In my quiet time this morning I read in a book by Priscilla Shirer a chapter on supernatural selection. What does that mean? Three things.
I am chosen.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.
Before I was a speck in my father's eye, an egg in my mother's womb, I was chosen by God. He knows us (yes, that includes you!) intimately. He knew us before we were conceived, before we were even thought of. He knew what our choices would be, He knew what our lives would consist of.
And He still loved us enough to form us in our mother's womb. And He still loves us enough to walk with us through every battle, every struggle, every celebration of life.
I am set apart.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
I am not like other people. I am created the way God designed me to be. He has given me certain likes and dislikes, specific skills and abilities. He created me to be me. Not the person I wish I was more like, not famous, just me. I am unique because I am made in the image He chose for me. I can praise Him for who I am and use what He has given me to glorify Him. He has set me apart not to be like others, but to be used by Him.
Just like He has set you apart. We are running this race of life together. It doesn't matter if you are male or female, it doesn't matter if you have great wealth or little. None of that matters to Him. It - and we - all belong to Him anyway. He has the cattle on a thousand hills. He has set YOU apart to be His vessel to a hurting world. These works are before us. Many times we have turned away from them thinking we don't want to get involved, it doesn't pertain to us, we don't have money to give to that, we don't want to give of our time as we are too busy, we think that our gift is not to get involved.
So many excuses. I've used some, as I am sure you have. I have to step out of my comfort zone many times to do something for Him. It isn't about me and my abilities - it is my willingness to give of what I have to glorify Him by helping others. Whether it be helping the homeless by serving meals, helping them find their way, or by assisting others in their time of need. Maybe it is just listening when someone needs a friend. It is about giving of myself and what God has blessed me with. He will give back in abundance what has been given freely. We are to do our part., If we fail to do it, someone who needs you, your uniqueness, will suffer.
2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.
He will provide what you need, when you need it, how you need it.
I am appointed.
John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit.
For many years I admired others and wanted to be just like them. I wanted to be funny like them, teach like they did, be loved like they were. Then God opened my eyes to see that He created me to be me - not them. I am all these things and more. Not because I studied and strived to be, but because He put things, people, and situations before me that I learned from. He wanted me to be me. And He wants you to be you.
Among the many reasons that God chose you, one was to put you where you can use specific outcomes in your personal life to help others. You can trust that He has planted you right now in the place where you will be the most personally productive. Even if you don't like who you are right now, and don't have any plans to change. Even if you aren't happy with the circumstances you're currently living, you can be sure that God has placed you here with design and intention. He has allowed - and is allowing - you to go through specific things in your life so that you can use what you learn to help others. Are you withholding what you have been given for thinking you don't know how, don't want to, don't have to?
Apple seeds are supposed to grow apple trees. Carrot seeds produce carrots. Your seeds are to produce a crop that is uniquely yours. Don't try to grow seed in you that God gave to someone else to grow. Your job at any given moment is to bring all your gifts, all your talents, all your passions into this thing called life and believe they are good enough to produce the fruit that is expected of you.
He has loved you enough to make you like no other and He's given you a life that is yours alone to complete with His abundant help and empowerment. Resolve to love being you, the way He loved creating you.
God alone created you, set you apart, chose you. God alone completes you. Trust Him. He knows you. He has special plans for you.
Blessings!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A Grandma Day!
I get to have a 'Grandma Day' with Princess Bethany today! Next week I hope to get Princess Tricia for an afternoon so that we can also have a 'Grandma Day'. I love my 'Grandma Days'!
What in the world are 'Grandma Days', you ask?
Those that know me know how much I love my grandchildren - all of them! Since the girls and I have more in common, I have taken to getting one - or both - of the girls (Princess Hailey lives too far away right now) and we spend the afternoon together. We may have lunch and walk the mall, we may get our toes done together, we may go to a movie. Well, that is a list of things we have done in the past. Usually ending up at Cold Stone Creamery. :-)
But now, they are older. Are these good enough? Well, the toes probably are! Today I am lucky enough to get Princess Bethany as she is up from Tucson for the week on a break from school. Princess Tricia is still in school today - but finishes up today, I think, so next week it will be for us. I am not sure what we will do this afternoon, but will have to put my thinking cap on!
The best part, the girls know just what to say when I ask them what do they want to do. They always respond, "Whatever you want to do, grandma, I love to just be with you." Magic words. And I love to just be with them. I don't care if we do nothing but sit and watch a movie. I am with my princess. I have called my granddaughters 'Princess' from the day they were born. Why? Because I figured their parents would call them 'Mommy's girl (or boy)' or 'Daddy's girl (or boy) or 'Angel' or something along those lines of endearment. So I chose Princess. And try to tell them they are NOT a princess and they will refer you to grandma for confirmation! They definitely know that when they ride in our car with grandpa they are NOT to open their own door! They are a princess, therefore, their door will be opened for them.
My grandsons are pretty awesome too, but I haven't spent as much 1:1 time with them. I have tried to let grandpa do that, but he doesn't have as much patience as I do, and when they were much smaller there was no way he could control them. Boys are real wiggleworms! Perhaps now that they are older, grandpa can spend more time with them, even if I have to tag along!
God has truly blessed my life with beautiful grandchildren, inside and out. Oh sure, they have their moments, but never with me! I don't discipline them like their parents have to, so of course they would love to be with me. I try to give them my undivided attention. I listen. Something that as a parent I did not always do, and have always regretted. As a grandparent, I hope that I am doing a much better job at it.
I was advised recently that I am now a great-grandma too. Little Shaelynn was born earlier this month. She lives in Nebraska with her mother, Denise, so unless they come back to Phoenix to visit, who knows if I will ever see her. Denise, being a step-granddaughter, and I do not have the closeness I have with the others. Not because I didn't try; moreso because of life situations. Regardless, I still have a great-granddaughter in Nebraska. I have been looking for material to make her a quilt since I first heard of her existence - and still have not found the material I want. Perhaps I can look again today while I'm out.
Being a grandma is one of my greatest joys. Grandchildren accept you and love you as you are - silly and all. I am truly blessed. How do you view your children, your grandchildren? They may test and try you now, but there will come a time when you will wish you had taken the time to enjoy them. If you can, enjoy them now.
Proverbs 17:6 - Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Blessings!
What in the world are 'Grandma Days', you ask?
Those that know me know how much I love my grandchildren - all of them! Since the girls and I have more in common, I have taken to getting one - or both - of the girls (Princess Hailey lives too far away right now) and we spend the afternoon together. We may have lunch and walk the mall, we may get our toes done together, we may go to a movie. Well, that is a list of things we have done in the past. Usually ending up at Cold Stone Creamery. :-)
But now, they are older. Are these good enough? Well, the toes probably are! Today I am lucky enough to get Princess Bethany as she is up from Tucson for the week on a break from school. Princess Tricia is still in school today - but finishes up today, I think, so next week it will be for us. I am not sure what we will do this afternoon, but will have to put my thinking cap on!
The best part, the girls know just what to say when I ask them what do they want to do. They always respond, "Whatever you want to do, grandma, I love to just be with you." Magic words. And I love to just be with them. I don't care if we do nothing but sit and watch a movie. I am with my princess. I have called my granddaughters 'Princess' from the day they were born. Why? Because I figured their parents would call them 'Mommy's girl (or boy)' or 'Daddy's girl (or boy) or 'Angel' or something along those lines of endearment. So I chose Princess. And try to tell them they are NOT a princess and they will refer you to grandma for confirmation! They definitely know that when they ride in our car with grandpa they are NOT to open their own door! They are a princess, therefore, their door will be opened for them.
My grandsons are pretty awesome too, but I haven't spent as much 1:1 time with them. I have tried to let grandpa do that, but he doesn't have as much patience as I do, and when they were much smaller there was no way he could control them. Boys are real wiggleworms! Perhaps now that they are older, grandpa can spend more time with them, even if I have to tag along!
God has truly blessed my life with beautiful grandchildren, inside and out. Oh sure, they have their moments, but never with me! I don't discipline them like their parents have to, so of course they would love to be with me. I try to give them my undivided attention. I listen. Something that as a parent I did not always do, and have always regretted. As a grandparent, I hope that I am doing a much better job at it.
I was advised recently that I am now a great-grandma too. Little Shaelynn was born earlier this month. She lives in Nebraska with her mother, Denise, so unless they come back to Phoenix to visit, who knows if I will ever see her. Denise, being a step-granddaughter, and I do not have the closeness I have with the others. Not because I didn't try; moreso because of life situations. Regardless, I still have a great-granddaughter in Nebraska. I have been looking for material to make her a quilt since I first heard of her existence - and still have not found the material I want. Perhaps I can look again today while I'm out.
Being a grandma is one of my greatest joys. Grandchildren accept you and love you as you are - silly and all. I am truly blessed. How do you view your children, your grandchildren? They may test and try you now, but there will come a time when you will wish you had taken the time to enjoy them. If you can, enjoy them now.
Proverbs 17:6 - Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Blessings!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
The wife of noble character....
I've been thinking about what to write this morning, even started a blog on motivation - but as I searched my Bible the sayings of King Lemuel stood out to me. How many of us (especially the women) have read these scriptures about the wife of noble character and moved on? It isn't just about women; it is about a life lived.
Proverbs 31:10-31 New Living Translation (NLT)
A Wife of Noble Character
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm clothes.
her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm clothes.
22 She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
I find myself adding comments here, but each one I have added, I have erased. There can only be one reason.
God's Word stands alone. He doesn't need my help with comments. Take a few minutes. Read it again. If it describes your wife, even parts of it, let her know you value her. Do something for her in appreciation.
What are you doing, men? Are you living a life well-lived? Are you living in fear of the Lord?
Blessings!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Job Hunting
Vacation is over and life is starting to settle back down into reality. Yeah, it is time to get serious about looking for a job. Oh, I have been looking and getting word 'out there' that I'm looking, but unfortunately, I don't know what I want to do! I imagine I will probably end up in administrative work since that is where my biggest experience lies. That's not bad and I do enjoy it. In fact, the jobs I have applied for have been in administration. I either need to make a commitment to change my career focus, or get busy sending out resumes for administration.
In all fairness, I did enjoy the actual work where I retired from. It was stressful at times, but I think we will find that most anywhere, in any job situation. I have always enjoyed working - and I truly never thought I would be content to stay at home like I have been. The joke had been, before I left work, that within a week I'd be working at Starbucks just to get out of the house. Instead I have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of doing things I want to do.
No, I haven't gone to the gym often as I had planned. Nor have I cleaned my house from top to bottom, although I did make some changes in my office. Still have work in there to do. I haven't been baking and cooking - all the things I enjoy doing. Things I had planned to do I have not done. Does that make me lazy? No, not really. I have been grateful I have been home so that I can volunteer at a school, volunteer at church, be available when my grandchildren need a ride home from school, or a child wants to spend time with me. I've taken a real vacation, had time to train for a mini-marathon. I've had extensive quiet time. I've had time to read, watch movies. I'm enjoying this time that God has given me to relax.
Am I still believing that God orchestrated this time from working? Absolutely. This is the first time ever that this company offered early retirement. They also gave requirements. I met them all. I have never regretted leaving the company, only my friends there. I often say I need to make cookies and go back - and I may do that in a few weeks. I believe that God planned for my retirement, and has given me this time to come alive again. To rest. To refresh myself in Him. It has been awesome. Will I find a job right away now that I'm seriously looking? I don't know. Before I left my job, I asked God if I should leave, and I felt He was giving me the opportunity. In that prayer, I also asked that He provide for our needs, that when and if I would need to look again for employment, He would provide. I have stood on His promises of provision and will continue to look to Him to meet our needs. He may have a journey planned that I don't see yet. No, not necessarily a trip, but a journey of growth. Of faith. I pray my faith will grow as I continue to trust in Him.
I remember specifically another time that God answered my prayers. Many, many, years ago our youngest son had braces. Financially we were maxed out. There was no money and as I did many times, I cried out to God to help us. I had no idea on how He could meet the current need. $110 was due for the orthodontist that day, which happened to be a payday. I had been praying for help, to figure out how to pay it. On the way to work, I mused in my mind that if taxes were not taken out of my check, that would be enough to cover the bill. And I laughed. Like that would happen.
About 9AM I picked up the checks from payroll and started distributing them as usual (part of my administrative duties for our department). I got a call from the head administrator to stop passing out the checks and bring what I had back. They wanted to attach a notice that there was a problem in the payroll processing early that morning, and some of the checks were incorrect. Most had been processed correctly, but a few had not.
I opened my check. God answered my prayer. No taxes had been taken out of my check that pay period. My check had been in the problems that morning in payroll. Something that was an automatic print through the computer, messed up, and printed my check without taking taxes out. I shared my prayer and what showed on my check to the administrator. I was 'advised' not to share that information for some people would be upset that the following pay period double taxes would be taken out. I didn't care double taxes were taken out the next pay period. God had answered my prayer for that specific pay period. I had the $110 to pay the orthodontist. God is good.
I believe that God is already at work, preparing a place for me to work, and preparing me to work there. Not sure what He has planned, but I know it is going to be good. I keep pondering about one position and am praying to see what He wants to do about it. In the meantime, I will continue to read the ads and update my resume.
I pray that you are trusting God to meet your every need. If you need a job, ask Him for it. Tell Him what you are looking for. Reach out your hand and see that He is good. He will provide.
Blessings!
In all fairness, I did enjoy the actual work where I retired from. It was stressful at times, but I think we will find that most anywhere, in any job situation. I have always enjoyed working - and I truly never thought I would be content to stay at home like I have been. The joke had been, before I left work, that within a week I'd be working at Starbucks just to get out of the house. Instead I have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of doing things I want to do.
No, I haven't gone to the gym often as I had planned. Nor have I cleaned my house from top to bottom, although I did make some changes in my office. Still have work in there to do. I haven't been baking and cooking - all the things I enjoy doing. Things I had planned to do I have not done. Does that make me lazy? No, not really. I have been grateful I have been home so that I can volunteer at a school, volunteer at church, be available when my grandchildren need a ride home from school, or a child wants to spend time with me. I've taken a real vacation, had time to train for a mini-marathon. I've had extensive quiet time. I've had time to read, watch movies. I'm enjoying this time that God has given me to relax.
Am I still believing that God orchestrated this time from working? Absolutely. This is the first time ever that this company offered early retirement. They also gave requirements. I met them all. I have never regretted leaving the company, only my friends there. I often say I need to make cookies and go back - and I may do that in a few weeks. I believe that God planned for my retirement, and has given me this time to come alive again. To rest. To refresh myself in Him. It has been awesome. Will I find a job right away now that I'm seriously looking? I don't know. Before I left my job, I asked God if I should leave, and I felt He was giving me the opportunity. In that prayer, I also asked that He provide for our needs, that when and if I would need to look again for employment, He would provide. I have stood on His promises of provision and will continue to look to Him to meet our needs. He may have a journey planned that I don't see yet. No, not necessarily a trip, but a journey of growth. Of faith. I pray my faith will grow as I continue to trust in Him.
I remember specifically another time that God answered my prayers. Many, many, years ago our youngest son had braces. Financially we were maxed out. There was no money and as I did many times, I cried out to God to help us. I had no idea on how He could meet the current need. $110 was due for the orthodontist that day, which happened to be a payday. I had been praying for help, to figure out how to pay it. On the way to work, I mused in my mind that if taxes were not taken out of my check, that would be enough to cover the bill. And I laughed. Like that would happen.
About 9AM I picked up the checks from payroll and started distributing them as usual (part of my administrative duties for our department). I got a call from the head administrator to stop passing out the checks and bring what I had back. They wanted to attach a notice that there was a problem in the payroll processing early that morning, and some of the checks were incorrect. Most had been processed correctly, but a few had not.
I opened my check. God answered my prayer. No taxes had been taken out of my check that pay period. My check had been in the problems that morning in payroll. Something that was an automatic print through the computer, messed up, and printed my check without taking taxes out. I shared my prayer and what showed on my check to the administrator. I was 'advised' not to share that information for some people would be upset that the following pay period double taxes would be taken out. I didn't care double taxes were taken out the next pay period. God had answered my prayer for that specific pay period. I had the $110 to pay the orthodontist. God is good.
I believe that God is already at work, preparing a place for me to work, and preparing me to work there. Not sure what He has planned, but I know it is going to be good. I keep pondering about one position and am praying to see what He wants to do about it. In the meantime, I will continue to read the ads and update my resume.
I pray that you are trusting God to meet your every need. If you need a job, ask Him for it. Tell Him what you are looking for. Reach out your hand and see that He is good. He will provide.
Blessings!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Keep out of other people's baggage!
Another good message by Pastor Jim Davey from North Hills Church that I am going to share today. I got "nailed". I bet you will too. Of course I will be adding my own thoughts to his!
We all carry baggage with us in one form or another. It could be broken relationships, addictions, habits, attitudes - it could be about anything, even if we are not aware of it. So what is it about baggage that weighs us all down? And why are we always looking at other's baggage and hope theirs is worse than ours?
Pastor Jim used the visual of a baggage carousel. Remember when you get off the plane and 'run' to the carousel and hope your baggage is the first one off? It rarely, if ever, is - but we still hope. Think of the baggage carousel going around with all this baggage. You see one piece of luggage all banged up; another perhaps has decals all over it. Do you watch to see who picks it up? Or are you watching people and seeing what luggage matches them? Are you judging the baggage going around the carousel by the way it looks?
Let's look at baggage we carry around in our lives - on our shoulders, in our attitudes, and many times, in the forms of ulcers. What do we need to do about it? No, I'm not still talking luggage, I'm talking baggage we carry. How many times do we -
* Make assumptions about people; about the baggage in their lives (without looking at our own).
* Pass judgement on their behavior or attitudes.
* Begin to gossip to those around us about the baggage of others.
* Attack the individual and/or baggage with slander.
How do we get out of that 'rut'? We need to be careful how we view other people's baggage. How do we stop viewing other people's baggage with our own 'assumptions'?
We create boundaries. How do we do that? First of all, be careful not to pick up other people's baggage! When you see it, you don't have to own it! Concentrate on owning your own stuff first! Deal with your own baggage. Refuse to own their stuff and focus on your own. What would be a healthy response to that?
Caring - not carrying. Care for those who have baggage, but don't own it, don't carry it yourself. We are to love one another, not BE one another. When you see someone is weighted down with issues, do you try to jump in to make it 'all ok'? Maybe it isn't for you to do. Care for them; don't carry their problems, their baggage. Exchange carrying their stuff for truly caring about them.
Another thought we need to think about is to be careful how we 'hand off' other people's baggage. What does that mean? It's called 'sharing' - in the name of Jesus in a prayer request, of course! Or just plain gossip. Sharing with others about other people's baggage is gossip. We all should have zero tolerance for gossip.
When you want to help someone with their baggage, and not to be an enabler, here are a few questions to ask yourself.
* Will it make a difference? Will your intervention make a difference or will the cycle continue.
* Will it work? Will it upset the cart, or will your intervention help.
* Is the timing right? Is the timing where it can make a lasting difference or is this just a 'quick fix'. Are you sure it is God's timing for your help - or is it even your responsibility to help. Perhaps God has someone else set up to help, and not you.
Matthew 7:1-8 - New Living Translation (NLT)
6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.[e] Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
We all carry baggage with us in one form or another. It could be broken relationships, addictions, habits, attitudes - it could be about anything, even if we are not aware of it. So what is it about baggage that weighs us all down? And why are we always looking at other's baggage and hope theirs is worse than ours?
Pastor Jim used the visual of a baggage carousel. Remember when you get off the plane and 'run' to the carousel and hope your baggage is the first one off? It rarely, if ever, is - but we still hope. Think of the baggage carousel going around with all this baggage. You see one piece of luggage all banged up; another perhaps has decals all over it. Do you watch to see who picks it up? Or are you watching people and seeing what luggage matches them? Are you judging the baggage going around the carousel by the way it looks?
Let's look at baggage we carry around in our lives - on our shoulders, in our attitudes, and many times, in the forms of ulcers. What do we need to do about it? No, I'm not still talking luggage, I'm talking baggage we carry. How many times do we -
* Make assumptions about people; about the baggage in their lives (without looking at our own).
* Pass judgement on their behavior or attitudes.
* Begin to gossip to those around us about the baggage of others.
* Attack the individual and/or baggage with slander.
How do we get out of that 'rut'? We need to be careful how we view other people's baggage. How do we stop viewing other people's baggage with our own 'assumptions'?
We create boundaries. How do we do that? First of all, be careful not to pick up other people's baggage! When you see it, you don't have to own it! Concentrate on owning your own stuff first! Deal with your own baggage. Refuse to own their stuff and focus on your own. What would be a healthy response to that?
Caring - not carrying. Care for those who have baggage, but don't own it, don't carry it yourself. We are to love one another, not BE one another. When you see someone is weighted down with issues, do you try to jump in to make it 'all ok'? Maybe it isn't for you to do. Care for them; don't carry their problems, their baggage. Exchange carrying their stuff for truly caring about them.
Another thought we need to think about is to be careful how we 'hand off' other people's baggage. What does that mean? It's called 'sharing' - in the name of Jesus in a prayer request, of course! Or just plain gossip. Sharing with others about other people's baggage is gossip. We all should have zero tolerance for gossip.
When you want to help someone with their baggage, and not to be an enabler, here are a few questions to ask yourself.
* Will it make a difference? Will your intervention make a difference or will the cycle continue.
* Will it work? Will it upset the cart, or will your intervention help.
* Is the timing right? Is the timing where it can make a lasting difference or is this just a 'quick fix'. Are you sure it is God's timing for your help - or is it even your responsibility to help. Perhaps God has someone else set up to help, and not you.
Matthew 7:1-8 - New Living Translation (NLT)
Do Not Judge Others
7 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.[b]
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye[c] when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend,[d] ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.[e] Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
Effective Prayer
7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
When you feel you need to intervene with someone, share truth on a foundation of love. Make sure you have a connection with them, that they will receive your words with love. Always personalize what you say, and ask yourself, 'is this something I would like them to do or say to me'.
Matthew 7:12 - New Living Translation (NLT)
The Golden Rule
12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
Look at yourself through others' eyes. Look at them through your eyes. If they were like you, would you want them to speak truth to you about your baggage? It may hurt, but if you share in love, it can strengthen and encourage them.
Blessings!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Stepping Back...
Sometimes that is just what you have to do as a friend, as a sibling, as a parent, and even as a grandparent. You have to step back.
Step back from what, you ask? Step back from giving unwanted advice, step back from wanting someone you love not to get hurt, step back from trying to help others see what they are doing in their lives that is destroying them. Whether they acknowledge it or not. Step back so that words spoken back to you won't hurt so much.
You hear the "I know what I'm doing", or "I won't make the same mistakes you did", or "I love them with all my heart", or "It was just a misunderstanding, they didn't mean to hurt me", or..... you fill in the blank. We all have heard these things - and many of us have said them over the years.
And your heart breaks for you can see where it is heading. If you say anything, they distance themselves from you, for they don't want to hear the truth. They shut the door on the relationship. They love you less, for if they loved you more, they would give you permission to speak into their lives whether or not they agree with you.
It doesn't mean they have to agree with what is said, but if they are really true to themselves, they would have an open mind and hear what others say. It could be about lifestyles, about relationships, about, well, just about anything. That is called respecting others by listening to them.
My older brother told me years ago - "One thing I will say about you, sis. You always listen to what I have to say, then you do what you damn well please."
Think about it in terms of your relationship with Jesus. Many of you reading this will skim through this part. My heart grieves for you, for you are missing out on the greatest joy in life. I have done a lot of stupid things in my life, have chosen right ways, and wrong ways. One thing I know. No matter what I did or what I said, I always knew that I could turn from those things and turn to the One who loves me unconditionally.
Yes, unconditionally. A love relationship with Jesus isn't contingent upon whether you are doing good or not. His arms are open wide for you at all times. He doesn't turn His back on you when you choose other things over Him. He doesn't close the door in your face when you reject His words in your mind telling you which way to go, which direction you should take. Jesus constantly brings your name up before our Father in heaven, that you will turn to Him and choose to live your life worthy of all the blessings He wants to give you.
If you are struggling in your relationship - why is that? Could it be that is not the relationship you should be in? You are already struggling - open your eyes to see why. Good relationships do not consist of bickering and fighting before you are married. If you are married and struggling, perhaps you should look at what you are doing that you need to work on changing. Oh yeah, it is usually the spouse, correct? Regardless of how hard that marriage is at times, God can change you, and your spouse, when you seek Him first and ask for His direction.
Am I speaking to the choir? Oh yeah. I need to do a lot of changing in many areas. I'm sure you do too. Do you need to give up something to bring peace in a relationship? Is it too demanding?
Just thinking..... if you are unwilling to give up something you say you 'enjoy' to "earn" the love you say you desire, what does that say about you? Love doesn't need to be earned. It is given freely, unconditionally.
Like a mother's love. A father's love. A sibling's love. And most of all, the love of Jesus. Given freely. Unconditionally.
Do you feel all alone? Perhaps it was you who moved. Reach out and restore that relationship. Some day you will wish you did.
Blessings!
Step back from what, you ask? Step back from giving unwanted advice, step back from wanting someone you love not to get hurt, step back from trying to help others see what they are doing in their lives that is destroying them. Whether they acknowledge it or not. Step back so that words spoken back to you won't hurt so much.
You hear the "I know what I'm doing", or "I won't make the same mistakes you did", or "I love them with all my heart", or "It was just a misunderstanding, they didn't mean to hurt me", or..... you fill in the blank. We all have heard these things - and many of us have said them over the years.
And your heart breaks for you can see where it is heading. If you say anything, they distance themselves from you, for they don't want to hear the truth. They shut the door on the relationship. They love you less, for if they loved you more, they would give you permission to speak into their lives whether or not they agree with you.
It doesn't mean they have to agree with what is said, but if they are really true to themselves, they would have an open mind and hear what others say. It could be about lifestyles, about relationships, about, well, just about anything. That is called respecting others by listening to them.
My older brother told me years ago - "One thing I will say about you, sis. You always listen to what I have to say, then you do what you damn well please."
Think about it in terms of your relationship with Jesus. Many of you reading this will skim through this part. My heart grieves for you, for you are missing out on the greatest joy in life. I have done a lot of stupid things in my life, have chosen right ways, and wrong ways. One thing I know. No matter what I did or what I said, I always knew that I could turn from those things and turn to the One who loves me unconditionally.
Yes, unconditionally. A love relationship with Jesus isn't contingent upon whether you are doing good or not. His arms are open wide for you at all times. He doesn't turn His back on you when you choose other things over Him. He doesn't close the door in your face when you reject His words in your mind telling you which way to go, which direction you should take. Jesus constantly brings your name up before our Father in heaven, that you will turn to Him and choose to live your life worthy of all the blessings He wants to give you.
If you are struggling in your relationship - why is that? Could it be that is not the relationship you should be in? You are already struggling - open your eyes to see why. Good relationships do not consist of bickering and fighting before you are married. If you are married and struggling, perhaps you should look at what you are doing that you need to work on changing. Oh yeah, it is usually the spouse, correct? Regardless of how hard that marriage is at times, God can change you, and your spouse, when you seek Him first and ask for His direction.
Am I speaking to the choir? Oh yeah. I need to do a lot of changing in many areas. I'm sure you do too. Do you need to give up something to bring peace in a relationship? Is it too demanding?
Just thinking..... if you are unwilling to give up something you say you 'enjoy' to "earn" the love you say you desire, what does that say about you? Love doesn't need to be earned. It is given freely, unconditionally.
Like a mother's love. A father's love. A sibling's love. And most of all, the love of Jesus. Given freely. Unconditionally.
Do you feel all alone? Perhaps it was you who moved. Reach out and restore that relationship. Some day you will wish you did.
Blessings!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Volunteering
I have been able to volunteer at a local elementary school here in Phoenix and I was invited to a volunteer breakfast at the school this morning. We had a great breakfast from Starbucks coffee to Einstein bagels and homemade egg dishes, fruit, ham, and pastries. It was so nice of the teachers to honor the volunteers - many volunteers have volunteered for several years! - and acknowledge their appreciation for the help. One more week to volunteer before school is out for the summer.
Since I will need to find a job fairly soon now, I probably won't be able to volunteer anymore, unless what I find has hours that I can work it in. I have really enjoyed working with the children. My daughter used to tell me that I should have been a teacher. Perhaps. She became a teacher for a few years, but gave it up to pursue real estate. I wonder if she has ever regretted that.
Anyway, I wanted to share about volunteering to get you thinking about doing some of your own. When I was working, I was able to volunteer for various projects with schools - collecting school supplies for some of the children at various schools, participating in fund raisers for charities, etc. I wasn't able to personally volunteer, but through work I could help support by participation. You don't have to have a job to volunteer. You can do things on your own.
Like volunteering to help teachers at the local schools. Perhaps one that your children or grandchildren go to. Yes, there are steps you need to take in order to do that, but it is well worth it. The schools also can use help with maintenance, painting of buildings, etc. Teachers need pencils sharpened, papers copied, students need read to or need to read to you.
You can volunteer at your church - work in the church office, help clean the facility, do maintenance as well. There may also be an opportunity to facilitate a class, helping with Sunday School, helping with MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) when they meet. Pehaps the band needs music copied. There are lots of ways you can help.
You can volunteer at the Animal Welfare Shelters, cleaning the kennels and loving on the animals. Many of the animals need to be taken out for walks for exercise.
You can volunteer .............. fill in the blank. There are numerous places what welcome people to volunteer even for just a couple hours a week. Big Brothers Big Sisters is another one.
What about visiting people in an assisted living or nursing home? Many have no visitors at all and would love for someone to care about them.
You can make a difference in someone's life. Got extra time on your hands? Think of someone or some place where you can give back.
Blessings!
Since I will need to find a job fairly soon now, I probably won't be able to volunteer anymore, unless what I find has hours that I can work it in. I have really enjoyed working with the children. My daughter used to tell me that I should have been a teacher. Perhaps. She became a teacher for a few years, but gave it up to pursue real estate. I wonder if she has ever regretted that.
Anyway, I wanted to share about volunteering to get you thinking about doing some of your own. When I was working, I was able to volunteer for various projects with schools - collecting school supplies for some of the children at various schools, participating in fund raisers for charities, etc. I wasn't able to personally volunteer, but through work I could help support by participation. You don't have to have a job to volunteer. You can do things on your own.
Like volunteering to help teachers at the local schools. Perhaps one that your children or grandchildren go to. Yes, there are steps you need to take in order to do that, but it is well worth it. The schools also can use help with maintenance, painting of buildings, etc. Teachers need pencils sharpened, papers copied, students need read to or need to read to you.
You can volunteer at your church - work in the church office, help clean the facility, do maintenance as well. There may also be an opportunity to facilitate a class, helping with Sunday School, helping with MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) when they meet. Pehaps the band needs music copied. There are lots of ways you can help.
You can volunteer at the Animal Welfare Shelters, cleaning the kennels and loving on the animals. Many of the animals need to be taken out for walks for exercise.
You can volunteer .............. fill in the blank. There are numerous places what welcome people to volunteer even for just a couple hours a week. Big Brothers Big Sisters is another one.
What about visiting people in an assisted living or nursing home? Many have no visitors at all and would love for someone to care about them.
You can make a difference in someone's life. Got extra time on your hands? Think of someone or some place where you can give back.
Blessings!
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