What battle are you fighting ?

What are you fighting today? Every one of us is in a battle. Maybe your health is declining or your job is a struggle.  Maybe your teen is driving you nuts or your baby keeps you awake all night.  Maybe you are concerned over the health of an ailing parent? What's your battle? If you say you don't have a battle, I am inclined to say you are not being true to yourself.  We all face battles.  Last Monday morning my teen did not like me at all ( rules are rules and life isn't always fair and we can't always be happy ) so goes life.  I had applied for a job and last Monday I was emailed that the position had been interviewed for and filled.  I never even had a chance.  Last Monday was a tough day.  I was hormonal and cried at the drop of hat.  I can remember washing a pan in the kitchen sink and the soap bubbles reminded me of when Olivia was a little girl and we laughed over bubbles; those bubbles last Monday made me cry.  My girl is growing up.  Times are a changing. I emailed DSS and Adoptions last week trying to get some answers about my other girl.  Will she come home to us or go to a new home? I've been waiting for months ... she's been waiting for years ...still no answers; life isn't fair.  What battle are you fighting?  Sweet Chris works so hard and provides so much for us.  Thanks to my medical bills ( you know 3 times $1300 for steroid shots in my ear and the two crowns on my teeth at $900 each) I have really taken him for that "better or worse, richer or poorer" clause.  I'd love to work to help pay off those thousands of dollars in medical bills caused by me.  What battle are you fighting?

How do you win a battle? You would think if you knew what type of battle you were facing, then you would know what type of weapons or tools would be needed to fight it.  Joshua had a battle to fight.  Are you familiar with the story of Joshua and the wall of Jericho from the bible? Read Joshua 6. Do you know what tools he used? Do you really think the walls of Jericho came down because of seven trumpets? You better believe it.  Was there power in the trumpet or the person blowing it? No.  The battle was Gods and He caused that wall to fall flat because Joshua obeyed his instructions.  Were those instructions clear? Yes. Did they sound like they would work? No way.  If you were to tell me to get 7 priests to walk 7 times around a wall and blow a trumpet and that would make the wall fall flat, I think I'd be shaking my head.  That sounds impossible, doesn't it? How in the world can the sound of a ram horn, turned trumpet make a wall fall?  Because nothing is impossible with God.

What battle are you fighting? By now you've got a clear idea of the battle you are fighting.  I've asked you over and over. Now WHO is helping you in your battle?  Are you fighting it alone? Do you think no one cares? Do you think you are the only one with a teenager? Are you the only one caring for a sick family member? Are you the only middle aged woman trying to find a job? Are you the only one with health problems? Are you the only one with more month than money? No, no, no, no; You are not alone.  No matter how big your problem is or how impossible winning the battle seems, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. The wall of Jericho came down because those people had faith in God.  He used priests walking around blowing trumpets (in faith) to show us in this day and age that nothing is impossible if you just believe in Him.  God is with us, He has a purpose and a plan for our lives and the best part is we don't have to do it alone. 

Some of you know I am prayer coordinator in our Sunday school class.  I think talking with the Lord is essential to life ( I don't know how people make it without the Lord).  Anyway, on the way home from my teens bible study Sunday night, Chris and I asked her how her class went? She said she enjoyed it and that she closed the class in prayer.  Her and dad and I in almost harmony asked if she volunteered or if someone called on her.  She said, "Oh I volunteered, I must take after you mom, because I wrote down all of the prayer requests." Wow, my heart was so happy.  That made up for how much she didn't like me last week.  Don't give up parents.  Being firm is tough, but raising a godly girl is so important.  We have to fight our battles on our knees in prayer and in Gods word.  I may think my shot at getting a job at my age is kind of like blowing trumpets to make a wall fall, but if that is God's will for my life and our family, He will provide.  Last Monday our home phone rang and a woman identified herself as a friend from the community. She asked if she could share a bible verse with me? I said yes and she paraphrased Jeremiah 29:11 that says,  ^"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

God thinks about me??? He knows me and because I talk with Him throughout my day I am getting to know Him more and more.  He wants me (and you) to have peace and He holds our future and fills it with hope. He has it all worked out !! No matter your battle, He still wants you and me to have HOPE.   Man if that doesn't make you smile and let you know that your battle is already won, then I don't know what will.  I like the analogy my mom shared with me last week.  She said she once heard a young pastor say he had taken his son to the mall.  He told his son to stay close by, but he would wander under the clothes racks.  The first time his son disobeyed the dad warned him, the second time he disobeyed and wandered off the dad gave the boy a spank on his bottom.  That didn't seem to work and the little boy wandered off again. This time the dad stepped to the side and watched his son go in and out of the racks.  Suddenly the little boy realized that he couldn't see his dad.  He began to search, but didn't know where to look, he was small and those racks were tall.  He began to panic and cry, then his dad stepped out in the aisle so his son could see him and the little boy ran to his father and hugged him.  The dad never let his little boy out of his sight, the dad never went away, even though the little boy could not see him, his dad was there looking out for him and protecting him... God is our Father and He is watching out for us just the same. 

What battle are you fighting? Victory is the Lords. 1 John 5:4 "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world --our faith." I just had to share with you this sermon the Lord is playing out in my life right now.  I don't know how it is going to end exactly, but man this Monday I have hope and I am happy with my future.  God is so good.

Go be a blessing.

A poem about foster children

The odd child out;

The one on the end.
The one who smiles;
But whose heart needs to mend.
 

You don’t know their pain;

Or the hurt they carry inside.
You don’t know what they deal with;
They do have pride.
 
Foster children, are children, who smile through the pain.
They live their lives with unexpected change.

A permanent address.
A permanent home.
Someone to love them.
Something to own.
 

My heart breaks for them.

I really do care.
My heart breaks for them.
Which is why I MUST share.

Let’s stop what we’re doing in our “normal” life;

To think of those who are facing uncertain strife.
Let’s stop and show them that someone does care;
Let’s stop what we are doing and cover them in prayer.

 You may never meet a real foster child.
You may not understand why my emotions, run wild.
The system is broken and in need of repair.
Thanks to the system I can’t tell her how much I care.
 

I follow the guidelines, even when it seems cruel.

How could telling her that we are trying to adopt her be against the rule?
I want her to know she’s not alone.
I want her to know that we want to bring her home.

I am a person who believes in doing what’s right.

If something is worth believing in, it’s worth the fight.
I will follow the rules and do for her, what is best.
My hope is in Jesus, Only Jesus, can give us rest.

Original Poem by Susan Boiter Neal

Pray peace for foster children are over the world.

My heart hurts for them.
 

In John 14:18 Jesus says; “ I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

The bible is like a junk drawer

How many of us have junk drawers? I know I do.  I have one in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and even in our china cabinet in the dining room.  How in the world does a junk drawer form? I mean I never intended to have one when we moved here and unpacked our stuff.  What is in a junk drawer anyway? The one in our kitchen has a ruler, rubber bands, stickers, glue sticks, needle and thread, stencils, pencils, highlighters, reading glasses and fish food (we don't even have a fish).  Honestly, aside from the fish food most of the other stuff in our junk drawer isn't really junk.  As a matter of fact it is very useful stuff that is handy to have close by.  I don't need to have a drawer devoted to just rubber bands or pencils or thread and a needle, however, when a button pops off of a shirt it's nice to know that conveniently located in the kitchen is a handy needle and thread.  In all actuality a "junk" drawer has been given a bad rap, I mean being called junk.  It's really not a junk drawer, but instead a drawer of sporadically used necessities.  I suppose that title is to long and fancy so the name junk drawer was formed.

In some respects a bible is like a junk drawer; if you will.  Just like a junk drawer holds a sampling of needed items, the bible does too.  A needle and thread can mend a shirt and make it whole.  The word of God can mend what is broken and make us whole.  Just as glue sticks and rubber bands hold things together so does the word of God. Pencils and highlighters create words and bring out the ones worth reading over and over.  So to is the word of God worth reading over and over.  Each time I read God's word I learn something new.  Most of the time what I am learning is how much I really don't know.  Being a christian is a daily process of time spent with the Lord.  Time in the word and time praying, both of which I am a work in progress.  I do enjoy my quiet time in the morning.  I long for it and I am grateful that I don't have to be anywhere and can take the time to sit down and read and pray.  Many of you have to be at work by 8:00 so time isn't on your side.  Then when you get home you have to wash clothes, cook supper and tend to children or pets, so finding just the right time to have quiet may not come as easy in this season of your life.  Pray and ask the Lord to show you for the perfect quiet time.  It may be in the car or just before you turn out your light for sleep.  Regardless, keep your bible handy, like the junk drawer, and know that when you do go to God's word it won't return void ( meaning you won't be wasting your time).  Isaiah 55:11 New King James Version

¹¹ So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

 

If I were to go into each room with a junk drawer and clean it out today I can guarantee you within a few months each "junk" drawer would reform.  It is not junk, but necessities.  So too is the word of God; it is NOT junk, but necessity.  Matthew 24:35 King James Version tells us that,

^{35 "}Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Just like our junk drawers are here to stay so is the word of God.  We are told in  Hebrews 4:12 New King James Version
¹² For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The intent in my heart isn't to make light of the word of God by comparing it to a junk drawer, but instead to shed light on the necessity and importance of God's word.  I hope you'll pick up your bible today and let the Lord speak to you through His very timely and helpful words.  If you don't have a bible and would like one private message me and I'll help you get one.

Go be a blessing . . .

Vote for Jesus

    Today in South Carolina it is primary day. I've had to pray hard, research and ask questions as I decided on which candidates to vote for. It's important to go vote and to pick the person with the morals and values that are important to you. I want my representatives to represent me and what I stand for (that's their job). As a christian I am a representative for Jesus Christ. I am to represent Him. That's my job.  I can't think of a better day to share my story of salvation with you. 

     33 years ago today during vacation bible school at Tucapau Baptist church I prayed to ask Jesus into my life. I was 11 years old and had wanted to ask Jesus into my heart for some time.  I grew up going to Sunday school every week.  I had some wonderful teachers like; Pat Barnett, Jackie Frost, Helen Bradley, Connie Dobson and others who I am sorry are not coming to mind right now.   I really loved GA's (which stood for Girls in Action). Joan Davis was my teacher and she did a great job teaching us about Jesus and missions.  We used to go sing at nursing homes and at Christmas we would take soap wrapped in washcloths for the residents (we shaped them like candles). We had guide books with activities we'd complete and earn badges to go on our GA Jacket ( I still have my red GA jacket). I have fond memories from Camp Rawls like making baskets, picking a stick and cooking my own hotdog and fun crafts.  It was a special time in my life. Those folks helped shape me into the woman I am today.  A non-perfect christian woman, who loves the Lord and seeks Him daily. As a young girl I remember many Sunday worship services ending with us singing the old hymn "Just as I am". The preacher would give the invitation and this little mill hill girl would struggle with the desire to accept Jesus and that long walk to meet the preacher ( we sat on the 3rd pew from the back). I was a quiet and shy person so getting up and walking in front of everyone was more than my nerves could bare. Our Lord in His graciousness gave me another way to meet Him in the form of Vacation Bible School. Our youth minister at the time (who is now a pastor) Dr. Wayne Dickard, taught the Bible lesson that night at VBS. I can't tell you what verses he read or the story he shared. All I know is when he finished he asked us to bow our heads and close our eyes. He asked if anyone wanted to pray to accept Jesus to raise your hand? Wow!! That was my moment! I lifted my hand.  After class we went to the pastors study and on my knees I prayed and invited Jesus to be Lord of my life. In the weeks that followed I finally did make that long walk from the back of the church to my pastor. I told him of my decision and that I wanted to baptized. I was baptized sometime later.

Picking a candidate today was important, but choosing Jesus as my Lord was the best decision of my life and the most meaningful.  Being a christian doesn't mean life is easy or that you won't have pain or heartache or sickness.  Being a christian means you won't ever have to do life alone.  It means that you are sealed forever with a saviour.  Jesus died on a cross for my sin and yours.  He paid the price and offers the free gift of salvation to all who will accept Him.  Won't you accept Him today? If you have questions just message me.  It will be the best choice of your life; I guarantee it !!!!

Go vote and go be a blessing . . . Choose Jesus.

What does your face book say about you?

Social media has certainly changed the way we live.   I used to love to read the paper ( hold it in my hand and read it).  Now I just read facebook for all of the latest news and updates.  It's not surprising to me how facebook has grown in popularity over the years. It's a great way for people to stay in touch. I honestly check it and comment many times throughout my day.  I have come to love my facebook friends and consider them family.

Facebook puts a "face" to a "book" in which we are writing each time we post something.  What does your facebook story say about you?  Some people put on a pretty face ( lots of them, in the form of selfies).  Others put out pictures of their children and family.  Many share pictures of their pets.  While others share bible verses, funny sayings or cartoons.  A new trend that is blowing up my news feed lately are solutions to weight loss.  Slim fast, Medi fast, Cleanse fast ... you get the picture and I'm sure you get the same posts.  People share their favorite sports team, recipes, garden tips, health tips, parenting tips, craft ideas and the list goes on and on.  I sometimes want to share all of my pet peeves; like how people who drive under the speed limit really get on my nerves, or how I hate green tums and see no point in them. Does anyone like the green tums?

My mom always taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all.  I try to keep that in mind when posting.  You know in real life you can't take back what you say, but in written word you have the option to go back and change your mind.  I guess that's why I like writing.  I have time to think before I say anything.  That also puts an extra burden on guarding my heart and mind so my words are worthy.  The bible tells us in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." I hope that my facebook posts shed grace on others and not something negative.  I have to work on this as I am human and like to stand up for the underdog. It's easy to get caught up in a thread of comments and slam others with our words.  I am thankful the holy spirit convicts me when I do that so I can make it right if possible.

Another thing I enjoy sharing on facebook are fun times with family and friends.  New experiences like our trip to Washington, DC last year or our adventures tent camping are a couple of my favorite posts.  As I share what's going on in my life other facebook friends share their similar experiences.  We have a golden opportunity to learn valuable lessons from those who've "been there and done that" before us.  None of us are too old to learn and experience seems to be a great teacher.

I use facebook to share prayer requests.  I share them for myself and on behalf of others. It's a great way to find out when someone is sick so that if you are able you can take them a meal or help out with their children. Since I don't read the newspaper anymore I often find out who has passed away through facebook.  In many respects it is a great way to communicate. Email is also a great way to communicate and due to an email I just received I have to share our fantastic news with you.  We are now a licensed and approved adoptive home!!! This means that part of what I asked you to pray for in my last blog post has been answered in our favor.  Praising the Lord with happy tears right now!! I will ask that you continue to pray for us as we are on this journey.  We are praying God's will for us and sweet T. 

Gee I was planning on taking this post in a different direction, but I guess I'll just stop my thought process here.  As the old hymn goes: Let's just praise the Lord, Praise the Lord ... Let's just lift our hearts to heaven and praise the Lord :)

Go be a blessing . . .



 

Calling all prayer warriors :)

Back on August 29, 2010 a very happy me, shared on this blog wall that we were a new licensed foster family.  My blog went on to tell how excited we were to be picking up our first foster child that next morning.  All we knew was that she was 5 and "cute as a button".  I asked for prayer for her and our family as we would soon be meeting.  Fast forward until today, May 8, 2014 once again I have some big news to share, but unfortunately I can't share all of it just yet.  I will tell you that we are in the final stages of trying to become a licensed to adopt family.  Those of you who know me know that I am an open book.  Right now I can't be so open, but in time I will share the details of  many things going on behind the scenes in our family.  The reason I am sharing this much is because I believe in the power of group prayer.  I am currently reading  a book called, Pray Like it Matters, given to us by our pastor.  This verse from Acts is highlighted in the first chapter.  Acts1:14 says, "These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." People in the bible days came together to pray and they saw many miraculous things happen.  I still believe in miracles and I certainly believe in prayer.  So this blog is for one purpose and that is for you to consider joining me and my family in praying for a situation I cannot yet discuss? I want you to go through the ACTS type of prayer:

A - Adoration
C- Confession
T- Thanksgiving
S- Supplication (here is what I'd like to ask, pray the Lord's will for our family and this situation).

If you will commit to pray for us this month and next month, then just tell me on facebook or here or in a private message.  We need encouragement and prayer.  This morning when I woke up and called out to the Lord because of a disappointment that I got yesterday in regards to the above mentioned situation, the Lord gave me these two verses: Hebrews 12: 1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  There is a joy set before us and you all are our witnesses.  Help pray with me that we will throw off the daily things that hinders our faith and pray that we will draw on the strength that comes from Jesus. 

If you are willing to pray for us weekly for the month of May and June let me know.  Thanking you in advance. 

Love and prayers for you all.

Be a blessing . . .

Introducing Joy Beyond ... my friend Brenda's new book :)

Hello friends,

I'd like to share with you about my friend Brenda McGraw who has written a book called, Joy Beyond.  I met Brenda at church where she was one of the adult Sunday school teachers in a class Chris and I were in.  She has a heart for the Lord and is using her story to help bring others closer to Jesus.  I had the joy of helping edit parts of her book and she even shared one of my blog stories.  I am happy and proud to share with you about her book release, Joy Beyond.  Check out the link below to read more. 

 http://www.askgodtoday.com/2014/03/28/joy-beyond-release/

Be quiet and listen

Those of you who know me well, know that I put great emphasis on prayer.  I think it's the most important thing we can do for each other.  You can pray anywhere and at any time, and about anything.  Anyone can pray.  So as a woman who values prayer I started re-reading a book I've had for years called, Becoming a Woman of Prayer, by Cynthia Heald.  Yesterday while waiting on Olivia to come out of school I read a page that really made me think about how I approach my prayer time. The writer suggest that we quiet ourselves before prayer time and do as Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God"  Hmmm, I thought, do I do that? Do I have a time of quiet before I pray?  I'd have to answer that most of the time I am not quiet ...  When I know who and what I want to pray about  I usually just jump right into prayer time. Below is what the writer suggested.

 Well, my daughter came out of school and it was time to start the car and go home so I didn't think to much about what I had read ... Fast forward to my quiet time this morning.  The scripture reading was Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord

Hmmm, then I got over to the devotion page and well you can only imagine what it had to say:

It said to "Be still and know that I am God"

 

 

   I kind of sort of think the Lord is wanting to tell me something with this. I guess I better be still and take notice. What does the Lord want to show me? What does he want to show you? The above exert is from my daily devotion booklet titled In Touch found at www.intouch.org You know in sharing this with you I don't want you to think about me; I want you to think about how this relates to you and your prayer life. I am a sinner saved by Jesus grace. There is nothing special about me. I am just trying to do the best I can with what I know. As I get older I realize that there is still so much for me to learn. I am a work in progress.  I make mistakes.  I don't have all the answers. I am simply Susan. A wife, a mother, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a sister in law, a daughter in law, a niece, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend. All of those titles carry with them great pride and responsibility.  I admit I strive to be the best wife, mother, relative and friend that I can be.  I like to help people when I can and I want to be an encourager, but my most honorable roll is that as daughter of the most high King.  If I can live my life to do His will, seeking Him first, then I know I'll do ok at my other roles in life.  No I won't ever be perfect on this earth, but by seeking to learn how to pray, how to love, how to give, how to serve at least I'll know I gave it my best.  So if you are reading this and you don't currently have a prayer time let me encourage you to start right now.  If you'll sit quietly for a few moments and think about how wonderful the Lord is and how much He loves you, then ask Him to join you in prayer. Talk to the Lord and be quiet and listen ... I know I am.

 

 

 

Go be a blessing . . .

A basket of memories

This morning I feel led to share with you my basket of memories.  Years ago I cleaned for a lady in my neighborhood named Gwen.  She was super sweet and very organized.  In her living room was a large decorative container that held cards, lots of cards.  She said she kept them there so she could go back and read them.  Me being a card writing, stationary loving, pen pal freak thought that was one of the neatest ideas I had ever seen ... thus I began my own card basket.  I must say I had always kept all my cards, but they weren't out in public view.  All of my cards were stored in plastic containers under my bed.  Not anymore, Gwen had just opened my eyes to a very meaningful display of love.  I put the basket in our sitting room next to the love seat and every time a birthday card, anniversary card, thank you note, Christmas card, etc. comes for any of us it goes in the basket.  Pictured above are two very special stacks of cards.  The ones on the left started coming in November 24, 2006 after my dad died, the ones on the right arrived after May 28, 2008 when my father-in-law died.  I can't tell you how many times I've referred back to the basket to read the sweet notes of sympathy others sent to help us grieve our loss. What a comfort even years later.

 

 Just yesterday I attended the funeral of my friend Louan's mom, Mrs. Martha Waldrop.  Mrs. Martha and I have known each other since Louan and I became friends at church.  I'd see Mrs. Martha at her grandsons birthday parties, at church events or just around town.  She served in the Children's ministry at our church and was in her place this past Sunday teaching 3 year olds.  I remember when my dad died Mrs, Martha, sent a sweet sympathy card and again when Chris's dad died another card came in the mail. She and her husband sent cash in one and a gift card to a restaurant in the other, to help feed us in our time of need.  That was the kind of woman she was.  Martha worked behind the scenes in her service to the Lord and was happy doing things that way.  I, too, like to work behind the scenes.  I don't care who knows what I'm doing as long as I know I'm doing what the Lord wants me to do.  It's all for His glory anyway, not mans.  Yesterday Martha was honored in a way that I think she would be proud of ... a way I would be proud to be honored when my time comes.  Don't ever think a good deed or a kindness goes unseen, God knows. My goal in sharing this with you today is two fold; number one, if you are a person who throws away your cards let me ask you to reconsider and start a basket of memories.  On days when you feel blah you can go to your basket and pull out a funny birthday card or silly note and be reminded of the people around you who love you and took time to show their love through that card.  My second point is take time to make a difference in this world even if you and God are the only ones who know. Send cards, make visits or phone calls (do stuff behind the scenes for others) you will be blessed.  Life is really short ... eternity is really long and only what we do for eternity counts anyway.    I sincerely, love you all and thank you for taking time to read what I have to say.  I pray the Lord will use my words to encourage you on this journey.

 

Go be a blessing...

 

Please continue to pray for Doug as he is grieving his wife of 44 years. Pray for their only daughter Louan and her husband Stephen and two grandson's, Adam and Noah.  They are a close family who I know will appreciate your prayers. 

Dirty dishes in the stove :)

Yesterday this thought crossed my mind, "We are competing against people who don't even know they're in a competition with us".  Is this true in your life??? I think if we are all honest in some ways it is true.  Take for instance, a blog post a friend shared on face book.  I don't know the person who wrote it, but what she said reminded me of this thought.  She was writing her "mom confession".  She told how she has a couple of kids who are hard to put to bed and how she sits in the floor between their rooms until they fall asleep.  She confessed that she feeds them boxed macaroni and cheese and doesn't buy organic apples.  I got the feeling she was comparing herself to others, who I suppose have children who are easy to put to bed, always make homemade food and buy organic???  I'm not criticizing her, far from it ... I am wondering WHY we women feel the need to compete??? I don't know where it is written that we MUST have a perfect "Southern Living" home, buy only organic food and have perfect children.  We all know that isn't happening anyway.  This is the real world.  Women, wives, mothers, young ladies ... stop competing against people who don't even know you're in a competition with them.  Be the best YOU, that you can be.  I think striving for a clean house, healthy meals and respectful children is a must, but don't beat yourself up about it.  Life is taken one day at a time.  Do the best you can today.  Tomorrow, do better.  Prayer is a major part of my life.  If I didn't have the Lord to talk to and His word to read, I'd be a basket case.  The absolute best thing you can do for your husband and children is to pray for them.  Listen to them.  Be there. Sometimes the dishwasher is full, the sink is full and the counter is full of dirty dishes ( that happened to me yesterday).  I was out all morning cleaning for a friend of mine and left my house to clean up later.  Well as soon as I got in I found out someone was coming by unexpected.  I panicked, I didn't want her to see my kitchen in that big mess. So, do you know what I did??? I moved the rack in my oven to the lowest level and I shoved all of my dirty dishes in there.  Shazam!! My kitchen looked great !!! True story.  Why did I do that?  Did I need to make this lady feel like I had it all together?? I guess so.  Funny thing is she didn't even come in to my kitchen. Laugh out loud now.  I did. 

My point is this;  magazines and movies are where things are "staged" to look "perfect".  Real life doesn't always look that way, BUT it doesn't make it any less special.  So enjoy your life right where you are.  Stop competing with  people who don't even know they're in a competition with you. Live the life you were given, then you and your family will truly win.  They will win a wife and mom who realizes what is truly important and that is time spent with family.  Make a mess in that kitchen ... who cares if you don't know how to roll out homemade dough for cookies; I don't either.  Buy a bag mix and make some memories.  Leave your Christmas wrap and bows all over the floor and teach your kids how to wrap gifts (let them in on the fun and experience) it's ok if the tape is to long or crooked or if the bow doesn't match. Life is short.  Time is fleeting.  Come on, live a little and stress less.

Jesus said, ""Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need."1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD."
Proverbs 16:20

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you are also being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Ephesians 2:19-22


 Merry Christmas my friends :) Go be a blessing. 

Christmas, what does it mean to you?

     Christmas.  What is Christmas to you? What does it mean? Do we really celebrate Christmas or do we celebrate something else that we've created?  Tough questions.  Christmas to me is the birth of Jesus.  It means that God kept His word when He sent His only son to be born of Mary at the time and place told about in scripture. We celebrate Christmas to honor Jesus? to share His story? Hmmm, do we do that? Do I do that?  Oh sure I teach Sunday school and I tell little children all about the birth and love of Jesus.  We've made beautiful ornaments and will see a nativity play. We'll have a "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake and we'll sing to Jesus and yes that is celebrating.  I pray I'm not just going through the motions.  I want to feel it, experience it, share it ...
  
   Then there is time with family. On December 25 we'll eat a meal together, catch up on the happenings in each others lives and then open gifts.  Where does Jesus fit into that?  Maybe He doesn't.  Maybe, we are so busy and caught up with food, family and gifts that we accidentally leave Jesus out of Christmas.  Say it isn't so? I pray that we will be purposeful in reading the account of Jesus' birth from the bible, so that we don't overlook the guest of honor.   I don't want to miss it? I don't want to do Christmas wrong. Years ago people celebrated Advent in the weeks leading up to Christmas, some folks still do.  I'm not an expert on Advent, but I suppose it gives people an opportunity to yearn for what's to come, to pray and to prepare.  I like to be prepared.  I like to do things the "right way". Am I messing up Christmas? I hope not.  As I ponder Christmas in writing this I am reminded that Christmas is more than one day on the calendar, Christmas is Jesus living in my heart.  Jesus is with me every day of the year, not just on December 25th.  I may or may not be doing Christmas right, but I'm seeking and searching scripture and the Lord knows my heart.  I want to share His love with others the best way I can.  I want you to know that I am a sinner, but Jesus loves me just as I am and He loves you just as you are.   I'm never going to be perfect until I stand before the Lord and He gives me a new, glorified body.  All I want to do is obey Him while I'm here and help others along my journey.

   So to sum up my thoughts ... Christmas is the birthday of the most important person in the world, Jesus Christ.  He came to live a sinless life, to die on the cross and be raised to life ( all of which He accomplished).  Now He prepares a place for all of us who will receive Him to come live with Him in heaven.  That's what Christmas is to me. He is the ultimate gift.  Do you know Jesus? If you don't know Jesus, call out to Him in prayer.  He is there and He loves you very much.  Won't you receive Him this Christmas? Don't miss out on the reason for the season. Don't miss out on the best gift of all, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas with love.


Luke 2: 1-20

Christ Born of Mary

2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,^[a] who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold,^[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”^[c]

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely^[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 Go be a blessing . . .