STOP WORRYING & START LIVING

I heard a story recently about a little boy who was afraid of gorillas
In his fear, the little boy convinced himself that a gorilla lived underneath his bed… and that the gorilla would eat him when he slept! So night after night, the little boy slept with his blankets over his head, believing that if the gorilla couldn’t see him, he wouldn’t eat him.

And even though that little boy would get very hot and sweaty while under his covers, he continued to sleep that way night after night. He just knew that keeping those covers over his head would keep the gorilla from eating him while he was sleeping!

Of course this little boy grew up and got over his fear of gorillas. But when you think about it, don’t you and I act exactly like this little boy when we decide to worry {Yep we make that decision to worry- OUCH!! } Because the fact is, we usually worry about things that really aren’t there!

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon likens worry and anxiety to a weight… a weight that “weighs a man down” (12:25). And I would like you to take some time to think about what “gorillas” in your life are weighing you down.

I know there’s plenty in life that we could worry about. But you know what? As believers, Scripture doesn’t give us the option to worry. Nowhere in the Bible does it give us permission to fret.

In fact, Jesus asks us in Luke 12:25-26, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

BLOG OF REFLECTION

When the parking lot during the winter is usually pretty slippery for me due to snow, ice or a combination During reflcetion I began to think of Paul's admonition in 1 Corinthians 10:12: Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall? (KJV).

A little overconfidence is a dangerous thing when walking on ice. Another reason we slip is because we get distracted. A friend says, Hi, we take our eyes off the pavement, begin to wave back and, well, you get the picture. Worse yet, the pain from our fall seems greater when someone else has witnessed our unceremoniously landing.

Literally, not watching how we walk can result in a physical fall. Figuratively, the same is true. If we do not keep our eyes right - we can slip spiritually. Carelessness and a momentary distraction, either one or both together, can result in a fall. What I am saying is that it really is imperative that we keep our focus on God and not man.

The writer of Psalm 73, reminds us of that truth in words of testimony. My feet had almost slipped . . . . For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Life does not give us a smooth track for walking. Our struggles can be compounded as our eyes wander and we get distracted by the apparent ease and prosperity of the ungodly. Let's not forget that we can also get off focus by the circumstances and the storms that are going on in our own lives...and I could go on and on, but you, yourself already knows how this can occur.

We can keep from slipping by focusing our attention on Jesus and how He wants us to live. That's right when you are facing things, when you are experiencing a host of emotions look in Bible, He has a Word for us. Remember - We look not for the ease of this world but the reward of the world to come.

Godliness with contentment is great gain, according to Paul (1 Tim. 6:6). He also said: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Phil. 4:11). Ask God to help you be contented, not envious.

OUR CHOICES

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
— Romans 6:16

I can't remeber who it was, but he was asked to comment on the rash of violence on high school campuses as well as other problems in our culture. I do remember what was said because it stood out. He said, "One thing that is being missed by many people is the devil is at work."

That is so true. The devil IS at work. When you get down to it, it is the only logical and plausible explanation for the madness that humanity is capable of. Just as surely as there is a God in heaven who loves you, there is a devil from hell who hates you. Jesus summed it up succinctly when He said, speaking of Satan, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). There is our choice in life, really: God or the devil.

A lot of people say they don't choose either. But in reality, by not choosing God, they choose the devil by default. There are no other choices. One of Satan's most brilliant strategies is to convince people he does not exist, when all the while, he is manipulating their lives. Humanity is basically bad. And it is the devil who works through the fallen nature of human beings, getting them to do the evil things that he does.

God gives us a choice in life. We are not forced to choose Him. Nor are we forced to choose the devil. But God has given us something called free will. We can choose sin, which leads to death. Or we can choose obedience to God, which leads to righteousness.

Just a point to remember: this applies in every aspect of your life. Not just the ones that we choose

HOW DOES GOD GET OUR ATTENTION

A whistle can get our attention quickly. We use it to control unruly behavior, signal the start or finish of an event, or interrupt the action in a game. Regardless of who blows it, a whistle tells us to stop and learn why it was blown.

What does God use to get our attention? Sometimes He uses the tool of a restless spirit, which might appear as some vague dissatisfaction with life. Other times, God uses another person’s words to help us recognize that He is speaking to us. Sometimes He uses the method of unusual blessing (Rom. 2:4). In each case, we are to stop and ask, “Lord, are You trying to say something to me?”

God sometimes allows our prayers to remain unanswered in order to prompt us to sharpen our focus on Him. Or, He may say “no” to our request in order to gain our attention. He occasionally uses disappointments, difficulties, and failures for the same reason. If we are wise, we will quickly seek Him out. In tragedies, financial reversals, and physical affliction, God wants to see if we will turn to Him and ask, “God, are you speaking to me?” When your attention was gotten did you seek Him or did you rely on what you could do on your own (ouch)?

{Now pay attion to this:} What does it take for the Lord to get our attention? Will a restless spirit cause us to seek godly counsel? Do we listen when God sends someone to point out His way? When blessings come, do we turn to God and ask how He would like us to use them? Do we seek God when our prayers go unanswered? How long does it take us to get past our emotions over disappointments, difficulties, and failures to listen to what our heavenly Father has to say? In times of great financial crisis, tragedy, and sickness, do our eyes and minds lift heavenward to seek God’s love and wisdom? God deserves our undivided attention . . . but we get preoccupied. He waits to speak with us . . . but we keep looking at our circumstances. [oooh weee]

Allow the events of your life—both the pleasant and the painful—to prompt you to turn to God and ask, “Lord, are You asking for my attention?”

Don’t allow yourself to miss what the Lord wants to tell you. Begin now to train yourself to give Him your full attention. Allow what happens in your day to draw you to Him. He is waiting for you.

TEACH ME LORD

Timothy, my beloved son, remember that . . . All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17)Grace be with you,Paul

Teaching. It informs me. It sorts out my thoughts. It helps me to determine and clarify what I believe. I went to college to learn about a certain field—art. And I remember it being so interesting and fascinating to me. I was excited about what I was going to learn, who the teacher was going to be, how many hours I would chalk up on my transcript, and how it would all mesh with my dreams and goals.This same excitement should really be a part of Bible study. The Teacher is interesting, well-qualified, fascinating. The hours transfer quite nicely, and my pursuit of the field definitely enhances my dreams and goals.

Reproof. This means rebuke. This means to be critical. This is how I recognize sin in my life.God’s reproof is always a constructive, critical evaluation. "He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise" (Proverbs 15:31); "He who hates reproof is stupid" (12:1); "Whom the Lord loves He reproves" (3:12). I certainly don’t want to be classified as "stupid," as a hardhead who refuses constructive correction. I am confident of His love for me, and I also recognize Him as the source of wisdom. So I listen. I ponder. I accept reproof. How thankful I am that there is Someone who has the courage to point to my poor performance and tell me that I’m blowing it! That’s reproof. Just think, for example, how tragic it would be to go through your entire stay on planet Earth offending, hurting, alienating people through your poor behavior . . . and have no one to point it out to you. Oh my, yes! Reproof is very definitely profitable.

Correction. This tells me how to change. Change must be necessary, or the reproof would not have come in the first place. If I need to change, to correct the way I have been doing something, then the proper or right way to do it must be provided for me. With hope. With kindness. With tact. And with encouragement, which is the fertilizer for correction.

Training in righteousness. Training is the "how to" of applying the reproof and correction. Training means involvement. Apprenticeship. The actual "doing," learning by experience. I need "hands-on" experience. I need to know firsthand the "right" way (God’s way) to face life, to face my circumstances. I need to know how to "respond" instead of "react." I need to know how to practice discernment instead of acquiescing to depression. I want to learn how to walk under "Christ-control" instead of self-control. This is the goal, the attainable dream. And He shows me how to do this as I spend time with Him, study His teachings, His life, His message . . . as I live with Him, sensing His peace, His training—and all toward teaching me how to live and behave as the righteous new person He has created and rebirthed me to be.

Lord, when I sit down to read the Scriptures, I’m taking care to meet a very important need in my day, in my life. I’m taking care to attend class, to concentrate on your will for my life and my steps are ordered by You.

Lord, teach me.

BEING A SALTY INFLUENCE

READ Galatians 5:22-23

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls His followers to be the "salt of the earth." What qualities does salt possess that we can exhibit in our spiritual lives?

First, salt adds flavor. Salt doesn't bring change to itself; it seasons that which needs improved taste. In the same way, we are to focus on those who don't know Jesus as Savior. Christlike character opens the way for others to hear our message.

Second, salt is a preservative. Salt keeps meat from going bad. In the case of people, our lives are to demonstrate an alternative to the world's ways and point others to Jesus. Our influence can help them leave the destructive path they're on and follow Him.

Third, salt makes an impact. Changes caused by salt may be invisible, but they are still evident. A timely word or act of kindness can speak volumes to someone searching for God. At other times, it's what we avoid doing or saying that catches another's attention. We can be an effective witness to people around us wherever we are: restaurants, grocery lines, doctors' offices, etc.

Finally, salt causes thirst. By facing difficulties with calmness, endurance, and hope, we display a godly testimony. When people going through hardship and pain see the way we deal with our troubles, they will thirst to know how we do it. Telling them about our dependence on God and His sufficiency will show them how to satisfy their needs.

Functioning as salt provides the opportunity to have a godly impact on someone else.

Food For Thought: Do the people around you sense something special in your life and thirst to know what it is?

God's Timing

"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush…saying…I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt" (Acts 7:30, 32, 34).

That was a long wait in preparation for a great mission. When God delays, He is not inactive. He is getting ready His instruments, He is ripening our powers; and at the appointed moment we shall arise equal to our task. Even Jesus of Nazareth was thirty years in privacy, growing in wisdom before He began His work. --Dr. Jowett

God is never in a hurry but spends years with those He expects to greatly use. He never thinks the days of preparation too long or too dull.

The hardest ingredient in suffering is often time. A short, sharp pang is easily borne, but when a sorrow drags its weary way through long, monotonous years, and day after day returns with the same dull routine of hopeless agony, the heart loses its strength, and without the grace of God, is sure to sink into the very sullenness of despair. Joseph's was a long trial, and God often has to burn His lessons into the depths of our being by the fires of protracted pain. "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver," but He knows how long, and like a true goldsmith He stops the fires the moment He sees His image in the glowing metal. We may not see now the outcome of the beautiful plan which God is hiding in the shadow of His hand; it yet may be long concealed; but faith may be sure that He is sitting on the throne, calmly waiting the hour when, with adoring rapture, we shall say, "All things have worked together for good." Like Joseph, let us be more careful to learn all the lessons in the school of sorrow than we are anxious for the hour of deliverance. There is a "need-be" for every lesson, and when we are ready, our deliverance will surely come, and we shall find that we could not have stood in our place of higher service without the very things that were taught us in the ordeal. God is educating us for the future, for higher service and nobler blessings; and if we have the qualities that fit us for a throne, nothing can keep us from it when God's time has come. Don't steal tomorrow out of God's hands. Give God time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never too late; learn to wait.

"He never comes too late; He knoweth what is best; Vex not thyself in vain; until He cometh--REST."

Do not run impetuously before the Lord; learn to wait His time: the minute-hand as well as the hour-hand must point the exact moment for action.

I chose the picute above because it is what I feel is happening to me during this time. I want to take this time to thank Brother Darryl J. I lack words at this time but I know that you know my sincerity. I thank those who have prayed for me those who have shared the prayer with me, and those whom have said one with out my awareness.

I pray blessings to you all, and I appreciate it more than you will ever know. God bless all who read this blog - as we are all on a spiritual journey.

**Devotional taken from Streams in the Desert

LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me."—John 14:1

Have you ever felt troubled in your heart—agitated, stressed-out, or uncertain about tomorrow? If you have children has there ever been a time when you worried as parents tend to do from time to time?There is a lot to be concerned about these days, isn't there?
Maybe something has happened to you recently that has turned your world upside down. Maybe you have been wondering whether God really is aware of the problems you are facing right now.

That is exactly how the disciples of Jesus felt. They were downhearted. They were discouraged. When they were all gathered in the Upper Room for the Passover feast, Jesus told them that one of them was going to betray Him. Then He identified Judas Iscariot as the betrayer. Not only that, but Jesus also said Simon Peter would deny Him—not once, not twice, but three times. The disciples' whole world was turned upside down. And then Jesus began talking about leaving them, about being crucified. They thought, What is going on?

Maybe you feel that way. Maybe there is uncertainty in your future. As you look at your fears and concerns, look at what Jesus said to His disciples and to us today: "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 14:1).
This verse could also be translated, "Let not your heart be agitated, or disturbed, or thrown into confusion. . . ."Notice that Jesus did not say, "Worry about your problems." Instead, He said, "Don't be troubled." That is His word for us today too.

OBEY GOD & LEAVE ALL THE CONSEQUENCES TO HIM

Obedience can be a challenge, especially when we feel tempted to believe that we stand to lose more through our obedience than we might gain. Obeying God is essential to pleasing Him, however, not just in times of temptation, but at all times.

When God commands us to obey Him, He is giving us a principle by which to live. He is also setting a framework around our lives that forms a hedge of protection from evil.

Can you remember the last time you felt tempted to do the opposite of what you knew God desired you to do? A struggle erupted within your heart. The question arose: Will obeying God cost me more than disobeying Him? Can I experience greater happiness by committing this sin than I would by obeying God?

When we choose to obey God, we choose the way of wisdom. His promises of blessing for obedience far outweigh any possible consequences. He asks us to obey Him and leave whatever happens to Him.

As we grow in our walk with the Lord, obedience becomes a cornerstone to fellowship with God. If we obey Him, He pulls us closer to Himself and teaches us more about His precepts and His love.

Disobedience sends a message to the Lord, declaring that we know better than He does when it comes to our lives and the circumstances surrounding them.

God loves us and is committed to us. He commands our obedience, not because He is a strict taskmaster, but because He knows the devastating effect that disobedience and sin will have on our lives.

Satan, however, has another goal in mind. He seeks to tempt believers to disobey God, usually by telling them that God’s promises cannot be trusted and that we can enjoy life more through disobedience than by our obedience.

Remember, disobedience always has fierce repercussions—feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness, broken lives, destroyed marriages, and bitter disputes, among them. While sin can never change God’s eternal love for His children, it certainly disrupts our fellowship with the Savior and alienates us from God’s blessings. In times of disobedience, we become spiritually weak and unable to discern right from wrong. We sink deeper into sin’s grasp and find it impossible to reverse our sinfulness on our own.

UNDER GOD'S PROTECTION

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.— 1 Corinthians 10:13

In the New Testament, Jesus said to Peter, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" (Luke 22:31–32).

Put yourself in Peter's sandals. You are sitting around with the Lord when He turns to you, calls you by name, and says, "Satan has been asking excessively that you be taken out of the care and protection of God. The devil has been asking for you by name." I don't know about you, but if Jesus Christ, the Son of God, said that to me, it would be cause for great concern.

Peter was such a big fish that the devil personally went after him. I wonder if the Lord paused for effect: "Satan has been asking for you . . . by name. . . . But I have good news, Peter. I have prayed for you."

It is a good reminder to us that when the devil comes knocking at our door, we should say, "Lord, would you mind getting that?" Though he is a powerful foe, he certainly is not as powerful as God. We want to stand behind God's protection. In spite of the devil's power and wicked agenda, he must first ask permission when it comes to the children of God, because of the hedge of protection that God has placed around us.

I know that many of us have been or are facing test, trials, and have been under attack. In fact the seasons have not been...how can I say. --- the most pleasant ones that many have had to go through. But I want you to be encouraged, God knows what you are ready for. And He won't give you more than you can

OUR FIELD OF BATTLE

For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. (Deuteronomy 20:4)

We have no enemies but the enemies of God. Our fights are not against men but against spiritual wickednesses. We war with the devil and the blasphemy and error and despair which he brings into the field of battle. We fight with all the armies of sin--impurity, drunkenness, oppression, infidelity, and ungodliness. With these we contend earnestly, but not with sword or spear; the weapons of our warfare are not carnal.

Jehovah, our God, abhors everything which is evil, and, therefore, He goeth with us to fight for us in this crusade. He will save us, and He will give us grace to war a good warfare and win the victory. We may depend upon it that if we are on God's side God is on our side. With such an august ally the conflict is never in the least degree doubtful. It is not that truth is mighty and must prevail but that might lies with the Father who is almighty, with Jesus who has all power in heaven and in earth, and with the Holy Spirit who worketh His will among men.

Soldiers of Christ, gird on your armor. Study the Word, hide it in your heart
as you meditate on it day and night. Strike down what is not of God. Loose the sin that may bind you. Rid the sin that entraps you.Take a stand against that which is evil in the sight of God. The Word of God is your truth.Let not this day pass without striking a blow against evil.

QUESTION: When you stand up...what are you standing up for?...
Hint: Remember we are not fighting one another

APPY WHAT YOU KNOW

I was just thinking about cooking. In fact I even remember when mom taught me how to cook. Boy I can remember how I was much more willing to dust, mop and clean than to spend time in the kitchen. Maybe that's why mom's cooking is the talk around; and I'm still dusting and mopping and cleaning out drawers! (LOL)

She has a recipe for Bar-B-Que chicken and a secret receipe for sweet and sour chicken that would win any persons taste buds!I can taste it right now as I type. Mom even gave me the instructions on how to make them. But I knew the simple secret lay in doing it. This is the way I sometimes handle spiritual "dishes" that I've tasted. I know they're wonderful, good, profitable, and possible -- and that it's all in the doing.

I came across the following study analysis somewhere. It applies here. We will retain 5 to 10 percent of what we hear. We will retain 30 percent of what we read. We will retain 50 percent of what we hear and read. We will retain 90 percent of what we hear, read, and do. I bet that somewhere between the 50 and 90 percent we could place "writing it down." Doing, of course, is the most effective learning process. Writing down the method of accomplishment, the success or failure of the procedure, etc., will increase our understanding, give fingertip access to notes, and record our perception, appropriation, and commitment levels.

So let's add that to our analysis: We will retain 75 percent of what we hear, read and write.
Well, after years of eating Bar-B-Que & sweet and sour chicken at the restaurant, I finally tried my hand at it. Did I have to talk myself into this gourmet endeavor? Yes.(Those of you may remember that the kitchen is the last place that I want to be in.) I had all kinds of excuses as to why I couldn't do it. Time consuming? Yes -- all afternoon to put it together. Concentrated effort? Yes. Worth it all? Yes. No one really praises me for the cleaning, but the praise was hot and heavy that night at the dinner table.

And so it goes with the sermon or tape I hear, the book I read. I know that the truth I've tasted is wonderful, good, profitable, and possible...
But does it take discipline? Yes.
And does it take time? Yes.
Is there work involved? Yes.
And is it worth the effort? Yes.

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

How Can God Allow Suffering In A Believer's Life

The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.

Have you ever caught yourself wishing for “the good old days?” Most of us have. The truth is, however, if we had a chance to travel back to another time, we would find the same problems and trials that confront us now also existed back then. Trials come no matter who you are or what you do.

Suffering molds, prepares, and perfects us in a variety of ways. Pressure from without increases pressure within. We feel it as the darkness lingers, the pain increases, and the disappointment goes on and on.

In the spiritual realm, however, we do not have to yield to the mounting pressure. We can defuse it by placing it on the altar of God and allowing Him to handle our hurts.

Suffering beyond our control proves to us that we are not omnipotent. Suddenly we become acutely aware of an authority higher than ourselves, Someone whose insight and wisdom outranks our own. We need a Savior—Someone greater than our biggest fear, Someone able to meet all our needs. Only through His grace can we learn the truth concerning suffering: God uses it to help us experience His immense love.

Maybe you are facing a time of suffering, and you think the emotional pain is more than you can bear. Or perhaps you are dealing with a series of disappointments. Instead of becoming fearful—a frequent ploy of Satan to pull you away from the will of God—ask the Lord to show you what He is up to in your life.

Someone wrote: “God knows that soldiers are to be made only in battle; they are not to be grown in peaceful times. We may grow the stuff of which soldiers are made; but warriors are really educated by the smell of powder, in the midst of whizzing bullets and roaring cannonades. . . . Is He not developing in you the qualities of the soldier by throwing you into the heat of battle, and should you not use every application to come off conqueror?”

Genesis 15

When we face a challenging situation, it’s natural to turn to family and close friends for help. Sometimes, the kind and encouraging words from a loved one prove to be the catalyst that turns us back to God.

It is important, however, that we carefully examine advice offered by those close to us. Their input may be genuine and motivated by love, but if a suggestion is inconsistent with God’s Word, we should politely disregard it.

In Genesis 16, Sarai urged Abram to have a child with her servant Hagar. Though this recommendation contradicted the divine promise of a son through Sarai, Abram chose to follow his wife’s advice—after waiting so many years for the fulfillment, he probably considered her suggestion reasonable. But because of the unwise decision not to trust God, Abram faced many difficult, painful trials. And today Israel is still experiencing consequences of his poor choice.

Sometimes we may seek advice that we want to hear rather than advice that we need to hear. As we consult our loved ones for help with momentous decisions, it’s important to distinguish between our fleshly desires and biblical truth. Wise counsel is always consistent with the Word of God....

[Side note:Here let me say that again, wise counsel is always consistant with the Word of God. (you know as a woman I personally was at one time in my life emotionally lead. So that is why I wanted to reapeat that statement. - it is what helped me to realize that when I operate/function out of my emotions - I am not being lead by God I am being lead by my flesh.You see emotions are not the word of God - therefore I must.. I MUST seek out God & His Word.)]

Remember Abram’s example—not all advice is necessarily good advice. The next time you seek an opinion from friends or family, take a moment to compare their input with Scripture. If there are inconsistencies, trust in the Bible and God’s willingness to carry you through any difficult situation you face.

UNANSWERED PRAYERS

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
— Luke 22:42–43

I am so glad that God will overrule my prayers at times, because I have prayed for things fervently, believing they were the will of God, and they were flat-out wrong. I am so thankful that God said no to those prayers.

Yet I have heard some people say, "Never pray, 'Not my will, but Yours be done.' That is a lack of faith." Some have even said, "What you should really pray is, 'Not Your will, but mine be done.' Let's just say that I don't want to be standing too close to those people when lightning strikes, because they have things turned around.

Never be afraid to pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done." By saying that, you are simply saying, "Lord, I don't know all the facts. I don't know everything there is to know. My knowledge is limited. My experience is limited. So if what I am praying is outside of Your will for any reason, please graciously overrule it." You won't always understand how you should pray. What it comes down to is telling God that you want His will more than your own.

I know this is hard at times. Sometimes you don't understand why God doesn't give you what you ask for. When you are young and single, you may see a handsome guy or beautiful girl and just know that person is the one for you. But as the lyrics to a song say, "To this day I thank God for that unanswered prayer."

I've noticed our hindsight is always better. (Makes me wonder is that saying something about our walk of faith at times)... anyway you will look back with 20/20 hindsight, and you will say, "Thank God He did not answer my prayers," or "Thank God He answered my prayers," whichever the case may be because one thing is true HE NEVER MAKES MISTAKES!

I'LL BE THERE

I'll be there
When you are going through and you cannot see your way, the day has turned to darkness and there is no one around, just remember, I'll be there. When you reach out to touch your family, your friends, your associates, your spouse and you come up empty handed, remember that I'll be there. I will protect you, I will provide for you, I will cover you and I will comfort you. I AM the God that sees where you are, who you are and what you're going through. I AM the God that heard what they said, I was there when your steps began to slip and even when you fell, but I will never fail you, I'll be there to pick you up, dust you off and get you back on your way. I AM the same God that they mocked, tried, denied, crucified and now I sit on My throne in heaven justified. I'll be there to give you your peace, your power, your purpose back. I'll be there when you have come to the end of your rope, the end of the road, and what seems to you to be the end of time and the end of the day. I'll be there, just like I said I would, because I AM and I cannot lie. My word is My bond, what I say, I perform, I perfect. What I start in you, I AM capable of finishing. Just know My child, no matter how many times you fall, how far you run, no matter where you go, or what they may say, I'LL BE THERE! It is not in the words that they say, but I want to hear you say to yourself what I've said many times before. You are blessed, and not cursed, above and not beneath, the beginning, not the end, the first not the last. You are blessed whether you come or whether you go, on Thursday just as much as on Sunday, for you see my child everyday is a holy day, and if you let me....I'll be there.

{Permission granted by Pinki & I do praise God for her being a vessel. - Here is the link to her 360 page:}

http://360.yahoo.com/profile-k9eBbxgwd6c9VkZ8oIG1QhraWB4lxShlxXnfbA--?cq=1

What Is Spring Cleaning about on Jack2U's Page

Hi,
If you are from "JACK2U"page and clicked over here I am glad you did. This gives me a chance to briefly share what my blast is talking about.

First let me say that at this blast DOES NOT, I repeat DOES NOT pertain to anyone who has been with me from previous pages.

Before I start I felt the ones new to my page should be informed. its time for me to "SPIRNG CLEAN" - I know I never really mentioned it did I? Well a few reasons this go around. First and foremost because I have been on here and most know how I run my page. Secondly we all have a life outside of 360.

Actions speak louder than words and on JACK2U's page there are some whom I have never seen or heard from maybe once but not even a mass email with from them with some type of acknowledgement.

Spring cleaning is something I have always done,and it is deleting you from my page just no way around it. There are various methods of contact which we can use to such as personal emails, IM, mass mailing through yahoo, blog comments, and the quick comment section, as ways of verses being a silent "friend" on a page. I only ask what I have done in return. (I know I have done mass mailings & quick comments here and there if I haven't done everything else.)

So for those who hibernate, or are inactive on Jack2U's page - *(well I guess you probably won't even see this blast or this blog now that I think about it - humm- oh well can't say that I didn't try.) I thought I would let you know that do spring clean on a regular basis. We all run our pages differently and with respect I share with you how I do mine.

...Again this DOES NOT pertain to anyone who has been with me on previous pages.

Take A Moment To Lift Up The Writer Please

Thanks for stopping by. I tried to creat a blog - but just can not put it together. Most of you know - and for those who may not. All I ask is to pray for a mother who is going through with her 13 year old saved (yes he is saved) son. - What keeps coming out of me are tears - so I thought I would share what I did have. Keep me in prayer. If I am quiet. You know why. God bless you. - Jackie.

Tears – what are they? The physician would say that tears are a combination of sodium chloride, phosphate of lime, mucus and water.

However, regardless of their compound, tears express the emotional state of the heart. Tears are the bleeding of the heart that runs deep. They play an unforeseen ministry in our lives. The tears of the saints are observed by God. Psalms 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ

A Christian needs God’s mercy and comfort when trials and tribulations are at the door. The process of the Refiners fire helps us to comfort others in their trials.

The Ministry Of Tears


"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book."
- Psalm 56:8 NLT

I've known people who refuse to weep, and my heart goes out to them. They are depriving themselves of a blessing from the Lord that He never meant them to reject. The Bible says, "Jesus wept." (John 11:35) And it also says that there's "a time to weep," as well as "a time to laugh." (Ecclesiastes 3:4) Not only did Jesus cry, but He told us, "Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh." (Luke 6:21 NKJV) Our tears are so precious to God that He lovingly takes note of each and every one. Scripture says: "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book." (Psalm 56:8 NLT)

Internal Stress leads to Migraine - Not feeling well today Monday 8/6 will be day 3

Migraine headache symptoms vary and may occur with or without a warning sign called an aura. People who get an aura, which usually begins within 30 minutes before the headache starts, may see spots, wavy lines, or flashing lights. Some people have numbness or a "pins-and-needles" sensation in their hands, arms, or face during the aura. However, most people do not have an aura before they get a migraine headache.

Common symptoms of migraine include in which I suffer from all:

Throbbing or pulsating headache on one side of your head.
Moderate to severe headache intensity.
Worsening of your headache with routine physical activity.
Nausea, vomiting, or both.
Sensitivity to light and noise, and sometimes smells.
There are several types of migraine headaches, each with unique features.

Father, by your patience in suffering Jesus hallowed earthly pain.Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail. Touch my head Lord and take this pain away. Heal me according to your willI pray this in Jesus name,Amen.

Yes It's Still Happening At The Job & It's Called Discrimination

Despite what my boys say I am young 37. Yet with that age I have gained insight, wisdom and knowledge. I love every aspect of nursing, I kid you not.

Today I saw something that disturbed me. In fact it ruffled me up that I am not on the inside (the kind of anger that makes a tear come out of your eye). The thing is I have no where to go. No union, can't call state - to extreme. Can't call the news, Unable to talk to the supervisor - she has a role in this and can not be biased. Interestingly enough all that I keep hearing from the old timers at my job that have seen many things is for me to be quiet and not say anything. All agree that what is going on is shady and unfair, but then life is unfair.

Interesting isn't it - that I am still getting a taste in a different season of various acts of discrimination. I am cautious not to let my emotions show I am aware that the enemy might be trying to use this very situation do dispell division. So I am prayerful of my words.

I am blown away right now - I can remember when my tongue use to run, but praise be to God He has taught me to stand still and remain quiet. Even if I were to open my mouth no words would come out because in my heart - anger at what I see, what I know, and what I recognize to be appears to be flourishing while I am left without a voice.

WHY?

WAIT ..WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Wait....Wait!Unlike my other blogs I am basically writing in a state of shock. Usually when I get off of the graveyard shift I drive to unwind just to gain a little sanity before coming home to a house full of little ones (total of 6 ranging from 15 to 10 months if that old). Why my baby sisters think I agree to watch the children is beyond me. I've been trying to figure this out for years. (Chuckling).

Anyway, I am driving, going over the day at work-actually beginning to release it. Then I reflect. Now usually I would tell you that I am talking/reflecting/spending time with my Father. But something happened during my reflective moment and I can't figure it out. I parked the mini van at a waterfall, turned off the ignition and that's when it began. I couldn't get out. No no no, nothing to do with weight. But it had everything to do with my bones. I ached. Slowly (glad no one was around) I got out. I heard the strangest sounds coming from my body. My bones were popping, cracking, rubbing, my muscles were so sore, my gait (the way I walk) was now more like a shuffle. I kid you not. At this point and time I am talking out loud to myself asking me what just happened? Then I turned it over to God, and said Lord, what just happened? (not that I waited for a response)

I sat on the bench tripping. Looked at the sky, the clouds, then I turned at the van and stared. WAIT. WAIT WAIT ... when did this happen? When did the aging process begin? It seems like (ok well not like yesterday - but it seems not so long ago that I was in my laid out car identified easily only any street because of all the things I did, rims, amps, tinted out tint. Not to mention this sistah wasn't lookin' so bad...More flashes come to mind laughter, no responsibility, no bills, breaking curfew (sorry Ma in hindsight). Working and keeping all the money I earned. Different color hair, different styles, adventurous, exciting, even on the wild slightly daring side. They called me Jackie or Jack

But in that instant - just as if with a blink of an eye. Changes that I don't remember coming on. When did my body start to talk back to me with aches? Who grandfathered me into a mini van? and Why do my 3 boys think that I don't know anything about life outside of church - mannnnn pleazzzzzzzze! My children...WOW when did they grow up like this? I call myself seizing each moment. Now I am teaching one to drive. And they are all into personal appearance not vanity mind you.- No longer am I who I once knew, but I am Mom. "Hey Mom, what IS your name?" my 13 year old recently asked.I have no regrets, lets be clear on that. It's just that before that "blink of an eye" moment happened I was the one would say "seize the opportunity"; "time waits for no one"... yet I feel right now that I have been caught up in time. I am approaching 40, or is that age trying to catch up with me?

All I keep saying in my head is:WAIT.... WAIT... just wait a minute ...isn't there a hidden rule that this isn't suppose to kick in till much later in my life?

Better yet just tell me what just happened.

Had to get that off my chest. -

FAITH vs. CONTROL

Read: Luke 9:24

When you obsess over problems instead of looking to God for solutions, the enemy will magnify your fears. If he can’t get you to worry about the present he’ll remind you of everything that could go wrong in the future! Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “All I have seen, has taught me to trust God for all I haven’t seen.”

The last time you checked, wasn’t God still bigger than any terrorist attack, financial disaster, illness, accusation, or mess you found yourself in? Well, He hasn’t changed! David said, “He won’t go to sleep…The Lord is…at your right side…[He] will…keep you safe…wherever you go” (Ps 121:3-8 ); plus His angels are watching over us 24/7.

It all comes down to faith vs. control. You can struggle to handle things on your own – or trust your Heavenly Father. That’s the choice! It’s not about ‘blind faith,’ it’s about believing that God is who He says He is. And it’s an issue you need to settle in your mind once and for all, because if you don’t believe He wants only the best for you, you’ll keep trying to run the show. Control isn’t responsibility. Responsibility is doing your part by praying, obeying, and trusting God.

Control is manipulating the circumstances to engineer the outcome you want.
Jesus knows how we like holding on to things we’re not wise enough to control, so He said, “If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give [it] up…for me, you will save it” (Lk 9:24). Bottom line – you either trust God or you don’t!

FATHERS: GOD's REPRESENTATIVES

As A Tribute To The Father's Out There

Look at: Exodus 20:1-12

The father is head of the home. The Lord placed him in this position so he'll give the family godly direction and guidance. God calls children to obey their father as they would obey Him. But dad is the one who teaches them how.When a child questions authority, a possible parental response is, "Because I said so." To the parent, this phrase should end all discussion and whining. After all, mom or dad has made a decision and won't change their mind. But as children grow older, those four simple words position Dad as their ultimate authority. In a child's mind, a rebellious sin is against only his earthly father.

A godly dad understands who the true authority is. In training his children, he transfers a sense of accountability from himself to the Lord. He teaches his kids that he's God's representative in the household. And if they choose to disobey, they'll have to answer to their heavenly Father. This approach helps children recognize their accountability before the Lord. When dad isn't around to give instruction or guidance, they'll still choose to make wise choices because of God's presence.The greatest protection a father gives his children is to instill a sense of accountability to God. This isn't a one-time lesson. It's a process that lasts throughout the childhood years. During this time, dad should respond to his children's questions and actions with a new phrase. He should say, "Let's see what God says about that."

RUNNING WITH ENDURANCE

READ James 1:2-3

Nobody wakes up on the morning of the Boston Marathon and suddenly decides, Hey, I think I'll run the race today! Long-distance running requires training, a LOT of training. The typical marathon runner spends months preparing for the race. He pulls himself out of bed every day and hits the street. Focusing on his goal, he pushes through physical and mental exhaustion. He watches his diet, gets plenty of sleep, and runs—every single day. The goal of all of this training is to build endurance. The discipline isn't easy, but it is essential to running a marathon.

The Bible often depicts the Christian life as a race. If this is true, then we can be sure endurance is critical to our success. What builds endurance in our spiritual lives? In James 1:2-3, the apostle James says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance".

Endurance is an inner strength that enables us to face any difficulty without quitting. The runner needs endurance to finish the race. So he conditions his body for success, even though it hurts. As believers, we're to do the exact same thing.

Many times our "training" comes through trials. As we face different challenges, the Holy Spirit builds us up more and more. This is God's "training camp."

If you're facing a hardship today, ask yourself this question:

Am I willing to go through this intense workout today in order to win the race tomorrow?

Be Encouraged Through It All

My Dear One,

I wonder if you might need a word or two of encouragement today. How we long for people to listen, to say, "I'm so sorry that you are hurting," to give us Godly counsel, to love us, and help us through a difficult time. I would like to try to do that through these simple little notes. Ponder each one as you read it and trust the Holy Spirit to show you if it is Truth. If it is, then grasp it as you would a life preserver in a raging sea . . . (your sea is raging just now, isn't it?)

Would you believe God with me that the thought for today is given to you by the Lord through me, and set your mind on that one thought? Carry it on a card. Put it where you will be able to refer to it. Study it during your quiet time with cross-references, writing the thoughts that come to you that clarify that one scripture. Cling tenaciously to the word that has come from Him in a very special way this day.

I believe that you will gain strength as you do this. Sometimes, we can be so close to the mountain, so awed by the immensity of the mass in front of us, so incapacitated because of our emotional involvement that it is beyond our ability to gain a proper perspective of where we stand. I would like to intercede for you. I have not "walked" where you are walking, but I have walked down other roads and I know that He is with you just as He is with me. Don't let the thoughts given to you by Satan drive a wedge between you and the only One who will bring you through this circumstance with the "lovely fragrance of triumph" all about you.

I do so pray that these brief thoughts will be a source of encouragement for you at this stressful time in your earth walk and that you will accept them as coming to you in love.

My love to you

He Doesn't Walk Away

Casting all your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you.
I Peter 5:7

Do you remember how we talked about giving your stressful circumstances to Jesus? How we mentally tucked that problem and all the stray ends into a box and wrapped it carefully, sealed it, and tied it securely with super strong nylon cords? Then, we watched from outside with our eyes closed, while inside we met Jesus, gave Him the box, and then watched Him walk away with our "problem" tucked under His arm.

What a blessed release, relief, it is to be able to take my problem-whatever it is-my struggle, my pain, my fear-to wrap it up in a box and tie it tightly inside so it can't ever get "out" again, and hand it over to Jesus. I really don't see Him walking away with it, because He never, never, never walks away from me. No. I see Him hanging on to my box and whenever I think about the problem again, I see Him right beside me with MY package still in HIS hands. I gladly leave it with Him. And He is strong enough to carry as many "packages" as I need to place in His hands

Praise be to almighty God who loves me-insignificant me? Hardly. I am very significant to Him-I've talked to Him about all of my problems-I love Him that much and He loves me that much.

God's Plan For My Pain

I really resist (or do I resent?) the trite words that are often given as sage advice to someone who is going through difficult times.

Well, just think about poor Aunt Essie (or your sister, or someone you knew thirteen years ago, or someone you don’t even know). What if you were in her shoes? You can always find someone who has more problems than you do. Be thankful that yours are not as bad as theirs. Just think about that . . . you know, walking in their moccasins for two weeks.

Nope. That’s not what I need to hear. I don’t want my needs or my circumstances to be minimized. They are very real to me. Pressing. Hurting. Stressful. No two problems are alike. Your needs are critically important to you. My needs are critically important to me.

But the difficulty arises both in allowing Him to meet my needs--in His way, in His timing--and in determining what my real need is. I may think it’s money to pay a debt when He would say, "No, Jackie. You need to learn discipline in taking care of the material things I have given you." I may think my need is release from a circumstance that I am in when He would tenderly admonish me, "No, my sweet Jack. You need to practice endurance." I may be praying for release from pain. This, Lord, is my need. Once again He would say, "No, Jackie. You need to learn true compassion."

So once again I say, "I trust You, Lord." You have made me and You are now busy conforming me to Your image. I want that. I don’t want the pain and the stress and the frustration, but I can’t have one without the other. I guess it’s kind of like having a baby. It would be nice to have my boys without the nine months of being nauseated and the discomfort of carrying them around all the time in my tummy, not to mention the intense pain of helping them make his way into our world. But that’s a part of motherhood. I can’t separate one from the other.

My deepest thanks to You, my precious Lord, for your willingness to go through all of these things with me . . . for me . . . through me . . . and for letting me know the expected outcome: to be like You.

We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:28,29

The Ride

“Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (NIV)

I read a story about a little girl who was very nervous at the prospect of her first horseback ride, even though she was to be perched behind her grandfather who was an excellent rider. As her parents helped her onto the horse, she cried, “What do I do? I don’t know how to ride a horse! I’ve never done this before! What do I do?” Her grandfather said in a reassuring tone, “Don’t worry about the horse or about how to ride it. Just hold on to me, Darlin’, just hold on to me.” This story reminds me of the familiar saying, “When you’re at the end of the rope, hold onto your faith.” That’s easier said than done unless you realize that you have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not only that, but you have to learn how to apply His Word that you have hidden in your heart & apply it to ALL situations and circumstances that come your way.

It’s when we lose touch with the Lord that we fall into fear and panic, but keeping our minds on Him in thought, prayer, and worship brings peace to our hearts and minds. We must grip tightly to our faith in Christ through prayer and mediation on a daily basis Then, whether our day is like a tried old nag or a bucking –bronco, holding on to our faith keeps us in the saddle until the ride is over. However, if we look to ourselves or at the “beast,” whatever that may be, then we will always feel weak, helpless, and afraid. Like the grandfather, who was an excellent rider, our heavenly Father is even greater. Christ has both hands on the reins. He knows how to ride, which direction the horse will run, and how long the journey will last. All we have to do is hold on.

Dear Lord, No matter how wild the ride gets, I trust that You are in control and I’m safe holding on to You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

God's Purposes In Our Difficulties

If we could choose the number of difficulties we want to face in a month, most of us would pick zero. Yet, God sees value in difficult times. Through His mighty power, He uses trials to accomplish His plans. One of God's purposes for us is a growing intimacy in our relationship with Him. But He knows we struggle to put Him first over our own interests. Many of us place higher priority on family and friends than on companionship with God. For others, finances, work, or even personal pleasures interfere. When the Lord sees that our attention is drifting away from Him, He might use hardships to draw us back so we'll refocus. Another reason God allows difficulties is to conform us to the image of Jesus. Pain is a tool that brings areas of ungodliness to the surface. God also uses it to sift, shape, and prune us. The sanctification process, the building of Christlike character into our lives, starts at salvation and ends with our last breath. A third purpose for stressful circumstances is to reveal true convictions. Our faith is tested in tough times. It's easy to say, "God is good," when things are peaceful. But when everything goes wrong, what do we believe about Him? Do our words and actions reveal an attitude of trust? King David endured many heartaches: a disintegrating family, personal attacks, and betrayal by close friends. But through his trials, he gained deeper intimacy with God, stronger faith, and more godly character. Won't you let God accomplish His purposes in your present situation?

The Lion On A Leash

"But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" So the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. Job 1:11,12

Lion On A Leash

Many cities and even small towns have leash laws. You can't simply let your pets run loose; they must be kept on a leash. The logic is obvious. With no constraints, dogs and cats not only do unsightly things on people's yards, but they damage shrubs and flowers, dig holes in unwanted places or make a nuisance of themselves in other ways.

God also has a leash law, and the primary target of that law is Satan. The Devil is a powerful enemy and can cause you a great deal of damage. The apostle Peter compared him to a lion (1 Pet. 5:8). Yet the life of Job demonstrates that the Devil can only go as far as Gods leash allows him. With God's permission, Satan could afflict Gods servant only to a certain extent and no further. Even though tragic events took place, Gods hand was always on the leash preventing Satan from destroying Job.

Sometimes when we look at our difficult situations, we become fearful. Our imagination provides fertile soil for us to grow all kinds of potential problems and disasters. We fear the worst and are sure that we will be overwhelmed. Yet God never removes His hand from our enemy's leash. While we may experience difficult people and hard times, Satan cannot attack us beyond the limit that God allows.

Trust your Heavenly Father's wisdom. Nobody knows better than He does how far to play out the leash. While Satan may appear as a fearsome lion, he can do no more in your life than what God allows him. On that you can rely.

You can't trust the lion, but YOU CAN trust Gods leash.

REACHING OUT

The psalmist wrote, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?"
-Psalm 22:1 (NRSV)

TODAY was not a good day. I have not had many good days recently. There are things that tend to make me have to deal with chronic pain. Emotionally, however, I have not succumbed until today. Each time I tried to do a simple chore, the pain became more than I could manage; and I became more depressed.

I decided to read The Upper Room. The texts for the day's meditation were Psalm 22:1 and Mark 15:33-39. The writer told about a time of emotional upheaval and about feeling forsaken. His words reached out to me long after they had been written. The feeling of being forsaken was haunting me as I read, and the words seemed to have been written for me and for my needs. This is the way the Holy Spirit uses our words. They become the right words at a time of need in another person's life.

This verse quoted above became Jesus' prayer from the cross; its words were right for me, too. By Christ's example, we know that the period of being forsaken is brief, and unspeakable joy is for eternity. Christ is our example in every aspect of our humanity, even when we feel forsaken.

The more and more I reflected, the more I found myself in praise because I know, that I know that Jesus knows how I feel. My aches, pains, thoughts... I don't have to worry, nor do I have to hide with my Father. All that is required is obdience and to rest in His arms.

Tears Shall Cease

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 21:4)

As you know I lost a co-worker, a friend, and fellow sister in Christ in a fire just recently. Her 12 year old daughter made it from the fire but the mother at 33 didn't. - This blog was birthed from this tragic inicident.

Yes, we shall come to this if we are believers. Sorrow shalt cease, and tears shall be wiped away. This is the world of weeping, but it passes away. There shall be a new heaven and a new earth, so says the first verse of this chapter; and therefore there will be nothing to weep over concerning the fall and its consequent miseries. Read the second verse and note how it speaks of the bride and her marriage. The Lamb's wedding is a time for boundless pleasure, and tears would be out of place. The third verse says that God Himself will dwell among men; and surely at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore, and tears can no longer flow. What will our state be when there will be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain? This will be more glorious than we can as yet imagine. O eyes that are red with weeping, cease your scalding flow, for in a little while ye shall know no more tears! None can wipe tears away like the God of love, but He is coming to do it. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Come, Lord, and tarry not; for now both men and women must weep!

Serving God Not Man

"Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10)

Paul was obviously not worried about trying to please the people around him. It's not that he didn't care about others. It's just that he was focused on serving the Lord. Many times you maybe too worried about what people think of you, which inhibits you from following God with your whole heart. Instead, follow those God-given desires with reckless abandon, because all that will matter in the end is fulfilling God's plan for your life. You are called to serve God without reserve, so fulfill His plan without letting others sidetrack you.

Let Us Pray: God, help me not to be sidetracked by what others may think of me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

What Would You Have Done?

Would You Have Done The Same?

"There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won't take it away from her!" (Luke 10:42)

You can learn a lot from the story of Jesus' visit to the home of Martha and Mary. While Martha busied herself preparing a meal, Mary sat at Jesus' feet drinking in each word of what He was teaching. When Martha realized that Mary wasn't helping her, she marched over, interrupted Jesus, and said, "Lord, this isn't fair. I'm in here doing all the work!" Jesus' reply must have stunned her: "Martha, you're stressed out about so many different things. Only one thing really matters, and Mary has chosen what's best." In effect, Jesus was telling Martha to slow down and enjoy the moment. He could easily be saying the same thing to you! Perhaps you're too busy serving God to enjoy the blessings He's bringing into your life. If so, look at your schedule today and choose what is best!

Lord, thank You for wanting to bless me. Give me eyes to see when I should serve and when I should just sit at Your feet and listen. In Jesus' name. Amen.

*Devotion taken from Today's Word Joel & Victoria

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW? I GOT TAGGED

The rule was simple share 8 strange or unique things about yourself. So here are eight for the record!

1. Even though it's been some time, I still consider myself the prodigal daughter who found her way home. I share that to give God the glory first and foremost. There were many times when I could have, should have been dead. Yet HE protected me. Even when I rebelled and turned my back on Him...He never gave up on me; - And I praise Him. Therefore, the first unique thing about me is that it is very hard for me to "give up" on a person.

2. I detest liars. They eat at the very core of my being. It's actually in my profile where I state: "If you have to lie, pass me by."

3. You know how you hear of some people not watching television. Or even some people who don't drive. Well, guess what, this one might surprise you. Since the year 2000, 95% of the time I do not use the telephone. Nor do I have a cell phone. (I know that is a hard concept for people to believe or grasp -- but it is true.) I am giving you the unique things about me (wink).

4. My hearing is impaired in my right ear (damaged ear drum) -- nope I don't wear a hearing aide. But I did bump my music back in the day so much so that I am paying for that now.

5. I tore the ligaments in my feet years ago in my prime during a photo shoot that I was doing for a wedding (I was the photographer). It would be from that point on that I would no longer be able to wear heels. (Now that is a bummer for me, heels do something for any woman). [wink]

6. I was on the road to becoming a psychologist before my call came into nursing.

7. The kitchen is my least favorite place. In fact I drudge that room. Whereas the bathroom is my favorite place of all.

and finally....

Number eight, which sums me up pretty much: I am a complex, peculiar, unique, individual created by God with a purpose.

God bless all of you on your spiritual journeys!! - Love you in the Lord, Jack