Let it Stick

This morning I decided to go through my notes and look up the Scriptures given us during church last night. I've been going to do this, yet never really did. But this morning was led to it.

Many things have happened/changed in the past few weeks. I don't know how to put it into words, but the Lord has a hold of me in a major way. Praise the Lord! Since then, things keep coming that continues to teach.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

18 Is a Life Lesson in the "Life Principles Bible, by Charles F. Stanley." This is what he has to say:

God blesses us financially not simply so that we can spend His blessings on ourselves, but so that we can use the resources he gives us to help others and to expand the kingdom of God.

This really hit home! We aren't rich by any means, but we do well. We do try to give as much as possible and bless those that are less fortunate, but I realized that if I change my ways, we can probably do more.

I had a spending problem and have gotten much better about it. A person diagnosed with bi-polar; one of the symptoms is spending excessively. It hadn't gotten that bad, thanks heavens, but was close enough.

When looking back I realized that I took the way we grew up to the extremes. Because I was teased constantly, told we were poor people and I wouldn't amount to anything, I would stress over what we didn't have according to the "rich city kids" that seemed to have it all.

I so wanted to dress like them thinking it would make a difference. Therefore, jealousy took control of me.

Song of Solomon 8:6
...Jealousy as cruel as the grave; it's flames are of fire, a most vehement flame.

Ouch! If only I had known the depths of my feelings back then. Once I started working, I bought what I could, always broke shortly after pay day. I made sure I paid my car payment, but would run short of gas, and felt lucky that my parents owned a store with a gas station. I would write down what I pumped, but wouldn't necessarily pay it.

The funny thing is, even though I was getting the clothes and accessories I wanted, it didn't make me more popular, I still was teased and put down. I resorted to drinking and other things thinking that would help me fit in. Instead, I was mocked all the more.

If only I had really known the Lord then. I went to church every weekend with my grandmother. I received my first communion, went through confirmation, but still did not know what it was like to know the Lord. (I was Catholic at the time).

Now I realize that it wouldn't have mattered what I did outside of becoming a "jock" or "cheerleader" (which I did try out for), but couldn't do that stuff, as I just wasn't cut out for sports. I was clumsy. Taller than most, skinny and a klutz! But more than that, I was dealing with prideful people that came from prideful families. If only...

Proverbs 13: 10

By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

I carried that out through my adult life, looking for acceptance. Wanted to feel wanted and needed. I joined the Air Force wanting to do a job that helped people. I needed that feeling of being needed. I became a firefighter. I loved my job despite having to prove myself.

Now what was the difference? I went through school trying to prove myself and hated it. But now I was enjoying the challenge? The difference was I was out to prove that women had what it took to be in a mans world. It was a huge challenge, and it was a challenge I wanted to take head on. It took work, but some of us persevered!

I had friends, but not necessarily in the manner one should have friends. I was still spending to try to keep up with the crowd. I would fall short every two weeks and would not have money to eat, and ended up borrowing. It never set in. I was embarrassed with having to borrow from my supervisors, but none-the-less, still had to try and be popular.

Then I met my husband. I got pregnant, and got out of the military as he too was a fire fighter. Two in the F.D. raising a family just wasn't a good mix. I wanted to make sure our kids had the best of everything. But with one income, it just wasn't happening. I would get depressed and go shopping.

Eventually, my husband was tired of fighting me over money and sent the kids and I packing. We got back together in a couple of weeks after a friend shared a book with him on spending. It said what he felt.

I tried, but because there was a lot missing in life (to me) I would get depressed and spend. I was jealous of my husband, had very little self respect, had great friends, but didn't realize it as I was so insecure.

Proverbs 13:5
...But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.

I loathed my life, and loathed those that looked down on me. I became an alcoholic looking for something more in life. Always looking in areas that didn't have the answers. Not seeking where I needed to go. On occasion I would think I need to go back to church, the kids need it too. We would go on time and then stop. The reason being is I was so lost and thought people were mocking me.

This went on for years. Finally after my husband left me for the last time, I really started to wake up. I wanted desperately to get past where I was. I wanted to believe in myself. At first, I went off the deep end. Wanted to end my life, but then I was given the picture of our kids and knew I couldn't do that to them. I poured myself into drinking my meals and became prideful in my job.

Psalms 73:6
Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.

I walked so many wrong lines. Was out to destroy those that I thought were judging me and making my life miserable. But instead, I was the one judging them.

Matthew 7:1-5
"Judge not, that you be not judged.

2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

3 And why do you look to the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck in your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank form your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye."

I had to learn to give up spending for sure now, as I had two kids both with baby's on the way and needed to find a place to live. Our daughter was working, and was going to help out. Our son was going through a lot of mental disorders and wasn't able to hold a job for very long. I was scared.

Thankfully after a little over a year, my husband and I found our way back to another. We continued to pour our lives into alcohol thinking that was going to relieve us of our faults, mistakes and misery. Spending, eh, it wasn't nearly as bad, but now I had a grand children to spoil and a wedding to plan for my daughter. I tried to keep it as cheap as possible but wanted my daughter happy.

We got through it all, found a house after living in an apartment for three years. Thank heavens we moved, as we had a bar right behind us. Too convenient. We still kept drinking, with that and the cost of cigarettes, we went through a lot of money that could have been used for better things. Now we both wanted things nice and were spending, but hubby only really saw it as my problem.

Then our son led us to the Lord!!! That was the start of a brand new life. Life has been good since then, but I was still wanting to spoil the grand kids. Our daughter was struggling to make ends meet, so I wanted to "help."

But finally a break through! I was getting better with spending, but coming to this Scripture and the Life Lesson; Hallelujah, my eyes have been opened! As Pastor Krist said last night. I want to be a "giver" not a "taker". Amen!!!

There are so many ways to give. Not just through money, but through giving of yourself. I realize now that I don't have to spend money on my grand kids. I need to love on them, give them security. We've planted the seed, now we need to nurture it. Our grand kids are material kids; especially the youngest grand daughter "has to have" material things.

By using what I've learned, we can in turn share this information at their level of understanding. They love to give, so finding ways for them to give back to others will instill in them the importance of not "wanting" not being takers, but rather being givers. Imagine if we were "all" to find this answer and were to start giving in all ways we have to give, how much better our world would be.

I pray this reaches out to any others that may be struggling with spending, loathing, insecurities, etc. Find solace in the Lord your God. For there will you find real comfort and real leadership.

Remember also, that as you pray, He may not answer right away, as there is a reason. I'm thankful I went through those dark trials, as now I can share what I've learned and hopefully help others who are struggling. After all, He does use things in our lives to help others not just ourselves. Our testimonies are a testimony of His great love and His faithfulness. His timing is always perfect. We just need to learn to be patient and wait upon Him for only He knows when we are ready for the next step. In the meantime; stay in prayer and in the Word. Leave all your troubles to Him.

I was going to apologize for this being so long, but as I started typing, more and more came to me. It's a lengthy posting, but feel it's well worth it. God Bless each and everyone of you. Remember: Love yourself as He loves you, as then you can love on others as we have been called to do.

Why Some may not Believe

While writing up a Bible study for my family from Life Principles Bible by Dr. Charles F. Stanley, I came across the following:

Why do so many people not enjoy God's presence? Because they do not really know Him.

That made me realize that so many out there think that because He can not be seen or touched that He is not real. There are many other reasons used as well, but am thinking this is a big issue, as I've heard others state, "How can you believe in something you can not see?"

Good question. Until you have actually experienced the presence of God, you may never know. I pray for those that are afraid to trust in the unknown, will give God a chance. When you receive the Lord and start enjoying experiences with Him, you end up with no doubt in your mind that He is very much real. It's an experience like none other.

Is the walk always beautiful? No, due to His using difficult times to teaching us, drawing us nearer, and to keep us from taking a wrong path. I've personally experienced the presence of the Lord many, many times, in many various ways. From being saved from what should have been a deadly outcome, to visions, touches and hearing. He lets you know that He is there. You can feel His presence in so many ways.

If one would sit back and think about different situations that should have turned out way different that was out of ones control, and pondered how it did not make any sense, the answer would be your loving Father saved you from that moment in your life.

I challenge you to pick up the Bible and start reading His promises for you. Start reading His love letters to you; as basically it's God telling you how much He loves you and wants to be a part of your life. God wants a personal relationship with you. After all, what do you have to lose?

I know I've said it before, but believe it is worth repeating. What do you have to lose by believing in the Lord your God? Absolutely nothing. If He's real and you believe and follow Him, you will live a wonderful life of eternity with Him. If you don't believe and He's real, you have everything to lose.

Personally, I choose to believe as I know in my heart He is very real. I challenge you to give Him a chance to prove to you that He is real. If you go into this challenge with an open mind and faith, you won't be disappointed. Then get yourself in a good "Faith-based" church that teaches the Holy Bible, not one that has been written to meet the needs of the church, and walk that beautiful walk.

My heart aches for those that are lost. I pray that you will find Salvation in Him and soon. You will not be disappointed. I'm sure glad I came back to Him. It's been a beautiful walk, even during all the trials and tribulations we have been through. I look forward with great joy to meeting more of those trials and tribulations, as each time I grow closer to Him and have a stronger understanding. Often times receiving correction on things I've been doing wrong at just the right time. For you see, God's timing is always perfect, and His love for us is perfect. Imagine having a Heavenly Father who loves you no matter what and never gives up on you. He waits for you with open arms always welcoming you.

Help in Finding Study Materials

While working on a Bible study program for hubs, son, and myself; I came across ideas for obtaining Bible reference materials. For those that can't afford these materials, there are ways of obtaining them free of charge.

There are many helpful sites on-line. Just google search Bible references or Bible study. Also check with your local library or church library if one is available. Another option is to check with your Pastor or church associate or even a friend to see if they have any materials you can borrow.

I hope this helps those that are struggling with finding much needed material in order to gain a better understanding of what the Bible says. If anyone has any other ways of obtaining these materials please share! :)

Thank you and God Bless! May the Lord shine down on you.

What Type of Christian Are You

I love hear the voice of the Lord. I love it when He feeds us such good thoughts. The message He gave me this morning while in my prayer closet really got me to thinking. What truly amazes me--but now as I'm typing this, He is revealing why it happens this way--is that our Pastor has spoke this very message, & it hit home, but now hearing it from the Lord, it has really hit me. He revealed to me just now that this happens as some times the foundation is laid and then when we are ready to really soak it in, He reminds us in another way. Thank You Lord!!!

So the question is, what type of Christian are you? Are you a:

Ritualistic Christian: The type that does things by the numbers. Has to pray at a certain time, read the Bible in a certain fashion, pray a certain way each time. Never letting the Holy Spirit guide you. Never allowing yourself to step out of that comfort zone.

Or a Part Time Christian that attends groups, goes to church and it ends there; or when someone calls upon you, you act out of obligation.

Or a Me Christian: One who does things your way, saying you are living the life the Lord has planned for you, but in the manner you see fit.

Or a Weekend Only Christian: The one who goes to church on the weekend, worships and prays and then walks out the door of the church and turns back to the ways of the world.

Or a When I Have Time To Be A Christian: The one who wants to be a Christian, but only takes the time when you can find the time in your busy schedule.

Or The Rush Through it Christian: Okay, I have time to get in a quick prayer, I'll try to read a little bit of the Bible now and hopefully find time to read some more later. Later comes and you find yourself saying, "I should have made time, but it's too late now, forgive me Father, You know my heart."

Or are you a Full Time Christian: The one who reads the Word, follows what is written, seeks all the time the Kingdom, works hard to be Christ like, to be the person God created you to be. Allows yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit, always seeking what He wants for you to do with each situation.

When this subject was presented to me this morning, I thought, "Oh oh, where have I been failing again Lord? I'm trying hard to be a better Christian, truly I am." But I knew what He was getting at. It saddens me that I haven't put up a bigger fight. That I haven't been more strict with myself. I'm one of those in-betweeners. But mostly that Rushed/Busy Christian.

This is really hard to write, as it is embarrassing, but it is also an awakening that has been a long time coming. First the addiction, now this. I'm just thankful I'm able to hear the convictions and am able to heed them. Praise the Lord! I know I should not be embarrassed, as He uses us to learn and then help others. I pray that when this is read that it does help anyone else out there who may be struggling.

I don't know about you, but I definitely want to reach that Full Time Christian position.

Personally, I want to be that full time Christian, so why isn't it happening? It's because I let the ways of the world/flesh creep in all too easy. It's because I haven't "Disciplined" myself enough to be where I should be to know when the enemy is up to his old tricks, pulling me back in.

So I ask myself, "What is it going to take to stay in the Word, learn His commands, follow His promptings always, be the person I have been called to be?" The answer is simple. "Discipline, and handing ourselves completely over to Him." I know there have been times I "thought" I had done that. But then looking back, it was because I was listening to the lies. I was believing I was being whole hearted, when I wasn't keeping myself in check and waiting upon the Holy Spirit.

What now? It's time to take a stand and tell the enemy, "No More!" Get quiet with the Lord and let the Holy Spirit come and take control. No more--well this is another post, so wont go down that road yet. It's another lesson I heard a couple of days ago but didn't log. I will share that one tomorrow or Monday.

Meanwhile, take time to really do some soul searching. What type of Christian are you? God Bless You.

Desires of the World or the Lord

What do you pursue in life? Do you desire and work for things of the world? Is your focus on getting the things you want? Or do you follow with what the Lord has planned for you?

Here's a little food for thought:

1 John 2:15-17
15 Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.

16 For everything that belongs to the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle--is not from the Father, but is from the world.

17 And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever. (CSB)

Are You Like the Pharisee or the Tax Collector

I know I have talked about judgment before, but it is an ongoing struggle with many, to include myself. I found myself today asking, "Lord, am I the only one that struggles with not judging others? Am I the only one that has such a hard time controlling that sin?"

No, I'm not the only one and it is most unfortunate that we in the flesh find ourselves continuing to commit these sins. What can we do? Give ourselves fully to Him and go to Him with a repenting heart. All too often, I'll catch myself (especially while driving) chewing someone out for being an "idiot," or a "fool." Thankfully when my grandchildren hear me iterate those words, they correct me. I'm thankful they have listened to my telling them that calling others names is wrong. God is so good!

The problem being, I go to Him later to pray and have not asked for forgiveness. Most times I do automatically ask Him to forgive me when I've acted out foolishly. But on those times when we don't repent, we are going to Him with condemnation in our hearts.

While reading an article in the "In Touch" Feb. issue through In Touch Ministries, I read "The Prayer that God Hears" by Kevin Goins. In this issue he talked of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Matthew 23:5 "They do everything to be observed by others;" (talking about the Pharisees).

Luke 18:10-1410 "Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 the Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: 'God I think You that I'm not like other people--greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get."
13 "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, 'God, turn Your wrath from me--a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather then the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Exalt from Dictionary.com
1. to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality, etc.; elevate: He was exalted
to the position of president.
2. to praise; extol: to exalt someone to the skies.
3. to stimulate, as the imagination: The lyrics of Shakespeare exalted the audience.
4. to intensify, as a color: complementary colors exalt each other.
5. Obsolete . to elate, as with pride or joy.

I use this reference of the Pharisee and the tax collector as it shows the Pharisee going with a heart of pride and condemnation. When we pray with that in our hearts, God will not listen to nor answer our prayers. Today I realized that there are areas where I have judged and not asked forgiveness, where I have not repented.

So when you pray, ask Him if there are areas in your life where you do not have a clear conscious and then when revealed, repent. Then and only then will He hear your prayers. I know I am so grateful for this time I've had to sit quietly, read, seek, listen and hear.

Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. I pray that we may all come to You with a clear conscious, of a forgiving heart of love, with no pride or condemnation on our hearts. I pray that each person who reads this will receive blessings abundantly in peace, joy, prosperity and grace!

Walk Away or Not

I'm compelled to speak about this subject. When we see someone struggling with a mental disorder, who slips back into darkness, do we walk away? Do we say, I can't do this any more, it's up to them?

I have a question for you if your answer is yes. Does God walk away from His children? Is this what He would want us to do?

We are a blessed people to have a Father in Heaven of whom never forsakes us. When we are down and out, who is there waiting to lift us back up? Who is there to walk us through it?

Now I know we have to stand strong, and be accountable for our own actions, but let me tell you from a first hand experience, when you are dealing with depression and other mental illnesses, it's not just cut and dry. You need people when you are struggling. You need someone to help hold you up.

I know it can be draining on others, but it's a fact of life. If you have someone reaching out to you, don't walk away, or say, "I just can't do this, they are bringing me down," or think, "I just don't have time for this." I have to admit, there are times I find myself reverting to the flesh and thinking, ugh, not now. Then I feel so bad!

Have you ever thought about the fact that when someone is really down, they are reaching out to you, and you either ignore them, or walk away from them what you may be doing to that person?

Now another big question. Can you live with yourself if that person ends up taking their life after they have come to you for support? I know I never could. I know taking ones life is such a taboo thought and that person was pathetic is the words of some. Wake up people! They are our sisters and brothers. Their problems and feelings are very real.

Above all, don't tell them they don't need their medication as it's evil, that it's a curse. It is a real medical problem that none of us can control with our thoughts. Yes, Hallelujah, God can heal us. But until then, those medications may be what saves that persons life. I know, I went off mine by faith, I almost killed myself.

Physicians were put on this earth for a reason. Medications were created for a reason. Don't play God with others lives. Instead, pray for them, ask for guidance for them, and encourage them. Be there for them. Support them. They need us plain and simple. Let God tell them when it is time to come off that medication, not you. He knows what's best. I'm so thankful my husband never walked away from me, as if he hadn't stood by me and prayed, I fear I would not be here today. Had he not insisted I see my doctor and get back on my medication, I probably would not be here today. I went off the medication under the watchful eye of my doctor, so it was done safely.

Sometimes I'm tired, and sometimes I don't want to deal with others problems, and then I remind myself, He doesn't walk away from us, what gives us the right to walk away from them? I will give until it hurts and will even still keep giving. Sacrifices are meant to be. Our sacrifices were small compared to God and Jesus.

May God smile down on you and Bless you abundantly in grace, peace, joy, and prosperity.

His Presence

You're attending the Catalyst Convention and in the middle of worship. You feel His presence strong and mighty and your singing your heart out to him. All of a sudden, you know for sure He's there! With eyes closed you see a bust of Jesus just above us all. He's smiling a huge smile and you know He's happy. Then you hear the words, "I'm pleased with my children."

You speak, "Jesus! Thank you for joining us. We lift Your name on high and sing our praises to You." He's looking down happy!

There are people on both flanks of the stage dancing and you say, "Jesus, come dance with us as we honor You." The next thing you know, He's in the middle of those people from little to adult dancing and laughing. Then you see Him go to the little children and dance with them.

That experience was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen in church. It happened every night, but not the same each night. That was our last night of the conference. What a wonderful way to bring it to an end.

But it didn't stop there. When our Pastor began to speak and sing, there was Jesus speaking instead and angels were surrounding him singing. Many a time when our Pastor has been speaking, instead of seeing him there and hearing his voice, I knew it was the Lord speaking. The voice was not of our Pastor but rather that of what I knew was the Lord.

With that said, many lessons came from this past weekend. As you all have noticed, I don't blog that often, nor do I visit much at all. There is a sad reason for that; one that I've been convicted of for some time, but never heeded those promptings to end what was keeping me from where I was to be.

Right now our lessons are on "Whispers." Learning to hear the voice of the Lord. That first night our Pastors son was speaking. Just before he had us get silent, I hear "Facebook." I knew right away it was another conviction to stop the addiction to the games. Then we get silent and I hear, "follow" knew it meant I needed to start following the Lord. Then I hear "forward" knowing it meant to keep focusing on Jesus. Then I hear "obey" meaning I needed to start heeding His directions. "Seek" meaning to seek His Word on a daily basis. And "heed" meaning I needed to listen when He spoke to me.

Whew! I knew right then and there that I had no choice. Life was going to get ugly if I didn't obey this time. I've known I've had an addiction for some time. My husband and son kept prompting me to walk away. You know it's bad when you push your time limits and it causes you to run late. You know it's bad when you get grumpy because you want to get on and play but can't. You know it's bad when you get angry when interrupted while playing. Then the worst part getting worse with time, you shut out your family and friends, committing all your spare time to FB. Your house goes down hill, your shunning your duties as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, and servant.

So I repented, asked for God's forgiveness and guidance. He took a hold of me, Praise be to God, and put me on track that night! The next morning I got on FB and typed out a note to all that I was done, I can't do it, as it is an addiction and addictions are a sin. I asked that if they ever saw me playing that they would remind me of why I quit in the first place.

Since then, I've been in the Word daily! That's a huge fete for me, as I would struggle with knowing I needed it, wanting to read, picking up the Bible, start to read and then get distracted and turn to the computer. At one point, I wanted to pick up my computer and throw it. I knew I was in trouble.

Getting rid of an addiction is so freeing!!! What a beautiful walk it has become. I'm spending time with my family. I'm not grumping at the grand kids, son and husband. I'm getting things done that needed to be done for a long time. I've reached out to family and friends again, and messages are coming to me to share now.

God is good and faithful all the time! We are a blessed people and should never take advantage of that. Imagine if He were to get frustrated with us and walk away from us the way I had my family and friends. Thank You Lord for never giving up on us.

So I will leave you with the following link that has some ways to help you with an addiction or other problem you may face to help you get back on track. Thank you hubs for sharing this with me so that others may receive help as well. http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11643948

Get quiet with the Lord. Listen for His whispers. Ask for revelation on areas you need to change. Repent for those that are keeping you from seeking and receiving His Word. Be free of anything that may be holding you back from hearing Him. May your walk with Him become stronger every day. May you receive His great blessings for you and His plan for you.

If anyone has an addiction story they would like to share or have written about, please share or leave a link to your story. Support and hearing testimonies of one another is a step forward. God Bless!

Love Your Enemy

Today's message comes from Matthew 5:43-45

43: "You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

44: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45: so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

This comes after a conversation with a friend and then coming home and reading this very passage. It inspired me to use our conversation to make a point.

The conversation started out with me talking about my hubby having been sick for over two months now. His first attack was his right shoulder area on his back hurting. His muscles were extremely tight and causing great pain. He went in and the doctor put him on muscle relaxers and pain pills. He was bed ridden the for a few days then seemed to be getting better.

During this time he hadn't been to church but one time. This was a concern. Not to mention his whole being had changed. His coloring was poor. I just kept praying. Shortly after he started experiencing pain in the left side. I found a not the size of a tennis ball at the base of his neck. I kept prompting him to go in and get it checked as I was concerned that it may be a herniated disc. He finally went in and we were shocked with the diagnosis.

While the doctor was checking him out, she found some vertebra's that were very tender further down his back which caused concern. She ordered an x-ray. When she returned with the results, she was shocked as well. He had pneumonia and also told us that he has advanced osteoarthritis. Wow!

So he was kept on the muscle relaxers as his muscles were tight from the pneumonia and the pain pills. I took him off of those, as I could see him going down hill fast. The doc said that the pain medication would keep him from coughing, which he needed to cough to get the junk out. He was bed ridden for a few days again.

But there was something else too. I could tell something just wasn't right. He had only been to church a couple of times. Was despondent often, coloring was poor. Just not himself at all.

After one of the services I talked to a Pastor who is a good friend of ours. I explained all that was going on and he prayed and then mentioned something I never thought about. One of our friends who was a pillar in the church, a godly man by all means who basically was a mentor to my husband had done something shocking to many. It really had an impact on us. We just couldn't believe it. How could a man like this do such a thing?

Well it never occurred to me the full impact it had on hubs. It really brought him down. It affected his faith and all. The illness came at the same time and totally reflected on the illness alone, thinking it all had to do with that.

So I shared with a friend that hubs has been sick and needed prayer as he still is, but also talked without mention of name or situation just the shock that something bad had happened to such an awesome couple.

What she said was profound. "He's a man. We all have our moments when we fall short." She then shared of a church where the Pastor had been with this church for years and one day it was found that he liked pornography. Oh the horror! She was amazed at the congregations reactions. How they just put him down, he needed to be put out of the church. He was labeled. Why? She was wondering why the people weren't praying and lifting him up and helping him overcome that addiction.

This Scripture says it like it is. We are to love our enemies. Except he should not have been viewed that way. He messed up. He had an addiction that should have been approached, prayed about, and received help and support to over come this addiction.

This is where so many of us fall short. Does God walk away from us when we mess up? No! Instead He puts people in our midst to help us become better people. Instead he prods us and urges us to try harder to be better people.

But plain and simple, we are of the flesh. We will have our short falls. So the next time we find ourselves judging someone, ask yourself how you would feel if you were in that person's shoes and were being condemned. Would you deserve that kind of treatment, or would you rather people reach out and try to help you walk through it, over come it and become a better person for it by learning and stopping that problem?

Remember the Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

1: "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged.

2: For with judgment you use, ou will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

3: Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye?

4: Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out your eye,' and look there's a log in your eye?

5: Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

I'm guilty of judging others at times and am trying so hard to over come that. It's a trait I do not like.

Let the Spirit lead you and guide you. Before reacting to a situation, ask yourself how you would feel if someone responded to you in the way you were thinking of reacting. Let's get better at holding each other accountable for our actions/reactions. None of us are above one another. We are all equal.

Should we hold our leaders accountable? Of course, but with love and understanding just as our Father does with us. When they fall short, remind them, but don't turn away from them. Instead pray for them, give them a reminder in a manner that the Lord leads you to do. If you catch others condemning them, give them a gentle reminder of the proper attitude to have. Have a Christ like attitude! I know I sure want that more than anything.

Let's be the brothers and sisters we were meant to be. Our nationalities, skin color, age, sex, what ever the case doesn't matter. What matters is we are all God's children and should love one another, uphold one another, support one another through the good and the bad. Not just during the good.

Blessings to all of you. May your walk with the Lord be glorious and may we all glorify His great name!

The Gift: Part I

Today while thinking about some people that had mentioned that they would really like to get certian books from the Family Christian Book Store but couldn't really afford it, I thought, "how can we help them?"

But another question popped into my head, "Can we afford to help them? How much giving is too much?" We have been giving to a lot of areas and we need to make sure we do so with in our means."

Silly me, there I go thinking again. We can never give too much. Jehovah Jireh will always provide. So some simple ideas came to mind as to how to accomplish helping them along with gift giving and still live with in our means.

#1: For those that are wanting to get books, give them a gift card to get the things they want. If you are a member of one of those places and have coupons, give them a coupon to use as well. You are allowing them to grow stronger in the Lord by getting those much sought after books. If you know the exact book they want, then get it for them.

#2: Another solution outside of giving with getting books to those that can't afford them; I'm going to make a list of all our books and loan them out. I am going to ask for them back so that anyone that wants to read them they will get circulated around and so that hubs and I can still read the ones we have not been able to get to yet. Why not share what you have and let more people gain from them. Again, this is outside of gift giving, but you are still giving to those in need in another sense.

#3: Now this one I know is going to be stepping on some toes, but it is true and to the point.

When giving to someone of low to middle incomes, give them a gift that is going to really stretch for them. Keep in mind that they can not go to expensive places. This thought came after hearing some that only shop at "the good places" stated they would never set foot in a Walmart or Savers or Marshalls etc just to name a few. I thought, wow! you are missing out on some great deals! My heart went out to them, especially since I knew that they were having financial struggles.

I thought of food and how some would love to have a little more and would love to have a nice holiday meal. So why not give them a gift certificate to a local savings grocery store? For instance here we have Winco and Walmart which are very competive in their pricing and try to offer their customers low cost items. We also have the high end grocery stores such as Alberston's and Fred Meyers. Now I know they often offer better looking/quality items, but they are pricey and those on low-middle incomes often can not afford those prices.

So instead of giving them a gift card to a high end store which they most likely will feel uncomfortable going into and not be able to purchase much, give them a card for a low end place where they can get more for the amount. They will greatly appreciate it, believe me. I know as I have lived the low income aspect and am middle class. I know how much it helps to live well within our means. This is what has made it possible for us to give more and more.

Now some of you may say, well those that can't afford to go to the high end places would surely appreciate the ability to do so. Why this may be true to some extent, it is still keeping them from getting more for the amount of the gift. Why not let them get more out of it. And it spares them that uncomfortableness of, "Gosh, I just don't feel right paying this for that item." Save them the stress. Give them a practical gift that they can truly enjoy.

By the way, I'm talking from experience and through the eyes and thoughts of many. Think about the person, about their life style and then think about what would make a good gift. No matter what, a person receiving will be gracious and it isn't with in them to tell you, "Well sorry but I just don't like this." But I've heard from many, "I know they are just trying to be nice, but this just isn't me. I don't have the money to spend on this kind of stuff and I'm just not comfortable wearing it, or using it," or what ever the case may be.

Keep in mind, it's not about money. Nothing ever should be about "money." I don't care how much money you have. Be kind, keep your nose down out of the air, don't be stuffy, don't judge others because they don't dress like you do or have the things you have. Who cares? Crimeny, if we all were rich/well to do, life would be dull. Besides, those of us that have had to work hard to get what we have, have learned to appreciate what we have. So stay down off your high faluten pedestal and use common sense. Give from the heart, not from the ways of the world. Don't make it about you, but rather make it about the person you are giving to. For some it wouldn't hurt for you to come down out of the clouds and humble yourselves.

When reading back through this, I realized I needed to state that I'm not trying to be mean nor judgmental. I'm just talking from experience and through the eyes of others as well. I've met those, "I'm too good for you" type people that have to outgive others, have to have the best of anyone, have to give their children nothing but the best, etc.

#4: When giving to your children, the best thing you can do is not go over board. As when you spoil a child they keep expecting it and don't learn to appreciate what they do have. Of course treat them special, but do the giving with in your means instead of putting yourself in debt. It reminds me of the commercial where the guy talks about all this "stuff" he and his family have and then he says, "Somebody help me please, I'm in debt up to my ears."

But this subject will be left for another post on a lesson hard learnt for hubs and I. Beleive me, spending--especially around the holidays--within your means will keep you from having headaches and night mares and working your fingers to the bones trying make ends meet. If you don't have it, don't spend it! Again, a lot of this comes from the Lord leading me to help others, and also from the voice of experience in all the areas talked about.

God's great Blessings abundantly to you. May you find great peace, joy, health, prosperity, good health this beautiful holiday season. And above all, don't forget the real meaning of Christmas.

Eyes Open, Ears Hearing Part II

I wasn't going to make this post part of this session, but realized that it fits right in. As always, amazed and in awe of His perfect timing. I just visited a few blogs and was so touched and in awe of how a couple of them dealt with this situation. I wasn't going to do any visiting tonight, just get on, type away and be done. I'm glad it didn't work that way.

Any hoo, hubs and I were discussing a situation that has popped up again in our family. We were talking of our concerns, well I was doing most of the talking, as I have that need to have things out in the open. Humph...As I was talking it occurred to me that we have been down this road many a time and have always come out of it, but I still said, "Why do we keep going through this? I wish the Lord would grab hold of him and hold on to him." Then it hit me.

This isn't his time to come to the Lord completely. He isn't ready for the fullness of the Lord. He still has trials to go through before fully giving himself to the Lord.

Then I stated, "I know he isn't ready, but it's so hard to watch our children suffer and go through these stages in their lives. Just when we think life is getting on track, wham, smacked back down." But we all want the best for our children and don't want to see them suffer. On the same token, we know they must go through their trials in order to learn.

It's easy to sit back and think, "Darn, why didn't I do this or that differently? Perhaps our kids wouldn't be going through all this 'garbage'". But then I stop and remember, God has our lives already planned out. He knows what is going to happen before it actually happens.

So in ending I said to hubs, "What am I thinking? He never gives us more than we can handle. But it is hard to watch them suffer."

That's when I realized that a post was at hand, and while contemplating how I wanted to present it, it occurred to me how much God suffered giving of His only begotten Son. Watching His Son suffer for our sins so that we could come to Him through Christ. Wow! Imagine giving your child or the closest person to you like that. Imagine the pain you would go through. Imagine what Mary His mother and the disciples and Mary Magdalen must have felt.

So I am reminded once again that it is in His hands. We watched the rest of the Book of John tonight, which I will write about next time, but I felt at ease again. The past two days in the late afternoon I've felt a heaviness. I tried to rebuke it, shake it, talk about it, but nothing helped. Then between the movie and the revelations, that heaviness once again is broken. That and the reading of other blogs.

Thank You Lord for all the great people You have placed in my life at the right time and place. Your timing is always perfect. Thank You for providing me with a wonderful God fearing husband. It's funny, as I finished with the revelations that came to me as I was discussing the situation with hubs, he chuckles. It's because he likes seeing that I am in the Lord and the Lord is in me and I am led to where I need to be and receive the answers as I speak. Sometimes I get frustrated as he doesn't say much, just a umhum or yup or what ever. But he is wise and knows he doesn't need to speak as when I let Him in, then I will have the answers.

Back to the situation. I realize that there are times we must travel down that dark road, sink in the dark miry pit, or walk what seems to be alone, allowing the enemy to do his dirty work as He is using this time to draw us nearer, to teach us what He wants us to learn at that time. Only He knows what will work for us.

Some of us come to Christ early on, and walk a pretty up righteous life, while others come to Him as a young adult, while others at a later age. That used to bother me, but now; I know that He had a plan for all of us. Hubs and & endured some pretty harsh situations. Some that are too embarrassing to talk of unless the time is brought up that it is necessary to help someone else. We go through those walks so we can shed some light. So that God will receive all the Glory and His light will shine.

So once again, I will walk beside my son, knowing that God has a hand in this and accept our trials joyfully, for each time our son is led back, his faith is stronger and he offers so much. Work in him Lord, teach him and lead him back to You. You know his heart. You know his love for you. He's lost but You our Sheppard will lead him back to the flock. Thank You Jesus!

Be blessed everyone. Smile often, Hug a lot, Love always. You never know who you are talking to or dealing with. ;) Peace and Joy to all!

Eyes Open, Ears Hearing Part I

How I love it when He reveals things to us at the right time. Tonight hubs and I were watching the book of John. It's a 3 hour movie. We only made it half way through. Can't wait to see the rest of it. So a part of this will come from a letter read, and another part or parts will come from the movie watched.

Today I woke up in pain pretty much every where, and as the day rolled on, I started to feel frumpy. I tried to rebuke it, push past it, but no good. I sat down and done the prayer sheet which usually has me floating on air, but no good. Hubs comes home and I'm still frumpy, not knowing why. I sat in the front room, mainly just wanting to be alone. I started cleaning up my desk and the remnants of Christmas decorating when I came across a mailing from Dr. Charles Stanley. This is when the first start of revelations happened.

In the letter Dr. Stanley talked about we all too often get caught up in the worldly ways of Christmas and often forget what Christmas really signifies. We forget the birth of Christ and why He came to earth. We forget the spirit of giving. Instead we are so wrapped up in how we must get this and that for so and so, and so and so. We worry about getting the latest gadgets, feeling we just must have them.

But that's not what it's all about. It's not about our desires, our wants, it's about Christ! It's about what God wants of us. Shouldn't we be more concerned about the widows and the children rather than ourselves? Shouldn't we be helping and caring for the needy? After all, doesn't He stand faithful to us?

I read farther and thought wow; this is the perfect answer to a problem I've been trying to find the right solution to. This year finances are very tight, but I'm not worried about it like I used to be. I know that Jehovah Rophe will provide. I also felt in my spirit that He is using this time to do some teaching. Not necessarily to us, but to our family. Our daughter has ran into financial difficulties as well, and well, Christmas is looking pretty bleak.

Christmas has always been big in our family. We wanted to give, give, give. Yes, it's good to an extent, but we often more than not, go over board. We don't want for the kids to want. I looked back at all the years of finding under the trees presents stacked high. I remember the delight in seeing all those. We never bickered though as to whether one got more than the other, or anything like that. We were just happy to have new clothes and toys.

We did however often wonder why some of our friends got more things and bigger and better things. We knew mom and dad couldn't afford those things, yet we still yearned. Never mind the friends that hardly got anything. Did we ponder that one. Well, yes, to some degree. Our hearts went out to them, but not like it should have.

So now I look at our grand kids who worry about how many each one gets and whether or not one got more or better things than the other. I am a firm believer in treating each one equally and try hard, but have blundered in previous years. I watch in wonderment as to how they can grab those packages, rip them open and toss it aside to do the same with each gift, then sit there and complain as they wanted this and that. My heart used to break over not being able to satisfy them.

I think back over how my daughter and I would stress over making sure we met their "desires". Now I kick myself as we didn't instill in them the real meaning of Christmas. Yes, giving to them and making them happy is a joy, but I also want them to "really" get the feeling of what it is all about. I wondered how to go about then when Dr. Stanley talked of how his son while sitting at the table as a teen and said, "Dad, I'm glad you didn't give me everything I wanted." Dr. Stanley asked him why he said that. Andy proceeded to tell him about how he has seen other kids messed up by getting everything they want. I too see that. Some become arrogant and aloof to those who do not have it all. Others are just plain greedy and don't know what it's like to give of themselves and so on. Their lives become a total mess, full of turmoil and stress.

So this year, there won't be a pile of gifts under the tree. I know they will have a hard time with that, but instead a good gift that will help create family time will be under the tree instead. Jesus will be discussed, parts of the Bible read, and the true Spirit of Christmas will fill our home. I know that some day they will be thankful that we changed our ways. I pray our daughter comes to the realization as well.

I will continue this story at a later date. I do have more revelation to add to this but a different subject. None the less it all falls under eyes open and ears hearing. Thank You Jesus!