I REMEMBER

I remember... 

the time I got asked to tell my testimony to my friend's neighbors. It was a small gathering in her home during the Christmas season. Just a note...it is a perfect time of year to tell your coming to faith story.

She gave me a book with suggestions of how to put my story together. 

I remember...

taking a speech class in high school that was distinctly very fun for me. It stood out enough that I thought I like doing this.

I remember...

being chosen to be Mary in the all school pageant when I was in third grade. It was such an honor. I could not believe it.

I remember...

creating skits in my backyard with my sisters and friends. I loved doing that. The creativity flowed.

I remember...

asking my mom to sign me up to be in a play through the local park district. When we got there for the first meeting, the play got cancelled. It took alot of courage to sign-up. So much so that I never tried it again.

When I said yes to the first "I remember" on this list, funny thing, I did not remember the I remembers of the past.

I just said "yes". I knew the importance of sharing my story from studying the bible and realizing how it can make a difference in other peoples lives.

Why am I telling you all this...

I am studying Exodus and the story of Moses. God prepared him to be able to be the leader to help free the Israelites.

Moses resisted and felt terribly unqualified, yet He did it! God truly was patient to lead Moses. His love is so big.

I went on to do a Christmas Gathering annually for fourteen years. They got bigger and it required much more planning each year, but I had help and support to keep me going.

Friends, I am telling you this story with tears in my eyes, hoping I would encourage others to just walk out what God is calling you to do.

I remember...

when someone in my childhood said, "She will always need help." I took that to mean I can't do anything on my own, don't even try. You will always be dependent on others.

I remember...

when someone said, "She is just so sensitive."

I remember...

when someone said, "She is not a leader, she is not organized."

These last four "remembers' were always used negatively for me trying or doing. Like going away to college or finishing my degree. 

But when I met Jesus he was someone that I believed would lead me and with Him "I Can"!

You know I now say, "Thank you" to those someone's who said you're sensitive, disorganized, not a leader, helpless! 

Those all were qualifications God used to give me courage to say "Yes" to serve Him. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. To me this means that I am sensitive in a good way. I recognize my weaknesses and accept them. I am willing to ask for help. I am willing to get help and delegate. Those that can not delegate or let go and let God miss out. Miss out on seeing God first hand. Just as Moses did. He witnessed the bush burning but it really did not disinagrate.

Paul went on to say, "When I am weak He is strong."

My weakness would make me qualified. God is like ok, your listening. 

A youth leader in my town said to me after a prayer vigil we planned, "You are such a good leader." I was like like no I'm not, God is!

He did this prayer vigil in town, I just listened.

When God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. Whatever the "it" is!

Friends...believe.

Just believe and walk. I was humbled by the voices that said I was weak, but God used that to give me strength to do things I can not even imagine.

I guess what I'm saying is we must pay attention to past and remember that God has been qualifying you all along. You are qualified to lead, even though you did not have leader training. All that we have to do is walk it out.

He who began a work in us will carry it on to completion. Phil. 1:6

Blessed are those who listen.

I am not a hero, I am a follower of Christ.

RIGHT, RIGHT, RIGHT

 Good question!

Really good question!

Let me explain.

For me this question struck me and is continuing to work through my head to my heart.

It is my prayer to ask the Holy Spirit to examine me. Over the years people have scripted questions like What Would Jesus do?

This brought holy remorse to my heart. Have I been doing asking this too much? Don't get me wrong it's not a good question for some clear reasons but there needs to be balance.

I suppose you are looking back in this article wondering, "Did she state the question yet? If not, ask it already!"

Ok you asked, here it is:

Do you look for things that are wrong? Wrong with others in what they are doing or saying. Wrong in what things are going wrong in my life.? What feels wrong on my body?

It now begs the questions what do I see that is right? Right in others, right on my body and in things going on?

As I stated we have to improve, event planning needs the question what went wrong (so next time it can be better)? Debriefing is good, but when taken to an extreme, well, could that be a reason for the increase in depression and anxiety?

YES!

Then comes the call from the Apostle Paul wrote 2 Cor. 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Critical spirit thoughts are included in this verse. Is that really what the label of =what is wrong?

Critical

maybe so if we are honest.

Let's pray about this:

Holy Father: I pray that I look for too much wrong. Critical. I repent of asking it too much. Help me to learn and see when this is operating in me. Help me to change and see things from the Spirit perspective. In Jesus name Amen.

CAR WINDOW POETRY

Poem #1

Think about what you are thinking!

If you do you'll be blinking!

And realize it's stinking thinking!

It's time to stop that stinking thinking!

Slowdown, sit down, quiet down!

Get down to the root!

Put your thoughts on mute!

You'll be glad, when you get rid of the sad!

You'll feel lighter and brighter!

Philippians 4:6-7

Poem #2

Stop move forward, toward the light 

it can be bright...but

He is worth the fight!

Jesus way is right!

He is so bright!

John 8:12

Poem #3

Now with all your might set your sight on what is right.

The golden rule is so cool...

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

Poem #4

If it pleases Jesus then its right!

You've got to be the light!

John 5:19

Poem #5 

Think about what you are thinking! 

Stop, plop, flop stinky thoughts!

This is your good mood food for the day! 

Romans 12:2

Poem #6

Everything will be okay!

Hang on! Hold on! Pray!

New answers will come your way!

Jesus will not lead you astray!

For He knows the way!

Just say, "Help me."

You will see

how you'll feel free!

John 8:36

Poem #7

There is more to life 

then all the strife.

Know Jesus, Know peace.

No Jesus, no peace.

1John 5:11

Poem #8

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, 

admirable, excellent, praiseworthy

think on such things.

Philippians 4:8

You are loved by Jesus. 

Put these poems on sticky notes and stick them on a car window, bathroom mirrors.

Wherever! Encourage someone!

TOMATO TOMAHTO-LET'S CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF

 listen to it again....Psalm 119

stop the song...verse 9 How can I young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.

continue...verse 19 I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.

continue...verse 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.

continue...verse 50 My comfort in my suffering is this;  Your promise preserves my life.

continue...verse 63-64 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees. (me-let all the earth rejoice)

continue...verse 66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.

continue...verse 68 You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees

continue...verse 73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.

continue...verse 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

continue...verse 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

continue...verse 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

continue...verse 118 You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing.

continue...verse 125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

continue...verse 144 Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live.

continue...verse 165 Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

continue...verse 175 Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.

Friends, I ask of the Lord why did you have me listen to this over and over. I stopped asking because I was praying, singing and adoring the Lord after the 3rd time. I was worshipping and I loved it.

Each time the same verses jumped out to me. I prayed along and declared with the Psalmist.

All that I can say...is try it...you may like it. 

We all like different scriptures. Some of these verses will talk to you others will talk to you more. 

In this old song...look it up...for the differences we have in the world we just have to hang in there and cling to Jesus for everything. We need to listen and stop finding differences and find the one truth that matters. Only one 1! Jesus!

Otherwise as the song goes. "But oh, if we call the whole thing off, then we must part and oh, if we ever part then that might break my heart."

Friends lets stick to what's important. Jesus Christ came into the world full of grace to extend grace. He paid the penalty for what was due to us. He suffered, die, rose again all for us to have new life. 

Jesus God or Jesus man.

We must agree! Jesus God!

 

FINALLY, WHATEVER IS TRUE

 Think about such things.

Phil. 4:8

True appears in my NIV new testament 20 times.

I like Revelation 19:9 "These are the true words of God". Revelation 22:6 "These words are trustworthy and true."

1 John 5:20 "He is the true God and eternal life."

He is true, bread of life, light, his testimony is true, true God, His words are true, true vine,

"Let God be true, and every man a liar." Romans 3:4

He is truth, He is true!

REMEMBER -MY WORD FOR 2023

 my soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices

Thankful for this place to sit and meet with you Lord. 

Recently very grateful for friends thanking us for years ago sharing Christ with them.

Finding blog posts with caring comments. I never thought to check them.

Someone recently telling me that my name came up about lunch and the topic was stories of past prayer groups, prayer drive by, prayer vigils, Christmas gatherings...just warmed my heart to remember.

Realizing long friendships that have been a time of togetherness. Friendships where you are worshipping the Lord in your conversations.

Times of remembering and confirming the journey of marriage, speaking, acting classes...God's guiding hand.

Remember that God can bring me to it and through it. Just as the Israelites were asked to remember...we to must do just that.

Recently just meeting someone in the park and having a God conversation, honoring and sharing His faithfulness with a stranger, yet, new friend. 

Let us hold fast to God my savior who build us and increases our faith.

He to for you can help you remember. The word remember found 240 times in the bible.

Deuteronomy 8:2
And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

Thank you Lord for helping to remember to remember. Amen.

As I meet people I will put their name on a stone and put it in a jar. I will continue to see God's hand in a more visible way.

THEN SINGS MY SOUL

 Friends, can I say what I hear in my head, "Just wait for it, just wait for it, get on the other side and you will know."

Then sings my soul, how great thou art!

When things seem chaotic! Do you ever ask God to intervene and show you the truth?

Is it really chaotic or is the enemy trying to convince you of that? Sometimes I stop and say is the enemy telling me I am off base, I'm can't hear from God, I'm not hearing from God, I have to ask so and so..., 

It's sly friends...it feels rushed...you have to know now...you can't wait...this has to be answered now...then I will move on...I can't decide...this must be anxiety (again?)...

Friend no!

Stop with me.

Realize the enemy is trying to make you feel off, like you don't have it together...

It spirals downward...to hmmmm...you are questioning your salvation...maturity in Christ.

DOUBT!

Spirit of doubt stop! Just stop it!

It is all part of his strategy to get you derailed. It happens fast. Be careful! Question it...pray about it.

Get on the other side and realize that it is NOT FROM THE LORD! 

Cast it down!

Replace it with I am a child of God. I know the SHEPHERD and I am His sheep and His sheep knows His voice, the Lord!

Build yourself back in the most Holy Lord!

Then SINGS MY SOUL, HOW GREAT THOU ART.

It's not about your ability but His!

ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH

Singing, "ZIP-A-DEE-DOO-DAH  my, oh, my, what a wonderful day plenty of sunshine headin' my way!"

Let me explain.

Oh my those impulsive, imagination thoughts, cra cra!

Stop in the name of Jesus! 

Suddenly a car pulls up in front of me and the license plate says ZIPPY...the song comes to mind and there it is a rescue. I live by this verse.

Zephaniah. 3:17

The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Songs over me all the time. This is the first secular one but hey, why not! It has been buzzing in my head since and it loosens the anxiety and I give God all the glory!

He tickles me pink! I like pink!

Anyway I reflect now on the beauty and sovereignty of God!

I can imagine: The Lord your God is with you,

    the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
    but will rejoice over you with singing.”

He IS WITH ME.

HE SAVED ME (such a big deal how He caught my attention).

HE DELIGHTS IN ME (AW that's amazing, I ponder that in my heart).

HE DOES NOT REBUKE ME.

HE REJOICES OVER ME WITH SINGING (for me a song plays 24/7).

It's Him! It's all Him! He is there! I must choose to listen. His rescue!

He gave me today Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

By the power of the Holy Spirit may I overflow! I'm overflowing with the knowledge that God wants to overflow me with HOPE!

Pay attention to His message.

There is one flowing all the time.

Tune in.

Like you would a radio!

Choose Him!

Safety Act

 "My safe place, my hide away, my constant, my shelter, my oxygen", is part of the lyrics in Lauren Daigle's new song just released.

"Where would I be if I don't know you? Thank God I do!", the chorus in the song, Thank God I do.

It causes me to to reflect. At least that is what the song is doing to me. It's exposing my inner self, raw, vulnerable part and it resonates with me to yell out, "Yes, Lauren I agree! Thank God I Do!

Yes to all the times this blog has shared my God sightings. Walking and talking  with the Lord is the best choice. 

Yesterday I wrote, "Run for the Hills". I have been rereading a great allegory called, "Hinds Feet On High Places"

Much Afraid, the main character, walks a winding, ascending, descending, twisting, complicated road to get to a place on a mountain where she finally senses a confidence in the Good Shepherd, the lesson to be learned.

I remember reading the book for the first time. My insides identified with Much Afraid, the people, relatives, nature, everything she encountered on the journey. Beautiful! So beautiful! Hard, yes!, but so worth it.

Jesus is better than any food says King David (by the way I agree with David), better than any job I have (being a wife and mom is high up there! But I'm not talking about works that come by faith), better than talking with a therapist and venting. All of this is temporary. Lasting is Jesus. Reading a passage of His words really does accomplish. Accomplish, peace, calmness, rest, assurance. Remember God can be interrupted at any moment 24/7. I believer that is glorious and I am so thankful. I can be taxing!

RUN FOR THE HILLS

 englishstockexchange.com 1889 Johnstown PA, when a dam burst causing one of the deadliest floods in the U.S. history. 

They yelled run for the hills! They also said, "Run for your lives!'

If you are defending territory, it's usually better to be on high ground.

Trying to get people out of the path of the flood, which naturally followed the valley.

I have been known to state, "Go to the throne before the phone." But I also want to include, "Go to the throne before every bit of advice, social media, person."

I guess this day and age the phone includes contacting people, social media and pretty much any bit of information at your fingertip.

But I have heard we go for advice and the advice back is reading a book.

Friends, if we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, why can't we pray about parenting, marriage, relationship issues, grief etc. and find comfort from Jesus? 

Advice is quick! It's like a band-aid. Quick-fix!

I can't say it from experience enough, getting to know Jesus, walk and talk and learn from gentle, humble Jesus is best. It takes time. Truly I say to you that I have learned it takes time clarifying. Clarity is scripture, experience and filtering the difference in voices. Good vs. bad. Did that voice come from truth or impulsive, imagination? All good questions when trying to clarify or get clarity.

Bless you friends!

Pray I am running to you Jesus. Help me to clarify! Amen.

Read Psalm 121!

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

The rain was pelting the windshield and the wipers were ferociously trying to keep up as I drove to school. As I set up my classroom the chaplain came in to pray for our day,  he prayed, "God you got this day. I am reminded today as the rain was pelting down on my window yet the were keeping up so I can I liken that to you Lord. You are like the windshield wipers that helps me see in life. We need you Jesus so we can see and respond like you. Amen."

It comes to my mind everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.

Meaning that when we learn things like boundaries, love languages, personalities, enneagrams, codependent no more, amygdala/brain processing patterns, social intelligence, being vulnerable/authentic is not all beneficial unless it is put against the word of God.

Sayings like speak your mind, follow your heart, stick up for yourself all have to be in context of the of what Jesus taught. 

I am finding many of us who call ourselves Christians being more concerned about learning these things. 

Recently I heard someone asking about teaching their children to obey them and wanting them to have relationship with friends. If a child is not taught from OT to NT what God said to pass down and teach while we walk and talk with our children they won't understand how to do these things.

They won't know the answer to the question are relationships important, how many, what constitutes a good friendship. I have seen us race to a book and what did she or he say about parenting or teaching our kids friendships. What about just starting with a prayer like God you gave me these children, guide me with your wisdom of how to parent them. What do you want me to read in the bible? How important are relationships with my children and other children. Stop, listen. Ask God to show you in scripture what to read to your children.

How about 1 Samuel 17- David's dad, Jesse, sends him to give food to his brothers. That gives evidence that if Jesse did not instruct David, David would not have gone to kill Goliath. Read on to see that David had built inside of himself experiences with God that gave him the courage to not listen to his rude brothers making fun of him instead He listened to God. If he let people get to him, he would not have killed Goliath. What are we directing our kids to build inside of them. Friendships with the world or Jesus? Folly creates folly. Same as underdeveloped minds talking to underdeveloped minds may not be very beneficial. They need you parents, they need know what Jesus opinions of them and that it  matters. Show them how to find God's will for their lives. Read Psalm 139, Romans 12:1-3, Proverbs 3:5-7. Do word studies, where is the word children in the bible-Moses taught the Israelites what to say to their children. Leave markers of God sightings by writing stories in their diaries or journals. Have them pray about the will of God in obedience and friendships. Teach them to be present with the Lord. Impress the importance of what Jesus says if they do these things they will be directed which way to go. 

There is so much to teach them from the bible.