The party went well

 I did go to the great-grandson's birthday party and it went well.  I took tea, but my oldest son didn't show. So I drank some - and before I left, my youngest son grabbed a large glass and filled it up with tea.  I doubt if 'mom's tea' tastes any different than anyone else's, but I was amused.  And happy.  The party was nice and the little one got a lot of nice things.  

Wow, Jentezen Franklin is on fire this morning!  He is talking about lack and how we just accept having it.  We duct tape things.  And God says that is the mentality that we put ourselves in - we don't have faith to have more, to do more.  Ouch.  Wow - awesome message this morning!  Yes, I listen to him on Sunday mornings as I write in here.  Like you haven't figured that out over the past few years.  Are you done with duct tape living?  Then get up and do something about it!  God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and He is able to above and over anything we could ever think about, provide all that we need. Don't let the spirit of limitation hold you back.  (yes, I'm speaking to myself as well.  This is why I love listening to Jentezen Franklin; he challenges me) God is able to do anything - but do we ask for it?  Do we fast and pray and seek His face for an answer?  Do you want to break the spirit of duct tape mentality? Break the spirit of lack?  It's up to you.  Don't give up and accept where you are.....there is so much more for you!!

My right arm has broken out with the rash it does ever so often. In fact, it's been this way for the past three-four days.  We don't know what I'm allergic to, but ever so often, it will pop out a bright red.  My dermatologist hasn't been able to figure out what I'm allergic to - but to just take an allergy pill and it will cause it to back down.  And it has, but lately it comes back the next day.  Not sure what is going on.  I think this one was triggered by the pneumonia shot that I got at the doctor's office earlier this month.  An area about 3 inches lower than where the shot was turned red and stayed red for some time, and when it turned red, so did my arm.  I've been dealing with the rash (which has now become itchy) infrequently ever since.  I know, you just needed to know that, right?  I used to wear a jacket or top over my arm as people look at me like I'm contagious when it's on my arm a bright red.  

Hubby asked me last night - and again this morning, "what are we going to do this morning?"  I tried to pass it off on him to make the decision, but he refused to have it put on him.  So... we're staying home again today.  We really do need to find a church we can go to and feel 'at home' in.  I miss the closeness of those we worshipped with in other churches.  I just don't feel it where we have been going.  Nothing against Pentecostals - wish I could 'let go' and dance like they do - but that's not where I'm at.  That's not who I am.  So many times I look upon some with curiosity as they jump up and down and yell.  I find myself distracted from worship, even with shutting my eyes.  I saw where there is an 'online Free Chapel' group that meets in the area here where we live.  I've thought about checking in to it.  We still would be in 'church' but with a small group watching Jentezen on TV and worshipping together. We don't need to be in a big church, but we do need to be with other believers.  More about that another time.

Proverbs 18:21  The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.

What is coming from your tongue today?  What came from it yesterday?  Did you speak life into someone or did you tear them down?  

How many times do we say something sarcastic and even cruel, and then comment "did I say that out loud?" - I know I have done it - and I'm sure you have as well.  Just because we didn't say it to the person whom it was directed at, does not nullify what you said.  You put it out in the bubble.  What you say and put in the bubble of words, whether that person hears it or not - can affect how you think about that person.  I know, some of you don't care.  You would have no problem saying it to their face!  But I want you to know, that what you say - or leave unsaid in your mind - is critical how you live your life.

I'm guilty of saying things in my mind as well as you are.  You know it.  Sometimes our faces betray us and 'say' it anyway.  But we need to confess that sin of hatefulness and instead (and for some of us it may be a force to reckon with) speak positive and powerful thoughts.  You don't want the spirit of hatefulness to come upon your spouse or your children.  If you hear them saying negative words, correct them.  If they hear you speak them, they should have your permission to speak life into you.

I know this is probably a lame example, but my trainer, Morgan, refuses to allow me to say "I can't" when I don't want to do an exercise or have great difficulty in completing it.  If I mumble out "I can't", she will stop me and say "what's that?  I don't recognize that word. It isn't used in here." So instead of saying "I can't do this", I have to rephrase and say "I will push through and I will do this, I can do this."  Yeah you make think that is silly, but by telling myself I CAN do it, I find that I really CAN do it.  When I tell myself I can't, my body stops trying.  

And I'm sure you can see that in yourself in other things.  Our 'I don't want to' kicks in.  It isn't so much that we 'can't' - it's more 'we don't want to put forth the effort.'  Am I right?  I don't have time; I can't do that right now; I don't, I can't, all that is more I won't. 

Let's make a pact, starting today.  Let's speak only positive words today.  If someone says something negative or sarcastic, repeat it back in a positive way.  If you find yourself saying - or even thinking something in a negative or sarcastic way - correct yourself and rephrase it in a positive way.  You will find it not only changes things in the air around you, it changes you.

You have the power of life and death in your tongue (and in your thoughts).  Are you going to bring life - or death - to those you speak to?  Something to think about.

Blessings!