God for those blessings.  Listen. . . Thanks. . . Live!  type to you later.

The Grasshopper's journey

Experiencing God.  What does that look like?  Yesterday, as I was leaving home, I noticed a large green grasshopper on the outside rear view mirror.  I laughed when I thought about the grasshopper's surprise when he realizes that his destination is nothing like his starting place.

I thought about our experience with God.  No matter when or how we come to God, it will be an experience.  We will not stay in one place. Our journey's end will be nothing like our starting place. God takes us where we are and when we hang on- yes hang on, because it is indeed an experience; when we hang on we will have experienced God for self.   You see, it is not about hearing others' experiences, not about reading of others' trials and triumphs through God but having a real relationship- one that you can hold on to yourself.


The grasshopper held on for at least two miles and then began to struggle to hold tight. It finally gave up and fell off.  The cool part with God is when you make the decision to hang on God holds on when you are weak.  Seek God- get your own experiences. type to you later.

Bitter Vows

Bitter Vows.  We all make them at some time or another.  They are the things we say that we really should not say because they are released in the atmosphere. You know, "I'll never listen to her/him again," "I can do good all by myself."  You know, those things that make us think we have regained control when we feel we have lost control.   Now that that is out the way, let's move on.

One bitter vow that I had to come to terms with was, "I'm not used to this,"  -whatever the "this" is.  It gave me a sense of control and superiority because I was not accustomed to such- whatever "it" was.  Today- I renounced that vow and moved forward.  Come on - who was I to assume that whatever position life arranges was not where I was to be?  After all God is in control and not me.  And that is good.

What bitter vows have you proclaimed?  Take them one at a time and renounce them.  Allow Holy Spirit to guide you through the process of release. I bless you  with spiritual clarity. type to you later

60 is a Big Thing

There have been so many lessons that I have learned.  There have been so many people to pass through my life.  There have been times that I have been the teacher, and times that I have taught.  I have had great moments and some not so great.  I have ran wonders and sometimes walked slowy around.

I have been able to interact with so many in their life dramas.  I have felt the pain of too many as their lives unfolded.  There have been great teachable moments and some rough teachable moments.   I have given to many and received far less in return.  I have cared for those who did not express care for me. I have been faithful to institutions who were not faithful to me.   It has been a great time of living and learning.

Yes indeed- 60 is a big thing.  Of course, many times during these years I didn't handle things the way God directed; yet God loved me and presented many more opportunities to love God back.  You see- it really is not about the people, places, or things you are surrounded with.  It is how you love people or places through God, how you serve God by making a positive difference with things.  Oh yeah- serving God is so much more than carrying a big bible that you don't read, or faking. . . you fill it in.  Serving God serves others, it is finding your mission, your contribution to life and doing it.  It is encouraging others to do the same.

I thank Father/Mother God for my parents who were here sixty years ago.  Life is so short.  I thank God for family and friends who have gone on.  I thank God for my family and friends now, and for each life experience.  You see, each life experience gives me another chance to grow in God's image.   I thank everyone who offered birthday greetings.  You blessed me.

Whatever age you are- get excited about the moment.  God has given you years to grow and make a difference through loving and living the life God has given you.  Quite a few people have shared with me their anguish in pleasing people.  You only have God to please, people are benefited by it.  Enjoy your life.  I will enjoy mine.  Although 120 is promised, I may not get another 60 years but I will enjoy whatever God has for me.  Yes, 60 is a big thing. type to you later.

Play it as a Winner

This week Artisphere opened in Rosyln (Arlington).   One art piece was inspired by the artist who has skateboarded since a child.  The piece has lifts and turns resembling a skateboard park in pieces.  The reporter asked the artist what one could take away from the exhibit.  As the artist was thinking I had my own thoughts.  

Skateboarders flip high and low freely - right? Right.  We, as believers, should be free to soar, yet daring enough to face the lows of the game.  You should be ready for the challenge of life understanding that you will win.  Play the game understanding that you win.  Play it as a winner and you will soar. type to you later.

How You Running

I feel like I am running.  At times- not running a race but running to stay in, to keep up.  There is a difference.  When you are running a race - there is a goal to finish.  When you are running to keep up you may find yourself so distracted by the movement that you lose sight of your goal.  Can you see the difference?  Running to keep up is exhausting!   Running the race is exhilarating  So when I am worn out, whipped- hey that is the wrong run.  I have to get back in touch with my goal of finishing the race of the journey. 

Check out how you run.  This journey is too precious to miss your chance at the joy of running.  type to you later.

Is This On?

"Hello- is this on?  Hello?" "Is there anyone out there?"  How many times have you asked similar questions?  You know, "Can anyone hear me?"  And sometimes you wonder "does anyone really care?" 

There are times that you call out to God. . . and God is silent.  That is really scary.  You have options- you can try to make it on your own, all alone.  OR you can wait until you hear clear directions from God.  Soooo what will you do?  Oh I can tell you- you will try to go for yourself- for what you know.  But you see, you have not been around long enough (think about it- God has been here from the beginning and will be here to call it all done).  Your time - your  experience cannot compare- especially when you have an advocate.  Allow Holy Spirit to guide you in every aspect.

If you are in a place where you cannot hear from God- wait. Don't trek off on your own.  You don't know where you are going.  Wait.  type to you later.

Living

Why do we say,"work to live?"  That is a grave way of looking at life.  No,we don't 'work' to live.  We will whether we work or not.  Living life is the priority, not working.  Stay with me.  When we can shift our focus we can see differently.  God has given us life and love.  We have a grand chance to live fully in that gift by following God's plan for our life.  Life itself gives us opportunities to experience many aspects of God's love.  Work allows us to live the way we think we want to live- can you see it?  Shift back to living life as God has planned for you. 

Take a deep breath and live.  Absorb all that is promised you. Enjoy what God has done in your life.  Watch for God every day!   Don't work to live but live life!  Now watch what a difference it makes. type to you later.

It is a Long Way from Home

I am watching the original 'Star Wars' movie.  And you know it is - no matter how many times you watch something you just may find something different.  When he realized that he was going to have to leave home, Luke Skywalker said, "That's a long way from here."  Hmmm.  I thought back to 'Lord of the Rings', when Frodo realized that he would leave home on a long adventure far from the shire.  Both characters were happy in their own environment living their simple lives. Heroes are developed from those characters, not from the one who pushes to make self known.  In scripture: David was an unsuspecting lad who became a hero, Abraham had to leave home to go to place he did not know. 

Oh there are many more.  But what about you? What have you had to do that was so out of your 'comfort zone'?  Where have you been placed that was not what you had planned?  What is God saying to you? Heroes are those who accomplish the mission.  God gives the mission,God directs the mission. Your mission will take you places you may not know, it may place you in unfamiliar situations, it will be out of the ordinary for you.  It will be a long way from home.  Enjoy your journey.  type to you later.

Grow

There comes a time when one must distance self from the people, places, things, even thoughts that once held a great position. 

You simply cannot grow by holding on to where you are right now.  You can't.  It does not mean that you cannot keep company with the same people.  It does mean that people come in your life for a season.  Even in the season there may be a different position or attitude that will occur.  Cherish the time and move forward.  This is about your journey.  type to you later.

Pause

Wow!  The message remains the same.  We spend too much time in our worries and miss the joys.  If we could only pause and then see that the down times are just as valuable as the up times.  Try today.  type to you later.

Look Up

We spend too much time looking at the ground and not enjoying the scenes in the sky.  Let me say a little more.  We spend too much time and energy worrying, fretting, about the issues that arise in our lives.  Let me go a little farther- we spend too much time focusing on stuff that we fail to live.  We are so busy watching and deciding our next steps that we simply miss God's lead on the path. 

A childhood friend called me last night. He has gone through treatment for cancer and is doing well.  As I pondered the conversation this morning I thought about how very short life is.  My parents used to say that all the time when my sister and I were little.  Their remedy was to enjoy life.  Oh, they had a strong work ethic, so it does not mean to mess life up. 

So I go back to how we waste too much time focusing on stuff and miss the wonder of the scenes in the sky.  Watch the clouds, the stars, the rain.   Listen to God and then follow His plan for you.  It will definitely keep you from so much worry. I promise. Spend more time contemplating the wonder of life, and family, and friends, and love, and the wonder of God. 

Look up today, tonight and enjoy the so many blessings that you have been given. type to you later.

Happy Birthday Marq

This day is special as it was the day I gave birth to a son who has been a blessing to me.  That was quite a few years ago, quite a few men ago, a few hurts, a few losses, a few heartaches.  Yes, it was. Ahh, but God.  You see God provided joy in place of confusion, peace through trials, hope in desolation.  God walked with us and guided, even when I couldn't understand.  The celebration of life belongs not only to the one celebrating but to those who support.  To the aunt and uncle in my son's life. . . the great aunts and uncles who have gone on. . . the grandparents who have transitioned. . . the surrogate grandfather in his life who has gone. . . and yes, his father.  To the friends who have walked with us through the years- blessings. 

You see, it does take a whole village to raise one child.  Don't let anyone fool you.   You need others in your life to help you.  This is not a solo thing.  To the church members who prayed for, delighted in, to the teachers who brought out what I couldn't- blessings.

To my son, who has sons of his own to teach, to nurture, to love- happy birthday, my heart. 

To all of you - celebrate.  Celebrate life- for it is so precious.  God has blessed you to touch others with your life.  type to you later.

You are not Alone

It is a wonder how God gives us tidbits everyday.  Sometimes we get so caught up in our own situations that we miss seeing God's work in all of it.  I received a word last week that I passed on and now I shall pass on to you.  "You are not alone.  I am watching over, and I am watching you."  Allow that to settle in your spirit. 

Celebrate the mercies of God today.  They are indeed new everyday.  Enjoy.  type to you later.

Majesty

Ahhhh!   I am looking out my hotel room and there -looming in the background of high rise buildings stands the majestic Diamond Head.  Something so powerful watching over buildings so vulnerable.  Hmm.  Sounds like something else, doesn't it?  God - so majestic and powerful watching over the children (us) who are so vulnerable.  And in the words of Grace Cobbs who has gone on- "What a mighty God we serve."   Let the wonder of God envelope you today.  type to you later!

Wisdom Note

Aren't children profound? My grandsons are always coming up with great bits of wisdom.  The other day a client shared with me a wisdom note from her five year old daughter.  She said,"When sad is trapped inside of you, Satan says 'woo hoo!'"  How insightful is that?   Everyday we give Satan a reason to celebrate because we have allowed 'sad' in.   This week try to keep sad out.  How can you do that?  Glad you asked.  By thinking happy thoughts.  The happiest thought I know is what the love of Jesus looks like.  Blessings from Honolulu.  type to you later!

The Power of Weebles

It may be a little strange now, but you will live.  Yes, life plays a rough game, you must stand firm when it gets rough.  Sometimes standing may look a little odd.  Do you remember Weebles? They had power.  'Weebles wobble, but they don't fall down'.  You could hit them and they would bounce back for more. 

A segment of your standing is to become a ''weeble people'.  When life punches you, you may fall back but you bounce back up.  The energy to bounce back up is divinely ordered, it is not from you.  As long as you are clear where the energy comes from, you can indeed be more than a conqueror.  Sometimes just to get back up is a conquering spirit.  Power-not from you-wow!  And when you bounce back- you will know-it was not you -but God.   Try it now.  type to you later.

Direction

I am quite clear that each step we take needs divine direction.  Not when you don't know- but even when you think you know.  There are so many times that I could have missed seeing God's move because it didn't look like what I thought.  Ah- but I didn't miss because I let go of my will and watched.  I shudder to think of the times I missed because I tried to shape it to my will. 

Don't waste precious time trying to move outside of God's will for your life.  Seek His will and then follow.  It's not easy- but it is doable. type to you later.

What Does It Look Like?

What does independence look like for many people? I was listening to the news and the commentary that many people go hungry this summer. Food banks are so very low. They are not free from hunger. We must reach out. There are so many who are hurting and you may never know. Oh yes, there are many working poor. I know. Make an effort to support. You never know how life will play out.
Yesterday, I heard a song that I had not heard in a long while, Can You Reach My Friend by Helen Baylor.

VERSE 1: "I got a call from an old friend. We laughed about how things had changed. But I could tell things weren’t going as well as he claim. He tried to hide his feelings. But they only gave him away. The longer I listened, the more I kept wishing that I knew the right words to say.

Can You reach my friend? Bring his searching to an end. Lord, I know you love him. Help him understand. Can You reach my friend? You’re the only One who can. Help him give his heart to You.

VERSE 2: We talked for more than an hour. I smiled when he mentioned Your name. I said that I knew You. I told him the difference You made. But he never thought he would need You. But maybe he’s changing his mind. As we said goodbye Lord. He told me that I had found. Something that he’d like to find.

Can You reach my friend? You’re the only One who can. Lord, I know You love him. Help him understand. Can you reach my friend? Bring his searching to an end. Help him give his heart to You.

Maybe he’s ready tonight. Lord, he said that he might need to call You. Help him give his heart to You."

We all need Jesus. At times our roles may change on the level of our need. We may need to be assured or reassured, or we may need to share our story. Find yourself in that song. Are you the friend that needs to see, feel, hear Jesus? Are you the one that needs to witness, pray for a friend? type to you later.

Independence

Celebrate!  Now, since I said that what do you think I mean?  Oh, I'm  sure (since the fourth as yesterday) that you say independence.  Yes, and no.  Yes independence but not the national holiday.  Celebrate your relationship with the Father, celebrate your kinship in the family of believers, celebrate your freedom.
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free" (John 8 31,31 NIV). Truth is power.  Truth from Jesus is chain breaking, strength producing, peace providing.  and if that is not enough to make you want to hold on to celebrate. . . "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36 NIV). 

Let the fireworks of joy spirit your spirit with the knowledge of your heritage as children- powerful, strong, truth seeking children of God.  Celebrate independence. It's all about knowing where your independence comes from - it comes from Jesus.  type to you later.

Changes

Keep in mind - this is a journey.   The journey is dynamic-not static.  While there are times that you may not feel you are moving - you are.  It may not be the way you feel you should move.  It is all part of the journey.  I am encountering those who worry about the changes in their lives.  It happens.  Nothing stays the same - not even you.  The scene on your journey changes.  If it doesn't you are not moving. type to you later.

What is Real

You can run so hard after what society deems for you that you miss what God has for you. How completely defeating is that?  No one breathing can understand your role, your assignment.  So - how do you hear?  Be still- listen to what Holy Spirit tells you.  Do not let anyone tell you what  you can or cannot do.  You are more than conquerors - not because of you - but to whom you belong. 

Yes, it sounds so simple, but that is the scary part.  It is actually not as complicated as we make it.  Try listening today.  Don't worry about figuring out tomorrow, allow Holy Spirit to guide you today.   type to you later.

From John Borders

A quote from John Borders III: "HERE WE GO... Lust is a cry for wholeness. Before you are whole, you must be empty. Emptiness causes lust, but it also causes insight through the Holy Spirit. It is weakness we find strength. God's grace goes to work to make us whole. So, don't be afraid to be empty and do not take matters into your own hands when you are. God will fill you with the Holy Spirit."

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Pass

Last week I attended the high school graduation of my oldest grandson.  The statistics the school boasted for the graduates was remarkable and deems accolades.  Contrary to popular misinformation, Detroit is not all doom and gloom but sparks hope in so many ways.  There are so many young people doing great work; yet, many people are missing that great work.  We need to look around us,  find and encourage our youth. If we don't, I shudder to think who will. 

During the graduation celebrations we played a rousing game of Taboo. My youngest grandsons, age 11 and 9 also played. The 11 year old could not describe the word and got upset.  I told him it was okay to "not know."  Think about it.  How many young people can hold their own playing with adults?  I am so proud of how well they do.  There were even times I had to 'pass' in the game because I did not know how to describe the word.  It happens.  Just 'pass'.

It  is okay to 'pass'.  There will be times in life that you don't know, or that you can't do something.  Once you have done your best and are clear about that, then 'pass'.  Don't hold on to the 'embarrassment' of not knowing. Don't let your time be wasted with worrying about what cold have happened.  Life is too short to hold on to something that is so fleeting.  Life is too precious to miss the joyous moments, because you are stuck in the sad moments.  type to you later.

Prayer is Answered

I am constantly being amazed at how God works.  God answers prayer so swiftly.  No?  Hmmm.  You see - God answers, whether it is a yes, no, not yet.   Our problem that we want answers now.  It comes from conditioning.  Children either learn to ask, then wait, or to be so persistent in asking over and over that some parents give up and give in.  And then there are the "no means no" parents.  So the few ask and try to wait.  Most keep asking hooping to break God down. Another group gives up with the possibly confused signal of "silence means no." 

Daniel prayed for an understanding to his vision (Daniel 10).  He had fasted for 3 weeks and then he was visited by an angel.  The angel told Daniel to listen carefully and what he said has been one of my favorite passages, "From the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words" (Dan. 10:12 NRSV).   The angel then explains that he had been detained.  Read it with understanding.

The key - to gain understanding and to humble yourself.   Prayers are answered swiftly.  Wait on the answer.  type to you later.

Praise

Stop. Take a praise break -right now. Why? Becasue God has been too good to you. Oh yeah. Think back - just over this day alone. Yes, God has been so good. Praise God for your life, for your health, for your family, for your awareness of life. God deserves that much from you. Go on. If you have to go to your car, or outside - just do it.

I was caught in traffic today. Hallelujah! I had someplace that I was going, I had a way to get there, I could drive and in my right mind. Can you see it now?? Praise Him. Go ahead!!! You have something. type to you later.

Release

With so many events happening- graduations, weddings, birthdays- we are reminded that life does move on. If that is a true statement, why do we find ourselves stuck in the past? Oh yes we do. We stay stuck in past relationships that should be severed. We stay stuck with bad memories of hurt, and we should move on. We stay stuck with bitter feelings, and for our own health we should let it go. What can we do?

Celebrate a 'graduation' from those events. Take it one day at a time. Jot down what you have been holding on to for any reason. Even now, I bless you with spiritual clarity to hear. Ask Holy Spirit what to work on first. Don't try to do it all today (smile). Take it one sport at a time. For each event that you release, lament it, shape a blessing for it, and let it go. Then celebrate the release. This is your season of release! type to you later.

Storms

The rain appears to be getting everyone down. Yes, the rain is needed in so many ways. And yes, there are times that too much of even a good thing can be disturbing. Too many times, in a similar way, storms come into our lives and we dread what is going on. When the storm passes we can sometimes see how the storm either helped clear out some garbage in our lives; or may have exposed dry places that needed help; or could have possibbly allowed room for growth. Storms in our lives can shake us up or set us on our way. You may the decision on how you take the storms in your life. Let the storms set you on your way. type to you later.

Celebrate

Celebrate. I have some suggestions but I'm sure you have something to celebrate. Celebrate family. . . celebrate love. . .celebrate friends. . .celebrate peace. . .celebrate faith. . . celebrate mercy. . .celebrate life!

My mother used to say, "life is too short. . . ." It is. Is is too short to worry about needless things. It is too short to allow others to dictate how your life should look. It is too short to not take in the wonders of what God is doing right now in your life. Celebrate today the wonder of your life. Marvel at what God has done, is doing, will do. Celebrate. type to you later.

Stepping, Moving, Growing.

Stepping out, moving on, growing up. Stepping out from things that have hindered you. Moving on into what God has designed for you. Growing up into the you that you were designed to be. all of that is part of the journey. All of that is what I pray for you.

To the mothers- blessings flowing over you and around you. To those in support of mothers- continue to support and love. To you all- stay faithful to the journey that God has designed for you. While the paths are all different, the journey's destination is the same. The greater part is the journey, don't miss your journey. type to you later.

Sometimes You Have to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Okay, okay... Let me reach back into the theme from the sitcom, "Cheers." "Sometimes you have to go where everybody know your name." I ran by my former church and I saw folks I have not seen in over a year. Everyone was so receptive. Sometimes you have to go where everybody knows your name.
I visited with long time friends... Sometimes you have to go where everybody knows your name. The trip was business with a celebration on the end so anything else was extra. And I had plesant surprises at every turn.

There is something about the community of believers that should give the members a sense of safety, worth, nurture, appreciation, love, uniqueness, and God. Oh, can you see why the community would work? Those are the core needs that every human needs to survive. And yes, no one gets them all in whole, but that is another story. When you can feel love from those you have not seen in a while you are instantly reconnected.

We are all a part of different communities whether through work, hobbies, friends; but, the community of believers should be different. You should be able to "breathe" without anyone trying to choke you. Look around at your community. Does it meet any of your core needs? Are you injured by the group? If so, ask "why?" Why do you allow yourself to be abused? Then make a plan to find a safe community where you can 'breathe'.
Life is so precious and there is so much to be done, enjoyed, and experienced. God is not abusive, vindictive. God will handle God's business. Among God's business is you. Enjoy each little 'extra' in life that God gives. type to you later.

Don't Do a Thing

Wait . . . Quiet . . . Be Still. . . no worries . . . Don't reach for it. Let it reach for you. Peace.
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Too Far Over

I got a ticket for being in the HOV lane. There was so much traffic and since it was later in the day I thought that the time was over for HOV. Ah, but when the police pulled me over he informed me that this particular HOV was 24 hours. Wow! imagine that. All I had to do was stay in a lane, I had three lane - right, left, middle.

What does that say to how we handle the journey? Oh sometimes we get too far to the left or right. Yes, it is indeed good to have a mind about life, it is indeed good to be either hot or cold, never lukewarm. But be cafeful not bend too far either way as you may find yourself in the wrong and eventually penalized for your wrong place, your wrong views. When you are too far over you can't learn, can't hear, can't feel. Be true to yourself, but first make sure you know yourself. Take care and watch yourself. type to you later.

When You Can. . .

When your steps become a dance in spite of your burden. . . When your tears become drops of joy through your heartache. . .
When the joy in your heart shelters you from the storm above. . . When you take each day as a blessing and not a curse. . . Then you have found the peace that only comes from resting in God. Oh, it is possible. The hard part is trusting it day after day. It is real - it is possible. Begin the journey by watching God, by getting directions from Holy Spirit, by trusting the love of Jesus. Try it today, and then try it again tomorrow. type to you later.

It's Hard to be Still

Waiting and watching. Wow. It's the waiting. We don't know how to wait. When one is waiting on God - it is not the same as waiting on people, places, or things. Why? or why? Why can't we wait?

Take some time to examine your particular mode of waiting. Journal it. Impatience appears to key in waiting for stuff. It should not be, but it is. It is hard to be still. We are contantly checking the time- chronos - or where we think we should be in life - or where we should be in society. . . and so we struggle in that wait. Don't know how we became so impatient.

But in waiting for God we must let go. Drop the fret, leave the doubt, stop watching the chronos time, God moves in kairos.
Don't worry about anything. Let it go. Try it today. Wait with patience. type to you later.

Not About You

Do you know what time it is? Sure I have asked that before, but I need to present it a different way. The time is right now to be on one accord with God's will for your life. It is rough, but it is doable. The first move is to realize that this is not your story. I know you thought it was. You thought it was all about you. No, it is so much bigger than that. Actually, you can't handle it if you think it is you. So there you are. Work on that. Take your hands off. Let it go. Take your hands off what you think you are about. Work on checking with Holy Spirit for your next move. Try it for one week. Watch what happens. Allow Holy Spirit to guide you, and don't rely so much on yourself. After all, the Word says, "'Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit', says the Lord Almighty" Zec.4:6. type to you later.

Get Over It

Isn't it interesting how the little things can trip us up? Isn't it interesting how what may be a sense of joy to one is pain to another? Isn't it interesting how family can get on your nerves? Remember- family may not be blood but close nevertheless. Okay, I had to let go of a crippling email from a cousin. I say "crippling" because I wanted to write her off. (Yes let's be transparent). Unfortunately, a few cousins had already done so. So I just had to be still.

The simple way sometimes is the best. If God wrote me off when I did stupid things I would be in trouble. Jesus died for our sins- that includes the "crippling" things and my feeling about it. Wow.

There ar choices, you can choose to let stupid things disrupt you or you can move on. You can choose to be stupid, you choose by not receiving direction on how to handle something.

When you put it in a spiritually proper perspective you can get over it. You get over it by allowing Holy Spirit to guide you. So that is a great word today- get over it - I did. type to you later.

Not Our Walk but Our Walk

Resurrection day was all it could be in a celebration of the highest day in Christiandom. Many churches held sunrise services with all the celebratory events including powerful preaching. It was a grand day! Many people came for their once a year pilgrimage, many people dressed up, and many people came just to gather in celebration with other believers.

Now we are on the backside of that event. Fasts have been declared over, dress hats have been put away, dinners have been eaten, oh-it was grand. Now what? What are you doing? Something should be different for believers; some weights should be lighter; some hearts should be brighter; some thoughts should be clearer; some worries should be less. Yes we have celebrated the very reason we can live. Something should be different. And that something is what allows other to see Jesus. Join me in this next level as we keep the celebration alive. It is not our talk but our walk. type to you later.

It is a Journey

The journey during this season could have been enlightening, could have been enriching, could have been restorative. It all depended on your perspective. Even now, it is not too late. As you journey, see yourself moving toward more spirituality and away from religiousity, moving toward a more intimate relationship with God and away from the clutches of society, moving toward freedom and away from bondage.

It is amazing how many people, places, things, events we allow to capture our lives and hold us in bondage. In order to be released, we must acknowledge our bondage; accept God's will, which is never in bondage; and realize the power of Holy Spirit to guide us safely out, through and into the peace we need.

This journey entails letting go of some people, some places, some things, some events, some attitudes, some ideas that we hold dear. Let it go. Nothing can hinder as much as holding on to things that are killing you softly. Let go. Today is a great day to let go. Now is a good time to let go. Not sure where to start? Get quiet, ask God which way? And then try. Try. Try again. Holla if you need me. . . but God is so much closer than a "holla." type to you later.

Bless the Name

On Jesus' triumphal entry into the city, the people cried, "Hosanna!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." 
And today we cry- what? Oh, we wave palm pieces, but do we worship Jesus? Do we praise Jesus?  Are we blessing the name of Jesus?  That is a question we all should ask as we walk the last week of Jesus' life on earth.

What are your actions saying?  Are they blessing the name of Jesus?  What can you do to better bless the name of Jesus?  type to you later.

One Day

Do you know how hard it is to take one day at a time?  Oh you say it, but do you really mean it?  It is not easy, but it is doable.  What does it look like?  It means taking one step at a time being guided by Holy Spirit.  No, it does not mean "going with the flow."  "The flow will take you over."  It means hearing clearly from Holy Spirit and obeying.  Try it this week.  type to you later.

Leap

I shared with a student a compliment that his mentor gave me a few years ago.  The mentor was grateful that I did not hoard my knowledge but reached back to help others who were working on their doctorate.   I told my student that I had to credit my parents for what they instilled in my sister and me and for what we passed on to our children.  My parents encouraged us to, "leap from their shoulders." 

To "leap from my shoulders."  Look at what that says.  It means you can go farther, do more, because of how I stand.  I stand ready and willing for you to stand strong on what I know so you can reach for more.  It means I offer my position so that you can learn.  Can you see how great that would work in a community of believers?  No one trying to walk on another or withhold information, but all share in the growth of one another. 

It reminds me of an African tree that I have. The lower round of brothers and sisters are linked firm so that the second round, who are their shoulders are standing firm to link, so that the third round can stand.  Can you see it?  If we link together to allow others to stand firm on our shoulders, then they too can do the same.  Wow!   Wouldn't life look differently?  Can you see how awesome we, as believers would function in community.  In the African spirit of Mbutu, "I am because we are,"  let us walk closer together in community.  type to you later.

Today

"Don't worry about tomorrow."  How many times have you heard that?  It is a very good thing to keep in mind.  You see, this day is a gift to you.  Accept it and all the wonders of the exploration in it.  Keep in your heart all that you have learned and experienced to this day as it contributes greatly as how you accept this day.  Don't refuse it, or accept it grudgingly- you know how some people do. 

When someone accepts my gift grudgingly or refusing to say a simple "thank you," then I know not to worry about giving that person another gift.  That is how we think.  How much more do we refuse to thank God for the gift of this day?  What do we do with that gift?  Do we get everything we can from it?  You see, do we even play with the packaging it comes in? 

Don't throw this day away while waiting on another day.  Tomorrow is not promised, Today is yours.  Joy in the gift - the gift of life -Today.  type to you later.

Who's in Your Village?

My son called and had been looking back over his life and those who had poured into his life.  I smiled that he could acknowledge those who made a tremendous impact.   Then I shared those who had impacted my life.   Family is so very important, whether they are biological or extended.  It really does take a whole village to raise one child. 
Sadly, many people do not recognize the positve impacts in their lives. Unfortunately, some people have only memories of deep wounds, and don't see hope.  If that is you, look a little closer.  Ask God to show you the bright spots and where they were.   It may have been a teacher who gave you hope when others caused dismay. 
Take time today to think about those who impacted your life.  If they are still living, contact them and let them know how you feel.  If they are gone, thank God for allowing them time in your life.  It doesn't stop there.  Are you making a positive impact in the life of another?  It is a part of "one anothering"  of loving one another.  I thank God for so many in my life, those living and those who have gone on.  I thank him for my son and his realization that we do not live isolated in this world.  Who can you thank?  How can you pass it on?  type to you later.

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

Do you remember that line in the Temptations' "My Girl"?  "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.  When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May."

Isn't it interesting how the weather can be a barometer for how you feel?  When you are down and the sun is shining so bright be assured that it is only gloomy with you.  Allow that sun to beem into your gloom.  Ahhh the snow.  If  you will  only look past what you cannot do because of the snow and hear and see the beauty.  The peaceful quiet of the snow covering is usually disturbed by shovel scrapes, snowblowers, cars trying to move.  There is peace in the freshly fallen snow.  There is hope in the snow that covers everything.  You see, it serves to remind us that God's grace, Jesus' blood covers a multitude of sins.  We can start afresh with a clean slate.
Experience the gifts that God has given in nature with a new view.  Allow the experience to lift, to encourage, to inspire, to enjoy. type to you later.

Check it Out - Throw it Out

I had to throw out some flowers today.  Although a few had withered, most lasted well.  I had made the decision to keep them because they still had a beautiful aroma. I kept them beyond their date because tey still had an aroma.  When I threw them out the water bound ends had a terrible smell.  I had forgotten to cut them back and they had rotted in the water.

How many things have you kept because . . .? You know, it had a special meaning, but now it only collects dust.  What once worked you continue in the same way, although what once worked does not work anymore. He/she still looked good, although he/she keeps hell going?

If I had at least trimmed the ends the flowers would have lasted laonger.  In the same way, if you had taken pains to work whatever it was.  Oh well, Consider very carefully your 'why' for holding on.  If there is no reason, let it go.  Get ready for what is in front of you.  type to you later.

Whose Voice?

When I was young and seriously considering doing something off track from my upbringing, I would stop and consider my parents. No, not so much as how it would affect them (that would come later), but the scope of my punishment. As I grew, and when I could, when trouble tempted me I would think about what I was taught and then go from there. You see, I was raised to know right from wrong; yet, there have times when what is right for me appears to be wrong for everyone else. Oh you know what I’m talking about. Although both parents have been gone so many years, I still know what they would say and how they would say it. It’s called relationship. I know because of the relationship.



Yesterday, I had a mentee to ask me, “How do know when it is the voice of God?” I have been asked that question many times over the years, by young and older, babes in the belief and from those considering ministry. And it is a valid question because there are usually three voices waiting to guide you; the enemy, your voice, Holy Spirit. Two of them do not count. Can you guess which two? You must eliminate the voice of the enemy and quiet your voice in order to hear Holy Spirit. How do you do that? As Doc used to say, “Glad you asked.”


It’s called relationship. In order to know that it is indeed the voice of God directing you – you must be in relationship with God. You can do that through so many types of prayer; through reading the word; through fellowship with other believers; through testing what you hear against what you know to be true of the characteristics of God. And even then – if you are not sure – wait until you are. Your relationship with God though loving and accepting Jesus and following Holy Spirit will guide you on this journey. And when you hear that voice – you will know. type to you later.

Leave It There

Ohhhh. . . What needless pain we bear – all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Take . . . your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.

What . . . a friend we have in Jesus. All . . . our sins and griefs to bear.
I grew up with those songs. I sang them when I grew older. But there is a major difference between head knowledge and heart assurance. You see, it is a simple thing but a difficult thing. Oh yeah – try it. Try leaving your burden with the Lord. I dare you. If you do –I promise- you will be able to breathe. Oh yes you will.


Let’s back it up – try Jesus. Meet Him in prayer. Run to Him. I don’t care what it is – He can replace your pain with His peace. It is a simple thing but a difficult one because you think you can fix it. You can’t. Try Him today. Holla.  He will holla back.  Let go of your stuff and watch what He will do with it. type to you later.

As the Deer

 "As the deer pants for the streams of water, so my soul pants for you God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" (Ps.42:1 NIV).

Thirsts for God, hungers after God. We are good at feeding our bodies when we hunger or quenching our thirsts.  That is a no brainer.  How do we feed our spirit? You see, there is only one thing that our spirit hungers for- God and the relationship. 
If you don't  feel any hunger for God it could be that you are so full of other stuff.  You know, the stuff that has led you further away from the relationship.  You see, for some reason we tend to place so much between us and God that there is no space to fill.  Allow this season to be your time of emptying the junk in order to hunger and thirst after the One that truly deserves our attention.  type to you later.

Entitled

Acting "entitled" has become somewhat of turnoff for many people.  It is an act of arrogance and not well appreciated.  That is not only my opinion, but the opinion of many.  Today, I had to look at it a different way.
As believers, we are indeed "entitled" to live a life "touched" by God.  We are made in God's image and we are loved by God.  If we indeed believe that, then we can walk with the knowledge that we are entitled to become all that God has for us, while following God's will for us.  So, we do not need to "act" entitled but live entitled.  It is a different view.  I bless you today with living entitled by God.  type to you later.

Self can Cause You Trouble

Have you considered the consequences to what you do?  No, not what you can get, but what you may lose, or who you may lose.  Everything you do brings its own set of consequences.  Now let me back into this.  You see, too often we find ourselves working hard to please self. Oh we say it may be for someone or for something but in reality- it is for self. And in the midst of this, if we are true to self, it is not about the Divine One.

What does it mean? If we we created in God's image and to bring honor to God, then we must ask self each day, "Who is honored?"  We are moving into the Lenten season.  Many give up something for the season and then pick it back up at the end. But if we were true to the season we would give up something that we really don't need and leave it gone. We would sacrifice and gain from the sacrifce.   Actually, it may be something that we try -that we put on and keep. It's your call.  This season prepare to sacrifice "self" in what ever you give up.  And then watch what God does with that sacrifice.  type to you later.

You have to Know

This morning, my neice's dog, Samson, was barking and my sister tried to stop him.  "No Samson!" "No!"  "No Samson!" "No!" Did he stop?  No.  As he continued barking my neice came down the stairs.  "Ohhhh you're in trouble," my sister teased Samson.  My neice went straight to Samson's fence and said in a low voice,"no." Immediately Samson stopped barking annd has not barked anymore this day.  My sister mocked him, closing her fingers and thumb - quiet. 
It was precious, and I saw it then. "You have to have to know where the "no" comes from." What does it mean to us?  Oh, come on.  Too often we allow others to direct us withn their "yea" or "nay."  But if we are clear whose we are, then we will not concern ourselves with others' 'yea" or "nay."  Take your instructions from the only one who can truly guide, and be clear who closes the door.  You must know who the "no" comes from.  type to you later.

Plan it and Work it

How many times have you planned your day and someone or something changes it? Oh it could be because you were not serious about your plan; or it could be that you have let others control your life; or it could be that the plan needed to be changed. Whatever the many reasons, you have to ask yourself why you can’t move forward with your life. Could it be that you are doing what others think you should be doing? Let’s go there.

There is always someone to tell you how you should live or what you should be doing. The irony in that is those who would help guide you will not take any direction from you. There is no way they can effectively guide you, as they only see from their perspective. I used to try to explain what I saw or why I did what I did, I stopped. Since they did not have my perspective, they could not see what I saw, or feel what I felt.


If you let others alter your life from their point of view; how much more do you allow them to take you so far away from what God has designed for you? Yes, it is difficult to live following God if you allow others to take a great place in your life. The crazy part is that you will never get anywhere when you allow others control.

Life is a wonder! Enjoy it, both the ups and the downs. Watch how God pulls joy out of despair and peace in turmoil. There is not one person that can do that. Yes, for those in the snow, it may change how you get through the day, but not that you get through the day. For those who are encountering storms, physical or otherwise, gear up and continue. Don’t give up. For those who are wrestling control issues remain strong and say “no.” There is so much for you – in your life. type to you later.

A Process

A friend sent this to me.  She sent it a while ago and again today. It just says so much.  So, if you have heard it before, then hear it again and know that you have never been alone.

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'


This verse puzzled some people in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the siversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.
The man answered yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, '! Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'


Blessing in your "refining moment." type to you later.

Life

People are digging out of the snow.  Life is appearing.  The sun is glistening bright and it is all beautiful.  I would say, for some, the snow stopped us in our tracks in order to look up, look out, look around, and celebrate life. 

Whatever you are doing today celebrate life.  You have been promised this day.  Enjoy it, love it!  I'm going out.  type to you later!

Use a Different Lens

In the DC area people are scurrying getting ready for the big snow. Of course, while I was in Detroit, big snows were never a problem.



Long ago we had a snowfall of 14 inches in Knoxville, TN. Of course it shut everything down. The snow covered all the hills as far as I could see. Nothing was moving on the main road in front of the hill of the luxury complex where I lived. I was an essential employee at the telephone company and was needed at work. I was told if I could get to the main road someone would get me. So I dressed up warmly and started off down the hill determined to walk the two miles to the main thoroughfare.


When I got outside the complex and off the hill (about a fourth of a mile) there on the main road was a thinly worn set of tracks where a few brave had made it through. As I walked, one of the guys from my job pulled up and called my name. I didn’t have to walk the rest of the way to the main thoroughfare.


When we got to the main thoroughfare two of the four lanes were salted and clear. Only a few more switchmen made it in. We heard quite a few excuses of nothing moving.


That day has been with me because it was all in my point of view. Did you see it? After all, this is for you. When I looked out and saw absolutely nothing but snow as far as I could see, and no one moving, it was true. That is all I could see. I couldn’t see the tracks of cars just below my view. I didn’t know that help was closer than I thought. And when I got to the cleared road, people were going about their business. All was just beyond my view.


So many times we get blocked by what we see – our circumstances, our problems, our situations. But when we can determine in our heart to move out of that, just move, head toward the door, God. God gives us a different lens with which to see. And just like that we are on the way. You don’t know where your help will come from, but start out on the journey. type to you later.

Tracks

It snowed again last night. And again the newly fallen snow glistened as it held tight to everything it covered. Don’t you love the new snow? As I was looking out I noticed a track across the snow and down into the woods. There were no paw or footprints but one single line that did not let up. It was almost like a single sled blade. I finally came up with a small groundhog or mole whose little body covered the tracks or a very low flying bird (smile).



Stay with me. The context of where we are in our lives is covered by the new fallen grace everyday of God’s love. The tracks we make it that grace are because of the way we act. Are we making tracks that cause others to stop and ponder at the uniqueness of our tracks? Or are they tracks that look like everybody else? Think about it.


Another thing. I quickly surmised that the tracks were headed toward the woods and not away. How would I know? It was a single line? Are our tracks in God’s grace pointed toward the source? Or away from the source? Pointing toward the source says we know we can’t do it alone and we return time and time again in communion. Pointing away says we no longer need the source and we can handle life on our own. (Yes, there are those who believe that.)


So- what do your tracks look like? Which way are they pointed? Type to you later.

Peace

My niece’s dog, Samson, a Shih Tzu, likes the view out of my window which overlooks the woods. He will stretch up on his hind legs to look out or jump onto my bed, and that is a very high jump for a little dog. As I was studying, Samson entered the room, looked out the window, headed back out, and then jumped on my bed. That was a bold move as I have shooed him off, scolding him quite a few times.




This time I spread out a robe and allowed him to stay on the bed. He stared out the window for quite a while, at peace. Then he turned from the window and lay down. After a while he laid down facing the window. I couldn’t shoo him off today, I about to learn too much. Samson faced the odds to get to what gives him peace. And when he got peace he rested in it. He didn’t have to face it but just to rest in it.



Did you see it? To face the odds to get to what gives you peace. You may have to press pass some things to get to what brings you peace. Take a lesson from Samson – know what brings you peace and fight your way to get it. When you get it, rest in it. I bless you with the shalom of Jesus. type to you later.

Rejoice

This is a great day!   The past is now behind you. Don't give it place in this day.  Use what you need from the past to move forward.  Learn from it - that is good.  But don't stay in it.  If you are concentrating too much on the past you will miss today.  This is the day you have, not tomorrow, but today.  Today is your start.  Mankind tried to mess you up- but mankind failed.  Don't give it another thought.  You are your biggest obstacle right now.  Take your lead from Holy Spirit.   This is an awesome day for you, a new start, another chance, a new leg of your journey.  A day to rest in the shalom of God.   Rest, listen, follow, rejoice! 

"Rejoice in Lord always; again I say Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be known to everyone.  The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"(Phil. 4:4-7 NRSV).    That is my prayer for you.   type to you later.

Stretch Up - Search Within - Reach Out

How often have you reached out to another?  You can do  it through a smile. You can do it with prayer.  Can you see what would happen if we all made the effort to reach out to another? 

Before you reach out, stretch up to embrace those moments of commune with God.  You see,  by stretching up we are strengthen to face anything, even our frightful selves.  By stretching up to embrace God, we are empowered to search within to eliminate those things that hang us up.  We all have unnecessary issues that hang us up.  Yes we do, you know unforgiveness, hate, fear,  guilt

As believers we have so much power yet we do not tap into that power.  So try it - Stretch upward in order to search within and then pass it on by reaching out to another. Try it. type to you later

Just Hanging Out

Yesterday I visited another church. There was an altar call and congregants came, knelt, prayed, and left. A mother and her two children came up. The little girl, about 4 years, knelt as her mother did. She placed her hands in the traditional position of prayer and bowed her head. It was precious. But the brother, about 6 or 7, stood watch over them for a minute. Then he knelt and watched what his sister was doing. After another minute the brother got up and leaned on the altar as his mother and sister were still down. I loved it! He was just hanging out with Jesus.




That is a prayer mode that Jesus longs for from us- to just hand out with Him. Isn’t that what friends do? Isn’t that what you do when you care about someone? Now the sad part of this is that one of the preachers saw the little brother and had him kneel and fold his hands “properly.”

That happens too often with so many people who seek God. The wrong people give improper instructions on “how to seek God.” God says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13 NIV). Jesus declares to the woman at the well, “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24 NIV).



Don’t let anyone or anything deter you from moments with God. Just hang out. Type to you later.

Don't Wait -Listen and Do

Why do we wait until the last minute to do so many things? What is it about us that we cannot handle business? I too am guilty. Where did it come from? You know, how we try to wait it out, hoping that something will happen so that we don’t have to make the decision.


Here’s the thing: If God gave us the mind to follow His will, then why don’t we? Why are we afraid to take God at His word? If God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind, then why are we afraid? Can it be that we don’t believe? Could it be that we can’t trust?

You have to tackle the question “Why?” You see, the answer definitely is not bigger than God, so it can be dealt with- but you have to want to do so. Take time over the next few days to search your heart. Move through the clutter of fear to see what you can throw out. Start there. Your goal is to trust God in such a way that when He says, “move,” you follow. You follow, not worried about how it is going to turn out. You follow, not worried what others think or are doing. Wow, it is such a liberating process! You cannot imagine. But that is a part of “setting the captives free.” type to you later

What's in Your Space?

I am pretty sure you have heard the commercial with the key line, "What's in your wallet?" Let me take off from there with the question, "What's in your space?" It really is a valid question. Too often we allow too much of the negative spirits in our space. We allow fear, anger, mistrust, hate into our space and they in turn cloud us with those same feelings. How can we combat that? Check yourself. What is in your space? If there is peace, you will have peace; where there is love, you will have love; where there is forgiveness, you will be forgiven. Try it, focus on the positive spirit and that will remove the negative spirit. Oh it takes practice, but it works. type to you later.

These are the Times

Thomas Paine has often been quoted, “These are the times that try men's souls." These are the times. We could look globally and know with all that is going on . . . these are the times. I don't want to look there, right now. Look right here. Right where you stand.

Friday night I attended a service at a Jewish synagogue that annually celebrates the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Heschel. At the end of the service we all join handed hands as we sang . . . yes, "We shall overcome." As I sang, I thought about my personal challenges and what I had overcome and what I shall overcome. I had not thought about it that way previously. Come one, how many times had I sung that song in the vein of moving forward in our collective civil rights? But this time was different. And so I prayed that God renewed both the Caucasian woman on my right and the Jewish man on my left that we shall overcome.

When the service was over the woman complimented me on my voice. But the man greeted me "Shabat Shalom," and in turn, I blessed him. He said that he had struggled with coming to church. He was struggling with God, and was not sure what was happening; but he was glad he came. I laughed and told him that I understood those moments and that 'desert place' experience. He hugged me and thanked me.

So what was it about? Oh you had to be there. You see, we get so engulfed in our own problems, issues, situations that we retreat into self and thus become isolated. But we are a people, a community of believers and as a community we can connect as one. While we must face our situations we don’t face them alone. We really are connected. It’s that African spirit of M’butu – “I am because we are.” The brother shared a personal trial, and I responded, and his trial is no longer his alone. We shall overcome.

When we began to reach out by just being available to others, we will find that same reach back to us. We shall overcome. These are trying times for so very many in equally as many ways but we can overcome when we stand firm as a community of believers. Together, we must reach out in prayer support and in any way that God directs. Sometimes it only needs to be a smile.

It goes without saying that our sisters and brothers in Haiti need us. Please make an effort to stand firm with them. There are many ways to help financially, be careful that the way is true. These are the times, but the Word says that we are more than conquerors.  type to you later

Many

Hundreds of thousands of people dead. That is the unofficial report on the earthquake devastation in Haiti.  Hundreds of thousands.  The Red Cross reports that as many as three million may be affected. That is so many families and friends that are in need of prayer and counseling support.  There are so many that are in need right now.  What can we do? Pray for them and their strength, and then check with your local organizations to see what other help is needed. 

It is very overwhelming to think about - yet God.
It is difficult to think about our day to day to day activities while so many are in need of so much- yet God.
Hold on to what you know to be true- the power of prayer does avail much.  Your prayers can make a major difference- ahhh but God.

On Track

A friend just sent this on email, and is appropo with "being you."  Step out today to step into the 'you' God designed.  When you find those snippets of who you really are you can exclaim "A ha!" That exclamation is somewhat like one of the little lost boys in "Hook" when he was trying to find the vibrant Peter Pan in the face of an out of shape Peter Banning. His exclaimation-  "Oh there you are [Peter]"  You place your name. 

From email:
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S... (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble..
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand...
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus'.
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35.Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
(Romans 8:31)

Be You

My father used to say, "Be the best you that you can be." F.G. Sampson (Doc) used to tell me (and I'm sure others) "Don't let anyone out you-you." I have tried to hold to both of those, so I don't have time to worry about what others are doing. (So now you know the secret.) There is a process to being 'you'. I mean the 'you' that was made in the Divine image, the 'you' that should be dynamically spiritually growing into who you really are. You know, without the junk.




So to be on a track of 'being you', you don't have time to worry about what others are doing. You only have time to perfect 'being you'. Try it. Find out just how special you, and then grow to that level. It's just about walking this journey without some of the baggage. And in Doc's words, "Don't let anyone out you- you." type to you later.

Even When

I need to take that "even when you can't see" a little farther. What about the times you cry out and can't hear? What about the dark that your eyes can't penetrate? What about the hurt so deep that your heart aches? What about the financial needs that can't be met? What then? It happens. It does. It is difficult. It is wrenching.


How do you hang on when that happens? Yeah, you know that it will happen, but can you make it until it does happen? It is at that time that people can't help, nothing does. At that time there is no one but you and God. You alone with what you can't see can't feel because you are so immersed in your own pain. Can you hold on? Can you wait to hear? Can you let everything go in order to receive? Can you?
It is hard...But...It is lonely... It is at this time that you can lose your righteous mind. Ahhh, but then you find your spiritual self. Your righteous self can't stand at these times. You see, it was never about your righteous self, but your spiritual growth. You’re growing into more of what God has for you. The carnal, the righteous must be shed in order to effectively grow spiritually.
In these dark times, be still. Listen for God, wait on God. And then watch what God is doing. NO, you can never understand the power, the majesty, the grace, the love God has for you. You venture out on this journey to learn more about such power, such, majesty, such grace, such love. Yes, it gets hard...but.... Yes it gets dark...but.
Even when it does not look like, it may be that your way is through, not out. Even when the rain of pain is hard, your umbrella of stamina will keep you. Even when you don't know, God does. Be reassured that your care is God's concern. Remember Mt Rainer, it is there, even when.
You will go through, you will survive. Don't give up - be still. That 'being still' is not giving up, but giving over your will. It is trusting in what God is doing in your life to shape you. Watch what God does, and follow that lead. type to you later.

Even When You Can't See

When my nephew joined us in Seattle I was so excited about him seeing Mt Ranier. It was so cloudy that visibility was nil and no mountain could be seen. My brother-in-law was teasing me about the "mountains" that only I could see. Ahhh, but one day the sun came through just before it rested for the evening and there they were bold and majestic - Mt Rainier and Mt Baker. Both my nephew and brother-in-law joined me in awe of the beauty of Mt Rainier. All I could say was, "see, see,I told you."

This cause me to think how sometimes we may miss an opportunity. Just because we could not see the mountain did not mean it was not there. Can you feel me? I knew what I had seen. I knew what I had witnessed in the majesty of the mountain. I couldn't see it, but I knew it was there.

You see, there are times that we go through periods of low visibility in our lives. These periods could be from so many things: fear, doubt, lack, pain, loneliness, you can name it. (I think you get the point.) And during these times we feel that God is not visible, nowhere to be found. Could be (not visible that is), but not being visible does not mean not being there. Just because you can't feel God's presence does not mean God is not close. Hold on to what you know about the character, the love, the grace of God through those periods of low spiritual visibility. And when you have your 'ah ha' moment of sight you will feel in that moment more than you could remember. When I saw Mt. Rainier, it was more majestic than I remembered.

What do you do? Hold on to your relationship with God. You may need to help another who can see, can't feel. And if you are at a spot where you can't see, can't feel, talk to me. I promise God is there- more than a church figure, but one who loves, guides, and answers prayer. If the mountain could come through bold as it has been can you even imagine the boldness of the majesty of God? And then, can you fathom the love God has for you? Try. type to you later.

They That Wait . . .

We are familiar with the Isaiah passage (40:28-31) and have used it many times. The passage gives hope for those whose hope has faded -but. It reassurance that renewal is certain - but. The coordinating conjunction "but" is the core of the matter. You see, as youth do, they get tired, and adults try and fail, they stumble and fall. "But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength" (Is. 40:31). The "but" transfers you to a new place, no matter what. You will make it, you will get through, get over, get under, stand. You will -because you are waiting, not waited, that's past tense, but you are waiting.

So what is the waiting? Try this: Those waiting for God, that "waiting" is like those enduring, those strengthening. The strengthening in the waiting for God. Can't explain it, but who can explain how God works? There is a supernatural work of magnificent proportion happening and there is nothing anyone can stop, not even you - when you are waiting for God. Because of this magnificent work of God, you will gain strength, you will be powerful. Not because of you, but because of your cooperation in working with God by waiting for God. Can you see it? It is exciting! Yes, it is scary at times. But in the wait you ascend above the glares of others who don't know your heritage as a child of God that is waiting for God. In the wait you move beyond your deepest fears. In the wait it is you and God.

The give give you the ability to soar on wings like eagles, to run and not get weary, to walk and not be faint. All because the Lord is everlasting and He does not grow tired or weary and no one can even begin the understand the mystery of God. Back in the day I would hear in church someone call out "Who wouldn't serve a God like that?"

Welcome to your season of waiting. Yes we all should be waiting, waiting for more than material, temporal things. Wait for God. Journal it. Start today. Watch for God's move in your life, and then follow, without hesitation. "But those who
hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Is.40:31 NIV). Take time and read Isaiah 40:28-31. type to you later!