Monday, July 25, 2011

I don't want to Hide Behind a Keyboard


One thing I really don't want, is for people to think I am something I am not. I have read this on Facebook numerous times...

"WELCOME TO FACEBOOK, the place where RELATIONSHIPS are perfect, LIARS believe they are telling the truth, & the WORLD shows off they are living a great life; where your ENEMIES are the ones that visit your profile the most, your FRIENDS & FAMILY block you and IGNORE you; and even though you write what you are really thinking, someone takes it the wrong way."

When I first read this, I thought...that's true...Sad, but true...I know of numerous occasions where "posts" on Facebook, have caused arguments, or made someone angry, due to something that has been said. If that is the case, is Facebook something we should stay away from? It seems like people can be so brave behind a keyboard. But they are so afraid to say what they feel to someone face to face. I see this in my kids. It is so easy for them to text messages to each other...but if they actually had to call someone, and talk about a problem, or to ask someone to do something....They would rather not. Texting is easier. Facebook is easier. I know from experience. I have been there. I have been the one that sent a message, instead of picked up the phone. I have texted rather than calling...just because I didn't know what or how to get my message across. It is so much easier to sit behind a screen, and do it that way. People don't have to know that I am down and out...if I just send a message. I don't have to talk about anything else. I can keep a message to the point. No questions, no explanations. I kind of like it that way. But am wondering if that is a bad attitude on my part?

Really, there is no question. I know it is. During my Bible Study this morning, I was thinking about this, and comparing it to our love for Christ. We so often think, if we just "live right" and "be the only Jesus that some people ever see" we are doing our duty as a Christian. We can just sit behind our "screen" so to speak...and Be seen, but not heard... Not so. I used to think this was justifiable. I was a quiet and shy person. Therefore, God couldn't expect me to witness...He would be fine with me living for Him, and setting an example that way.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."Matthew 28:18-20

Not really hard to understand. I get it. We are to share His love with those who are lost. Not just from "behind a screen" or a keyboard. But in our every day life. Be vocal. He died for us. Why do we sit here, and let life pass us by, not doing all we can for him?

I am guilty. Just getting my thoughts down. I have had a lot on my mind lately. Praying and trying to decide the direction God wants me to go with my life. Family needs, financial concerns, and many other things come into play. But I know one thing. Regardless of all that is going on around me. He is Here. He is in Control. I often post scripture, or devotions on my Facebook. Not to try to be something I am not. Just trying to share something with others, that has helped me. I know that I have lost a few "friends" due to this type of posts...and if that's the case, so be it. I am who I am. I am slowly growing into this person. Am I trying to portray a "perfect" person? Absolutely not. I fail every day. Fight depression every day. Worry every day. Wonder Why? every day....But I am learning along the way. Searching His Word  for answers...Not sure where He is leading. But def know that I want to follow. My hope is not to hide behind the keyboard....But to share with others, what He has done for me.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Seriously.


I read something on the internet this morning that just bothered me. I read a few different things every morning, devotions, blogs, ect. I really enjoy what they have to say. Feel like they are making a difference for Christ...

Why do people feel the need to criticize someone who is trying to reach others for Christ? Why do people try to find the place where someone has messed up~and poke them right where it hurts? I guess the people who do this have never messed up...I mean, you would have to be perfect, right? To hit someone while they are down...or to criticize someone for something that You, yourself have never done? I guess I just don't really get it. And you see it everywhere, not just on t.v. It goes on right here in our own community as well...I am not going to go into the details of what started my thoughts about this subject~because it would be doing the same. I just hope that as I go about my daily life, that I can try to see things differently. I want to see things through "His Eyes"<3 He loves us all. No matter what.

I read this verse this morning....

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
   what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
   be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
   take God seriously. Micah 6:8(The Message)

What does God require from us? Treat people right, Show Mercy to others, and put God first. I could make a list of what "we" try to do...but it has no purpose. Not really.
My thoughts...
I want to take God Seriously. Today. and Every day. <3


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Me? Unwilling?

You know what's funny to me? When you pick up your Bible, and something jumps out at you...You may have read it before, or you may not think that it could be applicable to your life today...But every time...it is. I read these verses this morning...and actually laughed. =) I have been worrying about the "job situation"...trying to find something full time...worrying about the "van situation"....wondering how we are going to get it fixed....many more "worries", that I won't even list here....and then when I do my Bible Study this morning, I read these verses....COMPLETE DEPENDENCE on ME...the VERY thing you've been unwilling to do....hmmmmm...I took that one personal =) I have said, that I was praying about these things...and have still worried about them....so gonna make this one short and sweet....but if you don't spend time in His word...you need to...If you are struggling with anything..grief, depression, financial problems, worry, anxiety....His Word is there for us...and believe me, when you get into His word~you will be amazed....I am...every day....Are my problems gone? No, but I believe that He is in control...and can't wait to see where this ride is going to end up<3

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

New Every Morning

"I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—  the feeling of hitting the bottom.But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left." Lamentations 3:21-26 (The Message)

This is what I read this morning....I listened to a sermon on the computer this past weekend, and these were the verses that he covered...I hadn't ever read it the way I read it this time...Ever done that? You know something, have read it or heard it before...and until something happens in your life~you hear it or read it completely different....I sometimes talk in circles, so if that doesn't make sense then just ignore it ;) But it makes sense to me....lol....

My sister wrote in her blog post yesterday about going to work...and it seeming so trivial after all the things that have went on in her life the past few weeks...She lost her precious husband, and then having to deal with phones, computers, and things that seem to not really matter in the big picture. I haven't faced the same storms that she has faced, but def have faced a few of my own in the past 6 months or so...and have had the exact same feeling...of Why? Why do I have to do this trivial "Stuff" when I KNOW that God is calling me to do something more....I know the answer...He isn't ready for me to do it yet. It's in His time, not ours. Faith. Prayer. I got it. But I am human also...and the daily grind of our lives, sometimes is so frustrating. Walking around with people who think the purpose of our lives is something so completely different that what it truly is...Deep stuff, I know. But it is where I am right now.

James and I have been praying for a few months now. We have felt "unsettled" for a lack of a better word. It's not the easiest thing to explain, but that is the best way I know how...Ever since I went to Haiti, in January...I feel that God is calling me into missions. James is feeling the same. We personally don't know what that means...I don't neccesarily think that it means we are going to sell everything we own, and up and move to Africa...But saying that, I am completely ok with that too....~if it is where he leads us. But I also know that there are things in my heart, and James too...that we are praying about. I think the troubles we have faced in the past months...are "training ground" for where He is leading us. When everything falls apart, HE is all you have to depend on....I have learned that. I have seen my sister do it. Faith. The basis of what we believe. We know that, but until we have some of our "comforts of life" taken away. We don't really have to have Faith. We say we do, but until it get's hard. I'm not sure that we really have it. Believe me, we haven't had much else lately.

Like the verses I posted above, and the pastor I watched this weekend....every day we get a new 24...to do what He has called us to do....Love this...

Every day, you get a brand new 24. A fresh 24 hours to come at life again. Whatever failures or mistakes, whatever mishaps or missteps that happened yesterday don’t have to determine the course of today. Today is a brand new opportunity for you. A fresh start. You might have missed some shots yesterday. But today you get the ball back, and you can choose to do whatever you want with it.
That’s really good news, because if you’re like me, you don’t get it perfect every day. Life doesn’t happen perfectly to you every day, either. And it can be really easy to beat up on yourself. To freeze-frame your failure or your circumstances.
But God doesn’t look at it that way. For God, his mercy is enough to cover over what you did yesterday, and empower you to live a brand new life today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life. For God, and for you, every day is another chance to live the life God has dreamed for you.
You’ve got a new 24 today. Give it your best shot. But even if you miss, know that a fresh 24 is waiting on you tomorrow...
Pastor Steven Furtick

Friday, July 15, 2011

I want to Dig Ditches

Jesus Calling~July 15
Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion, but a command. I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle. My grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time. When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy frame. You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry. Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust. Anxious thoughts meander about and crisscross in your brain, but trusting Me bring you directly into My Presence. As you thus affirm your faith, shackles of worry fall off instantly. Enjoy My Presence continually by trusting Me at all times.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Trust in him at all times, you people;
   pour out your hearts to him,
   for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

I sometimes post these little devotions on Facebook...For those of you who don't know, this is from a book title Jesus Calling. It has been a beautiful way to start my mornings, since January. I sometimes, can't believe how "much they fit" my life. Unbelievable. Today is no exception.

Worry is one of those things that I have had problems with for years. James and I have had numerous "things" that we have been worried about lately. Considering all that has went on in the lives of our family...I guess, from a human perspective, it seems acceptable...James mom is in a nursing home for rehab from a fall/broken leg, my sister lost her precious husband, my van's transmission is gone, our finances are tight (for lack of a better word), looking for a full time job...the list goes on and on, but I don't want to sound like a pity party..... So, all of these things add to the normal things I worry about, like my kids, ect....Not a happy momma...lol....

So, opened my devotion this am (the one I posted) and guess what it's about? Worry. Seriously. God DOES work this way...I know it. I have seen it one two many times in the past few weeks. I know that He is in control. Sometimes the trials that we face, they are here to make us stronger. That makes sense, but definitely doesn't make it any easier. But if we can change our mindsets, to realize that He has his arms around us. He won't ever leave our side. I am going to make a conscious effort to remember this. I've applied for a job~I'm going to give it to him...knowing He will provide. We need a transmission for our van~Handing this one over to Him as well~His ways are not our ways...in His time...Worrying about my sister in her time of loss~Knowing He is the Peace that passes all understanding~and He will comfort her mourning heart. I also want to have a thankful heart. I know that He will do these things, and I also want to thank Him for it. Thankfulness in the valleys of life.

I heard Pastor Steven Furtick say yesterday about being in the valley....In this passage of Scripture, we see a couple of kings stranded in the wilderness and they are out of water. They realized that they desperately needed water, but only God had the means to supply it. They call for Elisha to come give them a message from God.

Elisha shows up and gives them simple and straight forward advice: Make the valley full of ditches. He told them to prepare their dwelling place to catch the water before the first drop ever fell from the sky.  2 Kings 3: 16-18 -
Thus says the LORD: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the LORD: ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’ And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD…”

Love that...and the outcome is even better...

The people were facing a battle, but they didn’t have any water to drink. Elisha told them to go into the valley, and to make it full of ditches, in preparation for what God would do. The Bible says in verse 20 that “suddenly water came by the way of Edom, and the land was filled with water.”

I don't want to worry. I want to dig ditches...in preparation for what He is going to do. <3

Happy Friday...<3
 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

If Today was Your Last Day....

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.
Pslams 55:22
I have so much on my mind. More than I probably can put into a blog entry, considering it is 1215 in the morning....But, thought I would take a stab at it...So much has went on the past week. My sister lost her husband, suddenly, a brain anerysm. He was only thirty years old. She has three children, and my heart is honestly broken for her. Shaun was an amazing man that when he entered my sister's life, was not saved. Through the course of their relationship, he became a Christian...and boy, did his life change :) He was on fire for God. He wanted anyone and everyone that he came into contact with to know what God had done for him. And he made sure to tell them about it. So, with death comes sadness, for those of us left behind. But for Shaun, he is rejoicing in Heaven with his Heavenly Father....

Sometimes, we wonder why? I know I sure have these past few weeks...My sister and I have been close for years. We may live miles apart, but the closeness we share has never changed. When we get together, we automatically go into "sister mode"...talking about all our crazy memories, sharing our childhood stories, talking in "the voice", we re-tell, and reinact one story after another....Homer, Homer, Homer Owl, Barbara Bed/Martha Mattress....lol...We remember the amazing neighborhood "dance" where we charged admission...or the time we sold fruit roll ups and capri suns...for money...We were the Indian Springs entrepreneurs :) So many good times...

There were bad times too...The fights, misunderstandings, times when we thought that things would never be the same....but we made it through...Our Lord has brought us through some serious battles in our lives...Not just talking personally here~he has brought us ALL through so much. We just take those moments for granted. We tend to think that we get through this "stuff" on our own, or if we realize that it is God who gets us through...We just forget to thank Him...We may thank him in the midst of the trouble...but slowly, with each passing day...We get back to our daily lives of busy-ness...and forget WHY we are still going....

These past few weeks...Why~has been my number one question....Why does my sister have to go through this? Although seems trivial under the circumstances~Why does the transmission in my van have to "blow" on my way to my brother-in-laws funeral? Does God not understand that in the midst of all of the chaos going on around us that James and I NEED to be at my brother's(I like to call him brother~He was like the brother I never had <3) funeral. My sister needs us there. Why did we have to get stranded in the middle of no where? I don't understand. And spend money that we didn't have to get our van towed back to Kingsport, and somehow get it fixed. Ugh...Seems so unfair. The world seemed to be falling down around us......

That night, while were sitting at a gas station somewhere in Virginia, attempting to make it to my sister's house....with smoke coming from the engine of our van..... I was desperate. I came to a point, where I knew that no matter what we tried to do. James and I couldn't "fix" this predicament. So, yes, after trying to do it ourselves...getting upset with each other, the situation, the kids....We started to pray. Seriously? Looks like we would learn. Prayer should happen first. Not after we are exhausted. But we are human. We tried it our way first. We prayed. "Lord, my sister needs us. Please, somehow, let us make it to Fredericksburg on time. Please." Short and sweet. Desperation. I had nothing else. Then I had this idea, maybe if I put our need on facebook, someone would have an idea...as to what to do....So, I did...I asked for a Farm Bureau agent's name, tow company, ect. Ok, for those of you who "hate" Facebook. God used Facebook for his glory ;) I mean no sooner than I put our needs out there~responses came pouring in...I had insurance agents calling us, tow truck company names and numbers coming in. Friends willing to come and get us, friends willing to bring us thier car...so we can drive to my brother's funeral. AMAZING. Normally, James is the kind of person who won't accept help...He can "do it" regardless....but this time, I was on my computer, after we had gotten our van towed home to Kingsport. We are in a hotel, hoping to get a rental car, so we don't lose any ground. (By the way, God chose to let our van's transmission go out at an exit right next to a gas station AND a hotel...in the middle of nowhere...hmmmmmm, coincidence?) When I get a message from someone from our church...She said that God had told her to get on the computer before going to bed...She had been in the ER with a family member and had gotten home late. When she did, she saw our need~and she and her brother, drove her car to us in the middle of the night....3 am to be exact....and let us drive her car to the funeral. Blessed. I'm not sure why our van had to break down, but I think God wanted us to see that HE is in Control. We are not. He can bless us beyond any thing that we think possible. If we only turn to Him. Daily. Not just in our time of need. Lesson learned.....

Life is hard. Losing someone you love at such a young age isn't right. I hate to see my sister going through so much heart break. I wish I could take it all away. And see her smile again. I wish I could tell Shaun that I love him. Tell him that he is the brother I never had. I can't do that though. But God is using this situation. God is with us. and I know that.

Be sure to tell those who matter to you...that you love them. Every day. Don't get mad over the little things. Our time here on Earth is short. We are here for one purpose, and one purpose only. To share Christ and his love with others. If you knew that someone that you love would not be with you tomorrow....what would you do differently? That's how we should live. What if today was your last day?

                                                                                    if today was your last day
& tomorrow was too late
could you say goodbye to yesterday?
would you live each moment like your last?
leave old pictures in the past?
donate every dime you had?
if today was your last day

against the grain should be a way of life
what's worth the price is always worth the fight
every second counts 'cause
there's no second try
so live like you're never livin twice
don't take the free ride in your own life


Make this life count for Jesus....<3 It's what we are supposed to do....Period.