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. <>< 

The Marriage is First

Good morning and happy Friday. Ever notice all the stickers on the backs of car windows about the kids of the family and their sport or school activity?  It's cool to let people know how proud you are of them and you support them too. I was one of those parents for a while. But as I look back I see that that became who our family was. The kids and their sports. The marriage was left out as second if there was time for it between games or tournaments. Our children are special and dear to us but that weren't there the day you got married. They won't be there in the house when you're older. The marriage is the beginning and the end. It's always there and should be the foundation the family is built on. We are the bridegroom of Jesus. It's what is coming and the importance is exactly what it is here. Sure we're His children too, but the marriage is coming and it is what matters for eternity. We have to reevaluate the check list of the important things and get them in the right order. God first is a given but we slip up when we generalize family second. It's marriage second and children third. Then everything else falls in after that. Marriages today are splitting up all the time because there's no  time invested in them. What are you losing? You get to see the kids still right?  But what are they learning and how do we teach them to stop the cycle? By teaching them they are second behind the marriage. It doesn't mean neglect them, it means the foundation is strong to raise them up in. Know your place with God and how it plays out when this is over. Keep the stickers and be proud of your kids, but know that the two front seats of the car are what grows them up right. In love always. <><

Restart

Good morning and happy Thursday. Well, back to work from quick trip to Dallas. Get back and the computer has to updated and restarted to get the day going. Isn't it nice that we have the chance to restart everyday?  A bent knee is a very powerful position to be in. God forgives us for the screw ups we are. It's done out of love for you but it requires a devotion to Him that must remain. Out of that devotion we become less likely to screw it up. The more we're with Him the less we leave His guiding ways. The more we don't want to be like the world says is ok to be. The longer we maintain this relationship with Him the easier it is to do it right. It doesn't mean the trials of life go away, we just know how to deal with them better and lean on Him to get through it. So if you haven't lately, I really recommend a restart. Its a chance to start over at this moment. In love always. <>< 

Stuck in a Rut

Good morning and happy Wednesday. Routines. We all have em. I'm in Dallas and out of my routine and everything is behind it feels, but I'm on time so far to everything. But it reminded me of how when I get away from God it feels funny and lost. I like to get to a point like this because it helps me keep perspective on what really matters. I miss the routine but I like the reminder. I miss being home. It's only a day but it's a day to learn from. Thank you God for the things you do to keep us close to you. In love always <>< 

Poor Pitiful Us

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Do you know or are you someone that is in place or funk you can't get out of? They want to move forward but can't. They want to leave it behind but can't seem to. They usually try to do it alone and become isolated in trying. This isn't how Jesus instructed us. Life has some hard times in it. Sometimes it seems like it's not worth living anymore. But that also is not what Jesus taught. You need to rely on others to help but not to become the crutch. You need more water in the tub to help the boat float. No more excuses. No more pity. It's just plain ol' getting on with life. And when people see how you came through, they see Jesus in you. See this life is not about us as much as we would like to think it to be. This is about God. He's wiped us out and started fresh before. The next time is permanent. Wallowing around in our junk isn't helping with the cause. It really shows a lack of trust and faith. We ask for prayers through it but don't mind the Spirit when He talks to us. Don't let Earthly issues keep you from an eternal reward. In love always. <>< 

Integrity

Good morning and happy Monday. Integrity, a trait not found as much as it once was. But it's still one of the most important traits one can have. It will help in those times of testing because it has become second nature to you. it will also mean that people will check your integrity more often. It's a trait that really speaks volumes about your faith though. When in a situation where it is called upon, your integrity shows your faith in God to take care of you. It also let's people see Jesus in you. When they see a situation they would have chose the wrong way while watching you chose the right way, they can witness Jesus doing it right. It all sounds simple and easy, and for the most part it is, but when it comes to being able to put food on the table or care for a child, it may not be so easy. Think like Jesus and be like Jesus and it will be for the better no matter how bad it all may seem. In love always. <>< 

Who's Your Influence ?

Good morning and happy Friday. Who in your life has influenced you the most?  Either good or bad someone has had an impact on us that shaped us to think and feel the way we do. We are supposed to do that for our kids and usually those results don't show until later in life. How can we be people in those lives that when they look back at theirs, they see us? They see the way you lived today to help them be better tomorrow. It's in the way we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. If we can't be lead, we can't lead, at least not in a positive way. God gave us our relationships for a reason. We have to stand up for each other and we have to be Jesus to those who don't know Him. This is all so basic and elementary, but we're not getting it done. Think where this country would be if we all helped each other and were able to put Christ back at the head of all we do. He has to be first and we have to live by His example and then bring Him to others. Sounds easy. In love always. <>< 

Are You Where You Want To Be?

Good morning and happy Thursday. We've touched on this before, but last nights group really brought it to light. How's your life? Are you where you want to be in it?  When you were 8,9,10 yrs old did you plan on being where you are? Are you living the life you dreamed? As you a kid you said when I grow up I want to be right here?  Nope, not many of us are where we thought we would be. But just like in last nights study, we merely need to call out to the one who can heal us. Yes, heal. We have wounds and scars from a past that as brought us here. We hide them and don't talk about them because of the pain that goes with them. But God knows and He can heal us. When the world is saying be quiet, He's waiting to hear us call His name. No matter where we are He can and will hear us. We are His sons and daughters, He will not forsake us. His love never ends. In love always. <><

The Difference a Day Makes

Good morning and happy Wednesday. One my favorite movie lines from Men in Black says, 1500 yrs ago everyone "knew" the wold was flat. 500 yrs. ago everyone "knew" the earth was the center of the universe and 15 min ago you thought humans were alone on this planet. Just think what we'll "know" tomorrow. We never know what tomorrow holds or the power of what today does hold. Actions taken or not taken can effect a person for a lifetime. We can leave a positive or negative imprint on the world and the decisions of today can effect even the next 15 min of a life. It's hard to do the right thing sometimes because the result may not be seen for a long time. Jesus walked this Earth a long time ago and His impact is still being felt today. He may even effect us in the next 15 min. Be a difference in the world for the good and it may effect generations long after you. Be Jesus to your world. In love always. <><

When God Smiles

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Powerful, almighty, omnipotent, warrior; all words that describe God's presence. Creator of the universe with chaos in control in the palm of His hand. And yet can have His heart hurt by mere mortals He created. And then on then on the flip side; have so much joy in His heart from those same humans. Benny Hester sings a beautiful song about the Prodigal Son called "When God Ran". It's so on the mark with how much our God loves us. As stupid as we get with the way we live and behave, He's always ready for us to turn around to Him. The main point of the Prodigal story is the son reaching a point of repentance. That's when the smile comes to God's face and there He is with arms wide open and a forgiving spirit that just wants to move on from there with you right with Him.  Complete control of all things except how we behave and feel towards Him. To create us and then love us enough to let us choose Him on our own knowing that some will not. He is amazing. In love always <>< 

What If You Knew Tomorrow?

Good morning and happy Monday. What if you knew what was going to happen tomorrow?  What if you had the ability to see just one day ahead?  How would you change the way you live today?  Would you become a person who lived in the world because you would know when you were gonna die and make things right before you go? How about taking what you know and doing the good stuff with it. Bill Murray in Groudhog Day started off for himself but came around to do good. So if someone knew what was ahead, would you listen or call them a nut?  Well God knows what's next for you and moreover He planned out your whole life. A great line in a new Casting Crowns song says, my future is you're memory. Why are we not following the nudges of the Holy Spirit trying to lead us? It's control, because if it was us seeing ahead we would trust it. Control. Because it's God knowing what's ahead we doubt it. Faith. Throughout all of history, faith as always won. Trust in God to lead you. Have faith in His direction. In love always. <><