Have you ever felt afflicted? Perplexed? Persecuted? Struck down? Well if so, you are in good company! Our precious Lord, Jesus Christ was all of these and more........for us! Each one of us and the good news gets better: We are NOT crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed when we suffer! Why not? Because of Jesus! Read 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 and see what I mean..........
We have the most incredible gift with Christ: Eternal Life! Eternal means forever....without beginning or end....lasting.......timeless!!! WOW! If only we turn to Him and trust Him with our whole hearts..........Have you ever thought of looking forward to spending Eternity with GOD? The Creator of the Universe? That is quite a concept to wrap your head around as we say in today's day and age. ETERNITY.........whew! It blows my mind and fills my heart with awe and wonder.......and immense gratitude.
Why this topic? Why this night? Well, I felt a little bit of affliction, perplexity, persecution and being struck down tonight as I discussed some "old" issues with my son about his dad. Today is his dad's birthday and despite the fact that we have been divorced for 13 years, I still get a little melancholy around his birthday. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to get back together with my ex-husband at all for any reason, but I was totally committed to the man for 19 years. And, sometimes, it still hurts...........I really wanted to be married to one man for my entire life - I wanted to beat the odds and have a marriage that other people said: "Wow, they have really got a great marriage!"
Well, that obviously did not happen. Divorce happened instead. And, while God's incredible grace has sustained me throughout this ordeal, I have grown an enormous amount over the past 13 years! But, I still regret the fact that I am divorced and that my son had to be the brunt of the disaster and learn skills I never dreamed I would have to teach him on how to cope with separated and divorced parents. There were a lot of tearful days and nights when we first split and for that I have regrets.......
Trying to be the mediator between my son, his grandparents on his dad's side and my ex is quite a feat! Listen to this story: Over the years, I have stayed in touch with my son's grandparents because
I did not want Matt to miss out on having both sets of grandparents because his own parents could not get their act together. So, in trying to be nice and invite my in-laws to KC from Ohio so that they might see Matt play baseball this summer I extended the invitation. Then, in an effort to be open, honest and direct with my ex, I sent him a text to let him know I had offered them to stay at our house if they came for a visit. Well, guess what??? The ex and his girlfriend got all bent out of shape and made a fuss thus creating havoc for my son with his dad. UGH! What is that saying: "You can't win for losing????" Well, in dealing with this matter, it happens to be true! And, to boot, I was made out to be the bad guy in trying to make my ex look bad! Go figure..........I am perplexed!!!
Does anyone see how persecution goes??? And, this is the minor leagues compared to what Christ went through!!! So, in coping with the after affects even 13 years later, it feels like I am being struck down once again. Defeated by trying to be nice. Destroyed because I wanted to extend an invitation for the sake of my son. Can you imagine how God felt when Jesus was betrayed??? Whew.........it humbles me to the core of my being.
Again, the GOOD NEWS is this: We will spend Eternity with an amazing, wonderful, glorious God who loves us even when we mess up or are perceived to mess up by others!!!
Isn't that amazing??????? It is to me and so, I stand in awe of an Amazing God, Amazing Son and Amazing Holy Spirit who saves me from all of the destruction of this world.
AMAZING!!!!!!!!
Tips on how to DeStress and enjoy life more!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Never Leave a Wounded Lamb....
I read the most intriguing article this morning in Charles Stanley's In Touch magazine! It was called: Never Leave a Wounded Lamb....and of course in the scriptures, Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! The article was referring to those
people who used to go to church, but have wandered away for many reasons. Jesus talks about feeding His sheep and lambs many times throughout the Bible. The story of the lost sheep is one where the owner discovers that one of his sheep is missing. He goes away, leaves the 99 sheep still in the fold and looks for the one missing. Compelling isn't it?
Why would a sheep owner leave 99 sheep to find just one? And, why should a church search out members who have drifted away from the church? Or, why would a friend contact someone they haven't talked to in years? Think about it.........who in your life have you lost touch with? Is it because they or your feelings were hurt? Is it because something was said in anger? Was it because pride led the way and no one would say "uncle?" Every person is important to God. Every one. So, why should we make judgements and tell others they are not important? Or, that their lifestyle isn't correct, or their choices wrong? In the church, every part and every believer of the church body is necessary. With our bodies, every part is important and needed. Would we cut off our ear because it is a minor part of our body? No, it is important though small, and necessary for us to hear.
What part of your life have you cut off? What friend do you no longer associate with? What family member did you leave in the dust? What church do you no longer go to because something was said to make you leave?
Are there wounds that need to be healed in your heart or another's that you know? Would it be possible to put down that pride and approach that person? Or tell someone how hurt you are and why you no longer come to church? We all need grace sooner or later..........and most likely sooner! Scripture tells us there is no condemnation in Christ, so why don't we call that brother or sister or friend or relative and ask them to lunch? Why not reach out to someone who is hurting even though you may be as well? Every missing lamb matters.
Every one.
Become a shepherd today and go out to search for that lost lamb.........be the one to make the decision to heal an old hurt. Allow the love and mercy and grace of our incredible God to heal your heart today.......reach out......take a chance.......see if you cannot see the sunshine through that rainforest.....look for the rainbow! It is just waiting for you to look up!!!
people who used to go to church, but have wandered away for many reasons. Jesus talks about feeding His sheep and lambs many times throughout the Bible. The story of the lost sheep is one where the owner discovers that one of his sheep is missing. He goes away, leaves the 99 sheep still in the fold and looks for the one missing. Compelling isn't it?
Why would a sheep owner leave 99 sheep to find just one? And, why should a church search out members who have drifted away from the church? Or, why would a friend contact someone they haven't talked to in years? Think about it.........who in your life have you lost touch with? Is it because they or your feelings were hurt? Is it because something was said in anger? Was it because pride led the way and no one would say "uncle?" Every person is important to God. Every one. So, why should we make judgements and tell others they are not important? Or, that their lifestyle isn't correct, or their choices wrong? In the church, every part and every believer of the church body is necessary. With our bodies, every part is important and needed. Would we cut off our ear because it is a minor part of our body? No, it is important though small, and necessary for us to hear.
What part of your life have you cut off? What friend do you no longer associate with? What family member did you leave in the dust? What church do you no longer go to because something was said to make you leave?
Are there wounds that need to be healed in your heart or another's that you know? Would it be possible to put down that pride and approach that person? Or tell someone how hurt you are and why you no longer come to church? We all need grace sooner or later..........and most likely sooner! Scripture tells us there is no condemnation in Christ, so why don't we call that brother or sister or friend or relative and ask them to lunch? Why not reach out to someone who is hurting even though you may be as well? Every missing lamb matters.
Every one.
Become a shepherd today and go out to search for that lost lamb.........be the one to make the decision to heal an old hurt. Allow the love and mercy and grace of our incredible God to heal your heart today.......reach out......take a chance.......see if you cannot see the sunshine through that rainforest.....look for the rainbow! It is just waiting for you to look up!!!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Sojourn........
Sojourn........to reside temporarily or stay for a time.......ahhhhhhhh....I did just that in Sedona, AZ last week! It was absolutely wonderful......peaceful.......calm......harmonious.......exhilarating!!! The energy there is amazing and the scenery was exquisite! I would love to not only stay for a time there, but eventually move there!!! I texted my son while I was there and said: "Sell everything! I am NEVER coming home!!!" (He laughed, but little does he know, I really mean it!)
So, what would it mean for you to sojourn in your heart today??? Where would you go? What would you like to see? What would you like to explore? Where would you like to abide for a long while???
Sojourning is quiet an adventure - especially when you go to a place you have never been before or wanted to return to very much. I drove past these incredible Red Rock Canyons 20 years ago and always wanted to return. The pictures are stunning if you explore them on the internet and the pictures that I took while hiking the Cathedral Rock Canyon are incredible!!!
Within the Red Rock Canyons are something they call Vortexes. The Vortexes in Sedona are these places where a spiral flow of energy rotates, spirals and spins........it draws its visitors into an awareness that makes you wonder where does all this energy flows from? I was not able take one of the tours to experience the Vortexes this trip or explore this energy field, but I drove into the canyon where they were and the energy was spellbinding!!! A vortex is also described as a place where the Earth is exceptionally alive and healthy! And, yes, I felt healthy and alive each moment I was there!!! Just to look upon the incomprehensible views that I saw one turn after another was breathtaking.........and made me feel "alive" like I have never before!!!
Have you ever measured the aliveness you feel in your body? If not, now might be a good time to take your own temperature! Where does your energy stem from? What makes you feel "alive?" Go exploring............physciallyor by the internet - there are some incredible places to explore and learn about on our great Earth! Take some time to feel alive and healthy.........it's worth the adventure!!!
And, sojourn awhile........stay for a time.......abide.......
So, what would it mean for you to sojourn in your heart today??? Where would you go? What would you like to see? What would you like to explore? Where would you like to abide for a long while???
Sojourning is quiet an adventure - especially when you go to a place you have never been before or wanted to return to very much. I drove past these incredible Red Rock Canyons 20 years ago and always wanted to return. The pictures are stunning if you explore them on the internet and the pictures that I took while hiking the Cathedral Rock Canyon are incredible!!!
Within the Red Rock Canyons are something they call Vortexes. The Vortexes in Sedona are these places where a spiral flow of energy rotates, spirals and spins........it draws its visitors into an awareness that makes you wonder where does all this energy flows from? I was not able take one of the tours to experience the Vortexes this trip or explore this energy field, but I drove into the canyon where they were and the energy was spellbinding!!! A vortex is also described as a place where the Earth is exceptionally alive and healthy! And, yes, I felt healthy and alive each moment I was there!!! Just to look upon the incomprehensible views that I saw one turn after another was breathtaking.........and made me feel "alive" like I have never before!!!
Have you ever measured the aliveness you feel in your body? If not, now might be a good time to take your own temperature! Where does your energy stem from? What makes you feel "alive?" Go exploring............physciallyor by the internet - there are some incredible places to explore and learn about on our great Earth! Take some time to feel alive and healthy.........it's worth the adventure!!!
And, sojourn awhile........stay for a time.......abide.......
Friday, March 15, 2013
Lenten Prayer for you...
I Am Not Sure of Love
(by Kenneth G. Phifer, from A Book of Uncommon Prayer)
O Lord, I live in a world of angry men and women. I am often angry myself at threats to my values, at brutal disregard for the institutions I hold dear.
Where do I belong in such a world?
Where does the Lord Jesus belong?
Is love weak, too weak to be creative?
Is compassion sheer sentiment?
Is this a time to be hard and tough?
My emotions tell me so some of the time.
Then at other times I see Him moving amid the shadows of history.
I see Him angry, too, at evidences of injustice and mistreatment of His fellow men.
I hear Him lash out at self-righteousness and complacency.
I watch Him at last, when the anger is done and the sharp words said, stake His life on love and self-sacrifice.
I behold Him die and hear Him say,
"Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing."
And, somehow God, deep inside me I know love is not weak; it is I who am weak.
Love is indomitable and irresistible.
Hate is weakness.
Vengeance is futile, and violence is self-defeating.
Help me, for it is hard to stand by what I do know deep inside.
It is so much easier to curse than to bless.
It is easier to pronounce maledictions than to pronounce benedictions.
It is easier to shout others down than to sit down with others.
It is easier to be loud than to listen.
O God of all people, who does not separate us into good and bad but into loving and unloving.
I need your help lest I tear things up.
You have offered to help me, I know, and I hold back.
Can you push me a little harder?
I want to be more loving and I am afraid.
Hear my prayer.
Make my commitments to love more than good intentions.
Amen.
(by Kenneth G. Phifer, from A Book of Uncommon Prayer)
O Lord, I live in a world of angry men and women. I am often angry myself at threats to my values, at brutal disregard for the institutions I hold dear.
Where do I belong in such a world?
Where does the Lord Jesus belong?
Is love weak, too weak to be creative?
Is compassion sheer sentiment?
Is this a time to be hard and tough?
My emotions tell me so some of the time.
Then at other times I see Him moving amid the shadows of history.
I see Him angry, too, at evidences of injustice and mistreatment of His fellow men.
I hear Him lash out at self-righteousness and complacency.
I watch Him at last, when the anger is done and the sharp words said, stake His life on love and self-sacrifice.
I behold Him die and hear Him say,
"Father, forgive them for they don't know what they are doing."
And, somehow God, deep inside me I know love is not weak; it is I who am weak.
Love is indomitable and irresistible.
Hate is weakness.
Vengeance is futile, and violence is self-defeating.
Help me, for it is hard to stand by what I do know deep inside.
It is so much easier to curse than to bless.
It is easier to pronounce maledictions than to pronounce benedictions.
It is easier to shout others down than to sit down with others.
It is easier to be loud than to listen.
O God of all people, who does not separate us into good and bad but into loving and unloving.
I need your help lest I tear things up.
You have offered to help me, I know, and I hold back.
Can you push me a little harder?
I want to be more loving and I am afraid.
Hear my prayer.
Make my commitments to love more than good intentions.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Reverie.....
Reverie........have you ever thought about what that means??? A daydream, an abstract musing or fantasy, to ponder, to think, meditate or reflect upon something or someone,
to be in a state of dreaminess....ahhh..........why not?
Claude Debussy has an exquisite piece of piano music called "Reverie" that is so sweet, so beautiful, so soothing that it lulls the pianist into a state of daydreaming while playing the piece. It bring peacefulness, rest, hopeful longings or memories of days gone by. It is graceful and delicate and brings about sense of refinement.....it lingers in your heart and mind all day if you allow it to do so.
What causes you to ponder something in your life? What preoccupies your mind? Your heart? Your soul? What brings tranquility to you? Thoughts have an incredible power in our lives - they allow us to laugh or cry, be angry or compassionate, to hold our feelings inside or to be vulnerable, and to react or respond.....Why not allow reverie to enter your thoughts and mind for a minute, a day, a lifetime? Meditating may allow you to release on old locked up feeling or experience from the past. Reflection upon an idea that comes to your mind may allow you to create something beautiful, meaningful and important that this world needs.
Allow yourself time to ponder, to think, to reflect and to feel that reverie........that awe or sense of wonder that comes from time to time. Allow yourself to imagine something new for yourself!
Our thoughts are powerful......they can be used for incredibly good causes or to clear the air. Be mindful of how your thoughts progress from one thought to another. Observe yourself for a day or an hour. See how your mind flutters from one idea to the next. Pick one idea and spend time in reverie........you will feel a sense of calm that you may not have had in a long while........or perhaps never allowed yourself to have before in your life!
Go in peace........go in love.......go in reverie!
to be in a state of dreaminess....ahhh..........why not?
Claude Debussy has an exquisite piece of piano music called "Reverie" that is so sweet, so beautiful, so soothing that it lulls the pianist into a state of daydreaming while playing the piece. It bring peacefulness, rest, hopeful longings or memories of days gone by. It is graceful and delicate and brings about sense of refinement.....it lingers in your heart and mind all day if you allow it to do so.
What causes you to ponder something in your life? What preoccupies your mind? Your heart? Your soul? What brings tranquility to you? Thoughts have an incredible power in our lives - they allow us to laugh or cry, be angry or compassionate, to hold our feelings inside or to be vulnerable, and to react or respond.....Why not allow reverie to enter your thoughts and mind for a minute, a day, a lifetime? Meditating may allow you to release on old locked up feeling or experience from the past. Reflection upon an idea that comes to your mind may allow you to create something beautiful, meaningful and important that this world needs.
Allow yourself time to ponder, to think, to reflect and to feel that reverie........that awe or sense of wonder that comes from time to time. Allow yourself to imagine something new for yourself!
Our thoughts are powerful......they can be used for incredibly good causes or to clear the air. Be mindful of how your thoughts progress from one thought to another. Observe yourself for a day or an hour. See how your mind flutters from one idea to the next. Pick one idea and spend time in reverie........you will feel a sense of calm that you may not have had in a long while........or perhaps never allowed yourself to have before in your life!
Go in peace........go in love.......go in reverie!
Friday, February 22, 2013
SNOW!!!
SNOW - beautiful snow..............have you ever seen it fall so fast as we did in KC yesterday??? Wow! 12-15 inches in the span of about 4 or 5 hours...........it was beautiful!
Solid precipitation, white, and translucent ice crystals abound!!! And, I am so grateful to be home watching it instead of driving in it, too...........
Barbra Streisand has a beautiful "Christmas Lullaby" song which not only has a beautiful melody, but has lyrics which are exquisite as well....they have stayed with me ever since I heard the song several years ago............."This is a Christmas lullaby, for someone lovely as snow falling...." And, I have thought ever since I heard the words the first time that I would like to be that kind of person....snow falling is lovely, beautiful, quiet, charming, delightful, graceful.....ahhh....to have those kind of qualities would be lovely!
If you haven't ever had the chance to sit and watch the snow fall, try it........spend 15 minutes quietly, watching and allow it to change your perspective....be mindful how it falls on your yard, covering the ground with its white crystals........see it sparkle in the sunlight.....watch it glisten on your windows....watch your dog romp in it....bundle up and go out and throw a snowball at your son or your neighbor shoveling their driveway!!! Make a snowman or create an igloo - my sister, Debbie used to make the most amazing igloos when we were kids in Akron, Ohio!!! I don't remember how she did it, but we sure had fun in them!!! They were amazing......and so is she!!! (Thanks, Debbie.....)
If you are snowbound and stuck inside due to too much snow - enjoy it! You cannot change it for a day or two, so let yourself have some FUN! Go on..........go outside and enjoy it! Taste it, shovel it, play in it, and make a snow angel....remember all the fun you had as a kid??? Bring a bowl outside with you and fill it up with snow, then go inside and add food coloring to it! Make your own snowcones - why not???
Sit in a snowdrift - it is a bank of snow that is just waiting for someone to pounce on it!!! (Be careful though....no broken bones allowed here!)
Finally, have you ever seen a snowdrop flower??? It is an early blooming plant with nodding white flowers.........nodding........hmmm.....why don't you nod yes, and think about the beauty of such a flower! I am going to try to find some to plant this spring - how about you???
Snow - glorious snow!!!
Solid precipitation, white, and translucent ice crystals abound!!! And, I am so grateful to be home watching it instead of driving in it, too...........
Barbra Streisand has a beautiful "Christmas Lullaby" song which not only has a beautiful melody, but has lyrics which are exquisite as well....they have stayed with me ever since I heard the song several years ago............."This is a Christmas lullaby, for someone lovely as snow falling...." And, I have thought ever since I heard the words the first time that I would like to be that kind of person....snow falling is lovely, beautiful, quiet, charming, delightful, graceful.....ahhh....to have those kind of qualities would be lovely!
If you haven't ever had the chance to sit and watch the snow fall, try it........spend 15 minutes quietly, watching and allow it to change your perspective....be mindful how it falls on your yard, covering the ground with its white crystals........see it sparkle in the sunlight.....watch it glisten on your windows....watch your dog romp in it....bundle up and go out and throw a snowball at your son or your neighbor shoveling their driveway!!! Make a snowman or create an igloo - my sister, Debbie used to make the most amazing igloos when we were kids in Akron, Ohio!!! I don't remember how she did it, but we sure had fun in them!!! They were amazing......and so is she!!! (Thanks, Debbie.....)
If you are snowbound and stuck inside due to too much snow - enjoy it! You cannot change it for a day or two, so let yourself have some FUN! Go on..........go outside and enjoy it! Taste it, shovel it, play in it, and make a snow angel....remember all the fun you had as a kid??? Bring a bowl outside with you and fill it up with snow, then go inside and add food coloring to it! Make your own snowcones - why not???
Sit in a snowdrift - it is a bank of snow that is just waiting for someone to pounce on it!!! (Be careful though....no broken bones allowed here!)
Finally, have you ever seen a snowdrop flower??? It is an early blooming plant with nodding white flowers.........nodding........hmmm.....why don't you nod yes, and think about the beauty of such a flower! I am going to try to find some to plant this spring - how about you???
Snow - glorious snow!!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Be a Sweetheart...
A dear friend of mine, named Herb gave me this little newspaper clipping years ago on St. Valentine's Day and I have kept it circulating every year in his honor. He clipped it out of the Dear Abby section of the KC Star and here it is for you....
Dear Readers: Tomorrow is St. Valentine's Day, so be a sweetheart and call someone you love and say, "I love you." (Make two or three calls. Who says you can't love more than one person --in different ways, of course?)
Go through your closets and give all those clothes you've been saving until you lose 10 pounds to your favorite charity (Women's Employment Network, KC, MO?). Call someone who's lonely and say, "I'm thinking of you." Or better yet, say, "I'll be over tomorrow to take you to lunch....or run some errands....or give you a ride."
Visit a sick friend. Say a prayer. Donate some blood. Adopt a pet. Will your eyes, your kidneys and all your usable organs to someone who can use them after you're gone. Forgive an enemy. Hug your teen-ager. Write a fan letter. Listen to a bore. Pay your doctor. Tell your parents you think they're wonderful. Spay your dog. Neuter your cat. Quit smoking. Drive carefully. If you're walking, watch where you're going.
And, don't wait until next year to be a sweetheart again. Love, Abby, Herb and Pam
And, here is another good one for you:
H*U*G*S (Author Unknown)
It's wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you're blue. A hug can say, "I love you so," or "Gee! I hate to see you go."
A hug is, "Welcome back again!" And, "Great to see you!" or "Where've you been?"
A hug can soothe a small child's pain and bring a rainbow after the rain.
The hug! There's just no doubt about it. We scarcely could survive without it. A hug delights and warms and charms. It must be why God gave us arms....
Hugs are for fathers and mothers, Sweet sisters, swell for brothers, and changes are some favorite aunts love them more than potted plants.
Kittens crave them. Puppies love them. Heads of state are not above them. A hug can break the language barrier and make the dullest day seem merrier.
No need to fret about the store of 'em. The more you give, the more there are of 'em.
So stretch those arms without delay and give someone a hug today!!!
Dear Readers: Tomorrow is St. Valentine's Day, so be a sweetheart and call someone you love and say, "I love you." (Make two or three calls. Who says you can't love more than one person --in different ways, of course?)
Go through your closets and give all those clothes you've been saving until you lose 10 pounds to your favorite charity (Women's Employment Network, KC, MO?). Call someone who's lonely and say, "I'm thinking of you." Or better yet, say, "I'll be over tomorrow to take you to lunch....or run some errands....or give you a ride."
Visit a sick friend. Say a prayer. Donate some blood. Adopt a pet. Will your eyes, your kidneys and all your usable organs to someone who can use them after you're gone. Forgive an enemy. Hug your teen-ager. Write a fan letter. Listen to a bore. Pay your doctor. Tell your parents you think they're wonderful. Spay your dog. Neuter your cat. Quit smoking. Drive carefully. If you're walking, watch where you're going.
And, don't wait until next year to be a sweetheart again. Love, Abby, Herb and Pam
And, here is another good one for you:
H*U*G*S (Author Unknown)
It's wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you're blue. A hug can say, "I love you so," or "Gee! I hate to see you go."
A hug is, "Welcome back again!" And, "Great to see you!" or "Where've you been?"
A hug can soothe a small child's pain and bring a rainbow after the rain.
The hug! There's just no doubt about it. We scarcely could survive without it. A hug delights and warms and charms. It must be why God gave us arms....
Hugs are for fathers and mothers, Sweet sisters, swell for brothers, and changes are some favorite aunts love them more than potted plants.
Kittens crave them. Puppies love them. Heads of state are not above them. A hug can break the language barrier and make the dullest day seem merrier.
No need to fret about the store of 'em. The more you give, the more there are of 'em.
So stretch those arms without delay and give someone a hug today!!!
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