Comfort or Control

Can you methodically go through the grocery store and pick out your weekly groceries with little to no thought? Do you choose the same cashier? How about parking places or restaurants, stores you frequent, routes you take?...are they always the same? I often do the same things without thinking. When I went through the grocery store I realized that I buy certain foods for my children because it makes them happy. I went to an Italian restaurant tonight, and the menu even had a column for Italian "comfort" food.  I decided that my comforts are a form of control. When there are areas in my life that I cannot control...I do all the things that make me feel comfortable. I'm not saying this is always wrong. Familiar comforts do provide some sense of security in this crazy world, but I recognized in my quest to find my "white picket fence" I will need to give up some creature comforts, otherwise, things I control in order to experience something I have never had!

Favor or Favortism

"Mom, that's not fair." This is a statement I've come to hear a lot.  If you have more than one child you may hear it often as well.  Unless you have twins, your children are not the same age at the same time and even if they are all children progress at different levels, and gender plays a role in their developmental stages too.  Therefore, someone gets a bike before another, one may get a phone while the other has to wait, ears may be pierced at different ages, trips taken on different occasions, going on a date or driving a car may vary from one child to another, or privileges given at certain benchmarks in life can change with depending on the child.  I even hear adults use the same phrase, "It's not fair." Maybe they are discussing salaries of other co-workers or treatment they receive within their family from parents or siblings. Fairness issues come about when someone thinks they should have received the exact same gift, treatment or opportunity that another person was given.  I have recently decided to adopt the mindset that since I know life can be unfair, and I can't always be fair to everyone... I CAN focus on favor.  I can teach my children that when one of them receives something that the other does not...that person has just received favor, and we can rejoice in it because their day of favor is coming. They can accept that their brother or sister gets something or receives a privilege that they don't...knowing that when their favor comes it may even be greater! I can't possibly do the same thing for each child all the time, but it's not going to stop me from doing for one what I would love to do for all.  So, the next time you are feeling guilty about showing favoritism to one of your children...don't...simply share with them that this is called favor...a gift from the Lord... and tell the others God loves them so much His favor for them must be coming soon. Teach them to look for it, recognize it as God's favor, accept it and give Him thanks for it! And as far as adults are concerned...the principle is the same...rejoice in one anothers' favor because your day is coming! Look for it!

High Expectations

We often put a great deal of pressure on Christmas day. We spend a lot of money on the perfect gifts, a great deal of time cleaning our homes, baking cookies and building excitement in our children and for that matter even ourselves. All of this is normal for many people, but you may be left feeling disappointed today. It could be your children were upset because all they had wished for didn't arrive, or they didn't behave. You prepared your best meal and someone didn't show or even commented that they were expecting better. Some of us had the intention of getting along with everyone and Debbie downer rained on our parade. I have a few friends who were sick and even worse their little ones were stuck in bed with fevers. Today is a new day and I want to encourage you to move forward with joy. You are not the only who puts high expectations on the love, joy and peace of Christmas day. Just remember we can celebrate Christmas in our hearts all year long and that's a way higher calling then one day a year!

Morning Blessings

I'm not generally a morning person. I love the quiet and my cup of coffee. I enjoy reading the word and praying.  Even on school mornings I quietly take care of the dog and make lunches. My words are few. If my responsiblilities weren't great I'd even stay in bed a little longer....but God knew I needed Morning Blessings....the start of a new day that forgives me of yesterdays' failures, the hope that much can be accomplished on my list, the very breath of life to get another chance to love and laugh and learn, the majesty of sunrise, a warm shower and the peaceful sleep of my children....
Christmas morning trumps all my daily blessings. For it is on this morning I add gift giving, hugs and laughter, time anticipated with family,the hope of another year and most importantly this morning points to the story long ago in the town of Bethlehem. The coolest blessing even recognized by those with little faith in Jesus throughout the year...even the rocks will sing Happy Birthday Jesus on this most celebrated day. Jesus is well pleased with His creation in you and He wants you to enjoy Christmas Morning 365 days a year! Merry Christmas my beautiful friends!

Divided Home

This Christmas season your home may be divided like mine.  Maybe you are divorced and your children have to spend half the holiday with mom and half the holiday with dad. It's possible that you will see family members over the next few days that you don't mesh with or flat out don't get along with.  It's not uncommon for households to struggle with these situations. I encourage you to stretch your heart a little and extend love, joy and peace to those you are divided with...there is no better season to grant forgiveness.  God sent His son, Jesus, for such a time as this...Jesus was born so that in our death we may have eternal life. Share the good news with others and accept His forgiveness yourself. May your home feel exactly as God intended this season...whole and united because He lives in you!

Crazy Love

There is a book with this title which I think is awesome but not the same crazy love I'm talking about. Have you ever been in a relationship where you think about the other person nearly all day long? You are consumed with thoughts of seeing them and talking to them. Virtually everything you do you imagine how they would fit in the picture if they were there.  You often daydream, forget where you put your keys or don't answer a simple question a friend is asking.  Your focus seems a little off.  I think this is crazy love...I look at teenagers or college students, and I see their cheeks get red when they talk about their new love. They begin liking new music or dressing differently. They spend every free moment texting, talking or hanging out with this special friend. When you are crazy in love you will do things not common to your natural characteristics, and friends might think you really are crazy.  And, they just might be right. Crazy love can also be a definition for passion.  When you are passionate about something you won't stop until you get it! Have you lost that crazy love feeling? Or, is it possible you have never felt it?  I think it is because we don't allow ourselves to find the place in our heart to be so out of control we feel crazy.  Let me encourage you to find the fire inside of your heart to love like you never have before.  Pour out all you have within you, and watch your love come alive and be returned to you.  Is it a risk?  Why, sure it is. But it is far better to live and have loved than to have lived and never loved at all....I don't believe you can go wrong for loving someone....It's days can come to an end due to circumstances beyond your control...but it just leads to an open door to love again....some people never get one chance let alone multiple chances at love....crazy yes...worth it...absolutely!

Get up and Get Going....

Don't just sit there! Get up and get going!! Really, I'm not kidding. Have you ever thought about how much time you waste?  Do you watch a television program every night or maybe more than one each night?  Do you talk on the phone to family or friends about your struggles or the people around you?  What is robbing you of your time?  How about this computer?  Do you use the tools you have to pour into the lives of others, or are they used to just fill the hours? 

I know you have a dream in your heart.  It may have been there since you were a child or possibly it's a new dream cultivated by your experiences.  What are  you going to do with it?  Make a plan, and get up right this very minute, and do something that will stir up the dream and breathe life into it.  You don't have to settle for the life you have. Start hanging around people who share the same type of dreams and do something every day to move closer to them.  Practice harder, or longer.  Get a coach.  Give away clutter that's in your way.  Move to a new location.  Yes, that's right.  Move.  Sing, write, dance, go to school.  Get an accountability partner to help you with your addictions.  Whatever it is make the call today!  It will take effort...no, it will take more than effort...it will take hard work to research and line up the funding, people or circumstances needed to follow your dream.  I promise the reward will be one of pure joy, and I have a feeling you will get more than you ever thought possible.  Life is too short to waste it.....you are beautiful, talented and designed to do more than you have so far....show yourself and others what God has given you....Get up and get going!

What's Good Enough?

I just want to be "good enough."  Have you ever said that?  Do you feel like the world is constantly correcting you?  You have to speak a certain way, dress with an acceptable style, perform at a desired level and act in a way not offensive to anyone.  Do you feel like you're just not measuring up to your family's expectations?  Maybe when your husband arrives home for the day the greeting with a kiss somehow faded away and is replaced with words of criticism. Why didn't you clean the house or get the bills paid? Other moms in your circle of influence dress their children with "that" name brand.  You dress your kids in hand-me-downs or discount store clothing. No matter how hard you try, your quarterly review at work always contains areas where you need to improve and not much praise for a job well done. Do you compare your weight or looks to those on t.v or in a magazine...or worse yet, your friends? Let me encourage you to try and find a balance in this area.  It is very important to continually strive to do and be better every day.  Working on your outward appearance is not only good for your health but also your self-esteem. Don't stop in these areas...just remember scripture tells us that God is not so concerned with outward appearance as He is with what flows out of our hearts.  Is your heart pure before God?  Do you love others above yourself? Do you guard your tongue from speaking hurtful words?  Is it your desire that people are encouraged and feel better when you are with them?

You are already "good enough" to receive the love of God.  He loves you the way you are.  He knew because of our sin we weren't "good enough" to enter Heaven.  That is why He sent His son, Jesus, to pay the righteous price. We do not have to earn His love and acceptance.  We already have it.  Even the Pharisees, who had very good behavior were criticized by Jesus for being hypocrites. If we are striving for perfection it just isn't going to happen. How would we ever know when we have been good enough...where would the line be drawn? Who would be the example? Jesus was the only one without sin...thus, He paid the ultimate price and shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins!  Striving to be good and do good is a gift back to God when you stand before Him one day, so that He can say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

Now that you know you can never be "good enough" to earn God's love...He gave it as a free gift...it frees you up to be "good enough" to give back the gift with your life choices.  No more comparing yourself to others and falling short.  Do your best with the talents and abilities you have been given and "give back" every day.  In the book of Colossians it reminds us that it doesn't matter a bit what the world thinks.  God is concerned with your heart.  You are not good enough to enter the Kingdom of Heaven...but thank goodness you don't have to be...however, you are "good enough" to please God with all He gave you...don't let anyone tell you differently!

Book Note: I haven't read it in awhile, but I know Andy Stanley has a small little book called  How good is good enough? 

Going through the motions...

Do you sometimes feel like you are just living, going through the motions each day? Do things seem to remain the same day after day, month after month and year after year?  And, does it seem like it's the negative aspects that stay the same?  The bad habits are still partnering with you.  The financial struggles still weighing on your shoulders, and the drama within your extended family members seems to be the same old story.  The only thing that changes is the fact that you are getting older.

Let me encourage you to focus on the positive expectation that God has blessings in store for you.  Don't focus on the sorrow or the way things have always been.  We have a living hope that allows us to be actively alive.  I Peter 1:18 reminds us that we were bought with the blood of Christ and the empty way of life that may have been handed down to us is not where we have to live. 

Uncover the dreams of your heart, and put them into action. Make a plan with a deadline, and start checking off the list.  Be sure to tell someone who will breathe life into your dream and protect it from the dream robbers.  If you don't have a dream, begin making a list of all the things you would love to do but for whatever reason think they are out of your reach.  Fold the paper in half, put it under your pillow and begin to ask God to show you the dream He has for you!  Give Him the permission to lead you and He will empower you. 

When you desire to do what is right you don't have to lament over if it is the "will of God" or not.  He will open and close doors as you begin to walk.  Many things in life fall under the providential will of God...meaning He chooses to bless His children in the path you take.  Scripture will unfold and clearly steer you away from things that displease Him, and His will concerning some issues are clearly stated.   What person you marry, what college you go to, what business you should start, what purchases you make ect...unfortunately are not found in the pages of scriptures...He let's you decide...so make a decision...walk forward believing...don't give up....be open to change direction....and watch the mighty hand of God lead your way and bless your efforts abundantly.  What you think about you can create. Your white picket fence is within reach.  No more going through the motions and allowing life to determine what happens to you.  Seek God first and together you can determine how you live out your life!

Powerless?

I didn't save an unborn child from an abortion, I didn't heal a broken heart, I didn't have a cure for certain death, I didn't take the pain away from a cancer patient undergoing chemo, and I couldn't even help a friend in financial crisis.  When a mother lost her child, and a man lost his wife in a car accident, injustice clearly happened....I couldn't do a thing, and I had no words of comfort...I was powerless.
Or, was I?

When your friend goes through a divorce they never wanted, loses a job that provides for their family, has a rebellious child or is unjustly accused....what do you do?  Are we really powerless? Do we just have to play the cards that are dealt to us?  Or, do we have choices?  I know we have choices on how we react, but do we have a say in what really happens to us each day?  I believe we do.  We have power in the very name of Jesus.  When our hopes and dreams are to bring Him glory...the desires of our hearts will come to pass.  We can pray in the mighty name of Jesus for all the hurts going on around us.  We can ask for a hedge of protection around our home and family.  We can bring all our requests before the Lord and He will hear us.  We can plead on the behalf of our brother and sister, and know that God will take care of them.  Never feel powerless over pain...offer help when you are able, but love unconditionally, and pray for your friends and family when they can't pray for themselves.  God is powerful, and He will ultimately bring to pass what will point others in His direction. Anyone who has survived the "unthinkable" will give you hope...that God was with them, and they couldn't have survived their circumstance with out His supernatural intervention.

Please hear my heart...if your prayers are not answered in the "fair" way you believe that they should be answered...and the hedge of protection is lifted...God is not finished.  He has not forgotten you and He has not rejected you.  He knows what your future holds.  He only gives us what we can bear at the time...He is more powerful than the pain you face, and He will give strength to the powerless. Trust Him!

Cry and Run or Laugh and Stay?

Have you ever had your heart hurt so bad it brought tears straight up your throat and before you knew it they were flowing down your cheeks?  You didn't even have time to stop them.  Maybe a friend said an unkind word and because nothing was really moving in your favor that day it  was just your breaking point.  How about an unexpected sad story you hear about the neglect of a child or abuse of a neighbor? Someone you love is getting a divorce or disease takes residence in their life.  I can recall countless times when I went from joy to sadness in a moments' notice.  When this happens do you cry and run away or laugh and stay?  Well, cry and run away is the most popular answer.  To laugh in the state of sadness just seems unkind.  But, I have found that when the tears begin to flow, if I can turn them into the joy of the Lord, my staying power increases.  Running from our hurts is a recipe for depression.  The next time you face unexpected tears, take a minute to ask the Lord what joy can come from this experience...and stay with your friend, stay and say your sorry, stay and find forgiveness, stay and pray...and watch the Lord turn your sorrow into gladness and create in you a stronger heart to "stay" when the tough times produce tears.

Crazy Questions.....

I've been spending a lot of time analyzing myself lately.  I answer a few questions, and I pat myself on the back...I'm not doing so bad, considering...what a foolish woman's way out...passive thinking...then I dig a little deeper. I  begin answering some tough questions....What motivates me to get up each day?  What moves me to work ...do I really love it...is there a method behind the madness? What do I want to do with the remainder of my life?  What does love mean to me?  What do I have to offer the world or better yet my children or a mate?  These are crazy questions when you're honest with yourself.  Do you just react to life, or do you design your life?  Do you take the necessary steps to get what you want...what God desires for you? 

You know, until recently, I truly believed that if it was meant to be it would just happen. The more I have been "sitting on that thought" the more foolish I think that is. It sounds romantic and noble, but in reality....I realized I have missed out on a lot of great opportunities life had to offer me because I was waiting around for "it to happen".  You must dream it, put it down on paper, verbalize it and actively set out to make it happen.  Then when it doesn't happen go at it again and again each time having a new platform of experience to stand on...with those tools just watch what God can do!  You are living the life you have chosen to live or one you have allowed others to choose for you.  If you don't like it...change it...and change begins with you!  Start asking yourself some "crazy questions" and take a good look at what you really want out of life...You have heard me say so many times before that God wants to bless you exceedingly, abundantly above what you can ask or think...claim it today!