Broken Pieces and Restoration

Thanksgiving is an important holiday for the Christian. We can NEVER be too thankful or overly appreciative to God, can we?  And Christmas is really beyond our comprehension (mine at least) in an earthly manner – that God would send HIS HOLY SON to a sin-sick world for the benefit and blessing of that world! Not in majesty and splendor, but as a humble babe so many years ago in Bethlehem. Not in fancy accoutrement, but wrapped in swaddling clothes, in a manger.  Yes…this IS a season of thankfulness and giving!

Yet, although highly blessed, maybe someone in your family, maybe you, maybe a friend or someone you love is going through a period of feeling broken. Pure brokenness.  Maybe you are going through a significant heart-ache. Something that feels like your heart has been broken into pieces. It’s hard to breathe. It’s difficult to keep your mind focused. You, or the one you care about, have been in a situation of discouragement. A time in your life where you’re grasping onto straws to keep going, while many people around you seem to be sailing on with ease. Perhaps you’ve cried tears that only you and God know about. Maybe you’ve been grieved in your spirit even though your mind and heart recognize that you’re richly blessed? (You are human, after all).

Sometimes when your heart is broken, we tend to limp along like a wounded animal. We can feel discarded – it’s hard to know which direction to go – sometimes our hearts are so shattered that it’s hard to even know where to begin again. You feel unused by God; and used by mankind. Words and actions like rejection, betrayal, disingenuousness, dismissal, hypocrisy, and disloyalty can start to feel more familiar and intimate than you ever cared to know!

Take a moment to look at the picture I posted in today’s blog - it was posted on a friend’s Facebook page. When I first saw it, it took me several seconds to figure out what it was. I knew it was a nativity figure – possibly a shepherd or wise man.

Yes, she confirmed, it was/is a wise man figurine. The wise man has sentimental value to her. He/it was part of a nativity set given to her by her parents in 1998. Instead of tossing the broken pieces out, she made the decision to restore them to a useful condition! He was a token of love, after all.

 I soon realized she had taped the wise man back together because his body was broken. God used her actions to illustrate to me an intimate part of His character!  (Life Lesson: Broken people; broken lives are NOT discarded by God! We are tokens of HIS love!) So what if it/he wasn’t in perfect condition? He STILL fulfilled his life’s calling. He was one of THREE wise men…a valuable part of the nativity set. He has a purpose in his brokenness! And so do you!

Our heavenly Father is no stranger to pain…no stranger of abandonment or scorn. At the end of Jesus’ earthly life – perhaps the darkest hours of His life on earth – he was rejected, hurt, and abandoned by his dearest friends. Men he’d spend his final years with. While He was pouring His heart out to His Father, the disciples were sleeping. Yes, our Savior experienced the distress of a broken heart. (Matthew 27)

The past couple of months have brought unprecedented and painfully marked heartbreak for my family. For some of my friends too. When our true-blue friends hurt – we hurt. One thing I learned is that nobody’s heartbreak is the same, and nobody’s deepest heartbreak can be healed (our hearts and minds restored) except by and through Jesus Christ! Saying good- bye to people you love, closing the door on dreams, and moving forward in the spirit of God isn’t easy!

 “Brokenness” may not be the route we choose for ourselves, but in the process of restoration, God illustrates for us, glimpses of WHO He is! Amen.

Look UP my friends!

Today’s Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you know the people who have a broken heart today. Your children distressed by pain. I don’t know what their heart break looks like – or acts like - but I know YOU can restore all things broken, shattered, and devastated! When the storm rages, we thank you for being our Anchor. When the enemy approaches, you offer your Shield. May you redeem our heart aches, and in the process, continue to show us who YOU are. For your glory. I thank you for your blessings! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Eve Before Thanksgiving

Today’s blog is a poem I’ve adapted from the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore. Hopefully, he wouldn't be too offended! Sending my personal prayers and well wishes to every reader!

 

The Eve Before Thanksgiving

It was the eve before Thanksgiving

And the turkey, in its brine was afloat

The dishes were freshly washed –

Found a crack in the antique gravy boat!

 

The critters were nestled all snug as a bug

And grandma and grandpa would arrive with a hug.

When out in the yard, there arose such a clatter

I threw down my Kitchen Aid to see what was the matter!

 

I ran to the porch and looked out at the trees below

At first it was difficult to see, because of the rain and falling snow.

But through the wind and bustle, an unexpected sight began to appear

It was a really old man and his wife, armed with weapons of fear!

 

Not guns, or knives, or scissors, or shears

But a testimony, with a Bible, for every ear to hear!

Standing in front was one very kind looking soul

With a Thanksgiving message about God making one whole…

 

They didn’t want anything – but to give me an old worn tract

They told me about the Gospel - Biblical truths and facts.

Their eyes gleamed with compassion; wrinkled faces spoke with a grin

They said their wish for this holiday, was for others to know HIM.

 

So, I thanked them for their kindness – for their willingness to commit

I settled them down; offered hot chocolate with stick peppermint.

There in my apron, with flour on the floor

I told them about my life…when Jesus opened my heart’s door!

 

I told them that I love Him – He’s my Savior and dearest friend

That I want to serve God faithfully, until my life comes to an end

Knowing Thanksgiving isn’t about what’s fancy or a day to be stressed

It’s a day to profess God’s goodness – to be reminded how greatly we’re blessed!

 

So with a smile and a nod, they shuffled away into the cold…

The old man looked back and said, “Go tell others! You’re never too old!”

With rapid speed and a smile on my face,

I returned to the peeled potatoes, and bowed my head in humble grace.

Thanking God for salvation – for His mercy and love

The best Thanksgiving gift ever, from my Father above!

Written by Kimberly Hemric

November 27, 2013

 Look UP my friends!

 

Leaving you with some Scripture to meditate on the rest of the week….

Psalm 50:14 (King James Version)

14. Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:


2 Corinthians 9:11 & 15 (King James Version)

11. Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

15. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

 

Live Honestly

The picture I included in today's blog says a lot - I think it's quite profound actually. Our day to day living says a lot about who we are. I know at least for me, at the end of the day, I hope people undertand who I am. Who and what I stand for. The ability to understand my heart...

At some point in life, we ALL have negative things attached to our reputations or our own name - it is a part of life. Good people have bad things said about them, and in return "bad" people may have good things said about them.

 I had a boss to tell me many years ago, that half of employees will love you today and the other half will despise you. I think in some ways that was excellent advice for remaining realistic, and not buying into false flattery or superficial words. People can change their behavior quickly! I dare say that most of us have been hurt by words - by people we love (sometimes out of the blue!)

I think it is important for the Christian to be reminded that our TRUEST value is the difference we make for Christ - whether people accept us or not - it's most important if God is pleased with our lives.

Live consistently. Live honestly. Live genuinely. Live sincerely for HIM. Your life will speak, in large, for itself.

Look UP my friends!

Hear My Heart

 

Sometimes we just can't articulate effectively what's in our heart - what's in our thought processes. Rivers run deep...But God in heaven knows! He knows EXACTLY where you are.

 

 

Hear my heart…

When I don’t know what to say

Hear my heart…

When trouble negates my way!

When life is confusing,

Painful to digest…

Lead me to Your altar, Lord –

To that place of holy rest!

When words don’t come

But tears flow like rain,

Help me be reminded –

There’s a hell to shun, and a heaven to gain!

Hear my heart…

When criticism and rejection follows my soul

Listen to my heart, and make it pure and whole!

Listen to my heart, Lord…

For you know me better than all

Thank you for being with me –

And not allowing me to fall.

                  Written by: Kimberly Hemric

 

Look UP My Friends!

Our Living Testimony

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord – I Corinthians 1:9 (KJV)

Sometimes (and most appreciatively on my part) God opens doors for me to share my personal testimony. By personal testimony, I mean the time in my life in which I accepted Jesus into my heart, to be the Lord of my life, and my personal Savior.

I remember it very well – my dear Pastor’s wife, Mrs. P. Joyce, opened the Bible with me at an old fashioned altar. She explained the “Romans Road to Salvation” and what happened (the birth of the Messiah) in Bethlehem years ago. She also expounded on what Jesus did on Calvary. He gave everything for His children, so it’s a VERY important “narrative” to know! Let me re-phrase…He is THE most important person to know.

I was a young person of 12 years of age.  I haven’t been the same since! But, let me first proclaim that I haven’t been perfect by any stretch of the imagination, yet God’s perfect plan of salvation did a work in my heart and in my life. HE did something for me that no other person could do – the forgiveness of sin.  I know my personal life changed that Sunday evening almost 30 years ago!

Our “Living Testimony” is a term I coined as I talked to people. (Other people may use that verbiage too, I’m don't know. But I started using the phrase several years ago when I had opportunities to speak to ladies about serving God NOW. After we accept Jesus into our hearts - we don't just stop serving or growing. It's a time to start LIVING ACTIVELY for God). Key word - Active.

We have a personal testimony (The Christian) of when Jesus entered our heart. And later, as we live, grow, and age we experience our own mountains, valleys, and victories. Those are our personal accounts of God’s faithfulness and goodness – our living testimony.

Your testimony may be one of self-experienced healing, provision, deliverance, blessing, freedom, and/or love …all sorts of great and mighty ways that God has demonstrated His ACTIVE goodness in your life. {Life Moment: All blessings are noteworthy and “big!” to the person impacted. In my opinion, there’s no such thing as LITTLE blessings}.

For example, I had misplaced a credit card recently. I’ve been searching for it a few days. Continuing my rummaging around, I found it in my vehicle yesterday. That was a “little” thing, but, really, it’s a big blessing! This was God’s hand of protection – my living testimony.

Another example – my husband and I had opportunity to visit a friend yesterday who’s living her final days in the Hospice Home (short term residence for terminally ill patients). It was her birthday. She was alert, smiling, and tickled pink that we were able to sing “Happy Birthday” to her. She just chuckled and clapped her hands…it was a little moment in her life, but it was a big deal to her husband and daughters. It was an immense blessing! This was HER living testimony – ultimate healing and deliverance. A peace when she’s facing going out into eternity.

One final example – I have a friend who lives with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis…she is in a lot of pain and requires shots and strong medications. Some weeks it is quite bad, but she doesn’t complain.  Her sense of humor is terrific. She works her public job. Pushes through. Keeps a positive disposition. Just today she was lifting OTHER people up with humor on her Facebook ® account. That’s a blessing – and an account of her living testimony!

I’ve said it numerous times, but let’s be reminded that acts of humility and selflessness are little ways to make a big impact!

So – think about a time in your recent life – this month, this week, this year, today, last year…that God delivered you. That He healed you. That He was faithful! Ask yourself…What’s my living testimony?

Look UP my friends!

Road Less Traveled

“Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” ~ Robert Frost.

Aaahhh, one of my favorite quotes for sure. The visualization of two roads diverging – one to the left, and one to the right – one less popular than the other – one going in a lone direction; the other road pointing to the opposite. Which is the best route?

As a Christian, have you ever found yourself taking the road less traveled? Unfamiliar territory? You’ve experienced and seen the fine line in the road between happiness and sorrow, truth and untruth, God and anti-God? Sometimes sorrow and pain seemingly come out of nowhere! Like that deer that darts out in front of your vehicle, or the driver who nearly collides with another driver’s car. You’ve driven too close to the shoulder of the road and had to swerve to miss a mailbox or an animal in the road? Unexpected things do take place! We can all be left asking of ourselves, “How did this happen?”

As the holiday season in America quickly approaches, you may be thinking ahead to New Year’s resolutions, goals, or aspirations. New roads you want to take! There’s a reason gym memberships and weight loss programs have their highest annual revenue drives between December 1^st and January 31^st. People want a fresh start! New hope! We want to dream…to hold on to old dreams and form new ones. People are starving for acceptance. For love. For forgiveness. For encouragement! For skinny abs and less cellulite. People are looking for an answer to their problems. And you can get it all for 3 low payments of $29.99 if you listen to the info-mercials. {Life Moment: In truth, everything we need is provided in God’s Word. I heard a minister say this past Sunday that 80% of our problems would resolve themselves if we would center our lives around Jesus and His church above ALL less….There’s something to think about in that comment!} There is no “do over” Staples ® button for our lives.

Admittedly, when scientists and physicians finally develop a topical fountain of youth or a miracle weight loss pill, I’m in! (Apologizes for the expression of vanity – yet I doubt I’m alone in my moderate focus on the ‘battle of the bulge.’ Can I get a witness?!) Ha!

Seriously, when we choose a path forward for ourselves, we sometimes go the road less traveled, but if we’re consciously honest, most of us prefer the path of least resistance. Right? Often crowded and familiar, the road most traveled appears to guide us where we want to go! This is a time of caution – slow down. Look around!

You don’t even need to know the name of the road where I live. You can say, “Turn left at the fire department and make a right at the big oak tree,” and you’ll end up exactly where you wanted to go.

Life Moment: Sometimes it seems like everybody is on the same road, but this is clearly not accurate for God’s children! You’ll be on the road by yourself on occasion! For those with a GPS or navigators for your car – have you ever precisely followed the directions only to wind up lost?! At a dead end road?  Oh my, be careful which road you take, friend! They don’t ALL take you where you WANT to go!

Things I’ve personally learned about the road less traveled…

#1 – It isn’t easy!

#2 – It can feel lonely sometimes!

#3 – The grass isn’t greener on the other side – weeds grow their too!

#4 – Not all roads lead home!

#5 – You can be on the wrong road for a long time (or a short time). Don’t be fooled by billboards, false advertising, and poor directional signs!

#6 – Be alert for falling rocks and narrow shoulders!

#7 – Ask for directions -- in God’s Word – the Word is your map!

#8 – Don’t pick up hitchhikers! (Like paranoia, bitterness, competitiveness, or fear)

#9 – Drive your own car! (Don’t load up in someone else’s wagon)

#10 – Follow the speed limit – God doesn’t speed ahead without us!

Look UP my friends!

PRAYER for TODAY: Thank You, Heavenly Father… for being the Gate, the Door, the Window, the Hallway, the Path, through which the road less traveled passes! We cannot go anywhere without you.  Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet. Help me to be aware of false advertising, falling rocks, and dangerous hitchhikers! Help me to resist the lull of the path of relative ease. Show me the way of YOUR will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

Flat Tire

You've heard that "attitude is everything" motto...perhaps quotes by Zig Ziglar or "attitude of gratitude" sayings. They're all good and helpful to some degree.

But, in my estimation the truth is... outside having a heart of forgiveness, only YOU can control your attitude and the things that may cause it to be bad in the first place!

Like the picture above...a flat tire requires action or you'll be  STUCK.

Don't let the adversary stick you in neutral OR park...It's dangerous ground!

Go to God for His help...ask for compassion and grace.

He will get you back on track! Moving. Growing. Forgiving. Serving.


Look UP my friends!

A Thanksgiving Prayer

If you live in the United States, then you’re aware that November is the month of “Giving Thanks.” I’ve really enjoyed reading many of this month’s Face book® posts – personal lists people have made each day, counting down the month, to recognize good things and blessings in their lives. We can never thank God enough for all His blessings, can we?!  Instead of posting mine individually this year, I thought a prayer of Thanksgiving would be my avenue to thank my Heavenly Father…may He bless you for reading!

Prayer of Thanksgiving

God of all goodness,

The giver of life

The provider of all blessings,

giver of all grace:

I thank you for the love of family,

The love of friends.

The air that gives us breath,

Foods we enjoy that give nutrition.

 

I thank you for the beauty you have made,

All that my eyes can see.

Thank you for that which my eyes cannot see,

But I know is there through faith.

Thank you for making a way to heaven!

The seas and the mountains are

Glorious – your creation is truly wondrous.

Yet, your majesty and your glory

Cannot ever be outshined.

Thank you for reminding me how small I am,

How great and marvelous YOU are!

Thank you for genuine Christian fellowship.

Thank you for those who love us by choice.

Thank you for sending those who help share our burdens,

For you, my Rock, my Refuge, and my Comforter.

Thank you for all the people who lighten my life,

For those who love me without question.

Thank you for the husband, family, kids and pet-children I love in return.

Thank you for hope – for grace each day!

 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you more!

Thank you for one more day to share the Gospel,

In song, in ministry, by living your love in my heart.

Thank you for the burning desire to make a difference for the Cross!

I do not want to bring shame to your name.

 

Thank you for putting in my pathway, one more person to love

One more opportunity to spread the Gospel to someone,

One who may experience your presence and your healing power.

Thank you for allowing me to encourage one more person,

One more time.

 

I am saying thank you, Lord, for being my God, my Savior.

For your promises. For your faithfulness, when mine is lacking.

For your strength when I am weak.

 

Thank you for forgiving me constantly,

As I struggle to forgive others.

I want to thank you for the hard times.

I know it’s through the hard times that you refine me.

You manifest your will in my life.

 

I thank you for this day.

Thank you for sending your Son to die on Calvary’s hill.

Thank you for your abiding goodness!

I can never thank you enough…

For knowing me. And loving me anyway!

 

For these and ALL blessings,

I give YOU thanks, eternal God,

Through Christ Jesus I pray,

Amen.

Look UP my friends!

10 Things to Remember

John 14:26 {KJV}  - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

When life gets busy, hectic, and stressful I sometimes dream of running away. Have you ever dreamt of skipping your duties or pressures of the moment – and throw in the towel? Just pack up the car – and head west or to the coastal region of South Carolina…But in reality, what I really need and strive to do is “scoot and nudge” a little bit closer to my Savior, Jesus Christ. He helps His children every day, every hour, and every moment. It is an awesome dynamic to remember during sorrow, sadness, joyfulness, and/or struggles -- He NEVER lets us down. He is there in the darkest pit – the highest mountain – the lowest valley – the biggest blessing.

Some of my ways of drawing closer to him are: meditating on His Word. Listening to Christian music. Writing.  Singing. Removing myself from the situation, when possible, and praying about it. And I deliberately look for God’s movement in the smallest situations. I KNOW He is with me, but when I make a point to notice His marvelous works, it soothes my soul and comforts me.

After hearing some dynamic and soul-speaking preaching recently I decided to make a list of things I needed to remember for future purposes.

Ya’ never know when the adversary will strike – but strike he will. The Christian needs to be ready.

Ten Things to Always Remember

~ Have Courage.  {It’s not easy sometimes. But God promises in His Word that He will never leave us or forsake us. Dare to be your own person. Having an opinion doesn’t mean you are a trouble maker}.

~ Make today count.  {Not tomorrow. Not yesterday. Today. Do what you can today}.

~You can draw as close to God as YOU want.  {He is always there with open arms – ready to be your Deliverer, Comforter, Prince of Peace, closest Friend}.

~God understands you, when nobody else does.  {Your deepest hurts and worries are familiar to Jesus. He’s been there too.}.

~Learn the lesson God wants to teach you – not the lesson man wants to break you by.  {A change in your job, health, career, family situation, or situation should never be looked at as a story with a period at the end. Look at it with a comma in the middle. A new chapter.  A new opportunity for God to manifest His will in your life. Don’t give your adversary too much credit}.

~Share your blessings.  {Share your good fortune in part by spending your hours prudently each day. The years go by quickly…your life history will speak for itself one day}.

~ Life is unpredictable. {Someday we’ll look back and realize that many of the things we valued most had absolutely NOTHING to do with money, power, control, or prestige}.

~Sad times are for a season.  {We all have times in which difficulties arise in our lives. What’s important is pushing aside the root of bitterness and allowing God to see you through to the other side. The sun shines just over the horizon. And the Son shines within your heart}.

~ Don’t pass up the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.  {Go out of your way to be good to an older person. A kind smile, a short phone call, a picture, a hand written note, mowing their lawn, offering a slice of cake, anything and any time you can offer a token of service. An old adage reminds the Christian that they need only a little, but they need that little}.

~ “We’re all on the same boat,” is not true.  {Some of us are on the Royal Caribbean luxury cruise, and some people are holding on to the life raft in the midst of turbulent seas. You may feel like you’re barely clinging on at times. We’re all in different places at different times. You understand that some people can be happy with a little – some may be miserable with a lot}.

If you’re one in the life boat…keep looking UP.  Help is on the way…

Look UP my friends

My Country 'Tis of Thee

I woke up to the piano sounds of my husband playing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” this morning - one of my favorite songs!  It made me immediately recall that today is Veteran’s Day in the United States. What a significant day to recognize! It is intended to honor and salute all military personnel, past and present, who served the United States in all wars. Today will be marked with church services, parades, and various memorials. I would like the Cornerstone of Strength readers to know two particular men and their families. There are countless stories of heroism when it comes to the military, so these are two among thousands never told in a public format. I learned of these men by Robin Meade of the HLN network – aired July 4^th, 2012.

A Walk Home

A roadside bomb in Afghanistan resulted in a bilateral amputation of Army Sgt. First Class Aaron Causey’s legs. But he was still alive! He had made it. And he made himself a promise: He would be home for Christmas … and walk through his parents’ front door. Many people would think that feat impossible, but they don’t know Causey!  After three months of excruciating rehabilitation, he was ready to fulfill his promise.

The organization Veterans Airlift Command offered to fly Causey and his wife, Kat, back to his hometown in Alabama, where hundreds gathered for a surprise homecoming reception. The VAC is an all-volunteer organization whose pilots donate their time, aircrafts and flight expenses to help reunite wounded soldiers with their families. Thanks to an incredible effort by VAC and Causey's many friends and family, he was able to go right from the plane into the waiting hugs of his family. His homecoming was neither a day he and his wife would never forget…nor his waiting parents. But more importantly, he kept his promise thanks in part to MORE unsung heroes BEHIND the scenes volunteering their money, time, and efforts.

The Face of Love

Air Force Tech Sgt. Israel Del Toro tells others there was a moment after he was cruelly injured in an IED attack in Afghanistan in 2005 that he wished he had died. Suffering from third degree burns over 80% of his body, he wanted to die several times. Those thoughts spiraled when he saw his face for the first time in the mirror – he almost had a complete breakdown.

He was afraid that his son, who was three years old at the time, would be afraid of him. Del Toro credits his wife and his physical therapist for convincing him that all his son wanted was a dad, no matter what he looked like. After all, they shared a face of love!

Their first reunion was a moment from heaven. The three-year old gave his dad a big hug and a huge grin. He didn't "skip a beat" as the saying goes and the rest is history. Needless to say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room that day! Del Toro is a real life hero - he went on to become the first 100% combat-disabled Air Force technician to re-enlist. Right! He re-enlisted! Amazing, right?!

Songs Behind the Scenes

Do you know the first few notes of your national anthem when you hear them? Does the music make you feel patriotic? I think patriotic music is also a less recognized hero in our lives! When you hear the Star Spangled Banner, My Country ‘Tis of Thee, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Am I a Soldier of the Cross, or Onward Christian Soldiers…recall that these songs offer a specific kind of patriotic sentiment and connection. They foster a spirit that we should keep on fighting – for the Cross, for those less fortunate, for the innocent, for the enslaved. Military music, patriotic music, and Veteran’s Day music is special…take notice of it today! Don’t let them go “unsung” in your personal life.

Isn't it a tremendous blessing that the Cross is the Christian's statue of liberty?!

Look UP my friends!

My Country ‘Tis of Thee

My country tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died!
Land of the Pilgrim's pride!
From every mountain side,
Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture fills
Like that above.

 

No Drama Zone!

When I hear the word “drama” I tend to associate it with negative or unwanted behaviors. ‘Making mountains out of mole hills’, as I’ve heard it phrased my whole life.  I personally am not attracted to “drama queens or kings” for lack of a better adjective.  And, yes, dramatic people come in all genders, shapes, sizes, and spiritual velocities. Drama is not limited to teenagers! (No offense young readers!)

Drama is not the same as chaos or stress. It is not equivalent to circumstances such as pressure, strain, pain, or difficulty. The common denominator is how one responds to those things – not the actual experience of them. In my mind, drama associates itself with a performance, unnecessary confusion, and often exaggerated or misrepresented situations.

For example, a few days ago I witnessed a 50-year-old-ish gentleman overly exaggerating and arguing about the price for a cup of coffee in a restaurant. He insisted his meal should only have been $4.99 – which was partly accurate. He did get the $4.99 special of eggs and bacon, but he also added coffee. He admitted to asking for said pot of coffee. The coffee wasn’t free – it was $1.99. He fussed, belittled, and badgered the cashier. The growing line of people waiting to pay their bill did not seem to matter to him. (It’s interesting how our immediate desires often outweigh everything else in our midst sometimes).

 I felt bad for her. I was embarrassed about it. I was confused as to why he thought the coffee would be free. It just felt awkward. We, the other customers, were left standing and gawking at each other. I genuinely thanked the Lord when the manager came to assist. I heard the argumentative men exaggerate the situation. He didn’t lie out rightly – but he put just enough spin on the conversation to play it to his advantage. He distorted a few details too. (By this time, I was getting irritated!)

Confession Time ----- When it was my turn to pay the bill, I thanked the lady for her nice customer service instead of hitting him with my pocketbook like I had thought about. LOL! I carry everything but the kitchen sink in my handbag, so, I immediately dismissed the thought since it would have been considered a weapon. But, I did think he needed an integrity lesson on not lying and not manipulating situations to suit his own goals. {Ok – please don’t judge me too harshly! I don’t care for drama and I don’t care for those who bully others either. Admittedly, it was an ugly thought, and I did ask God to forgive me}.

Be alert: When the adversary convinces us that our Christian sisters and brothers, our neighbors, those in trusted positions, or those whom we love are the enemy, then often discernment and prayer go out the window! Repeat – discernment goes out the window as we tend to give up spiritual armor and defer to our own weapons on the flesh instead; namely, the tongue. Boy, what damage the tongue can yield! Or an overly-loaded handbag, like I mentioned earlier. Both can be viable weapons!

 (Life Moment ~ When we reach the point of creating or reacting to drama, the adversary is winning the battle in our lives).

II Timothy 2:24 – 26 (KJV) teaches us…

 ²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

²⁵ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

²⁶ And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

So, the next time you’re in a situation where you’re tempted to defend yourself, someone else, or attack another…Remember this! Put the proverbial handbag down. Walk away! Resist the adversary!

Refrain from responding to the drama…Go into your own "No Drama Zone" There are no Academy Awards ® for Christians. Just let it go…nobody can fool God. Ever! And you’ll be granted a more peaceful and peace-filled spirit.

Look UP my friends!

Only God Can...

I’ve been meditating this week on the simple things/truths that only GOD can do. When you take a moment to consider, there are things, qualities, and aspects of our lives that only He can do and fulfill. Psalm 72:18  (KJV) tells us "Blessed be the Lord God, of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things."  

Here is my list, although it may not be totally inclusive:

God Can - God Is…

Only God can heal the sick – both physically and spiritually!

Only God can make a blessing out of a mess!

Only God can truly know your heart – both its blackness and its goodness.

Only God knows you, like YOU know you!

Only God can forgive the unforgivable so forgivingly.

Only God can love the unlovable so lovingly!

Only God can make the impossible possible!

Only God is the giver of life.

Only God would give His Only Begotten Son. As a gift.

Only God is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Only God is the Good Shepherd.

Only God knows the exact number of stars in the sky; hair on your head; grains of sand in the ocean.

Only God knew you before you were born.

Only God knows what you’re really thankful for.

Only God knows your intentions. At all times.

Only God can take dirt, form a being, breathe into its nostrils, and create man.

Only God can judge righteously.

Only God can grant great peace and courage during times of great sorrow.

Only God could, can, or has made a way to heaven.

Only God can take the blackest sin and make it white as snow.

Only God…loves you like HE loves you!

Look UP my friends!