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. <><

That's My Job

Good morning and happy Friday. For some, Friday is payday. Man what a nice feeling of being rewarded for something you've done. Not all of us feel that way about our jobs. It's just that, a job. But the reward part is always there. For some the reward is the job. They just love it and would do it for free. For others, it just helps pay some bills. The diversity of it all is what fascinates me. But when all is said and done you still get paid (rewarded) for being there. God has a reward for us too and it's just as diverse has to who likes what they're doing now to get there.  This life is so short in the big picture but we live like it's forever. Our "job" here is to spread His word and do His work. Some don't like it and others would do it for nothing. And we will all be rewarded but it's a big deal on payday as to how well you did your job this time. It doesn't have to be employee of the week good. It just needs to be good in God's eyes. A good heart and meaning well won't cut it. It's the relationship with God that helps you do the job well. It's the relationship with Him that gets the reward. Spend some time getting closer to God and the rest takes care of itself. In love always. <><

Be Still and Quiet

Good morning and happy Thursday. Be still and be quiet. That must be the message for today. That's all I hear Him say. So today be still with Him and listen to what He is going to say. Take comfort in knowing that He is doing things in our lives all the time. He reveals Himself to us everyday. His glory shines all around us. Today let's enjoy a day of being in His presence. And the quiet of not being in the world. Let every decision be made with Him on your mind and heart. What a glorious day. Thank you God. In love always. <><

All The People

Good morning and happy Wednesday. So I'm driving home from Tulia last night on 287 and see a few cars and trucks and moving vans. Where are they going?  What happened, if anything?  What is their story?  Funny thing is, they may be wondering the same thing of me. I just left my youngest daughters volleyball game and she's upset about some stuff. We talk and I'm driving down the highway with tears flowing. No one knows. It's dark and we're all passing each other. As long as things are in the dark they're not seen. No one knows the trial you may be facing. When it's out in the light, that's when people come. But all those cars made me think of how many people I'm passing everyday that could really use somebody. All these people, each with their own problems. It's hard to see it when we're just passing by. We need to be aware that we're not the only ones going through stuff. And in most cases, ours would seem small compared to others. The volleyball game was the teams big cancer survivors dedication game and announcing the one fighting it now that they are playing the season for. It's all in perspective. In love always. <>< 

One Can Make a Difference

Good morning and happy Tuesday. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result each time. So now that we know we're all crazy, think about this. If everyone in the world did the same thing they've been doing and never changed their ways, what would happen?  Nothing. We would have the same issues we have today. The same people in charge, the same powers that be and the same destiny in eternity. It's never too late for change. And yes one person can make things happen. The ripples in the water started with one drop into the pool. No one as ever impacted the world with change the one man did two thousand years ago. He didn't travel far but His message is still going on to the four corners of the Earth. He didn't live long, but is still alive in the hearts of millions today. His example of how to live is simple and clear. We are the ones who make it difficult and foggy. Change begins slow and the impact lasts forever if it's the right way to be done. Follow the example Jesus left for us. It changes the world and leads to Heaven. It's a win win. In love always <><

For A Friend

Good morning and happy Monday. Think about your best friend. Think hard about them. If the world ended tomorrow, had you done everything you could for them. Been there for them, helped them in times of need and in times of celebration. Probably so or they wouldn't be your friend. What about God? Have you talked with them about Him? Do you wanna go to heaven and leave your friend behind?  Of course not. I've watched my best friend be so on fire and then be so far away not long later. We don't really know who's going anyway and it might be me left out and him going. But the point is that have you done all you can for your friend. I know he knows God. But I haven't been there when his fire is going out to put another log on it. That's why we have other people in our lives. A strand of three is stronger than one. God made us relational because He is. I wanna be in heaven, and I don't wanna be there without any of my friends. So what am I going to do for my friend? How do I get into his life and make a difference? By doing just that, getting into his life. Ladies this is a hard thing for the fellows to do so it's mostly for us but it does apply across the board. I love my friend, but I don't show it the way I should. Make your relationships matter and make a difference in a life other than your own. In love always <><

Decisions, Decisions

Good morning and happy Friday. You ever wonder if a decision that God is making about the course of your life, depends on the next decision you make? So if you decide road "A" that's before you, then this is what's ahead for you. If you choose "B" then this is there. If we are not making our choices with God on our mind and in our hearts, there's no telling where we're headed. He gave us free will for a reason. What better love can there be than one that is chosen? One that you decided you would love and give your all to. That's the choice He is letting you make. A lot of my choices still keep me away from Him, but the old choices I made never let me know He was there. It's progress and it's slow going sometimes, but it's still a heart that is becoming more and more devoted to Him. The mistakes we make have to be learned from to not make them again. You have a lot of choices and very few lead you to God. The world wants you in it so it offers you more. But that more is only temporary and dangerous. Make your choices and decisions with a God filled heart. In love always. <><

Groans And Uttering

Good morning and happy Thursday. Have you ever been praying and you just can't find the words to say?  You feel them but you just can't express them. If you were to let them out they would come out as gibberish. Well the good news is, God hears our groaning and inaudible uttering we can't say. It's like the friend or spouse who knows what you gonna say by the way you're looking. He knows our hearts intimately. He knows what we're trying to say to Him. So why do we need to pray? Why don't we just feel it to Him and let Him get it?  Because it's a relationship. He needs to hear from us the same as we ask of Him to speak to us and answer our prayers. It's the interaction that develops the relationship. When the relationship grows so does our trust. And when our trust is in Him, then that's where we go to find peace in this crazy world. I think it's amazing that He can make sense out my rambling mess of thoughts and feelings. That He loves me that much to know me that well. He loved me enough to die for me so I could be with Him. There's no love like that any where else. That's what will feel the emptiness of our hearts and souls. That's what we're looking for. In love always. <><

A Song Says It All

Good morning and happy Wednesday. Sometimes a song just says it all. Jeremy Camp was one of my very first favorite singers when I began turning my life around. When the heart is broken and you just don't understand why life can be so hard, a song like this reminds you what it's really all about;
Jeremy Camp - "I Still Believe"

Scattered words and empty thoughts
seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
seems I don't know where to start
but it's now that I feel Your grace falls like rain
from every fingertip, washing away my pain
[Chorus:]
I still believe in Your faithfulness
I still believe in Your truth
I still believe in Your holy word
even when I don't see, I still believe

Though the questions still fog up my mind
with promises I still seem to bear
even when answers slowly unwind
it's my heart I see You prepare
but its now that I feel Your grace fall like rain
from every finger tip, washing away my pain
[Chorus]
The only place I can go is into your arms
where I throw to you my feeble prayers
in brokeness I can see that this was your will for me
Help me to know You are near
in love always <><

Change Is Slow

Good morning and happy Tuesday. How long do you think it took for the Colorado river to cut the Grand Canyon? Did you know that Niagara Falls is eroded away by two inches every year?  It's a long slow process of change. Our lives are just that as well. We didn't fall into our ways over night and we certainly won't change them over night. Everything is a slow fade, with subtle changes that people don't see when they're up close. It's after they've been away for a while that they see your change, good or bad. It takes time to see the beauty of a life changed. The person who is changed knows right away but the world refuses to see it's lost another one to the grace of God. But change does happen and it's the patience of the one changing that is in jeopardy.  We want it now and the difference seen now. It's not gonna happen so we have to have a hand out to help with the walk of someone who has decided to turn their life around. It's hard to help when you don't see it though. It takes some time and a little bit of things actually being different before we give our trust back. The slow fade back is just that, slow. And it's a good thing too. There are a few overnighters but not many. Be patient and enjoy the beauty of a life being changed by the power of God. He did carve out a beautiful canyon. In love always. <><

Never Too Far Away

Good morning and happy Monday. Have you ever loved somebody so much you would do anything for them? Anything is a broad word and used recklessly, but out of passion, not disregard. It doesn't matter how far we have gotten away from our selves and who we are, there are people that still will do anything for us. Sometimes that it is letting us go and letting us grow on our own. Sometimes it's a life given through devotion to us. The righteous of our society tell us we can't make it by the way they treat us. The real Christian know it's already been done. A very high price was paid for us. It cost a our Lord and Savior His life and death we deserved. Beaten so badly mothers hid the faces of their children from seeing it. We had that coming. He gladly went up on the cross to save us for a life to be lived with Him. Some say it was easy for Him because He was God's son. In those moments He was us. He took the sin of the world and bore it and let them nail it to a tree to never be seen again. It doesn't matter where you are in your journey of life, you are never out of His reach. The reach that stretched across a tree and said " I love you ". And knowing that we still live lives that don't honor Him. We choose not to be with Him. It's our choices that lead us to destruction.  He has made a way and it's our choice to follow it. Don't let the "anything" Jesus did for you go in vain. You mean everything to Him. In love always <><