Warmth on a Cold Day

In North Texas, we have 15 minutes of Fall. It's officially over as winter has whipped in early with icy roads and windy skies. Brrr! However, God's Word provides warmth on such an artic cold day!

"You are precious and honored in my sight, I love you."

These are God's words (slightly paraphrased) in Isaiah 43:4; this chapter is referred to as Promises of Divine Deliverance. These words are for us today also! God sees us as His precious child and He loves us. I find such peace, comfort, hope, encouragement, and inspiration in this single line of scripture. I hope you do too!

I'm Learning...

I'm learning to be thankful in all things. And to see the work of God in my life in the small things as well as the big. Usually, I'm busy–my mind racing among a thousand topics–and I don't always notice God's presence in my day. I just returned from a 17-hour roundtrip road trip. Along the way, I saw an accident or two and a couple of stranded motorists, even a hitchhiker late at nite, facing roadside danger as he hoped and thumbed for a ride. Today, I took someone on an errand and passed through the same intersection twice within a 3 minute span. On my return trip, I came upon a pretty bad accident that had not been there just minutes before. Ordinarily, I would have been so busy moving on to the next project that I would have missed the realization and acknowledgment of the blessings God gave me. How He kept me in His protective care. God cares about the tiniest details of our lives, but sometimes I forget that in the busyness of the day.

A Day of Thanksgiving

Enjoying the blessings today. I hope you are too!

Enjoy a fun, upbeat Thanksgiving Song by Brave Combo at...
http://www.myspace.com/bravecombo

The Journey

People say "life is a journey." And it is. One day at a time, often one step at a time. Good days. Bad days. Ho hum days. But it's also been said that 'this life is not a dress rehearsal, this is the only chance we get." And that is true. Many of us search for significance and to understand our purpose. I think our significance is found in Jesus. And if we show up willingly, He allows us to join Him in His work--putting our gifts and talents to work to accomplish things of eternal significance. And that is much of our purpose. There is a chance to know Jesus more intimately through a study called, The Journey. It's an opportunity to read the New Testament in a year. And in the process, grow in knowledge of, and intimacy with Jesus, Lord and Savior.

Join me on The Journey

This Light of Mine

In my readings this week, I keep noticing a recurring theme jump out...."LIGHT" ... and as I ask God what He wants me to understand from this, I remember something my pastor said earlier this year. Darkness cannot overcome light. And to prove this fact, you need to only walk into a dark room and flip the light switch, or turn on a flashlight, or light a candle. No matter how big or small the light, darkness cannot overcome it.

For some reason, I've stumbled across this passage several times this week,
"The Lord is God and He has made His light shine upon us." (Psalm 118:27)

I think this means that God keeps us in His protective care. That nothing, no problem or challenge – no darkness, will ever be too big for Him. Fear, shame and uncertainty hide in darkness. In God's light, there is purity, protection and holiness ... and He blankets us with it. He uses this light to guide us. To show us His will for us. And to remind us of His presence.

And I'm reminded of a childhood song, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..." I think God wants us to be energized by His light and to let our light shine into the dark corners of our world.

Rejoice or Rant?

Do you think if men, not-inspired by God, had written the Bible it would have the same meaning? I think some passages might read something like this....

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice because I just got a raise (or a date, or a new car, or...) and be glad in it."

or....

"If this is the day the Lord has made, why am I having to deal with all of these idiots?! (grumble, grumble, rant!)"

Isn't that how we think sometimes. Now, when I read scripture, I try to really focus in on the message intent God inspired. So, when I read, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." ... it speaks to me that regardless of my circumstances, God wants me to rejoice, to have His joy, peace, and hope as I go about my day? I'm a work in progress, so some days, I'm more inclined to grumble and rant, but I do seek to honor Him with my heart and actions. I am thankful for His loving grace and mercy on the days my rants are louder than my rejoicing!

Change

Change. It can bring uncertainty. Excitement and adventure. Anxiety and trepidation. One thing that is certain, change is inevitable. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 shows there is a season for everything...and that includes change. It seems some years bring more change than others. This has been one of those years. I am thankful God is a God of consistency; and He remains faithful in all things.

A Friend Sharpens

This week, there is a more profound awareness of things to be thankful for in our lives. There is much that I am grateful for, but especially the people in my life who sharpen me. The ones who share my faith and speak wisdom to me when I'm foggy with indecision. One of my best lifelong friends thinks nothing of telling me when she thinks I'm wrong; she's not afraid it will hurt our friendship or my feelings. She simply tells me I'm wrong. Her candor does not affect our friendship. She knows me. She loves me. And I believe God works through her to point me to clearer thinking. I've learned the value and importance of having people in my life who know me well and help me become a better Christian by the words they speak to me.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

The Search for Truth

In my pastor's weekly email, he asked us to read John 8 in preparation for Sunday's message. As I read John 8:32, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." I was reminded of how these words were imprinted in large letters on the main building where I attended college. They were very pronounced and towered high above campus; I passed them every day. In the years since graduating, I've seen many very smart people miss meeting God because they couldn't explain Him, yet they search and search for truth. As I've grown in my walk with God, I've learned Jesus is Truth. And when we know Him, we are free. In Christ, in His freedom, there is grace, mercy, peace, love, joy and hope.

As God Desires

I recently ran across this Erma Bombeck quote...

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me.” Erma Bombeck

How awesome to one day find that you've completed your life just as God desired.

A Friend Who Inspires

God has really blessed me with wonderful friends, many of whom I've known for most of my life. One friend in particular, really inspires me. She has been in a season of difficulty for quite some time. It seems just as she is trying to regain her balance from one tough blow, another comes along and challenges her steadiness. At times, her life is very tough, the challenges greater than she is. But what inspires me so much about her is her steadfast faith in Christ; she knows that HE is bigger than all of her problems combined. Even when she can't hold back the tears any longer, and they flow, she still trusts God. I've never seen her angry about her circumstances, depressed, or rebellious. She just perseveres with hope. Her faith radiates a beauty and gentleness from deep within. She reminds me of this scripture:

"Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." (I James 1:12).

My friend believes in me and encourages me to achieve all that I dream of; I hope you have friends who inspire you too!

In Jesus Name

When we go to God in prayer, we say "…in Jesus name." Scripture teaches that the only way to the Father is through His son Jesus Christ. When we place our faith in Him, it gives us the undeniable right to boldly enter God's throne room and lay our requests, our pleadings, our hopes before Him with the expectation that He will hear and answer us. (John 14:6, 13 and John 16:23-24).

So, when did it become so acceptable to substitute "Him" for "Jesus?" It's really beginning to bug me. More and more, I'm hearing and seeing this casual reference substituting a pronoun for the name of our Lord and Savior. I saw a Christian promotion recently where the event title is: "United for His Love..." why couldn't the event be called "United for Christ's Love?" It's not so much the 'casual' reference "Him" implies that concerns me, it seems well-meaning Christians don't realize the watered-down message they convey when they don't use Jesus' name. It's one thing to talk about your faith among believers, another to speak of it where the name "Jesus" is not as popular. Is that it? I don't know. It just really bugs me how impersonable and disrespectful it all sounds--kind of like a lack of ownership on our part. Knowing Jesus is life-changing; there is power and access in calling on the name of Christ.

Legacy Lives

In May, I learned my friend David had died. His friendship had a profound affect on my life; I could always so clearly see God's intersecting our lives over the years, each time significantly. It was my sophomore year crush on him that I discovered writing; he was a reporter on my high school paper (I didn't know we had a paper until I first saw him delivering it!). It was my writing, and work at the local newspaper where I became friends with the girl he would meet through me, and later marry. I was in their wedding. At his funeral, I was so blessed to hear story after story of how David had had a profound impact on the lives of so many others...in his career as an architect, in his service to his church, his loving devotion to his son and his wife of almost 20 years, and in his personal relationship with Jesus. Although to us, David's life was cut so devastatingly short, he lived a life that made a true difference to others.

In September, I learned my friend Neil had died. I met Neil in 4th grade when I transferred to a new school. At our high school reunion in June, he was telling Dave how he can still remember the day he saw me all those years ago. Neil was a handsome, gifted athlete. At the end of our 8th grade year, playing pitcher on a baseball team, he was hit in the head by a ball and we almost lost him. His injury was significant, but when he returned to school in the fall, he was even more kind and loving than before. Neil was always voted our class favorite because of his friendliness; he had that rare gift that when he spoke to you, he made you feel as though you were a very special treasure. At his funeral, I was overwhelmed, a real collision of emotions, as I came face-to-face with so many people from our youth. Some I had not seen since 8th grade. As I looked into the tear-stained faces of his pallbearers, guys from our childhood, I realized that when Neil made friends, he made them for life.

Saying 'Goodbye' to friends of more than 30 years is painful; when they are young like this, it is especially hard to do so. I know that God has a plan for each life, and that includes the moment that He calls each of us home. So, I didn't ask God "why" he took them, I asked him what I could learn from them. He reminded me that each life has a purpose to be fulfilled and to live in such a way as to make a difference in the lives of others. I am blessed to know that two people God allowed me to meet at such a young age, lived lives that impacted so many others in such a positive way. I am so thankful they were my friends.

David and Neil lived legacy lives. And I am inspired by them!

The Delight of a Path Less Traveled

Sometimes it's good to take a different path. Dave and I enjoy walks together and go on 4 or 6 mile walks several times a week. Yesterday we took a different path and climbed up on the railroad tracks and walked along the ridge for a while. We could see off in all directions. It was a beautiful fall evening, just at dusk. A magical time of day when the sky is a constant show of colors dissolving into one another with the luminance of the city lights interlaced in the natural beauty. A rabbit ran along ahead of us for a while. And then, by chance, we discovered it! A crossing from my neighborhood across a field to another neighborhood. This may not sound like a big deal, but we also love our bike rides; we just hate to ride along the busy street getting to the trails at the nature preserve. This trail is the connector we'd been hoping to discover so we could avoid that street. The Saturday before when we'd rode, I thought 'mountain bike' meant I should be able to ride along the part of the road where the sidewalk was missing. I did fine until I hit a big rock. My front wheel stopped, my back wheel flipped up, and I entertained Dave and drivers passing by as I flailed about getting control of the bike again. Fortunately, I did not land in the street, but I've had a really big bruise.

I find being out in nature so inspiring. To just soak in God's beauty and attention to detail in all He created. It's interesting that He gives us seasons, each with it's own inspiration of invigoration. It seems just as we begin to grow weary of one season, He sends us a new one that breathes life back into us.

Thank You

On Veteran's Day, remembering with heartfelt thanks to all soldiers who have bravely defended peace and freedom. Many return home, many do not. With humbled gratitude, thank you for your service.

You are inspiring!

Unfailing Love

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."
Psalm 143:8

I find so much comfort and inspiration from reading God's words. Two simple sentences, yet they say so much. God loves each of us with a love that never fails. I can trust Him to guide me with wisdom each moment of each day. I can trust Him with my very soul. And there I find such peace!

Be Inspired!

A Special Kind of Superhero

I find Mothers inspiring. My Mom is a bright, talented, and kind woman who taught me much about God by her actions and gentle spirit. I can't imagine the challenges a single mom faces; it must be very tough at times. In comic books, Superheroes are almost always guys. But often in real life, the Superheroes are Moms.

To Moms Around The World, Here is A One-Minute Tribute...It Speaks Volumes!

Be Inspired!

His Promise

A few months ago, I was praying about a major decision I needed to make. I kept thinking that I knew God's plans for me, but they didn't make sense according to 'conventional wisdom.' And I was afraid to take the first step of change. After praying one morning, I began to read scripture and God took me to this:

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

As I read His words to me, a confident peace came over me and I knew that even though I was taking a step into the unknown, God was right beside me. And He promised to help me.

In the months since, I can testify that He has calmed unexpected fears. He has provided wisdom when I've sought Him. And although things have been tough at times, He has helped me. When I read this scripture, I am reminded that His word remains timeless, but is always timely. I can't imagine living my life without fellowship and dependence on God!

It Matters!

I voted! People have died protecting my freedom to do so. I find their loyalty to our country inspiring!

Be Inspired!

Women Who Inspired Change

Each life has value and purpose. It's inspiring to look at the lives of women God used for radical change.

Esther... an orphaned Jewess, received favor from King Xerxes and was able to boldly intercede on behalf of her people, to spare their lives. (Esther 4-8)

Deborah... it was unusual for women to be leaders, but she became a judge leading Israel. Deborah was a prophetess, and Barak, a man God commanded to defeat Israel's enemies asked Deborah to go with him. She continued to lead and trust God. God delivered the Israelites. Jael, a woman not Barak, defeated the enemy's army commander by driving a stake through his temple. (Judges 4:1-23)

Rehab... The Lord spoke to Joshua, instructing him to lead Israel into the Promised Land, conquering the town of Jericho. He sent spies ahead, whose lives were endangered. Yet Rehab, a prostitute interceded and hid the spies. While fear 'melted' the people of Jericho, Rehab requested the spies spare the lives of her family in exchange for her protection of them. Her request was granted (Joshua 2:1-24) and she is recognized in the Bible's "Faith Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11: 31)

And in 1920, Alice Paul and other women celebrated the suffrage victory of the legalization for women to vote after years of picketing the White House, staging large suffrage marches and demonstrations, even going to jail. Thousands of ordinary women took part in enacting this important change. And today, we have the freedom AND the right to make a difference by voting.

Tuesday is Election Day. Vote!

Be Inspired!

Relationships Are Hard!

Relationship difficulties are inevitable. Regardless of one's age, race, or culture, we all seem to experience relationship pain at one time or another. I think I'm beyond the age where it is appropriate to throw myself on the floor and pitch at hissy fit, but sometimes a good cry is healing.

This 1 minute video illustrates relationship agony pretty accurately, if not with a bit of humor. Stay with it, you don't have to understand the language to feel this little guy's pain! Rejection is rejection at any age.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMZrXAXitKI

Be Inspired!

Laughing Out Loud

I just love good times with friends that erupts with side-aching laughter and tears. I think it's important to be playful and enjoy life. There is just something therapeutic about a good laugh. And I love finding things online that make me smile and sometimes even laugh out loud.

These are some of my favorites:

http://www.dogblogtv.com/ (Choose The Grudge and The Monster)

http://www.alienfuzz.com/ (Choose Episode 2)

I never watched Baywatch or Night Rider, but I just love Hasellhoff music videos. You just don't think a sexy-cute guy would be so cheesy. No one does the white-man overbite dance better! And I just love his 'dance with the bushman' in Hooked on a Feeling!)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ibEdNCLyirE (Jump in my car)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rIFh1ydXWmg (Hooked on a feeling)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5P6UU6m3cqk (infectious laughter)

Be Inspired!

The Peace of Harmony

“You are salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” In John 5, Jesus encourages us to be messengers to a lost, hurting and dying world.

We have an important, God-ordained ministry to reach out to others, encourage and build up. To minister not only to the lost, but to serve one another with love and compassion. With that as our focus, how does division enter into our relationships and community?

If you have been experiencing conflict or anxiety in any of your relationships, take it to God. Ask Him to show you where you may be incorrect in your thinking or heart in the matter. Ask Him to change your heart and to help you to see others through His eyes. And even if you are the one wronged, to help you forgive; to let His grace, compassion, and mercy flow through you to encourage others. This is important, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 12, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”

Conflict and division are not of God, it is a ploy of the enemy to render your personal ministry ineffective. Don’t let him win this one. Don't let discord fill your life with stress, pain and loss. Don't let unforgiveness take root and rob you of joy. Don't hold onto a grudge. By the power of the Holy Spirit living within you, be the salt and light to the world that you were created to be! Choose the peace and joy of harmony.

Be Inspired!

What are you Saying?

Are you approachable? What kind of vibe or signal do you give off? Are you interested in dating? Is your shyness misunderstood as disinterest? Do you appear desperate? Are people drawn to your warmth? Have past wounds taken root in your heart and flash ‘keep away.’ Does a depressive or critical spirit make you a downer to be around? Are you too independent? Too passive? Insecure? Do people experience Jesus when they are with you?

If in doubt, ask a close friend or family member what kind of signals you project. Jesus offers us the chance to live an abundant life and that includes enjoying the gifts of friendship and love. We can sometimes be surprised to learn of negative habits we’ve picked up that actually get in the way of the Christ-centered relationships we desire. Don’t let the enemy rob you of joy; ask God to help you change and believe that He will. We express our faith, and are more Christlike, when we love.

Be Inspired!

Guarding Your Heart

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Proverbs 13:12

Our heart is a place of passion and motivation. It pumps relentlessly providing lifeblood, yet it can be easily broken. We can give our whole heart, be half-hearted and hard-hearted. Our heart can covet, lust, and envy; it can be deceitful. It can also love deeply and selflessly. Hearts can be smitten, stolen and afire. When we fall in love, strong emotion bursts forth from our heart, changing our outlook on life. Everything seems so much more beautiful when viewed through the eyes of love. Yet life can seem hopeless when the heart aches. A wounded heart can grow bitter. Our life resonates with each beat of our heart. It is critically important that we care for our heart, and that of others too.

How do we guard our heart? It’s been said that emotions follow thoughts. So, it’s important to be aware of our thought life and take on the mind of Christ, being careful of the thoughts and ideas we allow to penetrate our minds; surrendering unforgiveness, anger and other self-centered feelings. And asking God to fill us with His love and compassion for others. When we draw close to Jesus, our life produces the fruits of the Spirit which include love, joy, peace, patience, , gentleness, and self-control. Our heart will be calm, guarded and pure. Guarding the heart does not mean building walls around and keeping everyone at bay, it simply means not allowing anything to reside there that would not be pleasing to God. One of the most vulnerable areas is love. We are created in God’s image and God is love; it’s natural to desire to love and be loved. When entering a new relationship, it’s often tempting to run fast towards a new person. But while it may be very true that God has answered prayers with the new relationship, time will confirm if it is God. He rarely moves as fast as we’d like and wants us to trust Him to provide for us. Sometimes it’s tempting to rush in and put His stamp of approval on a new relationship. But we protect our hearts, and the hearts of others, when we trust Him, and His timing, to fulfill our desires.

Be Inspired!

Problems: A Different Point of View

"Keep your eyes on the Problem Solver (Jesus), not the problem.

I FINALLY learned the benefits of that saying. When I keep my eyes on my problems, I often become consumed by them and that starts a spiral downward of negative thoughts and feelings. Our mind tries to fill in the gaps of things we can't understand and sometimes, we think, or dwell, on things that simply are not true. When problems come, and I make a concentrated effort to keep my focus on God, things are much different. I ask Him for wisdom in making decisions. I ask Him for protection. Sometimes I just praise Him for being a God who loves me so much. And I spend time reading His word. I'm learning (still very much a work in progress!) to be still and listen to what He wants to show me in the midst of my problem or trial. Sometimes our problems are huge. Overwhelming. And they seek to consume us if we allow them. But I find peace and comfort when I still long enough to seek Him. Trusting that He will not give me more than He and I can handle together.

Be inspired!