The True No Fail Diet Plan

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NIV

The first thing I thought of when I read this verse was my current diet plan: basically, no refined flour or junk food. It's been working so I can't complain too loudly. But, I do miss bread some days. More than that I miss fried chicken! I'm a southern girl....I love my fried chicken. Even though I'm cutting calories i rarely go hungry. I've adapted to smaller meals and healthy snacks. And that's good because as soon as I fall off the wagon I'm sure the weight will come right back.

But I do miss some of the things I used to eat. I hunger for them, crave them. So why is it so difficult to believe that we could crave Jesus? He is our bread of life. If we go too long without him our bodies and spirits should crave his presence the same way we crave sweets. And when we satiate ourselves with his word and through prayer, it is then we have the strength to continue our work. When I don't eat enough to match my activity level, my energy drops. If I don't pray and spend time with God, my spiritual energy will drop and satan can get a foothold. Don't let him. He's not worth it. Just like that Texas toast...it's not worth it. Walk away.

Feast on God's presence and his word every day. It's the for sure no fail diet plan.

Who Can You Trust

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:5‭-‬6 NIV

It's interesting that this version talks about hiw an enemy multiplies kisses as though kisses were a bad thing. But that's just it. The kisses are just enough to keep you hooked. Then when your guard is down, they strike. This is often the case with abusers. They hide behind their supposed love. You cant trust them as far as you can throw them. They prey on the weak  and insecure.

But true friends, and if you have at least one count yourself among a very small percentage, can be counted on to tell you the truth even if it's not what you want to hear. They say it in love because they want what's best for you and dont want to see you struggle.

The hard part is knowing the difference. Knowing when you can be free to speak your mind and when to not reveal too much because it will be used against you. This is where God's discernment is needed. Spend time in prayer and seek his wisdom.

Be a Busy Bee

Wait for the Lord ; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord . Psalm 27:14 NIV

Hurry up and wait. I've heard that expression my whole life. And anything that's worth it is worth waiting for. That's a good one too. Those of us old enough to remember our homes without microwaves and internet know all about waiting. Even though we now have instant grits, I'd much rather wait for the slow cooked kind. Yeah, it's worth waiting for.

Today's generations not so much. Waiting is hard and something they're not used to. Everything is instant from information to food to communication. If they had to wait for a fax they'd probably combust.

But I must say that today's generations do have a skill that is useful: working while waiting. If they MUST wait for something, they are multitasking and doing something else while waiting. They're not just standing around twiddling their thumbs. They're checking emails, sending texts, conducting business, all while waiting for that tall, no fat, hazelnut mocha pumpkin latte or whatever they order.

I think we could learn from them. Yes we must wait on God to answer our prayer or show us a sign or bring someone into our lives or take someone out of our lives. But while we wait we should be doing the work he's set before us. We should not be idle. Working while we wait builds character and strength for when he answers and places us where he needs us.

So hurry up and wait but work while you are there. Be a busy bee.

Bonfire of the Vanities

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

I'm pretty sure I just got called out. I've always been a bit on the vain side. If you like, you could say it was my dads doing. At 2 years old he would walk me across the table singing the Miss America theme song. As I've gotten older my focus has changed somewhat but it's still there, and simmering more these days with my daughters upcoming nuptials. Beauty is both painful and expensive and a lot of work on a daily basis. I'd say right now it's for a good cause and maybe I can relax a little after the wedding. Who am I kidding...naaahhh!

But guess what? No matter what I do to my physical appearance, no matter how shiny I make myself, God sees none of it. How shiny is my heart? Is it black with sin or washed in his son's blood? That's what he sees. You can talk a big game, throw money at churches and do every good deed, yet it's all in vain if your heart isn't right.

Make sure you take care to beautify your heart every day through prayer and spending time in gods word. Inward beauty, like outer beauty, does not come overnight. It's to be worked at daily.

In Whom We Trust

I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 NIV

Trust is in little supply these days. You can probably count on one hand thr people you know who you can absolutely confide in. Unfortunately most are self serving with a personal agenda. They will tell you anything as long as it gives them the upper hand in the end. It is disheartening to say the least. And even those closest to us will let us down. We are after all only human.

But we know the One in whom we can always trust. He will never abuse our trust or be self serving. Everything he does he does for our good. It is painful sometimes but we can trust his judgement because it never fails.

Rest easy tonight knowing God has your back.

Say it From the Heart

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 NIV

Have you ever had someone say something about you that wasn't true? Or maybe their assessment of you was false and not really who you are or the virtues you embody? If you haven't, give it time. People can be cruel, but we are also marked by our own perceptions that may or may not be accurate. You may think you are being fair and honest but someone else only sees prejudice and malice. It's not necessarily fair but its reality.

This verse promises us that God is our defense and salvation. It's so insistent that it repeats itself: the Lord, the Lord himself. Not a proxy. Not the spirit. Not Jesus. God himself is our defense. We must have faith that we are acting according to his word and teachings. And we must also consider what the other person says in order to test the spirits. Is this person a gossip or storyteller? If so, they may not be telling the truth, only their version of it. You will know by weighing their words against God's. Do they have your best interest at heart? If not, move on. They're not worth listening to.

God knows your heart and intent. He will ensure, as your ultimate defense, that your truest self is heard and seen. You need only say it from the heart.

Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?

The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV

I'm an English major which means I take the use of who and whom very seriously. They are not only different from each other, but they are very different from other 'w' words such as what or which. What refers to objects; whom is the object of a verb. This verse isn't asking of 'what' should I fear, but rather 'whom' should I fear if the Lord is on my side. That's a big difference - what versus whom. I'm not afraid of people, although there are particular 'whats' in life that I am afraid of. I think everyone has a healthy awareness of what they are and are not afraid of. For some, it can be overwhelming and debilitating, resulting in life-altering conditions. Others are able to manage their fears. I like the line from Princess Diaries where Mia, quoting her father, says that courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the knowledge that something else is more important.

There are many things - both living and otherwise - to be afraid of in this world. Hence why we have a fight or flight response pretty much built into our anatomy. Our brain is hardwired to run away and protect ourselves from that which we fear might do us harm. But sometimes what we fear is truly only in our minds because its the unknown. This is where God steps in. We do not need to fear the unknown because the one who knows everything, for which there are no unknowns, is with us and is lighting our way.

The world offers much to fear. Don't let the world rule your heart and mind. Let God's peace and knowledge light your path instead.

The Greatest Love

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV

God's been so good to us lately. No, things aren't rosy and perfect, but it could be worse. He looks out for us day to day. But that's what fathers do right? What about friends? Do you expect them to look out for you? I don't. So it's always a nice surprise when something happens and your friends come to help. They're not laying down their mortal lives, but they are putting their own needs aside to help a friend or loved one. That's the greatest love we can have and show.

Laying down one's life isn't just about dying. It's about living for each other. An officer helping a homeless man get a job by helping him shave. A friend offering a bed when a home isn't safe to be in. A neighbor coming over to physically help with work. These people are exhibiting the greatest love in that for that moment they are putting their own needs aside and helping someone else.

That's real love. Honest love. True love. Spouses do it every day for each other. Parents do it every day for their children. Teachers do it every day for their students. Employers do it every day for their staff. It happens all over the world and is not acknowledged for what it is. God's love. Agape love.

The world would be a better place if we all let God's love shine through us. Be the greatest love.

All You Need Is Love

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 NIV

So while I sit here blogging this, I should be packing. We are headed to a taekwondo tournament and I have a shot at winning grand champion in my division. But I sit here at my kitchen table with 2 cats circling me like vultures waiting for a kill because they want their snack. My hubby is cleaning the car. I'm sipping my coffee wondering how well I will perform when I haven't been able to train like I really should have.

And thats the context of this verse. I need to be packing, cleaning, feeding pets, washing dishes, stretching, training...whatever it is in a day that we need to do. That could be work, play, chores...you name it.

But what really matters at the end of the day? Is it how clean your house is? How full your checkbook is? How many accolades you got at work? No. It's love. It's how well you loved and how well were you loved in return. And where does love come from? God. He IS love. We are busy people but at the end of it all, there is only love. It starts and ends with God. He is the alpha and omega. He is love. Therefore it starts and ends with love. So this verse helps to remind us that we should love first and foremost. Everything else will work itself out in time. Even John Lennon widely proclaimed all you need is love.

So before I go pack and clean and calm the vultures, know that you are loved and return that love to its origin.

Walk This Way

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord , and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1‭-‬2 NIV

I recently hurt my back somehow. Ok not somehow. It was while I was teaching Jazzercise or taking taekwondo. My body sometimes cannot keep up with my desired level of rigorous, physical activity. My back hurts to the point of sending pain down one leg making it difficult to walk anywhere, much less get myself in trouble. So I could take this verse a couple ways.

I liken it to the fact that right now walking is difficult. I'm going to choose very carefully where and why I have to go anywhere that requires moving my feet. If it's not 100% necessary, it ain't happening. So should we react when we think about making decisions that would lead us down a path God cant follow, and won't. We should tread carefully where our actions are concerned and be crystal clear why we must go or do anything. It's the only way to be sure we hear God's voice when we need to and abide by his word.

Or he could be telling me to sit down, shut up and listen to him by dwelling on his word. Of course we should be doing that anyway, yes?

Where Did He Go?

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:11‭-‬12 NIV

Dear readers, its been a while since I've written a devotional. Life has thrown us a few curve balls lately and I've never been good at sports. Zippo hand-eye coordination. I've kept up with my daily readings but I guess I was a little selfish in that I kept the message from the reading to myself. Then again, the Bible does encourage us to go into our closets to pray in secret at times. I think God knows when we need to take a break from outward stressors causing our focus to be imbalanced. He knows when we've had enough, so to speak, so he allows life to happen in such a way as to get us to slow down or change direction or thought process. So in keeping my readings to myself he's been building a foundation upon which I can rest the rest I so desperately need.

Which is how this verse speaks to me today. I could go on about love, but I focused on the 'no one has seen God' part. What? No one has ever seen him? Nope. Not the living anyway. We see the results of his work. We feel his presence. We breathe him in much like taking in the scent of your mom's perfume that brings back memories of childhood. He's there, working behind the scenes to make it all happen. We don't see him, panic, and then he must work to instill peace in us again by giving us glimpses, but only small ones. Then we panic again and he starts over because he loves us, not because we love him.

I'm sitting at home this morning when I should be at work because I've caught a cold. God's saying sit! Or he knows I just need a break. But what am I doing? Panicking because I don't have a lot of time at work to be off. I need leave time for other things. So he's now working through this writing to being me peace to say it will be alright even though I can't see it....yet.

Never doubt that God is there even though you can't see him.

Best Disney Ride

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114 NIV

Disney in the summer is hot and crowded. Hey, it is Florida after all. In fact, I guess its crowded and hot all year long, except for the one year when it was the coldest on record and we froze. But I digress.

Here in Florida we pack plenty of water and sunscreen. But even so the heat and sun can become unbearable. During our day at one of the parks we took refuge on rides and in stores. The rides are mostly covered giving us a respite from the direct sun and the stores provide AC to help shield from the heat. The indoor water rides, like Pirates, offer both along with a way to sit and rest.

God is our cool indoor water ride. Just imagine the worst day and you are sweaty and tired and miserable. You're in pain or under stress. Your feet hurt. Run to God. He will give you shelter from the pain and a cool place to relax for a while. Ahhhhhh sweet relief. That's what God is. He's the ultimate Disney park ride and so much more.

Let him give you refuge today.

How to Tie Your Shoes

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, Matthew 28:19 NIV

All throughout history we see evidence that parents and mentors passed on what they had learned in life to the next generation. Millions of dollars are spent each year on college attendance to teach the up and coming workforce. Yoda cautioned Luke to pass on what he had learned, that the only way for the Jedi to survive would be to have one remaining master and teacher. I teach children and adults what I've learned through my martial arts training, giving them the confidence to advance. Dozens of community action professionals just finished a national exam led by their predecessors, ensuring that the values of grassroots community work and leadership are continued.

Every day in every nation people train others. So why do we have an issue when it comes to training others in the gospel, the absolute best news of all? If we want to carry on God's work and bring as many to salvation as possible then we must pass on our knowledge and faith to others. It should be as simple as learning to tie shoes.

So be like Yoda: pass on what you have learned. Don't let others remain ignorant about the love and grace of God.

Test Day

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV

I like to think of all the ways this message is taught from the pulpits. I sense grandiose explanations of the greatness and awe of Gods throne and temple and how Jesus's death rent the curtain so we can enter. We're to get in our prayer closets and ascend to the highest level of intimacy and not come out until the problem is solved and the need is met.

Well, I don't think it's that complicated. Right now I am proctoring a national exam site for candidates taking a certification test. They've been preparing for literally months for this exam. For many it will mean an increase in responsibility in their organizations as well as an increase in pay. It's a big deal. They've been studying and learning. They can approach this test with confidence that they know the material. In their time of need they can draw on the knowledge of what they've been studying.

So it is with God's grace and mercy. We don't have to throw ourselves on the ground moaning and wailing begging God for help, waiting for some magical force to solve our problem. We've been studying his word. We've been talking with him. We can draw on that knowledge to help us when we need it most. There's not a mythical solution to our problems as in that car you need will not magically appear in your driveway because you've prayed and fasted for 3 days. God's word is all we need. He's already given us the tools we need to work through our needs, or survive them as the case may be. But either way there is an end and we have faith that he's with us through it all.

So study, learn, pray regularly. You'll be more than prepared when the test comes.

A Visionary

“Ah, Sovereign Lord , you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 NIV

I seem to be a bit more progressive than some people around me which means my ideas are more radical than expected. It's very hard to try to help people understand what I mean and to describe my vision. To me it's not that hard. A plus B equals C. We can do this. But it just doesn't come that easy for others. Being a visionary is sometimes lonely.

I like to think that God is a visionary, very forward thinking, always looking to the future without sacrificing the present. But I know that we don't always understand. We can't see his vision for us so things he asks of us may seem hars. But they're not to him. And he's here to help us.

So I'll continue being a visionary helping others along the way with God leading me. That's how we roll.

On Being Human

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV

I don't have much in the way of forbearance to give these days. I've been stretched to the end of my proverbial rope and I feel very sorry for anyone who crosses me at the moment. Why? Because I'm human and not perfect and experience human emotions. I think sometimes I experience them more deeply because I truly care about others. But we've been put under a lot of stress lately and little things set me off. I'm sure in time I'll return to normal.

But just because I may feel this way in the moment, it does not negate my obligation to others to treat them in a way that they see Jesus through me. They need to know that no matter how I feel, God's love for me doesn't change and my relationship with him remains constant.

Which means that God is always working through me, even when I'm being very human.

Suffering and Manicures

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3‭-‬4 NIV

Ok so I don't know about you but I'm not so sure I want to glory in my sufferings. I'm not even sure that I'm hopeful they will bring perseverance and character. I think I'd rather earn those a different way.

Beauty is painful, exercising is hard work, learning is tedious. I guess we could call this suffering in a way. In the end we have met the goal we set out to accomplish. But that doesn't make the journey any less painful.

I'm just being honest. No one invites pain and agony into their lives. But we can learn some powerful lessons along the way. I only hope I learn the lesson the first time. I think repeating anything would be like going back to a salon that ruins your nails. That's a whole different level of suffering.

Be the Voice

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV

The world desperately needs this promise. It's inhabitants need to fully accept the hope emblazoned in these words. The world's souls are empty vessels that must be filled with God's love and his message of hope. The prophet Isaiah's word from God himself is reaching through the ages to deliver a message. A message of love. A message of hope.

We all suffer low days. We all are inhibited by human limitations. But our empty vessels are being filled with hate and loneliness, and are crying out for help. Those around to hear are not able to articulate God's word because it's been forgotten for so long.

People are hurting. People are dying inside. People need hope and a future. Be the voice of the prophet who brings them that kind word and fills their vessel with love.

God's Stanley Cup

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

So I just came to bed and the end of the Stanley Cup finals was on tv. The Washington Capitals just won for the first time in many years. Many players on the team have never won the Stanley Cup. Pro hockey is a punishing sport so to survive the brutal game schedule and win the championship is truly a skill to be admired. I've heard that a player can lose 10 to 15 pounds per game, not to mention the missing teeth and multiple facial cuts and bruises.

But I'm sure that all the punishment and misery endured over the season is a distant memory for those guys hoisting that Stanley Cup. All the sweat, tears, injuries and pain has been worth it for this moment.

So how much better is our reward at the end of our life here when we believe in the one true God? We know what awaits us. But we must first endure our time here before hoisting our own Stanley Cup. So keep your eye on the prize. The reward is worth the work and the wait.

God Knows Skin Care Products

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV

All these things that Jesus is talking about are what we consider basic necessities: food, drink and clothing. He says not to worry about those things, pagans run after those.

Well, I guess the Bible is right in that we are all sinners and there are none righteous. I've been chasing outfits for my daughter's wedding for months now. Months. I'm still no closer than I was when I started. And today I ordered some new skin care products because the ones I used to purchase are no longer carried by the store or online. I also ordered bug spray from Avon because that's the only kind we can use. And I bought groceries this weekend. And I lose my daily battle with what should I eat or drink so I can lose weight and stay healthy.

Somewhere in there Jesus is telling me I'm chasing the wrong things. Sure I need to take care of my family, but why do I let these petty things take over? Do I think God is too busy to help me find the outfits for the wedding or lead me to the right skin care products? As silly as it may seem, no he's not. He cares about what we care about but we must seek him first.

Seeking him first trains us to listen and know God's will. It is then he will lead us to the right decisions for us and our family.

We Have Hope

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 33:18 NIV

I read in the news where designer Kate Spade took her own life today, apparently leaving a note behind. Because of her fame, her death made the news. Thousands of others don't. They are lost. They feel they have no one. They are in pain. They have lost all hope. I don't know her heart but I do pray she found the peace she so desperately wanted.

We as Christians have hope. We have a future. We have a God whose unfailing love gives us peace in times of turmoil. It doesn't magically take away the feelings of loneliness or hopelessness or sadness. It doesn't even always erase the anxiety and stress that comes from hard situations. But we know, we absolutely know without a doubt that we have hope because we have God. It's the only hope we have. It's the only hope we need.

Our world needs hope. Our world needs God. Spread his love and light every chance you get. You just might be someone's last hope.

I Must Listen

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV

I have been absent from my blog again. God has been reminding me but I have not been listening. Thankfully he keeps pushing and prodding. I have a voice that he's given me through this blog. I am to use it as he wants me too for the benefit and building up of others.

I was watching the animated movie Prince of Egypt. Moses didn't think he had a voice. I don't think that I have a voice either. But I'm pretty sure that if God wants someone to use a gift for his glory, he's going to make sure the person is equipped. He gave Moses the words and actions necessary to free his poeple.

But Moses didn't always do what he was told. Neither do I. We're only human which God understands. So I will do my best to follow what God would have me do here.

He's talking. I must listen.

Bear the Cold

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Psalm 68:19 NIV

We went car shopping today. Again. In a subtropical storm. We got rained on, the wind blew and the AC units were working overtime. Silly me forgot a sweater or jacket. I bore the burden of being cold all day. Very cold. Shivering cold. Since we've been driving a borrowed car, we didn't have our usual accoutrements with us, so I suffered in cold. As we drove home tonight I realized how much strain my shivering had put on my neck. It's now sore and tight.

But it will go away. I'll get warm and comfy and snuggle in my bed and tomorrow I'll be fine. For people who have chronic pain, they'll wake up tomorrow with no relief. They'll once again bear the burden of their pain, all day every day. I can't even imagine.

Jesus bears our burdens. Every. Single. Day. Every. Single. One. This leaves us to test and sleep on peace and wake up free from worry or pain.

Let God bear your burdens, even the ones you feel are too heavy.

Still Anxious

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

OK. "God, we need a car. Ours is toast, nada, caput. Not by our own hand either. We need a car. And yea I'm anxious about it. I'm only human. It's been a lot of stress on us. I've gained weight and lost sleep. The hubby is down too. How can we not be anxious?

But Lord I'll trust that you know better. I'll trust that you know our situation. I'll trust that you've given us the wisdom to know which one we need get. I'll trust that you will lead us to the right one. But I'll still be anxious because that's how humans work."

So that's my request. Simply stated. No flowery words. God knows my heart. He knows your heart. No need to sugarcoat anything. Just tell him what you need.

Then be sure to tell him thank you when he answers.

Steadfast

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV

I'm not very steadfast these days. Between the loss of my mother and the car accident (and subsequent fallout) I've been more than a little off sorts. And I've definitely not been anything resembling steadfast, except in my resolve to not get lost in it all.

It's in these times I know that God is carrying me even if I don't know it. I have to believe and have hope that he is working good in me even through these rough times. In fact, I eagerly await what he wants me to learn through all this, if anything.

So yes my prayer is that of the Psalmist. Create in me Lord. Renew my spirit. Help me keep moving forward.

The Bodyguard

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV

Much ado about bravado is displayed on a daily basis. I just did 3 self defense classes for fellow employees and one if the recurring questions was that self defense is often geared towards women. But men display a certain amount of machismo and tend to get in bar fight type brawls, not abductions or muggings. So I taught them a couple moves they could do if someone threw a punch. There's not much I can teach them if someone pulls a weapon, but at least they had one or two tools in their belt. But it's not like walking around with your own bodyguard.

With God, that's exactly what it's like. The perpetrator may even get to you and injure you, but God is there working a good thing through you.

Walk with confidence knowing you have angels around you acting as your own personal bodyguards.

Fight or Flight

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,". Titus 2:11-12 NIV

I've been a martial artist for the last ten years. One of our tenets is self-control. We teach the students that martial arts isn't just about kicking and punching, but the knowledge that you can defend yourself when needed, and the self-control over your emotions if that should ever occur. Our bodies are made for fight or flight and self-preservation, which in today's world translates to a microscopic view of what constitutes personal rights. This fight or flight mode often kicks in when adrenaline is pumping. Knowing how to control it puts you one step above others.

The grace of God is your spiritual sensai, teaching you self-control to say no when you need to say no. Teaching you to maybe say nothing at all if you have nothing nice to say (who knew our grandmothers knew that lesson all along?). Teaching you to understand you have obligations - to your finances, your parents, your children, your spouse, your employer, your friends - and that it's not all about you all the time. There are sacrifices we all must make every day and recognize that there is a greater purpose than our lives here will ever bear witness to.

To live in this present age and say no to a lot out there is hard. It's a daily struggle for an old martial artist like me, one who grew up in the church. I can't imagine what it would be like as a new Christian. Which is why we must pray for each other and help each other, not tear each other down. Live in grace. Live with self-control. You will reap the benefits.

The Heavy Lift

Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21 NIV

I hope this doesn't apply when you're so tired and stressed that you are irritable and not very honorable. But then again I know well enough that the word of God applies no matter how we are physically feeling. It's also a good thing that God understands we may not feel very honorable or prosperous at times.

It's certainly been that way for me. It's been a rough few weeks and I'm more than ready for some relief. I don't know when it will come. But I do know that as I love through each day God cares about each step I'm taking. No matter what my feelings are, his spirit guides me in love and righteousness, putting me where I need to be and ensuring I don't stray too far. That assurance is enough to keep me moving.

So when you don't feel you can pursue love and righteousness, know that God's spirit will do the lift for you.

Don't Be Perfect

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30 NIV

We've all heard about the Proverbs 31 woman. She is chaste, faithful, never tired, patient, hardworking, never angry, kids are perfectly behaved, house is immaculate, dinner on the table by 5, ....ok, I made some of that up, but you get my drift. The Proverbs 31 woman is perfect; in other words, she doesn't exist. I'm not perfect. Are you? Probably not. I get angry. I get tired. I hate to clean. I work full time too so why must the woman cook dinner?

Because today is Mother's Day we can make the case that perfect does not necessarily mean unflawed. It's the flaws and cracks in our pottery that make us unique and valuable. It means we have been tested, people have tried to break us but we didn't. We are standing tall with all our cracks fully exposed.

I used to feel inferior because I knew it was humanly impossible to live up to the ideal written in Proverbs 31. But now I understand that God knows we are not perfect. He doesn't call us to be perfect. He calls us to be made perfect in him and to use our story to inspire others. So don't be perfect. Expose your crocks and let others see how strong you are and how God can use you and me.

The Little Things

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

This is not today's verse, but after the last couple of weeks, it was a gentle reminder from God to be thankful for the little things. So here's my list.

I'm thankful that I was able to fly home, with no delays I might add, to see my momma for a few precious hours before she passed.

I'm thankful for a job that paid the extra airfare so I could get home to see my mother and gave me the days off I needed during a busy time to grieve and rest.

I'm thankful for friends who stepped in to help with the service, publications and such so we could honor my mother at her service.

I'm thankful for prayers that brought everyone home.

I'm thankful that our car was the only thing damaged in an accident last night. Things can be replaced; people can't.

I'm thankful the young mother and her son were not injured and her car not damaged when we were pushed into her after getting hit ourselves. As bad as it was, her young son in the back seat could have been severely hurt. Maybe, just maybe, God put us there to take the hit. Or maybe, it was just an accident that happens in life.

I'm thankful for insurance! I never thought I'd say that, but our insurance company really did step up and get us moving. The tow truck arrived almost as soon as the police did; our car is on it's way to the body shop with just a phone call.

I'm thankful for tow truck drivers and police officers who do their job with a smile on their face no matter what kind of day they've had.

I'm thankful for resources such as the ability to rent a car, a credit card, and family to help out. These resources may not seem like much, but when something happens, these social capital resources are a true blessing.

I'm thankful for the wisdom to know we might need resources like these some day and plan in case something happens. Adulting isn't easy, but it's necessary and there are so many things we learn throughout our lives. I pray I have the wisdom to pass on what I have learned - Yoda says we should.

And last but not least, I'm thankful for my family and friends who jumped in and asked what can we do. I don't know what I'd do without them. From getting us to the ER, to changing plans at the last minute and then getting us to the rental car lot. Family does for family and I couldn't be more blessed to have them in my life.

Hug everyone today and be thankful for the little things.

God is Close

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV

I've missed a few days here. We've been not busy busy but otherwise occupied. The business of death is profound in ways you don't really know or understand until it happens. And even then it's nigh incomprehensible. When telling people a loved one passed away they inevitably ask if it was expected. In reality, all death is expected for we know this physical life is fleeting, some shorter than others. At best we may have 90 -100 years here, then it's on to eternity.

But knowing my mother is no longer here has been a lot for me to process. I've not yet come to terms with it, maybe because I am already broken hearted for my girls upon my passing at some future point, which in the natural order I would go first. So I hope one day these words will comfort them: God is close to the brokenhearted.

I've felt this over the past couple of weeks. Not in some sort of magical potion way, like pain meds easing the pain out of your body. No, it was more like when I couldn't move for the sorrow in my heart, God was there putting one foot in front of the other. When I couldn't do a task at work, God moved my hands to get it done. He brought family together because he knows there really is strength in numbers. He illustrates that concept over and over again in the Bible. And he knows you need to grieve and he will let you do so.

God is close to the broken hearted. I'm so thankful for these words today.

I'm Tired

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV

I'm tired. Aren't you tired? I'm tired. My spirit is tired. I have physical energy for days but my heart is burdened. I try not to let it interfere with my obligations but it's hard. It takes every ounce of my being to keep running. Yeah, I'm tired.

And no, a quick prayer will not magically lift my weary soul. It's not a mythical potion like coffee. It's a process. It's letting God know, hey, today I'm tired. Give me strength to make it through my work. Hey God, I'm still tired. Give me strength to do this one thing. It's telling him how you feel. God's not afraid to hear it. In fact, he already knows and wants you to admit it. Then the healing process can begin.

So yes, God can restore a weary heart. And he will. Give it time. God will be there for as long as it takes.

Truly Free

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

My mother passed away this week after a battle with dementia. Such a cruel war raged on a brilliant mind. Ever since my dad died she had talked about wanting to join him. Her faith in her Lord and her certainty about her eternal future overrode any fears she had about death. She knew there was freedom to be gained in the spirit and this week she fully experienced it. She is now truly free. As hard as it is on those remaining behind, we can rejoice because we know where she is and who she is with.

We can have freedom in the spirit because we know our sins are forgiven. Ultimate freedom will be ours when we are forever with the Lord.

This isn't the happiest post I've ever written but it's the most peaceful. Knowing where she is, that I'll see her again, and that she is free, truly free, her mind beautoful again, will keep me moving forward.

I Am Still His

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23‭-‬24 NIV

As I think about this verse I can think of no words I can use that will enhance its beauty and perfection. There are pieces in God's word that are just so perfect that they need no additional explanation. They are understandable, believable and wonderful just as they are.

Today was a heck of a day. And I may not have prayed or thanked God as often as I should have. But He is still here with me at the end of my day, speaking to me, giving me strength to get these words to you. It's important to him that you know how much he loves you. Today may have been rotten but I am still saved. Today I may have wondered what God was doing in my life but I am still his child. I am still his. He is still here.

Perfection.

Solving Puzzles

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 NIV

I love to play solitaire. I have an app on my phone that gives me a daily challenge puzzle. I play both the traditional solitaire as well as spider solitaire. I have learned, as most of you may already know, that almost all solitaire puzzle combinations can be solved. In fact, so far I have solved 100% of all the spider solitaire puzzles I have attempted. The daily challenge puzzle for the traditional solitaire game has been, so far, always solvable. However, there is one catch: sometimes you have to replay the puzzle and make one move differently in order to solve it. One. I'm working the puzzle, moving cards around, and get to a point where I'm stuck. So, knowing the puzzle is solvable, I try again. But do you think I'm gonna make the same moves twice knowing I'll get to the same outcome? Nope. I try different moves. Sometimes it's only one move that makes the difference, like moving the 8 of hearts off the deck onto a black 9 instead of the 8 of diamonds which is on an adjacent deck. It's the card underneath that then triggers the solving of the puzzle. One move can make a difference!

The same can be said for words and actions. One word or action can make a difference - good or bad. And the great news is we already know what move we shouldn't make - use harsh words - don't answer angrily to a routine question. I've done it. I'm tired. I don't want to talk, and my answer comes out with the wrong tone, implying I'm angry or upset.

A lot of times in playing solitaire I don't know what different moves would make a difference, but here God gives us the piece of the puzzle we need to solve it! Carefully use your words. Consider your actions before moving. It can make a big difference in how your puzzle is solved.

Keep Moving Forward

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

I am constantly reminded to do what I do with thanks and grace, making sure I am humble and grateful, showing God's love in all I do. I'm also constantly reminded that us pitiful humans fail miserably at this. Every. Single. Day.

It's not that I'm not grateful. But my propensity for human kindness is limited in my current physical body. I personally think God has a sense of humor and gave us all these directions he knew we couldn't follow just to see what kind of trouble we can get ourselves into. And it's a lot. My heart and my mind say two different things, warring with each other over the tiniest stuff. Again, cue God's smirk as he watches me figure it out.

And really it's what it's all about. Us figuring this thing out day by day as we grow closer to eternity. It's like daily deposits into the ultimate retirement account. It drains you now but the payoff is huge. So I'll keep messing it up and fixing it and messing it up again. So will you. So will all of us.

Keep smiling and moving forward.

Have Courage Be Kind

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV

Today was Friday the 13th. Usually I don't get worked up over superstitions, letting the day go by like any other. Well today lived up to its name. My email, among other things, got hacked. The person even managed to purchase a few things on my credit card. I spent the better part of a few hours changing passwords, calling companies, freezing my card, and checking bank accounts. It's nothing major but was a major inconvenience.

I could file police reports, have them go after the person who did this. But then again what good would that do? Justice is one thing, vengeance is another. It's tempting to want to take from someone when they've taken from you, but God's grace says to forgive, do good and move on. It's not the easy thing to do, but nothing worth doing is ever easy.

So I now have new passwords to remember and will be down a credit card till we get a new one. But my conscience is clear. I've done what I need to do and I forgive them and will move on. It's what we do.

In the words of Cinderella, have courage and be kind.

Oh, Be Thankful

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV

We sure can worry about a lot of things, can't we? We worry about our families, money, jobs, world affairs, what the president will tweet next, all sorts of things. We worry to the point of frustration, where little things can then set us off causing an instant, intense reaction. None of this gives us peace.

The peace of God is not even imaginable as there is no way to understand why, in the world we live in, that Christians can go about their business seemingly without a care. It's not that we don't. It's that we have faith in the one who is in control. That is a peace truly of another dimension.

Oh, and be thankful.

A Daughters Wisdom

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Psalm 119:93 NIV

I had dinner tonight with my daughter who lives in another city. We didn't have a lot of time but we had quality time. I love our talks even if they are more infrequent than we both like. I also love that I learn something about myself through her wisdom. She has always been wise beyond her years and I love that about her.

Tonight she reminded me that I really do care about others simply because they are humans living this life with us. Which is why my heart gets heavy if I feel someone doesn't like me or if I've upset someone. She said look at Jesus' life. He loved everyone, but so many hated him for no reason. But he still loved them enough to die for them.

We may not be able to make others like us. But by remembering God's words and modeling Jesus' life, we can truly live as God intended: in the fullness of his grace to be with him in eternity. This is how this verse translates to every day life.

Thank you Lord for reminding me and thank you for giving my daughter the wisdom to remind me.

Top Dog

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

Sometimes the human ogre in me wants to shout this to someone. I bet yours does too. To coworkers, friends, cabbies, students. And not in a good way. I'm talking top of your lungs telling someone you are the alpha, the top dog, the one in charge, do what I say or else.

Well, we know better...most of the time anyway. But aren't we glad that God is not human. He really is the beginning and end of all. He is the hope and light of the world. He is all, he is everything.

When you think you've come to the end of your rope, God is there because he's the end. When you are afraid to start something new, God is there because he is the beginning. When you feel afraid in the middle of the storm, God is there because he is the storm and it must obey. We never have to be afraid or alone.

God is all, God is everything. Let him be your everything.

Believable

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25‭-‬26 NIV

I'm sitting here watching Star Wars with a cat on my lap. Star Wars is my favorite film series of all time. I love the characters and the story. But can you believe that there are real light sabers or death stars that can destroy planets? Not so easy to believe because we know it's fantasy, and we'd have to suspend what we know about science and reality in order to make it work.

Jesus was speaking directly to a woman in this verse. He was telling her that he is the way to eternal life. What he was asking her is to suspend all we know about physical life. He knows this, which is why he asks her if she believes it. I also think he was making she understood what he was saying so that there was no confusion about who he was. He knew that if she had just a little faith he could do great things through her.

In order to understand God and his plan we must suspend what we know and, as Yoda says,  unlearn what we have learned. Learn to let go and let God plant faith in us. Do you believe this?

Share Your Sandbox

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 NIV

A co-worker of mine shared his faith today by sending out a message to some workers he knows. He shared the Easter message he heard at church this past Sunday and wished us all a blessed week. This particular young man is such a happy joyful person to be around. He always has a smile to share. It makes you just want to bottle up what he has to keep around for when you need it. He's sharing God's love and light.

We've been told our whole lives to share and be good. This is a simple concept that we can't seem to grasp. There's more than enough room in the sandbox and enough toys to go around. Sharing is good, especially sharing the good message of eternal salvation.

So be good and share your sandbox.

Off the Cuff

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28 NIV

We all know that one person. That one person that knows everything about everything and has the only opinion available about everything. Chances are you really like that person and generally speaking, they are a good soul, but with a wayward tongue. You find yourself not saying much around them, not because they are dominating the conversation so much as you are not willing to have your known facts questioned by someone who doesn't know those facts. It's also possible you don't put much stock in what they say, doing your own research to come to a conclusion, even if it really does match with theirs.

Then we all know that one person who doesn't say much at all, saving what they want to say for times when they are asked either directly or they are clearly in the room because of what they have to say. It is in these people we tend to listen and not question as thoroughly as those who talk off the cuff. This is who the talker should try to emulate. There may be times when the non-speaker really doesn't know what's going on but because they only speak when there is certainty, there is more weight to their words.

I've learned over the course of my life to listen and process before I say anything - most of the time. Obviously emotions can sometimes take over but I have learned in my time that once words are said, your credibility can be shot for a lifetime. So I tend to take the high road and it's not an easy one, but I believe it's the correct course for me. I want to offer wisdom and clarity, not confusion and bad advice.

So just because I'm quiet, doesn't mean my mind isn't going 100 miles an hour. Discernment, which is what this proverb speaks about, is learned through practice and prayer. May we all get there one day.

ABCs

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV

I play Sudoku. I like the challenging games, especially the harder puzzles. It may take me a while but I figure it out. But sometimes, I play the easier versions. Why? I like simple. I'm a person of simple tastes. I'm not picky. I'm not even that finicky or particular about things. I have my quirks, yes, but for the most part, I like to keep it simple.

Which is why I love this simple version of God's truth about faith, hope, eternity and grace. Salvation is not complicated, nor should it be. No incantations to learn. No stations. No saint names or memorization of verses. That's religion, not faith. God's truth is simple. Believe, confess and declare. Some even say it is as easy as ABC - accept, believe, confess.

Life is complicated enough. Let's God's love simply be.

But God

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV

In verse 7 of Romans 5, the apostle was talking about how very rarely will one die for a righteous person, and certainly not for an unrighteous one. And then verse 8 begins with one of the most powerful statements in the Bible - But God! Us grammar geeks say that if you make a statement, then add the word 'but', it negates anything you said prior to that 'but', even if it was good. Let that sink in a moment here. The verse starts with 'but God'. If we apply our grammar logic, God negates anything that came before him. He negates sin. He negates death. He negates hate. But God.

I read an article yesterday about a Catholic college professor who stated he believes Jesus was gender fluid, then went on to nullify what Jesus did for us on that cross by spewing such twisted logic that I cannot and will not repeat it here. My heart broke reading it. Why? Because people will believe it and be led so far astray they won't find their way back. Jesus willingly went to that cross for the most heinous, ugly death imaginable - for US - for all of us. Did we do anything to deserve this kind of sacrifice? Nope. I know I didn't.

....but God - that's the true wonder and miracle of the cross, and nothing anyone can say ever will negate what God did for us.

Your Debt is Paid

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NIV

I read an article today about an incident that took place in our city a few days ago. Police were called to a serious incident, a car chase ensued ending with the suspect crashing the vehicle. This person later died of their injuries. This is pretty much all the information that is being released to the public at this time pending the investigation, but people talk and assume things that may not be true. Some of the comments from readers were downright cruel, saying they got what they deserved without even knowing who this person was or what they were doing when they attempted to run away from the police.

What they fail to realize is that this same fate could happen to any of us 'but for the grace of God'. Human law may categorize crimes; God does not. Sin is sin and we are all guilty. I'm guilty. God's gift of his perfect Son to take our sin and conquer death by rising again and his Spirit living within us gives us the wisdom we need to make good choices. This person made a bad choice and there are consequences to every choice - good or bad. I can only pray he had been saved because at this time it's too late for him.

But if you're reading this today, it's not too late for you. That gift of eternal life is yours if you will just accept that Jesus is Lord, that he died for your sins, rose again and lives forever to bring you to eternity with him. Don't let your eternal soul pay for sin when Jesus has already done so - your debt is paid! Hallelujah, Jesus is Risen!

Lead by Serving

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NIV

The preceding verses talk about first being a servant if one wants to be great. Jesus, as he always did, modeled the behavior and attitudes he wanted to see in others. This verse tells us that he knew he didn't come to rule over people but to serve them by presenting himself as a sacrifice.

We all struggle in relationships, thinking we need the upper hand because our fight or flight response demands that we be I  control. But in order to properly lead others we must first be willing to be a servant, offering ourselves as a sacrifice to their needs. It may take some time but soon others will see in us desirable qualities and want to mirror them.

To Save or Not

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:13 NIV

Today is Palm Sunday, the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem a week before his crucifixion. The word they shouted, Hosanna, means to save. The people knew who he was, or thought they did. They were looking for someone to deliver them from the rule of the Romans, not a savior.

So can you imagine what Jesus must have been thinking as he rode into town? He knew all of this. He knew what they were really looking for. He knew, and understood, that they needed so much more than physical deliverance. He knew he was to be the sacrificial lamb. Yet there he sat, on that donkey, riding into town. He was assured in his station that he was about to deliver them and generations to come from death.

We often think we know what we want or need. We think we know what others want or need. We must realize that we have no clue. Only God knows what we really want or need and his plan is far bigger than petty business on this earth. Putting that into perspective helps us see what others need through God's eternal eyes.

Rest I Must

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord , make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV

Most Saturday mornings I'm up early, forgoing sleep to get to an 8am aerobics class. Today I slept in. My physical body needed to rest and as important as exercise is, sleep is equally if not more important. Our bodies need rest. Our minds need to relax and reset.

This is also true for our spiritual self. Our spirit needs rest because we must be rested in order to face the wiles of the devil. In letting our spirits sleep safely in God, we know we can withstand anything.

Make sure to rest yourself and your spirit daily. 

Travel Light and Rest

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

I switched jobs last year. I'd always thought it was a good move. I'd prayed about it. I like the work. But I've struggled all this time trying to figure out how to really use my talents and get 'into the job'. The job itself is not difficult and I like working to help build better communities for people. I just hadn't found my niche. Well ain't God something? Just when I rested and prayed He answered. This week I was involved in meetings that will take our work to the next level, using the skills and knowledge I've honed in the last 20 years. It will allow me to think creatively about how best to help my community and I'm excited about that.

And you know how God did that? Not only through the work itself but through a coworker who brought me a devotional about shaking off the dust and moving on if you find your ideas and such not welcome. Read Mark 6:11. You see, one of the reasons I've struggled is because at my last job, although I liked it very much and was somewhat of a visionary and forward thinker, not everyone saw things the way I did. Not everyone liked my ideas and it made it difficult for me to really use my talents. Know what Jesus said about that? In sending out the disciples, he said if they don't like your ideas, leave and shake the dust off as you leave. Basically - bye! Don't look back and move on to where you will be welcomed. And that's where I am. I need to leave behind what was and look to the future. God's got a great future planned for me and I know I can help make a difference. He's put me in such a place at just such a time as this. I need to trust and keep moving forward.

And in my obedience to him I can rest in the knowledge that he will safely guide me. I can travel light and then rest a bit. No need to carry my baggage with me. God will supply my needs just like he did with the disciples. Get there. Get to work. Get it done. Travel light and rest.

Rules to Live By

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV

I had an annual checkup today. All is good. I'm healthy and doing what's needed to keep myself that way. It's important I follow my doctors orders as he is here to help me. If I decide to go off the rails and let my body go to ruin, I'm the one that will be paying in the end. My doctor can only help me so long as I do what I need to do. We are each responsible for our own health and wellness and happiness.

So it is with God's love and guidance. He will help us as long as we keep his commandments. It sounds harsh but how can you help someone who won't help themselves? God's rules are to protect us and guide us to a deeper faith with him. In him we are safe.

Let God's grace fill your heart and learn to trust him.

My Mother's Keeper

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. John 14:21 NIV

I don't normally get personal in this blog, but today's post is different. I struggled with what to say about this verse that hasn't already been said, so I'm going to say what's on my heart. My mother. For those of you reading that know her, how she is now is very different than what she used to be. Time and age have taken its toll in a way I never thought it would with her. Her brilliant mind that taught highschool and Sunday school for most of her life has turned against her. But she's still with us and we treasure every day we have with her.

I came along later in life than she and dad probably imagined, so I didn't know my mom before she was a seasoned mom and teacher. And for all the lives she lived, I'll never get to ask her about those now. I want to know the brave young woman who got married at 18 and watched her husband ship off to the Navy to serve on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. I want to know the high school student who was president of the Latin club - Latin! I want to know the young girl who wore pants (shocking!) and learned to shoot a gun. And I really want to know about THAT NIGHT that everyone in her yearbook wrote about where she stayed out all night long with my dad and they went drag racing in the next town over! My mom! The woman who told me rock music was of the devil. The woman who forbade us to dance at my wedding. The woman who would not let me wear jeans till 10th grade and not out in public.

She was all of those and more. She knew the rules and knew how to break them. She eventually learned that you can't break the rules without consequences and I think that's what she really tried to instill in me. She understood that when you love God you keep his commandments - you follow his rules. I didn't always follow the rules, especially those set by my parents...but hey, what kid does? It's part of growing up. But we eventually come around and know that rules are there to protect us. God's rules do the same thing. His rules bring us to a higher place that will finish our faith. That is our ultimate goal.

Like that old song says, loving God means to "trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus."

Action and Reaction

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

It really is a blessing when I allow God's words to permeate my soul, sometimes showing up in this blog like they did yesterday, because sometimes He really does validate what I've written or prayed about. Today's verse is the perfect follow-up to yesterday's post. As servants of Christ, we are to exhibit the love and character of God himself. But what is God's character? We are but humans; he is the creator. There is no way we can understand how God himself would act.

We have the apostle's words to show us how we should act in order to further the work of Christ. We are to act in love and gentleness, kindness and patience - qualities that are hard to come by. Yesterday I wrote about having a servant's heart, mainly as it applies to work. But part of having a servant's heart is to act in love and kindness with self-control. People can get pretty worked up, but our reaction is what will change their minds for Christ - or turn them off.

I'll end with a twist on a popular phrase circling social media: Don't be the change you want to see in the world; be the change the God wants in the world.

A Servant's Heart

I know I've been away from here for a few days and I was feeling somewhat guilty. Then God laid on my heart why - I needed the right words to say. Today's blog is not based on a specific verse but on what God wants me to say.

When you got up this morning to get ready for work - whatever that work may be - how did you think about it? Did you only think of what you can get out of it? If you work because you need to earn a salary to live, is that your only motivation? If you are working in a job you dislike, what is your attitude towards your employer? I get that there are many variables that will go into the answer you might give for these questions, but let's explore a servant's heart.

When you go to that job that God has provided you with so you can take care of your family, I bet that you would be eager to go to work everyday if you were working directly FOR God, with Jesus as your supervisor. I know I would! To get to see Him everyday and talk to Him and get direction from Him - wow! Now that's a cool job! But guess what, you already are working directly for God. As a Christian, everything you do reflects God's grace and faith at work in your life. I'm not saying every day will be sunny and roses and ponies - some days will be a struggle. But every day you get to work is a day you have the opportunity to shine and show others the grace and love of Christ through your attitude and your work product. Ephesians 6:7 (ESV) says, "Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man."  Jesus himself modeled the example he wanted us to use. In John 13, Jesus washed his apostles' feet. He tells them he's given them an example he wanted them to follow. If he, as teacher and Lord, washed their feet, so too can they wash others', for no one is above another. We are all human.

We work for people and we work for a paycheck, but that is not our life's work. Our life's work is to show God's love and humility right where we are, everyday. Do you go above and beyond when asked, or do you grumble about it not being your job? Do you embrace change or do you bristle because 'that's the way we've always done it'? I can't say that I've never harbored these thoughts. Spiritual growth though comes when I acknowledge the wrong and make it right.

Successful businesses and enterprises are built on change. They're built on new ideas and trying and failing at doing things differently. The key behind all that? The attitude of those doing the work. Having a servant's heart means doing your work as if God is going to complete your performance evaluation. He knows when we are making excuses. He knows the status of our hearts. Make yours a servant's heart today and reap the rewards to come.

Read All About It

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8: 1-2 NIV

Pick up a newspaper or click on a website and condemnation rules the galaxy. If condemnation were a human, it would probably be very much Darth Vader-like. We sit in judgement of others, thinking we are better than them because 'we wouldn't do such a thing', or 'we'd never think that of someone', or a myriad of other thoughts and inner conversations. It's easy to get caught up in it.

It is true that if we see someone go astray we are to gently reprimand them and lead them back to grace; that is our duty as fellow believers. But to God all sin leads to death - all sin - not just the big ticket items. To God, a petty lie is just as bad as murder. Humans are the one who put values on sin, and quite possibly should in a fair and just society. That's for our benefit in this life, but this life isn't the only one that matters.

If we truly exist to further God's grace then we must demonstrate the full breadth of his grace, not just the pieces that are convenient or easy.

We Work Hard for Their Money

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 NIV

I've worked in the government sector for over 20 years, most of it working with programs that help low income people and families. I've met many people from all walks of life and have had the privilege of working with some of the most compassionate people I've ever met. As a government employee I've dealt with the 'my taxes are paying your cushy salary to just sit there' mentality, have even had people say it to me in person. But those few exceptions are just that - exceptions. With the help of hard-working people from the private, non profit and public sector, I've been engaged in projects that have helped thousands of people over the years. My work is secondary to the boots on the ground, but without the intermediary between the funding source and the recipient of the benefits, there is no program to help them. It's thankless work really and it's harder than you think. Government funding comes with lots of red tape and hurdles - there's a surprise - and compliance with the literally hundreds of rules and regulations can be mind-boggling. But I love it. I love that the programs I help manage benefit those most in need.

Most of the people I know that work in these programs, especially those in the non-profit sector, aren't in it for the money. They'll be the first to tell you there's not a whole lot of money in it. But they do it because they want to give of their time and energy into something worthwhile that makes their community a better place for everyone, not just those with means. These programs grew from grassroots movements whose organizational values mirrored this verse - it's more blessed to give than to receive and we should help those who may not be able to help themselves right now.

Look around and see how you can be a blessing to others. I promise, the rewards are greater than the sacrifice.

I Believe

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:21 NIV

I had the privilege of watching my daughter and two close friends, a mother and daughter, be baptized into faith. It was so beautiful to witness. Baptism is a public acknowledgement of the decision to follow Christ.

This verse promises us that if we call on his name, believe in him, we will be saved. At that point nothing can change that fact. Not sin, not death, not dementia, not illness of any kind. We are saved for all eterniry and will be made whole again when we reach heaven. This is God's promise to his children.

Believe and you will be saved.

Work Work

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

If you've been reading my daily devotionals you know that I just went through a high rank testing. I've been prepping for years, but recently upped my game to make sure I was as physically ready as I could be. No one can take a test without preparing in some way. You have to know the material. You have to get yourself ready. And you have to prepare yourself in plenty of time in case something comes up near the end that takes time away from studying.

How nice to know that not only are we prepared to do the work God has for us, but he has prepared us for it already! We must allow ourselves to be used of God but he has our work ready for us to dig in.

Let God lead you to the work he has already prepared you to do.

Happy and Heavy

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 NIV

My heart is both happy and heavy. Happy because God saw me through my testing today. He gave me the strength to push through heavy workouts, muscle soreness and busy weeks. He helped calm my nerves and focus on what I knew I needed to do.

It's heavy because a family member is going through a rough time. It seems God is no where to be found and what's going on here is greater than him.

But it's not. Nothing here can get the better of God, but sometimes it's hard to trust he knows what he's doing. But we must.

Yes you dear children have overcome because he is greater.

Suited Up

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11 NIV

I loved that this was my verse for today. Tomorrow I will face some formidable opponents in my sparring matches as I test for my next rank. I will be suited up! It would be silly of me to leave my headgear at home. If I get hit in the head I'm done for. Or forget my shin pads or mouth guard. In order to conduct my sparring matches I must have my proper gear on.

But this verse also helps us in daily life. I gave a training today. I spent time preparing the materials and understanding the subject. It would be unprofessional to go into that training room not properly suited up for the training.

If we have any chance of standing against the devil and his schemes we must be suited every day to do battle. We must know God's word. We must know how to show God's love and work our faith.

We must be prepared so get suited up!

Pass It On

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 NIV

Here it is. The reason we should seek and receive comfort from God in times of need: we are to pass it on! We can't pass it on if we haven't received it. We can only pay bills with the money we have, right? So until it's banked, nothing is going out.

It's come up in recent says about what good prayer can do for the grieving and hurt. Well here it is. Prayer is our connection to God. God gives us comfort. We share that comfort with others.

Open your heart to receive from God so that you may help others. For one day someone will pass it back to you.

Send Prayers and Get Busy

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 NIV

After the tragic school shooting earlier this month, many people took to social media to offer prayers and thoughts of sympathies, including notables like actors and politicians. Then the backlash started. People responded that they didn't need prayers and thoughts but action to make things better.

I agree and disagree. Jesus and the apostles told us that faith without works is dead. But they also said that with works without faith will fall short. We need balance. That balance comes when those that are called to do the work get busy doing it. Those called to pray get busy praying. Those called to finance the works get busy sending funds. This is how God's work gets done.

We need both words and actions, prayer and faith, hope and love to accomplish all that God needs us to do.

Heavens Gate

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NIV

When I see this verse I hear the actor in the movie Titanic quoting this verse as the ship goes down. That must have been a horrendous experience. In that hopeless situation the hope of heaven coming quickly is all you have. Death is an inevitable part of life, as is sorrow and pain. In some cultures, the people mourn when a baby is born knowing the sorrow they will experience in life. And they rejoice in death knowing they are free from pain.

We have the hope of heaven. It is a wondrous hope that we should share with others. When pain and sorrow afflict us in this life, we know it will all be over some day. God is not as concerned with our physical comfort as he is with our spiritual fitness for eternity.

So sorrow and pain will follow us. When it does, we must pray for each other. Prayer is action. Prayer is faith. Prayer is our connection to God and how we reach the heavens. So until we reach heavens gate, may we be a help to each other.

Visitors

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 NIV

In church this morning, the pastor was talking about defeating the symptoms of loneliness. My thoughts went to this verse. Our lives are so busy and so full of sports and parties and work and school and other activities.  But in spite of all the people we are around we may still feel lonely because we are not developing close relationships.

But Jesus is knocking on your door! He wants to come in and visit with you, sit down, chat, have tea. He wants to get to know you and have a close relationship. He loves you and he wants to spend time with you!

Make sure you don't leave Jesus standing on your doorstep.

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV

I actually laughed at this verse this morning, not because it's a joke, but because just this week I've been feeling the affects of my increased workouts getting ready for a testing and tournament. My body is not 20 anymore, so it's been rebelling a bit. I'm more sore than usual, trying to up my protein intake, and attempting to stay in motion so as not to get stiff. But it's worth it! It's all worth it - the soreness, the strained muscles, the fatigue - it's all good! I like to see how far I can push myself without actual injury. I feel good and I have energy for days.

But two things stand out to me with this verse. One is that I myself tend to put my physical training before my spiritual training, foregoing church for the past several years with the excuse that I need Sunday mornings to work on my exercise plans. That's what that is - an excuse. What I should do is manage my time more wisely to complete my exercise plans at another time, thus freeing up Sunday mornings for fellowship (not that I believe going to church will make me more spiritual, but it is a fellowship that is important to my development as a Christian).

The second thing is our current society's obsession with physical fitness, body image and health status as it pertains to a person's overall worth in society. We are slammed every day with articles about fitness, eat this not that, do this to lose weight, do this to sleep better, don't do that to have more energy. It's crazy the amount of information that is out there. Then there's the internet age's superstars, those who post blogs and pics of their fitness journeys. You have probably seen them and the amount of both haters and supporters they have. Americans in particular have an obsession with it all.

Both of these take our focus away from our spiritual fitness and spending time with God. He doesn't require us to be in a prayer closet 24 hours a day, but I think he'd like more than a passing nod. I can't have an intimate relationship with him like he wants if I don't spend time with him. Just like with physical training, I can't have a good relationship to it if I don't spend time training. I can't talk about taking a class and expect to see results. I have to engage. That's what God wants - he wants us to engage him. And he's not expecting you to be a couch potato either, so God knows there is value in staying healthy which does require a modest level of exercise.

Here's to staying healthy both physically and spiritually and to understand the importance and place for each in our lives.

Reverse Psychology

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NIV

You've probably heard that the Rev. Billy Graham passed away yesterday. He was quoted as saying, right after he was saved, that he was saved for life, and no matter what he did from then on, he was going to heaven. He claimed this verse right out of the gate. He knew it was true but lived his life as though it wasn't. A little reverse psychology? Let me explain why I say this.

Yes it is true that nothing can separate you from God's love. Yes it is true that once you're saved you are saved for life. But how can you fulfill God's mandate to show his love while violating the ten commandments? How can you lead others to a God of love while spewing hate and vitriol? You cant. Which is why you should live your life as though this verse isn't true. But praise God it is!

Because we are puny humans we will fail him. But oh! he will be there when we fall, for nothing can separate us!

You Got This

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

We tend to think that God will only be with us, and we are only to be fearless when we are 'doing God's work.' This probably comes from those years of sitting the pews listening to fiery sermons and what would happen if we give in to the flesh. What they didn't tell us was that God fully understands our human existence. He put us here! He gets that we live in a physical world, bound by physical laws, human laws, and we must work in this world. We raise our children in this world. We find joy in this world. We find sorrow in this world. And God's intent is not for us to sit around all day twiddling our thumbs until we are 'called' to do his work. Our everyday lives are full of opportunities to share his strength, his love, and his compassion. And not all of us are called into ministry either. Our ministry is raising our children, being dependable employees and compassionate friends, and putting our faith to work in helping others.

So if this is where we live, this is where this verse will help. No matter where life takes us, God will go with us - that's what the 'wherever' means. Right now I'm training for a martial arts testing. It's brutal. My body is telling me it's had enough. My mind is telling me it's scared of pushing too far and questioning whether or not I should keep going. But my soul is strong and tells me I can. Why? Because I have nothing to fear. God is my strength when I am weak. God is my courage when I am afraid. He is where I am, and if that's at the academy, then that's where he's at helping me train and keep my body strong and fit. If I am at work, that's where he's at, helping me provide the work product my employers hired me to do. If I'm at home, that's where he's at, helping me be a godly wife and mother and homemaker.

No matter where we are, God is there so we have nothing to be afraid of or be discouraged. It will happen, but we can turn to him when it does. He's got this, so you got this.

The Faithful Ones

for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:8 NIV

Are we just and are we faithful? Can we answer this question honestly, humbling ourselves for an answer we may not like? Can we say we are more just or more faithful than others? Should we even ask that question and would the answer matter to God?

I admit that I struggle with this, not because I'm a poor Christian but because I'm human. What makes me think I'm even remotely worthy of protection and love from the Almighty? Because I'm his child. I'm not going to be perfect every day. I'm going to fail sometimes. But he is faithful to us because he loves us. He calls us his faithful ones. We are not judged against one another but by the condition of our hearts.

Have you been faithful? If not, what can you do today to get you back on track?

Vindication

Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in him and he will do this: Psalm 37:5 NIV

Vindication. Karma. Justification. Vengeance. These are emotions and actions that in this realm give us some sort of celebratory vibe. We revel in joy when we feel justified and vindicated for a wrong done to us. It's easy to give in to these emotions and excuse the behavior that follows.

But to understand what God says about this, you have to read the verse that follows this one. If we trust in god and commit to him, He will be our vindication. Not us. Not karma. Not human laws. God will be the one to make the wrongs right. It's better to let God speak through your actions so people can see what's true and right. Shouting from the rooftops can seem like the right thing to do but it can backfire. Commit to God and let him go before you.

Face your Fears

Even I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NIV

The KJV version of this verse goes, "Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death." That's not a valley I want to walk through. I may be a black belt and can defend myself in a dark alley, but no thanks on the valley of death. But we are experiencing this human existence and along with it comes sorrow and want and evil. And let's be honest, although this verse offers promise of safekeeping, it's not a verse I really want to invoke because it means I'm going through (or will be going through) a dark time.

But this verse can actually help one at anytime, even when it's not the dark valley that we are going through. People experience a wide range of fears - some are so bad that they are classified as phobias. I have fears. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But having courage is not the absence of fear. It's the recognition that something is more important than your fear. I may fear sparring at my upcoming testing. But I know that my next belt level is more important than that fear. So I put courage to practice and prepare to face that fear.

God provides us the tools to face our fear. He prepares us so that we are ready. He's not looking for us to be without fear - that would be asking a lot of a human. He's simply asking us to trust him and trust that he will give us the tools to face our fear or our darkest hour. I pray that day never comes. I also pray he'll give me the strength when it does.

Walk the Talk

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV

Being a martial artist is something I never thought I would be. It is demanding physically and mentally - and I love every minute of it. I've worked hard, along with my classmates and fellow instructors to get to where I'm at. When I meet new people it's not something that I casually bring up in conversation, but it does come up sometimes. Upon finding out I'm a black belt, the first thing someone usually says is, "Well we don't want to make you mad." My reaction is one of feigned laughter, not because it's untrue but because if they really knew me and really knew what martial arts teaches you, they would have nothing to fear. But it could give me some serious bragging rights if I really wanted to use it that way. You know, talk the big game. And I could probably get a little street cred from it. But wisdom doesn't come from just talking. I would get found out if I was ever tested, not that I couldn't hold my own, but that I may not be as big and bad as all I made myself out to be.

Wisdom is a quiet confidence in my skills. Wisdom is keeping my cards known only to me. Wisdom is practicing humility in all things, even when I know I may have the upper hand. My actions speak for themselves as I carry myself with (hopefully) grace and humility, having confidence in what I know and the wisdom of knowing when I need to use what I know. This is true of all areas of my life - work, parenting, marriage, friendships - as well as my training.

I could talk all I want, but if I can't show my confidence through my life, then what good is all my talk? And if I talk big about God and his love, but can't show his love to others, than what good is all my words and pious prayers? Act out God's love with humility and wisdom.

Love

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

Perfect verse for today. Valentine's Day. The day of love. For many they feel as if they can't celebrate if they dont have a significant other. But that is far from the truth. Our world needs love. Your neighbor needs love. Your postal service worker needs love. Your store clerk needs love. Today should not be the only day you demonstrate love towards others.

My heart is broken over the latest school shooting that's taken the lives of young ones. The gun used didn't take their life. A person, devoid of love, did. Love that was withheld from them. Love that was needed to heal their heart. Nothing now can fill the void those families are feeling.

God's love is very powerful. We should channel that agape love whenever we can. Show it to your family, your co-workers, fellow drivers, and cashiers, lineman, police, and garbage collectors. They all need you to show love. You may be the only example of God's love they ever encounter.

Nothing But Feelings

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

I mentioned this verse just yesterday but today I'm not feeling it. Lucky for us God doesn't deal in feelings. We got hit with an expensive car repair today. My husband's phone died yesterday so we had to replace it. We're waiting to hear about a medical bill that we hope the insurance company will cover. And one of my grandbabies has the flu. Needless to say it's been a rough week. I share all this to let you know that being a Christian isn't all wine and roses. It's hard. We still live here on planet earth and experience this human existence that comes with sorrow.

But maybe God is speaking to me through my trouble. Maybe he's using our experience to show hope to others that there's always a way through. Or maybe it's just life and life really stinks some days. But this verse says that all things work for our good, all things, even car repairs.

What is God doing in your life that will be used for good? Is it a car repair? Is it an illness? Is it a job issue? Whatever it is he will use it for your good and for the good of his kingdom. That's his promise to us all.

Old Friends

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 NIV

Do you have one friend who no matter how much time passes you can pick right back up where you left off? I do. We've known each other since we were teenagers. Lots of changes and growing up, but we're still close even though time and distance fight to keep us apart. I text her this morning because I was missing her. I'd been thinking about her and just wanted to say hi. I was also feeling a little down which is another reason I text her. After a few pleasantries she put it all in perspective: Jesus will be coming soon.

How true! Her one statement was the spirit intereceding on my behalf to let me know that yes, we have sorrow here. Yes we have trouble. But God's peace helps soothe our soul to face those troubles with the hope we have in him that this world is not all there is. Everything works in his plan for us and we don't have to worry.

Sometimes God speaks to us directly from his word. Sometimes he uses old friends to remind us he's still got this.

Hope

I wait for the Lord , my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 NIV

Hope. It is a powerful tool in any arsenal. Without it, our soul withers away. But with it, well let's just say it can be the only thing you have left and it's enough.

But some days we lose all hope. Our hearts are heavy, grieving. We don't feel worthy. We don't feel strong. We want to hide away and not face the day. We just don't understand why or how or what. It takes our whole being to do what we must.

King David was there too. He had lost everything, except hope. He put his hope in God who delivered him. It wasn't easy. It was probably messy and scary, but in the end it was spectacular. He had hope. Hope in God.

When all else fails, we always have hope.

Black Belts

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV

We had a belt ceremony tonight and recognized 6 new black belts. For most it was more than two years worth of hard work and perseverence. Life takes so much from you; martial arts is a way to take some of it back. It gives you strength and energy to power through your days. It gives you confidence to tackle whatever life throws at you. And it shows you that no matter what the obstacle you can overcome it.

God gives you more power than this. No matter your station or income bracket or marital status he wants you to love life to the fullesr. He's conquered death so you have nothing to fear. He's taken away your sins so you don't have to worry.

Let his power give you the strength to live your life in a powerful way.