Memories

Good morning and happy Friday. A friend from the past has a birthday and while thinking about the old days, a flood of memories came pouring in. I love the time I grew up in. I love the friendships and the relationships I had then. There's a part of our lives from way back that will never fade away. As we get ready to celebrate the birthday of our Lord, I want to reflect a while on the memories I'm creating by following Him. There's not a whole lot yet as I haven't been at this long, but as I look back on those old ones I can see where He was there with a little guiding hand the entire time. He has been leading the whole time. I've chosen not to follow and enjoy the life He had for me then. It's ok now because He's using that stubbornness of mine to try and do some good with it now. Even though we haven't done what He's asked of us doesn't mean He's done with us for good. It's just better to be in His shadow than out in the world. He will use the messes we make to bring glory to His kingdom. We don't have that ability. Take from the past all the good and bad and give your testimony to those who need to hear "it's ok, you can make it". You've are bought at a high price and you're worth every drop of blood that was spilled for you. In love always. <>< 

White As Snow

Good morning and happy Thursday. Woke up this morning to a beautiful snow covered yard. It's covered everywhere except the sidewalk. Pretty good covering too not just a dusting. White and clean and makes things look so new.  It looks like us when Jesus covers us in His forgiveness, clean and white as snow. But what about the sidewalk?  Reminds me of the fact Jesus gives Himself and the salvation He offers to all but the heart must receptive to it. A hardened heart is like that sidewalk, getting covered in grace but none of it is sticking. Our hearts have to be in a receiving condition and the hardness of life chipped away and to receive His goodness. The grass that is covered will be watered and the ground underneath will receive much needed moisture. The sidewalk just gets washed off and appears to be good and clean. A hard heart will never be what it appears. Prepare the soil of your heart for the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hear His word and let Him water the seed into the growth of a useful and fruitful life. Be covered in His grace and forgiveness. In love always. <><

He's Global

Good morning and happy Wednesday. Have you ever been sitting in a crowd of people and listen to all the different things being said? Not really eaves dropping, just hearing different things going on in so many lives. That's just a small amount of people considering we're nearing the 7 billion mark. But the things going on in those lives are important and have meaning to that person. And somehow in all that, God is working and making things happen for them. And the other 6.9 billion are all being taken care of too. He's amazing. The awesome power of God blows me away. And it's not just a stop by and check on ya. It's full on with you all the time. So while we are only capable of dealing with the stuff we have, think about the others in this world who would trade you in a second. We have a God who is involved in our lives and not passive. He wants good for us but wants us to follow His ways and not our own. So before we tie a major problem or issue around our necks, how 'bout going to our knees and letting the One above handle it with us. Next time you're at a game or in some stands with folks, listen and be thankful. It's not that bad or that big of a deal in the big picture. It may just be a check of where you're at. God is in control if we get out of the way. In love always. <><

Love, a Powerful Tool

Good morning and happy Tuesday. How powerful is our love? We use it as a tool all the time.  We tell our kids, " If you don't do this, then you can't do that". We get them to do something by threatening something they love. We do it subtly in our marriages by withholding our love. We don't give all of ourselves. We do this very same thing with our love for Jesus and the spreading of His word. Love is by far the most powerful emotion and the most powerful tool there is. It can move a mountain. It can heal a broken heart. It can save a life. it knows no limits but the ones we put on it. It's not a device to used against but for people, and the greater good of us all. Watch yourself closely for a while and see if you're not manipulating people or loved ones with the power of love. The love of God was demonstrated on a cross on hill a long time ago. It has never wavered or forsaken a soul. It's the most powerful gift of all. In love always. <><

All in the Way You Look at It

Good morning and happy Monday. Perception and perspective. Hand in hand words but not correct without each other most times. You pass two people on the same street one day. One dressed very well with a brief case and tie. The other in some jeans and t-shirt with tennis shoes and head phones in his ears. What would we perceive from both without having the perspective of where and what they're about? You see the suit and tie guy is out of work and looking for a job and can't get bills paid and has contemplated suicide over the last week. He's losing it. The other is a Christian recording artist that just left a fund raiser where he gave a large amount of money and time to a cause he believes in. Could happen on any street anywhere with a multiple of situations. We pass judgement on people when we don't know the facts or the reasons things are. Jesus teaches us a lot about this with the very people He engaged and chose to help do His Fathers work. The problem this way of thinking has is it builds resentment to the people we place judgment on. We would be more apt to talk to the suit guy before the jean guy but then be blown away and unprepared to hear his story because it's not what we thought. Jesus was always ready, with loving and kind words to build up and not tear down. That's our mission too. Don't judge or make preconceived judgements about a situation until you know the situation. Then act accordingly. It's simply doing what Jesus taught us. In love always. <><