God...Get a big sniff.

I love how fall has its own distinctive smell.  When I step outside it seems to surround me.  After a long day playing outside, my grandson smelled like sunshine and fall leaves. It clung to his clothes and hair.  As I hugged him, I kept breathing in the smell of changing leaves. 

    In the same way, we have a certain distinctive smell to God.  In 2 Corinthians 2:15 it says “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

Today, ask yourself “How do I smell?”  What is God smelling?  Let the aroma of Jesus cling to you and let others get a big SNIFF!

May your unfailing love be my comfort

    This week a friend died.  There is no way to soften the blow or the pain.  My heart cries out for his five children and his wife.  For him, however I rejoice.  I know he has entered into joy and life eternal.

    How fragile this life can be.  So live it full out.  Love, laugh, enjoy all this life has to offer.  Be a friend, say a kind word, cry with someone and offer a shoulder. 

    Today remember this family.  Pray for them. Help.

    “God let your comfort surround each one” and Psalms 119:76 says “May your unfailing love be my comfort”

Unity on 9-11

    Matthew and I will speak at our city hall on 9-11.  Our city is gathering together and we have been asked to speak and pray.  I feel thankful and honored to be a part of the community and its coming together.  Police, fire, and EMT’s as well as city leaders will join in Unity.

    Unity does not mean everyone must agree.  But it does mean people are willing to come together for a common good, put their differences aside, and walk in peace.  Unity among a group of people can accomplish the amazing.  A beautiful Bible verse found in Psalms 133:1 is “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!”

    So on 9-11-11, where ever you are, find time to thank God for our Nation’s protection.  Also remember those who provide that help and protection both here and abroad.  It is not political-it is Unity.

Labor Day

    When I think of Labor Day, I think of the labor of those who came before me.  I am very thankful and honored.  I’m also thankful that our country recognizes our need to celebrate the work of those who got us to a place of the “long weekend”!  America loves her long weekends.  The beginning and end of Summer is defined by a long weekend.

    But Labor Day for me reminds me of something even more. Not only the people who have labored before me- but of Jesus.  He is the ultimate Laborer.  Jesus is also the burden lifter.  Matthew 11:28-30 in the Bible says “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

    Jesus desires to give us each rest.  A long weekend can only give us limited extra work and rest.  The rest Jesus gives lasts for an eternity.  As you enjoy your long weekend take on Jesus’ yoke and find rest for your soul eternally.

One Spark

One spark.

    Yesterday a small mistake destroyed a neighbor’s business-leveled it to the ground.  While a cement crew put in a new cement pad in front of a dairy farmer’s barn, the cement truck backed up and by mistake bumped an electric pole.  In only minutes generations’ worth of barns and equipment went up in flames.  In addition, animals and crops were also gone.  What was lost can’t really be replaced.

     James 3:5-6 says “Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”

    One spark of the tongue also can cause damage that can’t be recovered.  “Lord, I pray as you watch over me-help me to watch over my tongue!”  Let us all be mindful of the sparks we cause today.

Let there be Light!

     Today as I watch the day turn gray and rain roll in with loud claps of thunder and lightning flashing, it reminded me of a day about ten years ago.  It was a day that was very similar, except on that day lightning struck the house and blew up all of our t.v.’s and anything plugged in to an electrical outlet.  It also destroyed our cable box.  When the cable man came to fix the box, he had the shock of his life.  LITERALLY!  Lightning had hit our house, burning out our wiring, and stored in the cable box.  When the cable man touched the box-it threw him across the room and sent an electrical current throughout his entire body. 

     My life had been much like a sunless, cloudy, rainy day that never ended-Dark and dreary.  I was angry and unhappy because life had knocked me on my backside just as the lightning had thrown the cable guy across the room.  Life often can be very “unfair” and hand out pain and loss to anyone.  When I cried out to God in my anger, sorrow, and pain-He answered me.

     As God did in the beginning and separated the light from the darkness, He did so in my soul.  The truth of God’s Word brought light into my soul and set me free from the darkness that death had brought into my life.  In Genesis 1:3-4 it says “And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.”

     Dark days can still come, but they can’t rule because the light of Jesus has separated me from darkness.  If you are reading this-I ask-Let Jesus speak into your life “Let there be light”!

Do you need a mental shower?

Recently I spent the day with what I refer to as a “glass half empty person”.   It was exhausting.  Everything was looked at from a negative perspective.  When I left I really had to get a mental shower.  The Bible says in Philippians 4:8-9  “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you”.

     The only way to change how you see what is going around is to fill yourself up with the Word.  What we think on is what we will do and say.  The Bible shows us all we can be in God.  Through Him “I can do all things”.   So it is important to keep those who are close to you “glass half full” people. 

     People who put you down are speaking against what God is telling you through the Bible.  A person who dumps negative thoughts on you is really pulling you away from what God is saying.   Keep yourself thinking right by putting in what is right.  If you don’t like your attitude or what you are doing- Change what you are allowing to influence you.

If you need a mental shower-don’t wait, get it now.  Putting it off only makes it worse.  Think on what is right.

Getting healthy

Growing up I loved to jump, run, skip, hop, and walk.  But walking was my last choice.  I was always moving.  I played hard until I went to bed.  I never had to wonder if I had moved enough to be healthy. 

     Today, I know that in order to be healthy I have move.  When I searched the internet I found that it was recommended to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  10,000 steps!  That seemed a lot to me. 

     In order to know you are accomplishing a goal, you must establish a beginning and an end.  On my phone I have a pedometer.  The first day I walked 3375 steps.  Pitiful.   So I determined that every day I would walk at least one step more than the day before.

     To get physically healthy I had to know where I was, where I wanted to go, how I would get there, and know when I got there.  To get spiritually healthy I have to know and do the same thing.  One of the best tools to spiritual health is the Bible.  The Bible says in Proverbs 6:21-23  “Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck.  When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.  For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life”.

     Today I know if I only sit on the couch I won’t be getting healthier and I won’t be increasing the steps I take.  Staying at my sad amount of 3375 steps can’t do for me what 10,000 can do.  To pretend that they would is a lie to myself.  In the same way, it is a lie if we tell ourselves that we can be spiritually healthy without growing in the time spent in the Word of God. 

     So as I put my donut down to take a walk (1 mile=2000 steps) and take more steps than yesterday, I let the Word I read earlier soak into my heart.  So I challenge myself and you to get Healthy.  Walk more today than yesterday and read your Bible every day.  Let God speak to you and then do what He says.  By doing that you will grow spiritually. 

I wonder, is it o.k. to eat my donut while I'm walking? 

Headache Time

    Have you ever had a headache.  I mean a shot in the head, light and noise like lightning bolts, sick to your stomach kind of headache?  Even though I have had a true migraine that has put me to bed, I'm not talking about that.  I'm talking about a person or situation that knocks your lights out. 
    Some days can leave you on the floor.  A knock out that leaves you not thinking or feeling right.  But what is to be done?  Only one thing-get back up.  Life wants to suck the life out of you.  The good news is- God doesn't.
    The Bible says in Rom 8:6-7  "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."  I know even when I am drooling on the floor knocked out, I can get back up.  The reason is because in God there is forgiveness and peace.  Only in God is true forgiveness is found, for yourself and others.  Peace comes when we let go of what the flesh wants.  To get back up I need to put my mind back on the leading of the Spirit of God.  God is a healer in more than one way.

Joyful Days and Nights- Part Two

    During this time of vacation (and the reason for my lack of blogging) I have had endless moments of joy and happiness. Sun, water, and family can hardly be beat in the fun and happiness category.  A beautiful lake, jet skis, a speed boat all add to a happy setting.  But my favorite moments were when I had a chance to just float in the water with my daughter and talk. 

    Now that I’m not on the lake, the happiness I felt has subsided.  But not my joy or the time floating, talking about nothing and everything, with my daughter.  A sunset can end but joyful times building a relationship has eternal value.

     The Bible says in Psalms 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”  Family time builds me up because I can see the strength in our once one family, is now four families.

    My family is growing and I place my trust in God.  Joy is the result of a life trusting in Him instead of running from one “Happy” moment to another.  Joy comes through an abundance of time “floating on the water and talking”.

Joyful Days and Nights- Part One

Today my husband and I went fishing.  O.K. I mean my husband fished and I read a book.  It was a beautiful summer evening on the lake.  This is one of my favorite activities.  Sun, water, and family is a perfect equation for happiness.  My husband is happy because he is fishing and I am within arm’s reach.  I am happy because he is happy.  While he is fishing – I am reading.

    However, the happiness I enjoyed on the gently rocking boat ended when at sunset the mosquitoes chased us off the lake.   Happiness only lasts for a short time because it is a feeling based on circumstances. Because circumstances are constantly changing, happiness can come and go. But I’m fine with that because I have something even better. JOY.

    Joy is not a feeling.  It is an attribute of our spirit man and the Spirit of God.  It is a constant because it “springs” up out of our relationship with God and His nature.  The Bible says in Psalms 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”

   Joy is an expression of God’s strength that is available for anyone who will trust in Him.  So even when I am walking through difficult times and I am not “feeling happy”, joy is always with me.  Joy fills my heart and my mouth with a song.  So if you hear me singing, you know why.

around the kitchen table: I did not see this coming

around the kitchen table: I did not see this coming: " When, a little over 23 years ago, I gave birth to my third daughter, I did not see this day coming. I may have seen a Cinderella d..."

I did not see this coming

    When, a little over 23 years ago, I gave birth to my third daughter, I did not see this day coming.
     I may have seen a Cinderella dress, amazing flowers, smiling guests, and a great cake. I saw a sweet flower girl, an adorable ring bearer and beautiful attendants.  I hoped the food would be good.  I also knew having daughters would probably come with a hefty bill.  
     I did not know, as a young mother, what the very best would be on the days my three daughters married.  I did not know I would now have SONS.
    The three young men who are the husbands of my daughters are now my sons.  Thankfully God knew and brought to our family just the sons I needed.  I needed men who loved God and then my daughter.  I needed ones who saw the girls for who they are, and for who they are not.  I needed men who would cry when they saw them walk down the isle, and yet would die to protect them.
    Some may feel that when their children marry it is a loss.  My family has only grown, been fruitful and is multiplying.  Just as the Bible says.  I know our family is very blessed. 
I love being a mother, a mother of sons and daughters. 

WHAT ARE YOU BREATHING?

    My dad was a dentist.  As you can imagine, good dental hygiene was a must.  Every night, before bed, we were sent to brush our teeth.  Our teeth were checked and my dad would actually smell our breath.  Only a clean “Crest Toothpaste” breath was acceptable.  If our teeth or breath didn’t pass, we were sent back upstairs for another try.  These habits from childhood have followed me my whole life. 

    As important as that habit was to pass on to my children, there was a new habit that was even more important- God breathed Scripture.  In the Bible, it says in 2 Tim 3:14-17  “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

    With our girls, my husband and I,worked hard to keep God first and family second.  Everything came after our first two priorities.  Daily we allowed God to breathe on us through His Word.  The Bible always has a fresh word on every area of life.  Still today, God is first and family is second.  Even more important than “Crest” breath is “God’s Word” breath.

I think I’m a clay pot?!

    More than once while needing a potato or onion for dinner I have found a stinky, useless mess.  Both the onions and potatoes had sprouted.  I knew the environment needs to be cool and dark for them to last.  But I was doing that and they still sprouted and became mushy.  It wasn’t until 28 years of marriage and having a Tupperware party that I learned the answer.  Potatoes and onions shouldn’t be stored together.  When they are, they cause each other to sprout.  They bring out the worst in each other.  The Bible says in  2 Tim 2:20-22  “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

    As I look honestly at my life, there are things that need to be continually cleansed out of my life.  Like onions and potatoes there are things that don't go together.   A bad attitude, listening to recent gossip, a crabby mood, and worry can cause me to sprout what is not honoring to God.  They just don't go together with a life pleasing to  God. The Bible says we are to cleanse ourselves.  The thoughts, words, and actions we take to keep our pot cleansed makes us useful and prepares us for every good work.

    Even if I am a clay pot, God says that I can be a vessel of honor, set apart, useful to the Master, and prepared. God makes it clear that it isn’t what is on the outside of the pot that makes it a pot of honor.  A pot of honor keeps the junk out of the pot so that God can set us apart to be useful and be prepared.

I may be a clay pot, but I am beautiful to Him.

My name is Mom

    

Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, MOM< MOM< MOM< MOOOOOOOOOM I have longed for ear plugs on some days.  My ears and brain could get so tired.  Probably no name has been more repeated in every language since the creation of the world.  Yet, no name has been more longed for and loved.   For each of my girls I spent long hours smiling into their beautiful faces and repeated over and over Mama, Mama, Mama.  Recently when my grandson pointed at me and shouted NANA with a big smile on his face, my heart overflowed.  But I know there is a name that has no comparison-JESUS.  How beautiful is His Name!

    In the Bible there are two women, a mom and grandma, who talked and lived a life of sincere faith.  Timothy's faith was a reflection of the faith shown in Lois and Eunice.  They prepared him for the very difficult job of being a first century Pastor. In  2 Tim 1:5-6 it says " I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also".  Their words and actions convinced Paul of their sincere faith.

    My heart’s desire is that I am and will be a woman of sincere faith.  Every day when I hear “Mom” and “Nana” I pray that my faith speaks loudly, unashamed, powerfully, and full of God’s love. Sorry, I have to go- I hear my named being called-MOM!

Are you going to eat THAT? Part two

    When I walked into the family room after a good night’s sleep I wondered if an earthquake occurred without waking me.  Even though I saw beautiful, sleeping children, the rest of the room was a shambles.  Couch cushions were everywhere. Blankets and pillows, cans of pop, empty chip bags, pizza boxes and cups and plates nearly covering every inch of floor space.  From the looks of it, it was another successful slumber party.   It was a night of junk food overload. After trying to wake them for an hour, I set the breakfast, good, healthy food, in the oven and started the rest of my day. 

    Even with good food waiting, junk food overload was still ruling.  This same scene plays itself over and over, but instead with spiritual junk food.  Spiritual junk food finds entry by our ears and mouth.  It fills us up so that we don’t recognize our spiritual hunger for God’s Word.  Most Americans watch more than 150 hours a T.V. a month.   So much media junk food seeks to creep in from so many directions.  But Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 "It is written 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"  A life that is pleasing and glorifies God is one that always puts God and His Word first.  Junk food can push into a healthy diet.  Even worse, spiritual junk food can limit the time needed to grow up spiritually.   
    Let me know what can put you into a spiritual junk food coma.

End of part two

Are you eating THAT?

    Before the weekend would even start, my daughters were asking who could sleep over.  Girls love to stay up late, eat, tell their deepest secrets, eat, talk, eat, watch movies and EAT.  It was an unending feast of junk food. They would eat and talk until they surrendered to a comatose-like sleep.  In the morning, or early afternoon, they would arise for more eating and talking.  Eventually parents would arrive to take home those who could not yet drive.

    It is amazing to me how much a teenager can eat!  Even more amazing is what they will eat.  Usually anything within reach will do.  Sadly, most people have the same habits concerning all of the media that is always “within reach”. T.V., radio, phones, internet, magazines and books provide constant spiritual junk food.  It is consumed without much or any thought.  As junk food can not provide a healthy balanced diet, neither can a diet of spiritual junk food.  Jesus said in Matthew 4:4 "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

End of part one

A DO OVER

    How easy it was when I was a child.  Everyday problems or mistakes had an easy solution.  My favorite was a DO OVER.   Easy Bake disasters could be fed to the dog, and a new treat quickly took its place.  Mistakes and wrong moves could be redone.  I wanted everything to be fair for everyone.  A “do over” gave a chance to start over with a clean slate.  As easy as just erasing whatever wasn’t wanted.  Unfortunately, life is not always fair or gives us a do over.   But God, thankfully, gives us something even better than a do over- His Love!

    Before we loved Him, He loved us.  No strings attached or based on anything we could do to earn or deserve it.  Lamentations  3:22-23 says “The Lord's  lovingkindnesses  indeed never cease,  For His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”   God’s love is based on His faithfulness not ours.

    God’s love and faithfulness doesn’t erase or change the past.  However His love never runs low or isn’t enough for whatever we face.  His love is a neverending supply  to provide what is needed.  So every morning let God give you a LOVE DO OVER.  

Freedom Palms

    Last Sunday was Palm Sunday.  The children were running around, waving their palms, chasing each other and enjoying the freedom.   Maybe a similar scene happened 2000 years ago, except then there were donkeys and lots of dust.  But that’s what Easter season is all about-FREEDOM.  Jesus was preparing the way.  The triumphal entry quickly led to the cross and resurrection.

    It is said that when Moses in Deuteronomy 34 looked over into the promise land and saw the palm trees of Jericho, that God showed him the entrance into Paradise.  The palm trees of the Garden of Eden lined the sides of the entrance and Moses saw the righteous walking in.  Adam and Eve after they sinned in the garden, God sent them out and barred them from returning in.  Until Jesus, sin has kept all out.   

    Still today sin can block the door and keep us from entering into a relationship with Jesus.  We must lay our sin aside and enter in through the palms by the door.  Jesus became the door so that we may enter by His blood and body.  This Easter I encourage everyone to lay aside burdens and pick up the palm branches.  Wave the palms in thankfulness that by Jesus’ blood and body we are the Righteous walking in.   

Fresh Water Words

Recently, my husband and I were able to go and spend time in Florida.  It was so beautiful!  I love to spend time in the sun, sand and water.  The gulf water was warm, blue green and so inviting.  As fast as I could, I was in my bathing suit, running toward the water, and in with a big splash.  As a big wave crashed over me, it swept me off my feet, swirling me under water.  Salt water filled my mouth and nose as I struggled to get back on my feet and get my head above water so I could spit out the salt water and catch a breath.  The Bible says in James 3:9-12  “ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.   Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.   Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?   NIV” A relationship with Jesus and a growing knowledge of the Bible is a fresh water spring. In John 4:13-14 it tells us that Jesus is fresh water of eternal life.

    Even though salt water is good for some fish, it isn’t good for people to drink.  A person stranded out in the ocean will die of thirst because salt water shouldn’t be ingested.  Only fresh water can relieve a thirst.  In the same way a person can be dying of “spiritual thirst” and the only the “fresh Water of the Word” can relieve that thirst.  Life can crash over us, sweep us off our feet, and can fill our mouth with the “salt water words”.  But ONLY words that flow out of our mouth that flow from the fresh water of the Word of God can truly set us on our feet.  To keep our feet grounded on Jesus and praise for God in our mouth, we need to draw and fill our mouth with only fresh water.

   Gossip, rumor spreading, slander, and unkind words are salt water words.  They choke us and never relieve our thirst caused by our circumstances.  Drink long on fresh water and Enjoy!

An Enduring City

    The tsunami and earthquake that hit Japan recently was and continues to be a horrific tragedy.  There are times when we are reminded that life is fleeting.  I know that the world mourns, prays and offers their help.  There are times when life slams us with a heavy hand.  Cities made by hands do not and can not endure.  Hebrews 13:14-16 “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.  Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  NIV”

     God tells us to remember that what is made by hands can be destroyed.   But even in pain, God gives peace to our hearts and minds.   Our lips praise God, not for the catastrophe, but for the enduring Kingdom of God paid for by the blood of Jesus.  Our praise to Him is a sacrifice because it is offered by and in faith, even when the world has crumbled around us.  Our praise is offered to Him who carries us and brings us through.  Our worship doesn’t stop at our lips.  We can also worship Him by how we give out of the blessing He pours out on us.  God tells us to do good and share.  Praise that is accompanied by good works is an opportunity to share the blessing of God.  My lips praise Him and my hands reach out to my neighbor next door and across the ocean.

The best lifeguard

    When I was a teenager my Dad took us to Atlantic City.  It was the first time I saw the ocean.  I loved it!  I was on the swim team in high school and a good swimmer.  When I was enjoying the fun of the waves I realized the under tow had pulled me far from the shore.  My dad, a worrier, had a lifeguard come out to get me.  That was humiliating for a teenage girl.  But my dad had sent the lifeguard out so he could help me if I needed it.  The lifeguard God has sent us is Jesus.  1 John 4:10 “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. NIV” 

     I was perfectly fine when I was splashing in the ocean.  I didn’t need help.  But in the ocean of life, no one can save themselves.  Only Jesus could be the perfect sacrifice of love.  God’s love is for all. But only those who ask Him for help can receive His atoning sacrifice.  As a nine year old I knew I was drowning in life.  Life was to heavy to me to carry.  I called upon Him and He was, is and will be my Lifeguard. 

I must be FAT!

    Seriously! Before you say "That didn't happen", it really did.  To understand this situation best, you need to know a few things.  For the last year my husband has been running. He wanted to get healthier and lose weight. The farther and faster he was able to run, the more weight he lost. 
    This is where I come in.  "Apparently" I've gained a few pounds, maybe a little more.  Sure, the clothes are tighter, my rings won't come off and everything just doesn't fit as well.  One day, after this person saw how much weight my husband had lost, came over to me,
       poked my stomach and said  "Have you gained all the weight your husband has lost?!"
    At that moment I had no answer.  As painful as that was to hear, it was mostly true.  I had gained weight. Not as much as my husband had lost, but I had gained weight. How embarassing it was to be reminded of my weight gain.
     Every day after I looked into the mirror I tried to forget what I saw.  It wasn't to hard.  I simply acted, talked and ate as if what I had seen in the mirror didn't exist.  It worked great.  It worked until someone poked me in the stomach!  The Bible in James 1:23-25 says  "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does. NIV"  
    Jesus said we are to "Love God and Love each other".  The only way that happens is if when we look into the mirror of God's Word-we do it.  Doing something often and on purpose keeps us remembering what God has spoken to us.  I have to not only hear God's Word to love, but I need to put consistant action behind what I am hearing and seeing in the mirror.  The promises of God are for everyone.  But they only work when we do what the mirror is revealing.  I want to live my life on purpose.  God's Word is freedom and truth.  But freedom and truth don't just happen.  Losing weight doesn't just happen.
    I want to live my life honestly.  I don't want to lie to myself.  When I look in the mirror, I want to remember what I saw by taking action.  I want to be a seeing, hearing doer!

I'm a nerd

    "Mom, you're such a nerd."  It wasn't the first time I've heard that, probably not the last.  I wondered if I had a sign on me.  I felt my forehead, no sign there.  I tried to feel my back, nothing there either.  When I looked down I saw the reason for the name calling... A BOOK!  An actual book in my hands. Clearly a nerd mistake, to walk around with a book in my hands. Most people these days do their reading on the computer, a Kindle or even their phone.  But there is only one book that should always be within reach, as well as in our heart and mouth.  Joshua 1:8 says  "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. NIV"

    God has given us a book that is better than any book currently on the "Best Seller's List".  A good book can help me or make me laugh.  But only the Bible can help me now and for eternity.  The Bible has sold more copies than any other book, EVER.  Joshua 1:8 makes it clear. On the road of living a life pleasing to God requires a three part commitment.  God's Word is powerful when it is spoken out of a heart and mind that is overflowing and feet that are quick to do.  Power to do all that God has promised.  But like any recipe, it only works when all the ingredients are mixed together.  A Bible can be carried by hand all day long, but if it isn't changing what we think, say and do, part of the recipe is missing.  Only I can decide every day what ingredients I will put in or take out.  No one-else has that power. 

     I guess I don't mind if I am going to be called a nerd.  I love a good romance or even better, a historical romance.  But I also know that the Bible only works when it is not just in my hand, but in my heart, my mind, my mouth and my feet.  So I guess  from now on if you want to call me a nerd- that's Mrs. Bible nerd to you.

     

cloudy days

    Today,like many days in Michigan, was cloudy.  It is so easy to let what is going on around us to make us feel cloudy on the inside. Some days it is easy to let what I am feeling about what is going on around me put me into a "blue" mood.  A blue mood is really a gray or foggy mood. Nothing like the beautiful shades of blue. A poor me mood is really one of the most selfish moods I can allow myself to be in.  But I usually realize before too much damage is done. A day lost in the gray fog of poor me and selfishness. In Psalms 119:36-37 it says "Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.  Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. NIV"  Thank you Lord for the Word.
    When I am ready to step out of the fog and stop thinking only of myself, which can get real boring real fast, there is one place that turns my cloudy day into beautiful blue sky day.  The Word has a amazing way of reminding me who I am in Jesus.  The fog of what is going on in my life, the selfishness, is burned away by the light of God's Word.  Tomorrow, thank goodness, is a new day.   Lam 3:22-23 Says "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. NIV"  Hello tomorrow!