Thursday, June 30, 2011

You're Seen

I know families that have a favorite phrase: "We'll see..."

We add it at the end of stories. Grab onto it to describe the future. Toss it into the middle of decisions.

It works pretty well.

And yet lately I've found myself wondering what it might mean to add more to the end of that phrase--to not simply stop at "We'll see." What if I finished the sentence?

We'll see...God come through in amazing ways.

We'll see...how He'll work all of this out.

We'll see...His goodness in the middle of the happy and hard places.

Yes, He knows all our circumstances, every hair on our heads, every care in our hearts.

He'll see...always has, always will.

And somehow that's enough to make me close my eyes and smile for awhile.

Your turn: We'll see...{how would you finish that sentence?}

Merciful and compassionate God, I bring to you every situation where I have lost hope . . . I ask for your grace, your light, and your peace to be my comfort and guide. I will look to see where you are in my life and what you are doing. I cannot wait to see YOU. In Your name, Amen.

Hope you are having a great day. Stay cool
Blessings,

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

It's okay not to be okay . . .

My grandmother has a cartoon on her refrigerator. It shows a cow on its back with all four legs in the air. The caption reads, "I'm fine, really, I'm fine."

A lot of us handle the storms in our lives like that cow. We stand in the rain soaking wet with a smile on our faces in our cute pair of galoshes and say, “I’m dry, really, I’m dry.”

I know what that’s like because I did it for years. Somewhere along the way I was told,“Christians need to be happy all the time. If you’re not happy, what will people think about Jesus?”

If you want to breed a herd of perfectionists, just say that a few times from the pulpit.

For many years my life was mostly sunny. I could grin and bear it through the few showers that came along. But then came The Storm—the type that makes the weather channel flash maps covered with red and send warnings about taking shelter immediately.

It’s one thing to stand outside in a nice little shower. It’s another thing to be that crazy news anchor hanging onto a light pole in the middle of a hurricane.

I couldn’t do it anymore. Like the rain that streamed down in my world, something opened in my heart and hurt poured out from a place I had kept locked for years.

Then I waited. I listened for the rebukes. I watched for the disapproving stares. I stiffened my soul for the hard hand of God.

But instead of those things I encountered the last thing I ever expected to find.

Love.

I felt it in the kindness of friends and family. I heard it in comforting words. I discovered it deep within my heart as God whispered, “I’m here with you.”

I also realized I wasn’t the only one who was wet. People began to open up to me. Everyone I knew had some type of rain in their lives. We were one great, big, beautiful soggy mess…and God loved us all.

So if you’re still muttering under your breath, “I’m dry, really, I’m dry” then I invite you to admit that there’s a storm in your life.

It’s okay to not be okay.

When we embrace that grace, we’re finally free to discover that love is waiting for us in the center of the storm.

Dear Lord, I'll praise you in the storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried You hold in your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm. I lift my eyes onto the hills, where does my help come from? Help me remember my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. In Your Name, Amen.

Friends, it is okay to not be okay. So, if someone asks you how you are doing? Be honest. Allow them to minister to you. God has placed them in your life at the right moment to be who you need them to be. If you have asked someone how they are and they say not okay, find out how you can help them. Listen, pray with them, just let them know someone cares and God will take care of the rest. It is time to start helping each other and not just worry about ourselves. There are so many hurting people that just need us to be Jesus with skin on. I challenge you to find that hurting person in your work place, your neighborhood, in your church pew or maybe even in your own home. Talk to them, listen to them, give them a smile or a hug. You will not only be a blessing to them but you will be blessed by them.

Have a great day
Blessings,

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Deep Joy

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalm 28:7

Sometimes our sorrows run deep. We can feel buried alive. That's why it's so important to allow our joys to run deep, too. Today, as you ponder the many things you have to be thankful for, pause a moment. Take a comforting breath. Thank God - from the bottom of your heart - for the deep joys in your life.

God, You are all powerful and nothing is too hard for You, not even changing the most difficult circumstances of my life. What is impossible for me is not impossible for You, so I ask that You would do the impossible and transform me into a holy person full of Your love, peace, and joy. Enable me to do great things by the power of Your Spirit. In Your Name, Amen.

Have a great day.
Be joyful!
Blessings

Monday, June 27, 2011

You've got the strength you need for a new week . . .

I look at the days ahead and wonder.

Don't we all?

And then these words:

"Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?" Judges 6:14

We don't have to...

wait to overcome our weaknesses,

complete the ten point improvement plan,

figure everything out.

The strength we already have is all the strength we need.

Because we have a limitless God within us who loves us.

As is.

And He promises to stick by us.

All the way.

I pray you have a good Monday.
Blessings

Friday, June 24, 2011

Life

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."
John 10:10


The life we have in Christ is not restricted or narrow. Grace doesn't flow to us in a meager trickle; it fills our life to the fullest. God's grace comes to us each moment, day after day, year after year, a generous flood that fills every crack and crevice of our lives - and then overflows.

Father, I get discouraged when I don't know which way to go. Remind me that You are right behind me, telling me which way to turn. Help me to be quiet and listen for Your guidance. Amen.

Have a great weekend.
Blessings to you and your family,

Thursday, June 23, 2011

When you have one of those days . . .

One of those days.
We all have them.
When the road seems too long.
The night seems too dark.
The hill seems too steep.
I've been there.
And as I prayed,

"How do I find the hope I need?"

It seemed Someone Who Loves Me whispered...
One of these days.
One of these days all your troubles are going to disappear.
One of these days every tear will be wiped from your eyes.
One of these days you'll trade your sadness for joy.
For good.

I'm glad our hearts can hang on to that hope when we have one of those days...

and always.

Lord, I'm ashamed to admit that sometimes I have a hard time taking You at Your Word. Please show me how to trust You more, even when my mind can't grasp it and my heart can't accept it. Amen.

Have a good Thursday.
Blessings,

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Waiting

"My soul waits for the LORD more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."
Psalm 130:6


Waiting may seem like a passive pursuit. However, you actually have a choice as to how you'll spend your time. You can waste it, worry over it, or worship through it. It doesn't matter what you're waiting for - an overdue flight, the results of a medical test, an answer to prayer - choosing to worship turns waiting into watching. The more often you turn your eyes toward God, the better chance you'll have of noticing how His hand is in the details.

Lord, please increase my inner strength. Remind me that although I seem powerless, Your power knows no limits and You will provide whatever strength I need to see me through my current crisis. Amen

Waiting... it is a hard thing to do. I might start today by worshiping through a red light. Just turn it into a time to worship God right where I am and give him thanks and praise for my day at that moment. Start with small steps, and than maybe when we find ourselves waiting on the bigger stuff, it will be easy to worship him through a waiting game. Give it a try today. Find yourself waiting? Worship God. I can only imagine it will help our attitude for the day and bring us some joy.
Have a super day
Blessings,

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Attitude

"Be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]."
Ephesians 4:23 AMP


Your attitude can substantially affect your happiness level. It's true. When your mind is assaulted every day by "stinkin' thinkin'"- things like, "I'm not good enough," "I'm not loved," "I'll never reach my dreams" - it's pretty tough to be happy. On the other hand, when you think about good things - God things - your happiness level will soar. Try it! "God loves me," "God is always by my side, watching out for me," "God has made me a winner." What a difference it will make.

Lord, I want my heart to continually be filled with praise and thanksgiving to You. Keep me anchored in the thought that all You do is for my good and glory. Only You are deserving of my praise and adoration. Amen.

Have you ever needed to hear something good, something pleasant? The right word at the right time is just what the doctor ordered, causing joy to spring up in your soul. Today if you see a friend going through a rough time, decide to speak that "good word." Give her a hug, a piece of Scripture, a text, an email or a phone call. Hopefully, this will change her attitude and we know that will make a huge difference in her day as well as yours for being that blessing. I challenge you to spread JOY and positive attitudes today (and everyday).

Blessings,

Monday, June 20, 2011

You Can't Go Wrong

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13

By following Jesus, you always head in the right direction. Though the way may seem dark or convoluted, and you may often wonder if you're on the right track, as His Spirit leads you, you cannot go wrong. Your powerful Lord directs you in His everlasting way. If you start to go wrong, He will guide your steps. God's love never deserts His obedient child.

Dear God, the only reason I have peace about the future is because my future is found in You. Even though I don't know the details about what is to come, I know You know everything, and my future is in Your hands. Help me to walk faithfully with You every day -- in prayer and in Your Word -- so that I can move into the purposes You have for my life. In Your Name, Amen.

Blessings on the start of a new week.
May you feel His presence as you go about your day.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Relax . . .

"But I am calm and quiet, like a baby with its mother. I am at peace, like a baby with its mother."
Psalm 1131:2


You know how a baby lies completely limp in her mother's arms, totally trusting and at peace? That is the attitude you need to practice. Let yourself relax in God's arms, wrapped in His grace. Life will go on around you, with all its noise and turmoil. Meanwhile, you are completely safe, totally secure,without worry in the world. Lie back and enjoy the quiet!

Lord, life seems overwhelming to me sometimes. Please give me the abundant wisdom You've promised and help me to relax in the knowledge that You will guide me. Amen.

Have a great weekend.
Take time to relax and see God at work in your life.
Blessings,

Thursday, June 16, 2011

When you don't know the next step . . .

I see you peering down the path.
Wondering, can I do this?
Am I enough?
Yes to both.
And then asking, Do I take this step?
I've asked this question too...staring at the ceiling in the night, over coffee with friends, driving in my car.
Then I think of this verse, this bit of wisdom from Proverbs 19:21--
"You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail."
If we've prayed, asked wise counsel, then we can go with confidence. Even if our first step is imperfect, perhaps not even in quite the right direction, God will align us with His purpose by the end.
But here's the thing.
You can't redirect someone who is standing still.
Yes, there are seasons for staying.
This is about the seasons of going, setting out, those times when your heart is restless and your feet are ready.
If that's you then go without fear.
God is with you, for you, behind you, and ahead of you.
And even if you lose your way for a bit. Even if you grow weary. Even if you don't know which direction to go at times. His purposes will prevail.
Take that step, woman of courage.
And know that love goes with you all the way.

Lord, I want more than anything to have a close walk with You. Help me not to forfeit that wonderful intimacy by being drawn toward the distractions of this world. Enable me to hear Your voice calling me so that I will answer without even a moment's delay. Help me to never hide from You for any reason. In Your Name, Amen.

Hope your day is good. Kind of dreary today.
Blessings,

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Love

"From everlasting to everlasting the LORD'S love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children." Psalm 103:17

God loves you! It's not complicated or conditional - it's just a fact! Our human understanding can't comprehend the reason why, only that it's true. As much as you might want to explain it, dissect it, reason it out, you just can't. Instead of wrapping yourself in questions, wrap yourself in His love. Luxuriate in it just as you would a magnificent fur coat. God has spared no expense. He has given you the very best He has to offer.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrificial love for me. Thank You for the example of true love that You have provided. Amen.

Hope you are having a great day.
The sun is shining and the temperature is just perfect.
Blessings

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Mercy

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
Psalm 23:6


In old-fashioned melodramas and classic films, repentant scoundrels throw themselves on the mercy of the court. This means they know what they've done is wrong, there's no possible way they can make it right, and their only hope for redemption is to ask the court to extend what they don't deserve: mercy. God extends mercy to us each day. He's sentenced us to life - eternal life - and to the freedom to grow in the shelter of His love.

God of joy and hope, God of goodness and freedom, I ask that you would teach me to embrace your plan for my life -- but not just intellectually. May I take joy not only in the unique plan you have for me but also in the truth that you are with me each step of the way as the plan unfolds. In Your Name, Amen.

Have a great day
Blessings,

Monday, June 13, 2011

Dancing in the Puddles

"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you."
Psalm 39:7


They say you can tell a lot about a person's foundation of hope by the way she handles a rainy day. Does she turn into a Gloomy Gussy, wailing, "Oh, woe is me . . . " or does she make the best of a bad situation? A hope-filled person will realize that abundant life in Christ isn't about simply enduring the storm but also about learning to dance in the puddles. So grab your galoshes, and let's boogie!

Lord, direct me daily to accept and apply the strength that You've offered, so that I will truly have the gentle spirit that You intended me to have. Thank You, Jesus, that I don't have to do this on my own. Amen

Hope you had a super weekend.
Looks like we might be able to dance in a puddle today. Are you ready? I am

Reminder that this Wednesday starts our Summer Bible Study for Women~ SEEDS
Hope to see you. You have 3 chances 10am, 12pm or 7pm

Blessings on your day,

Friday, June 10, 2011

Surrender

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." Luke 9:24

Life is full of paradoxes. God seems to delight in turning our ideas inside out and backward. It doesn't seem to make sense, but the only way to possess our life is to surrender it absolutely into God's hands. As we let go of everything, God's grace gives everything back to us, transformed by His love.

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your promise to guide me in all things great and small. Your eye is always on me, keeping me from error and ensuring that I can always find a way home to You. In Your Name, Amen.

Blessings on your weekend
Psalm 33:22

Thursday, June 9, 2011

For such a time as this . . .

You're here, now, in this moment, and it will never come again.

For such a time as this...

You're changing diapers, tying the shoelaces of the future, growing the seeds of strong faith.

For such a time as this...

You're working in that office, speaking up in that meeting, doing what you do with excellence.

For such a time as this...

You're reaching out a helping hand, taking time to listen, brightening someones day.

For such a time as this...

You are wherever you are, doing whatever you do, and it matters more than you know.

So keep it up, friend.

You really are making a difference.

Blessings on your Thursday

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

What's better than perfect . . .

I went to the local farmer's market this weekend.
Flowers and vegetables rest in bins and on tables in the sunlight.
All shapes, sizes, textures.

I'm struck by how imperfect all of it is -- no two alike,
Bumps and curves and colors of every wild shade.

I look at the farmers who have brought their harvest. I see joy in their eyes.

Their goal was never perfection, after all.

It was growth.

And I think of how the One Who Loves Us feels the same. His goal in our lives isn't for us to strive for perfection -- that was taken care of at the cross.

"Be one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Hebrews 10:14

Instead His goal is growth too.

More of Him showing in us each day.

How we do so varies as widely as the bounty at the farmers market.

And it's just as beautiful.

{YOU are beautiful.}

Father God, I pray that this friend knows how beautiful she is. I pray that she is growing in You everyday. I pray that if she is stuck, she will find someone to reach out to and walk along side her as she learns how to grow in you daily. I pray if she is growing daily, she might recognize someone that needs help and reaches out to her as well. Help us to remain in You daily. In Your Name, Amen.

I encourage you to visit a local farmer's market. Look at all the flowers and vegetables and fruit. They are all beautiful in their own way and God made them. Now think about all your family and friends. They are all beautiful in their own way as well, and God made them too. Thank God for each and everyone of them. Continue to grow in your faith. If it is looking at Bible passages each day, being in prayer, joining a Bible study or reaching out to a friend, DO IT!! Don't waste another day for a chance to allow God to show you what He wants for you in your life. You will be amazed at what He can show you if you just allow Him to :O)

Blessings on your day,

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Nature

"He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." Psalm 147:4

Like a child who carefully chooses the silver crayon to draw the dog with stars for eyes, God's artwork is an expression of who He is. It displays His creativity, attention to detail, love of diversity, meticulous organization, and even His sense of humor. Taking time to contemplate the beauty and complexity of nature can help paint a clearer picture for you of what God is like. He's an artist, as well as a Father, Savior, and friend.

Dear Lord, I praise Your holy name, Lord Jesus. And I pray that You will help me today to remember that You have a plan for me and that there is a path all cleared and ready for me to follow. In Your precious name I pray, amen.

Have a great day. Stay cool. Take time to appreciate the wonder God has woven into the world. Take a walk in a park. Fill a vase with fresh flowers. Pet a puppy. Plant a petunia. Watch our for your fellow neighbors and make sure they are staying cool. Enjoy the sunshine God has given us today. Then, thank God.

Blessings,

Monday, June 6, 2011

Let God Choose

"As for God, His way is perfect!" Psalm 18:30

Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.

Let God guide you, it will be the right direction.

Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.

Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.

Let God help you, it will be the right care.

Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.

Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.

Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.

Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.

Let God work in you, it will be the right result.

Omnipresent, omnipotent God, how wonderful it would be to see you in everything! Continue to grow me toward that end, that I may live with gratitude, especially for the grace of your unfailing love for me and your constant presence with me. In Your Name, Amen.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6


I pray you have a great week. Stay cool
Blessings,

Friday, June 3, 2011

The Focus of Our Faith

"We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Romans 5:2, NKJV


Sometimes, when faced with great problems, our tendency is to focus on the hands of God-what He has not done for us and what we want Him to do for us-instead of focusing on the face of God-simply Who He is. Our depression can deepen through this kind of self-preoccupation. Often, in the midst of great problems, we stop short of the real blessing God has for us, which is a fresh vision of Who He is. When we stop focusing on our problems and on ourselves and focus instead on our almighty and omnipresent God, our problems, as the old hymn promises, "grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Have you grown so impatient, wanting your problems solved now, that you are missing the vision of His glory God has for you?
Get your eyes off yourself, your problems, your circumstances, and look to the face of Christ!

Have a good weekend.
See you on Sunday
Blessings,

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Faith

"The LORD protects those of childlike faith."
Psalm 116:6


Feel like you need more faith? Sometimes what we really need is the courage to act on what we already believe. A skydiver may have faith her parachute is packed correctly, but that doesn't stop her stomach from doing its own lopp-de-loop as she jumps out of the plane. However, the more she dives, the less nervous she feels. The better you know God, the more a leap of faith feels like a hop into a loving Father's waiting arms.

Dear Lord, lead me by your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I will put my hope in You. In Your name, Amen.

Have a good day.
Blessings,