If You're Happy

Proverbs 3:13 - Happy is the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.

Today I’ve had the little song “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” stuck in my head. Perhaps you remember it too…

“If you’re happy and you know it…say Amen!

If you’re happy and you know it…say Amen!

If you’re happy and you know, then your life will surely show it, if you’re happy and you know it, say Amen!”

I think we can all agree, that life isn’t the consistent proverbial “bowl of cherries,” but our lives are blessed regardless – that is to say, if you’re a Christian and you have a personal relationship with Jesus. There’s a peace, coupled with happiness, which the true Believer cannot extinguish.

Today I watched a cat chase its tail for several minutes. It was on a high-impact, full-out, high speed chase to catch its long, fluffy tail! After several minutes, it gave up, panting, tongue hanging out, and collapsed onto the cool cement to reconsider his strategy. The expression on his face was pure sadness. I felt bad for him. It reminded me that often we humans "chase" happiness like that.

It isn’t humanly possible to be “over the moon” happy 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Because, let’s face it, life is full of obstacles, disappointments, and frustrations. However, for the Christian it is important to remind ourselves that NOTHING OR NOBODY can take away our joy in Christ – our true happiness!

The Bible does not promise that as Christians we will have a countless supply of happier experiences than the non-Believer.  The Bible (God’s infallible Word) promises that the Christian has a better life to come – not better circumstances here on Earth! There’s a distinct difference.

What’s the secret to happiness you ask? My best and briefest answer…Jesus Christ. How do we obtain happiness? It isn’t a show-boat characteristic. It isn’t by laughing loudly and being the center of attention. Happiness – real happiness-STARTS with God. On the inside.  

Have you considered that God wants YOU to be happy? It’s true! God wants His children to be happy. But!  (Isn’t there always a “but!”) He wants us to obtain happiness – but it’s not a destination.  Happiness is the landscape we experience as we live closer to God in obedience. Happiness is the RESULT of a “God First” attitude and lifestyle!

So, if you’re happy and you know it, THEN YOUR LIFE will surely show it! If you’re happy and you know it…say Amen!

Look UP my friends!

No Place Like Home

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them – Matthew 18:20

As Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, “There’s no place like home!” Home can take on different connotations for different people, but for the Christian ‘home’ takes on three places. Home is the place where you actively live, home is our heavenly home that God went to prepare for us, and home is where we go to worship the Lord in His sanctuary. Have you noticed that everybody’s home has its own unique aroma and fiber of breath? I warmly recall the aroma my grandmother’s house used to have. Her bathroom was a mixture of Ponds ® Cold Cream and Avon ® fragrances. Often I would spend hours opening jars, inhaling, and trying on each lotion and potion. It was soothing and refreshing to my childhood spirit. Her kitchen was a heavenly mixture of bacon and brown sugar most days. To this day when I smell meatloaf cooking in the oven, I think of my grandmother.  Perhaps certain aromas trigger your essence of home as well?

Our homes are extraordinary. They tell our story! They’re our refuge from the world. The House of God we’re committed to tells our story too. The Bible tells us that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us, and “if it were not so, He would have told us.” We cannot imagine the splendor and holiness of our eternal home. Just the word, “home” brings its own blessing of comfort.

Take for example my church home – I just feel better walking within its doors. Sometimes when going to our mid-week service my body is tired and my soul is weary – but going to hear God’s Word, listening to prayer requests, petitioning those requests on a holy altar is a privilege I don’t want to miss out on. The Believer’s church home is the place where we really need to be aware of what and who we are.  After all, it is holy ground and should be kept as such. It’s time to forget about our problems for a little while, lay down our burdens and anxieties, and come together to worship our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Where else can you be blessed in shared worship in His tabernacle? I encourage you to be found faithful.

In America we have the freedom to be who we really are – and I hope that isn’t something that we take for granted. To be WHAT and WHO we are in Christ is the best definition of home in my opinion – it is also a tremendous FREEDOM we need not take for granted. Life Moment: There’s no use in pretending to be a Christian if you aren’t one. God knows the truth. He knows our hearts, our motives, and our hidden meanings. As the old adage goes, you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool God any of the time.

Consider your home life. Does it reflect the real you?

Look within. Ask yourself the following questions: What does my church home say about me? Do I glorify God in faithful worship and Him alone?  Am I regularly dining at the family table – spiritually speaking?

I recognize the best part of my earthly home is connected and centered on the fact that my husband lives in our home with me. Without him, it wouldn’t be the same. Without him, it would not feel like home as I currently know it. In some perspective, God feels that way about us. When His children don’t enter His home, He misses them!

When our kids grow up and move out of the house, it is called “empty nest” syndrome for a reason…Is God missing you in His house? In your conversation? Your prayers? Your reading of His Word? You CAN go home to God -- He is waiting!

Look UP my friends!

A Prayer on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a much beloved holiday for Americans – on a superficial aspect it signifies the opening of swimming pools, first beach trips for families, picnics, three-day weekends, open sun-roofs, first sun-burns, and lots of outdoor sports. When I think of Memorial Day I can’t help but reminisce about my elementary school years – planting little American flags alongside oblique tombstones, all the same shapes, white-gray in appearance, perfectly aligned in straight rows.  My 4-H group would visit two or three graveyards to pay tribute and respect to our American veterans. It wasn’t eerie or scary in any way. We were taught that our freedoms had come via great price to others. Maybe many of you have similar experiences as well – Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, etc. Like me, I imagine that other Christians have a desire to be called a patriot to their beloved home country. At least, I sure hope so! I still want to be called patriotic even though elementary school was many decades ago.

Where does this patriotic view start for the Christian you ask? Well, in my opinion Memorial Day is a good place to begin. This holiday is a reminder that we are part of a nation, given privileges, civil rights, and responsibilities, as the result of the sacrifice of others. It is a reminder that we are indebted to many people. Many soldiers died for the causes of liberty, freedom, peace, and happiness. Recognizing our debt acknowledges gratitude! Oh dear friend, may I respectfully remind you that the Christian has a lot to be grateful for? Extending our gratitude to God serves a great purpose for the patriotic Christian.

We want to remember things – certain things – good things - for us to remember and memorialize on this holiday. The austere reality is that men and women have died for our freedom to worship freely, and in some way I think that this serves God. After all, He gave His Son for our eternal spiritual freedom!

Whether you’re enjoying a day off from work on Monday, grilling out with the family, participating in civic remembrances throughout our nation, let us not forget that LIFE is not a game. Patriotism is a valued characteristic for all people, but especially a Christian person. Christians should love and serve the great nation of which we are a part, to the glory of God.

A Few Things to Remember:

Freedom is not or was not ever free! Blood was shed.

We need to remember each other – Those fallen, slain, sacrificed, and bruised for us!

We need to remember the truth of God!

We are to remember the Lord!

We should remember the freedom Jesus gave us on the cross!

We should remember our commitments to God!

Sending a tremendous thank you to all the women and men who so bravely serve our country. May God richly bless you! And for my friends in other countries – May God Bless YOU too!

Look UP my friends!

Today’s Prayer:  Heavenly Father, as I bow before you, I want to thank you for the freedoms I have – the ability to worship you in my sanctuary of choice. Thank you for the Cross- where my soul was truly set free! I want to remember those men and women, those families, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedoms – so selflessly paying a debt for those they don’t even know. I ask that you protect these brave people in your strong and sheltering arms. Bless those actively serving, and those who so diligently served in the past. Fill them with courage to face each day and may that trust in you, Lord, to accomplish each task. Fill your people with a love for the blood-stained banner of Jesus!  Bless this nation, Father.  Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones this Memorial Day. Let your healing be the hope and light within our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GI Joe

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. I John 2:15

I didn't notice anything at first. I was standing on the sidewalk, scanning for my car. If you look at today's picture you’ll see what I call a “GI Joe” man with his rifle pointed; ready to shoot. I almost stepped right on the ‘military man’ when I was leaving a large home supply store a couple of nights ago. It struck me just how easily (and expertly) the figure blended in with its surroundings. I was also quite relieved I didn’t step on him in my heels – might have broken an ankle! (I was unable to upload the pic I took with my phone, but I found the closest one possible for today's post).

 As I stooped to spontaneously take the picture with the camera phone, I heard a voice say, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. Why are you taking a picture of the sidewalk?” asked an elderly stranger. I tried to remain kind and responded, “Well, I’m taking a picture of the GI Joe on the ground – he blends in very well.” His response: “I don’t’ see a GI Joe. I think you might be crazy, lady.” (Wow!  People can say callous things sometimes! The Christian needs to be mindful of senseless and hurtful comments. Think before speaking!)

I pointed to the GI Joe with my finger. “See, he’s right there. (I made a point not to be sarcastic) Good thing it isn’t a snake or one of those giant 17-year cicadas!” I said. (Thinking he would laugh). I was wrong. No laughter. More scowling. More sarcasm. More admonishment. I finally said, “Sir. I could have stepped on it – broken an ankle. Your wife could have stepped on him – fell and broken a hip. I’m taking a picture to use for some Christian writing that I do. I think I can use this GI Joe as an illustration in the near future.”

He scurried off like the GI Joe had shot him! No more admonishment! (Life Moment: I have found that when you talk about Jesus and/or God, people often want to escape your company. It makes them uncomfortable. Have you found this to be true also?)

My point is this: As a Christian we need to be aware of how much we “blend” in with the world. Pop culture has a way of imbedding itself into our psyche and warping our minds. Really! You’ve read this in my blog before, but polls show that many of us are very “religious” concerning church involvement and things of a religious nature. Yet, in America, we watch an average of four hours of mindless television per day. The Christian sometimes fails to educate themselves about Biblical truths. We seldom read the Bible and/or Godly books. Theology gets mixed up with basic doctrines. Some of the very most popular Christian authors and teachers may lapse into heresy or uncharacteristic doctrine, yet, the true Christian may miss the inconsistencies all together. Simple conclusion: We aren’t as grounded and ‘separated’ as we could be.

I’m not attempting to pass judgment or brow-beat religion (or my opinions on religion) into someone, but I dare say, we need to be mindful of who, what, where, and when we’re investing our energies. I read an article today that referenced how few Christians share their faith regularly (or without being properly indoctrinated in what the Bible teaches us). It’s easy to get stumped when faced with belligerent or challenging questions, so it’s good to be wise when talking about your personal beliefs. Many citizens across the world don’t accept Christianity as the “One True Faith” anymore. It’s our job to educate when possible. The Christian understands that Jesus cannot be one of many ways— He is the One - the ONLY way! One Gallup poll comments, "It's not that Americans don't believe anything; they believe everything." (Oh my! How sad my friends!)

The Lord Jesus Christ does not want us to believe in everything— rather, only the truth (John 14:6).

Before you go to sleep tonight, consider asking God to help you share your faith a little more. To help you study His Word a little more. To create in you a clean heart…Ask Him to help you NOT to blend in with non-Believers so effectively! Don't let God within you - be carried out in GI Joe fashion! The Bible says the Christian is “a peculiar people.” That’s a good thing!

Look UP my friends!

Comfort During The Storm

My heart was saddened this morning when a co-worker shared that her 7 year old daughter didn’t want to go to school this morning, because she was, ‘afraid her school would be blown away.’ Understandably, her mind was fearful from what she had seen on television regarding the status of a little town of 56,000 people in Oklahoma. On Monday, a devastating tornado slashed through approximately a two –mile width; 22 mile length of Moore, Oklahoma, devastating everything in its path.

(That is except for the resilient hope of the American people and the eternal Hope of the Christian – the power to look to God for comfort during our storms). The storm savaged the town of Moore in 40 minutes. In less than an hour – homes were lost, people died, schools were leveled, cars were thrown like toothpicks, and hospitals took on the persona of bombing victims. It was described by Todd Lamb, Oklahoma's lieutenant governor, as like a "two-mile wide lawnmower blade going through the community", while Mary Fallin, the state's governor, said after an aerial tour: "There's just sticks and bricks basically."

A number of relief organizations are responding to the disaster in Moore, Oklahoma. The web reports, "The general public can help with recovery efforts through organizations such as American Red Cross and The Salvation Army. Those organizations, among others, are already on site helping families with immediate needs and supporting the first responders." The American Red Cross has opened shelters in Moore, a suburb of Oklahoma City. It has deployed emergency reponse vehicles, water, and hot meals for both survivors and responders. To support the relief efforts, the Red Cross is accepting online donations. People can send the text message “REDCROSS” to 90999 to immediately donate $10, or they can call 800-REDCROSS. The Salvation Army has also sent disaster response teams to Moore, including mobile feeding unites. It is accepting online donations, and it also has a text-message donation option: text “STORM” to 80888. Donate via phone by calling 800-SALARMY. (Please keep in mind that NEITHER organization solicits for donations over the telephone! Do not give out any personal information on the telephone – unfortunately in critical times like these, there are vultures ready to prey on the weak. Be on alert for scams! I've basically copied and pasted basic info for your personal research.)

It is difficult to see sorrowful things happen. It is also hard to understand them sometimes. I know one thing to be true, contrary to what I heard a news reporter say. He said, "Mother Nature was made at us, and she took her anger out on Moore, Oklahoma." That isn’t true. First of all, I understand the “cute terms” and things we use to describe an Almighty God, but it is God who controls the winds and the waves. The use of the term “Mother Nature” hurts me – because it minimizes the Creator of the universe. The giver of Life! While we cannot understand these devastating events, I do know an Almighty God is there for us – with open arms. He will be our comfort during the storm – literally.

Cornerstones of Strength I wish to share:

When assailed by afflictions – The Christian finds liberty

When forced with sorrow – The Christian knows mercy

Through people’s hate – The Christian discovers love

Through cruel adversity – The Christian understands grace

When the storms come – The Christian finds shelter in His arms

Look UP my friends!

Praise Ye' the Lord

I had a good quality laugh-out-loud moment when I came across the four-legged friend in the picture above. He looks quite intense, doesn’t he?! His stance is tall, hands are high in the air, and his expression appears genuine and passionate. The caption for the picture said, “Thank you, Jesus!” I liked that…When people thank God, we could take a lesson and thank HIM with our entire being! After all, regardless of today’s circumstance, we DO have a lot to be thankful for!

 On a spontaneous note, please allow me to name just a few: the ability to breath, hands that may work, legs that might work, a tongue to taste, eyes that might see, God’s Word – the Bible, ears that may hear, a mind that functions, a heart that beats, a healthy child whom you love, a healthy spouse, your own health, a great church to serve in, gas in the car, having a necessary mode of transportation, a warm bed, food, a roof over your head, a job to go to, a friend, a recent emotional victory, the love from a pet, the ability to attend a God-fearing church (a little redundant, but worth repeating), a Christian home, freedom to worship, and last but not least…SALVATION! (The list could keep going and going. We really do have much to be thankful for don’t we? Perhaps you don’t have everything on my short list – If you’re a Christian, you still have plenty to be thankful for my friend!)

Upon studying the picture of our little squirrel friend, I couldn’t help but be reminded that as a Christian, we should be so bold in our worship and praise! I’m not talking about show-boating and trying to “Amen” the loudest. I’m not referencing “falling out” for attention seeking purposes. I’m talking about unabashed, unashamed, sincere, reverential, heart-felt, Christ-centered, humble worship for God.

I would encourage you to raise a holy hand toward heaven if God leads you to do it. I encourage you to say an “Amen” or “Hallelujah” (or two or three) if what the preacher says witnesses to your spirit and you want to bring glory to God. (Just be cautious not to get caught up in superficial or shallow outward conduct – praising God is a serious character trait for the Christian!) I know a lot of times when I’m alone in the car – a song may minister to my soul. The next thing I know, tears are flowing; I’m  raising my hand toward heaven in praise  (trying not to be dangerous when I do!) and I sort of have my own “private church” right there in the car. I imagine many Christians do this too – whether at home, in your car, in your cubicle at work, outdoors on a walking trail – everywhere people go, God goes! Worshipping and praising God is ‘just plain good’ anywhere!

Psalm 150: 1-2 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Graham Truscott said about worship – “When God’s people being to praise and worship Him using the Biblical methods He gives, the Power of His presence comes among His people in an even greater measure.”Jack Hayford said, “Worship changes the worshiper into the image of the One worshiped.”

Isn’t that beautiful? Let’s be mindful of the One we worship and adore!

Look UP my friends!

A Home Church?

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching

While personal trends show us the things which people aspire, it is also noteworthy to understand the lifestyles that people actually lead. The two are not the same. Corporate ladder, indulgence, gluten free, vegan, “more for less,” raw food diet, luxury, convenience, high quality…those are widely random terms we’ve readily incorporated into our American lifestyle. The American psyche.  I know SO many gluten-free consumers now – I’ve met many Vegans – many college grads (or not) trying to climb their way to the top of the corporate chain. I would say you know these people too or perhaps for medical reasons even you may lead a specific dietary lifestyle.

The World Wide Web has provided the power of information in the hands of the consumer. One report said, "Consumers drive dollars. Consumers drive sales. Consumers drive numbers! Now, if desired, the consumer can compare every detail of any product with any of its competitors."  With tremendous grace and subtleness (lack of self-awareness) we can find ourselves more focused on these lifestyle choices than what it is the Christian should be about. I have met my share of people who apply these “buzz word principles” when finding a church home. (That’s troubling to my heart!) I’m not intentionally trying to sound like a hardnosed individual, but our mere church attendance doesn’t make us a Christian. Have you heard the wise saying, ‘Sitting in your garage doesn’t make you a car, any more than sitting on a church pew makes you a Christian?” I think there’s quite a bit of truth in that statement. Our religion – religiosity itself – is a dangerous tool.

Be leery, my friends! The Gospel isn’t neatly packaged into a 20 minute ‘sermonette’ on how being a positive thinker is the key to life. Our worship service, our personal worship relationship with Jesus, is a serious thing.  When finding a church home, the Christian should rely on the drawing of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be fooled by comfortable seating, cappuccino by the cup, music that reaches your feet before it reaches your heart, self-centered topics that distort the Word of God. (The Christian understands that our flesh will not be drawn to a holy atmosphere – but the flesh will repel away from it. As consumers around the world are becoming savvier and demanding, so their expectation for the “Church” will become more demanding. Not for things holy, righteous, Godly – but for things that satisfy the spirit of man).

I have written down 10 questions that may help you when looking for a church home – I’ll be the first to say it isn’t easy! Just be sure to listen to what God tells you – not what YOU tell yourself, or your spouse, or your neighbor. Look within your heart when looking for a church home.

1)      What are my true beliefs? The secret beliefs I hide from others?

2)      Do my beliefs line up with what God says in HIS Word?

3)      Does the size of the church matter to me? If so, why?

4)      Am I saved? Am I really a born-again, Bible believing Christian?

5)      Do I prefer religious sanctities (because it’s what I’m accustomed to) verses a personal relationship?

6)      Does God hear me when I pray?

7)      Is the church’s doctrine based on the BIBLE as the ultimate authority?

8)      Can others tell that I’m a Christian by both actions and speech?

9)      Do my actions glorify GOD the majority of the time? Do I bring shame upon Jesus’ name?

10)  Does my lifestyle dominate my spiritual life? Or does my spiritual life dominate my lifestyle?

My final 2 thoughts are as follows…First; don’t expect any church to be perfect. One pastor said, "If people are in it…then it will be full of mistakes." Secondly, don’t give up on finding a good church home. God desires a relationship with you – so much that to give His only Son – for YOU. He is important. He’s more important than any lifestyle or personal trend that you’re leading right now. Try to be faithful to God’s house. He is faithful to us in every way.

Look UP my friends!

Listen To What He Says

Some days it is better to listen to our heart, to listen to what God is actually saying to us, verses actual conversation. I don’t have many words today. At the moment I have a special prayer in my heart. I will share it at the bottom of the page. In the meantime, I encourage you to read the list I composed below…say the list out loud several times!

11 Biblical Truths:

When there seems no way out – He can make a way though.

When the road is crooked – He’ll guide me straight.

God directs my paths – He guides my life.

When times are dark – He is the Light within me.

When I feel abandoned – He will carry me in the bosom of His grace.

Keep my eyes on Jesus – it’s easier to see past the immediate circumstance.

The adversary may close doors – God is able to open any door at any time.

Closed doors may be a blessing in disguise.

Enemies are real – I will not be defeated unless God allows it. If He allows it, I will be restored in due time.

Our blackest sin can be made as white as snow through His forgiveness.

I believe in the Christian Prayer: The Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a Light unto my path.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray to you in the name of your Son, Jesus. I am so thankful that you love me and that your love endures forever. Your plans for me are for my good, and not for bad. I am thankful that you are at work within me. I commit my life, my work, my giving, and my home to you and ask that my thoughts be agreeable with Your thoughts, for your glory. As the apostle said, the enemy surrounds me at diverse times, but I know in my heart that You are with me. Thank you for loving a wretch like me!  I thank you, Jesus, that on the cross you set me free from the curses of the law of sickness, poverty, and eternal death. Thank you O’ Lord for thy great salvation so rich and free. Help me to show others that you dwell my heart. Help me to live in your truth - and not lean into my own understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Good Days - Bad Days

Lawrence Welk said, “There are good days and there are bad days, and this is one of them.” If you don’t know who Lawrence Welk was,  he was a big band orchestra leader on his own variety show, The Lawrence Welk show. Goggle ® him sometime!

My point is that he’s right – everyone has those days – good days and bad days – even the Christian. Living in the light of God’s love, doesn’t mean we don’t experience our fair share of trials and tribulations. But it’s during those hard times, that we have an understanding and peace knowing that God will never leave us or forsake us. I compiled a brief list of tips that may help...

6 Tips to Help You Balance Your Day

1)     Not every bad start means a bad finish

2)     If today has been overall bad, doesn’t mean tomorrow won’t be overall good

3)     Counting your blessings is a good idea

4)     There’s chocolate! (It’s a scientific fact that one good piece of chocolate and a little green tea can go a long way in reducing stress!) J

5)     Take a prayer-break

6)     Don’t withdraw – rather choose to be around people or someone you love

On a very serious note, we know that bad things do happen to good people. Bad things happen, period. Just recently a young mother told me that she didn’t believe in God anymore because ‘God had let her baby be born without a heartbeat.’ Her daughter had been stillborn. I don’t have good answers for situations such as this. I don’t know who would have the right words during such painful experiences, except for God Himself. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that there’s a time of seasons in our life. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

It’s easier to accept God’s love during good times – a pay raise, the birth of a healthy child, a new friendship, when people are saying nice things about you, on your wedding day, recognition from someone you respect, receiving a gift.

However, it’s innately much harder on those bad occasions – someone says you’re worthless, a missed job promotion, the death of a loved one, when you’re sick, when divorce papers come, when obstacles just seem bigger and bigger.

It is important that the Christian remain strong and consistent – weep with them that weep; rejoice with them that rejoice. We humans may not always have the best words or the right words - but God can provide comfort in the right spaces of our heart at the right time.

Upon reflection, don't you think the Christian’s good days outweigh our bad ones!?

Look UP my friends!

Look In The Mirror

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed – I Peter 2:24

Have you taken a good look in the mirror lately? I don’t mean to look for something green in your teeth, or a fly-away hair you’re trying to control, but an in-depth assessment of your soul. The “you” which is looking back at YOU. By the way, I see a lot of “fish lip” or “duck lip” photos on the internet – a lot of females taking pictures of their mouths and faces. ..those type self-portraits aren’t what I’m referring to.  I personally can’t relate to it, but maybe that’s a sign of my age. I must admit, knowing I risk offending several readers, but I would encourage you to discourage your daughters from posting these “fish and duck” type pics. They’re pseudo-sexual on some level – and it isn’t nearly as innocent and funny as the young lady says it is.

But, I digress. As Christians we should work on our soul-portrait on a regular basis. Before we accept Jesus, all of our portraits probably look the same. Black, sad, hopeless, dirty, and hard to look at – that’s the SOUL I’m referring to – not one’s outward appearance.

But have you considered looking into the mirror of God’s Word?

What about illuminating our soul in the Light of His Word?

Do you measure your inner-man against the Light of His Truth?

I think it is quite easy to lose focus on our own soul-portrait and look at others’ portraits. (Be careful in doing this!) For example, when we hear an inspiring “Word” from the Gospel…Let’s look within ourselves and admit how many times you’ve thought, “OH I wish ----had heard this message!”  Or maybe you’ve actually said to someone, “Wasn’t that a good message? Too bad____(fill in the blank) wasn’t here to hear it!”

Life Lesson: You cannot paint another person’s portrait.  You can teach, lead by example, encourage, address, pray, and cry…but people paint their OWN soul-portrait. It’s best to just focus on ourselves! Let God do His holy job. He doesn’t need our help.

Every artist has their own unique style – their own brushstroke. Two things the Christian can and should have in common are the “Brushstrokes of Faith” in our lives, and the application of beautiful “Colors of Compassion” (As I call them) that enrich the lives of those around us.

On an ending note, when I think of Jesus’ soul-portrait…I think of CRIMSON RED. Do you?

Look UP my friends!

God Willin' And the Creek Don't Rise

“God willing and the creek don’t rise…”  No, that isn’t a typo or grammatical error. It’s phrased that way. ‘God willin’ and the creek don’t rise ‘is a common phrase that many people believe in.  One writer interpreted it to mean "that everything that can be done is being done, and the only thing left is our hope and trust in God."

“God willing and the creek don’t rise” also means that you will reach your goal if external factors or forces (of which you have NO control) don’t prevent you from reaching said goal.

Some research I studied stated, "Benjamin Hawkins was a politician and Indian diplomat in the 18^th century. The President of the United States called on Hawkins to return to Washington. Hawkins’ written response was, “I will God willing and the Creek don’t rise,” meaning the Creek Indians who lived in North Carolina. So, there was deep meaning behind the phrase at that time – in later years it took on a new meaning referencing God’s will in our lives.  The concept and lifestyle of “God willing” is an attribute that the Christian should incorporate into our daily lives."

First, it’s not a popular frame of mind, but it is important to recognize that as human beings, we’re generally no good. The Bible says in Romans 3:10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Without God dwelling actively in our lives, we do not have the power to cure “self.” The thief cannot stop their greed and desire to steal. An adulterer won’t change their lust. A murderer will not be remorseful. The liar will not be truthful. The selfish will not turn selfless.

Secondly, the power of the Holy Spirit changes people. Have you met someone genuinely in-love with our Savior? A REAL, true-blue Christian? Don’t get me wrong – don’t get your eyes fixed on “man.” You’ll be disappointed eventually. People make mistakes. If you’re breathing, living, and talking…you’ll make a mistake and you’ll sin. You sinned today in some capacity. We ALL do! (Life Moment: Don’t be so puffed up that you won’t admit that to yourself).

And ultimately, our lives are dependent upon HIS grace. His alone! One popular pastor said it well when he stated, "We cannot lose sight that ALL good things come from our Heavenly Father and Him alone. When we lose His preeminence in our lives, then God may not permit certain things. This is the principle behind the proverb “Pride goeth before a fall.” God resists the proud and they fall, but He gives grace to the humble who stand.  Proverbs 16:18 KJV Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Don’t forget the following:

God is with you.

God is in control at all times.

God will protect you.

God will strengthen you.

God is YOUR God.

Look UP my friends!

Half - Full Living

Part I – Life Half-Full

It can be challenging to look at life as a “Glass Half Full” experience…but we need to try! However, as you readers know, it is a little more complex than merely considering ourselves as either Pessimist or Optimistic. I found a great article written by Maggie Young on how some people are able to look at life as “half full.” So, let’s take a closer look at Beth Bale.  

For noble reasons, Valentine’s Day is ornamented with the ultimate symbol of love: the heart. The heart is life – it pumps the life sustaining blood we need. The heart in essence gives life, and in return life gives the ability to love. Beth Bale is a 64-year-old heart transplant survivor, who appreciates this relationship between love and life. Her transplant offered her a viewpoint most people don’t ever experience and gave her deeper connection to living life “half full.”

The writer told Beth's story something like this..."In 2000, Beth’s journey started when she experienced shortness of breath while traveling to her cousin’s wedding. She knew it was serious and consequently met with a clinical cardiologist right away. The news she received was stunning: her heart was enlarged and weakened, and she would need a transplant at some point in the future. The doctor officially diagnosed her with cardiomyopathy, a weakness of the heart muscle. Before long, a defibrillator was implanted under her collar bone. She couldn’t stay in denial much longer. Beth knew that she would ultimately require a heart transplant to stay alive."

Beth said, “Ten years was a pretty good run, but it was the inevitable progress of my condition.” She was blessed and was matched with a donor in short amount of time – less than a few weeks. It was the point of no return! The long anticipated surgery was at Beth’s crossroad of life and she was excited to finally feel better. (Life Moment – She was tired of feeling “sick and tired.” She made up her mind and purposed in her heart that having a transplant was GOOD news).

When Beth awakened from anesthesia her first thought was “I’m alive, I made it through.” And, according to Beth, each day gets better and better. (Notice she said gets better – not got better – the use of ‘gets’ shows an active verb – not past tense)  The article concluded by saying, "She embraced her surgery knowing many patients don’t have the happy mind-set and outcome that she did. Beth said that she believes her happy recovery could be in part because of the “half full” approach she took to life."

I’m not suggesting that having an organ transplant is the “way to go” to find a glass half-full life, but I am saying that our thoughts, our mind-set, and WHAT or WHO we purpose our hearts to – can make the difference in our lives. I'm just thankful I got to read her testimony. Answer the following questions for yourself:

                                                                                                                            Question: Are You Able To Laugh At Yourself?

Absolutely Not! I'd prefer thinking that I am perfect.
Usually. But, sometimes my sensitive nature can't make light of stuff.
Absolutely! Life is funny in general, including myself.
Not usually, I don't really like being the brunt of a joke.

Question: What Is Your "Happiness Factor?”

Happy.
Unhappy most of the time.
Not so happy.
Mostly happy.

Question: What is your "Fear Factor?”

Fear paralyses me.
I take a deep breath and fiercely face my fears.
I tend to shy away from situations that make me fearful.
I figure fear is just a part of life, I move myself through it as best I can.

Question: Are You in Control of Your Life?

I'm in control as much as anyone can be.
I have so little control I hate it.

I try to stay on top of things, sometimes I have lapses and let others make decisions for me.
I don't have any control. I feel powerless.

It’s important for the Christian to understand that while we have ‘free will,” we are not in control of our lives. We’re able to make choices – the good ones, bad ones, and the ugly. But the “power of self” does not control our lives. It doesn’t make us powerless to give our lives over to an Almighty God! Being a child of God awards us peace, protection, and His presence in our lives! (It is crucial to be honest with yourself...Do YOU live in fear? Is your glass half-full?)

I’ve written repeatedly that I think joy – laughter – and a good sense of humor are VITALLY important in leading an overall happy life. It’s healthy to laugh at ourselves. Christians should be  happy people!

If fear is paralyzing you – then I implore you to seek God during these times. It is not God’s will for any Christian to have a spirit of fear in your life that ‘reigns’ as dominant. The Bible says in Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father I pray to you in Jesus’ name. You know that I
I have fear and sadness in my life, even before I confess it. Fear and unhappiness have started a war within me.  Father, you said that fear is torment. You said in your Word that you didn't give me a spirit of fear. So this fear is coming from the enemy. You said that You give me power, love, and a sound mind. Help me to find and express my inner joy. I desire to look at the blessings you bestow upon me. I want to be a light to a dark world but I need help within myself. By faith, I declare that I will have less fear and sadness tonight when I go to bed than when I got up this morning. I will not be dismayed if I don't win every single battle but I declare that by the power of God - I WILL win the war through grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Look UP my friends!