SHARE THE GIFT

"And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he will save his people from their sins."
MATTHEW 1:21

I spent some time this afternoon with this verse of scripture. It's a wonderful blessing to be able to share the love of JESUS CHRIST with others, for there is no greater gift than Him. HE is the gift that will last forever! As CHRISTmas draws near and we prepare to share our gifts and homes with friends and family, my hope is that the love, joy and peace that JESUS gives shines brightly.  Through the hustle and bustle of each day, may we His sheep, shine as a light for Him and share His love with those who may not know Him or those who are simply hurting and in need of His saving power. May we all remember that HE is 'The Reason for the Season'!

In The Lord's Care

^{Psalm 37:18-19 (CEV)
18}Those who obey the LORD are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever.
¹⁹They won't be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce.

 It's been a while since my last post. Mother's Day was in fact the last day I blogged but after a few inquiries, I'm back to share a little godly perspective  - as Mother's Day is soon approaching for me again. No, not the national holiday but a true holiday for my family, as the celebration of a new blessing is just around the corner.
 As I think about the change that will come, I am no more certain of what tomorrow will bring than the next person, but I do know this - if I seek and obey the Lord he is sure to guide me and care for me.
 Psalm 37 is a book that reminds us verse after verse that if we trust in the Lord, delight in HIM, commit the things we do to HIM and wait on HIM, then HE will bless us, direct us, protect us, honor us, rescue us, help us and  save us. As I recently read in a family devotional of ours, " He is the best parent who wants the best for HIS children." There is no need for me, as HIS child, to have worry or concern when HE is in control and promises to take care of me and meet my needs.

THE GIFT OF BEING A MOTHER

     I was blessed earlier this week with a visit from my mother. While she was over, she took time to read a book to my daughter. As I sat there beside them, listening and watching the way my mom read the book, I was transported to my own childhood. I can vividly remember my mom reading to me as a child and I appreciate it even to this day. She read with emotion, changing her voice for each character with full expression. She pointed out words that my daughter could easily learn to read on her own and as she repeated them, I smiled from the inside out. My mother always made reading exciting. In my memories, I can still hear my favorite stories in her voice. I too have read to my children in that very same way and they all love to read and to learn. It's a great blessing to watch them as they are growing each day and it's wonderful to pour into them the great things that my parents poured into me.

Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV says,

¹ As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Live a life worthy of your calling. This word was shared with me years ago and it certainly impacts my daily living - being called to be Christ's very own.  I also feel that I am called to be a mother. Better yet, I know. I can look at the work of God in my life and know that He is guiding me down this path day by day, step by step. It is definitely a calling in which you must be humble, gentle, patient and bear with one another in love. With the Holy Spirit leading you, your days can be filled with unity and peace, even in the midst of chaos.

So today on this Mother's Day, I'm thankful to God for the gift of being a mother. It is a calling that I humbly accept and hope that HE is pleased with my living. I'm thankful that JESUS, my LORD and SAVIOR, walks with me and guides me and even forgives me when I mess up. I'm also thankful to God for my own mother, because HE blessed my life with her.  Many women have poured into my life but HE chose her to be the first.

Thanks Mom!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!

 

A SPECIAL DAY

 Today I decided to start a special day with a special treat- a hot cup of coffee with broiled butter toast, not to be enjoyed alongside, but dipped in the coffee. My grandfather introduced me to this when I was a young child and I have enjoyed it ever since. There is just nothing like it. I truly miss my Granddaddy, but he lives on in my memories. I love to imitate his voice and laugh about the funny things he would say and do. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
  I remember as a child, watching my grandfather kneel at his bedside to say his prayers each night. His example impacted me and taught me it was important to pray daily. My granddad cared for me, encouraged me and loved me unconditionally, even when my actions weren't good or perfect. He gave me a glimpse of just how much God loves me and for that I will always be thankful. 

^{John 15:9-12 (NLT)
9} “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. ¹⁰ When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! ¹² This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you." 

How great it is to be loved by JESUS who gave HIS life for you, for me and all the world.  How wonderful it is to have the opportunity to reflect HIS love in the lives of others. I'm thankful for those who have done so in my life.

Just 2 words?

Ephesians 4:6-8 (Amplified Bible)

⁶One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.
⁷Yet grace (God's unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ's [rich and bounteous] gift.
⁸Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men.

 There is a campaign going on, that perhaps you've seen billboards or posters for. I've even seen it online and on bumper stickers.  A view of the website shows different people sharing their testimony on how the gospel of Christ changed their lives. To sum it up, they can begin their story with just 2words. Actually one word, first posed as a question, then as a definite.
 In viewing the website for this campaign, it made me think - what word could I use to tell my story of how Jesus changed my life?  I came to the conclusion that I couldn't do it in just two words.  I was gifted so many things by the Lord Jesus Christ when I came into fellowship with HIM. He restored so many things, that one or two words just couldn't say it all. I am eternally thankful from the depth of my heart. As the elders would say, "If I had a thousand tongues, I couldn't thank HIM enough!"
 The above verse shares that GOD's unmerited favor is given to us in different ways, in proportion to Christ's rich gift. So while some may be able to give their story in just a couple words, I my friend have many. However, the important thing is not the amount of words you use, but that you do indeed share a word. HIS WORD.
 A statement I recently came across read, "You could be the only Jesus that someone encounters today."  God puts people in our path that we can touch with HIS LOVE, simply by sharing HIS TRUTH and how HE has changed our lives. So whether you use 1 word, 2 words or several, may our words and our actions glorify God!

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!

I posted a message earlier today, only to find it didn't actually post. I hope that everyone enjoyed their day and celebrated it for its true significance. For some, Christmas is the most important holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus. However, Resurrection Sunday should hold at least equal, if not even greater importance to our faith and our lives. Jesus triumphed over death! He rose with all power and is seated in heaven with the Father. I am so thankful for His sacrifice and thankful that His Spirit lives inside of me and all those who know Him as Lord and Savior.

In John 16:33(NLT)  Jesus said, " Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
 
My hope is that we all remember this not just today but every day. There is great power in the name of Jesus. Rejoice in knowing that we do not walk alone, but our Savior walks with us. Call on Him, cry out to Him!  If the story of His life, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection teaches us anything, it's certainly that He knows about all the things we face. He cares deeply for us and can deliver us from all that we encounter.

OUR REASONABLE SACRIFICE this GOOD FRIDAY

Today is GOOD FRIDAY. A day to remember the ultimate sacrifice that JESUS CHRIST gave for all the world. He died so I could live, so you could live, so we ALL could live closer to GOD. I'm thankful for His sacrifice. He laid down His life and shed His blood, taking all of our sins to the cross with Him. He was whipped, mocked, slapped in the face, beaten and bruised, nailed to a wooden cross and pierced in His side. ( John 19) Through His sacrifice we have been freed from the curse of sin, healed from sickness and disease and given the promise of eternal life.
Romans 12: 1-2 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
  It's important to me to remember JESUS' sacrifice not just today, but everyday, through the way I live and the way I teach my children to live. JESUS  said we must pick up our cross and follow Him.  We must die daily to the flesh. So, as we remember the price He paid for us today, let us give ourselves to Him in heart, mind, body and soul. Stand up, stand out and stand for Him. Don't let today just be another day, let it be GOOD FRIDAY.

The Power of Writing

 I recently came across some journaling I had done last summer. I smiled when I read it, as I was reminded of the great family memories we made during that time. My children are growing each day and I treasure the moments we spend together.
 All of my life, I've been one to write and journal little notes. Whether my emotions were up or down, it was always a great release for me. It's been powerful for me to look back and realize the growth that has occurred in my life. You may sometimes hear people say, "God has brought me a mighty long way." Well, I can certainly say that, with a  resounding AMEN! HALLELUJAH! and THANK YOU LORD!       
A businessman on television once said, "If you attend a business seminar and don't write down at least one thing you need to change on Monday morning, then you really didn't get anything out of it." 
That said to me, if I attend church on Sunday and don't write down at least one thing that I can apply to my life, then I didn't get anything out of it. Not because the Lord didn't say anything to reach me, but because I didn't take the time to make note of anything and hold on to it for its appointed time in my life or the life of someone else that I could help.
Each time I attend church, I'm sure to take notes - the scripture, sermon title and important points of the message. I've kept them all and always manage to come across just the right message at the right time. I treasure God's Word and I am so thankful for the opportunity to hear from God each week through the pastor.
 Isaiah 8:16(NLT) says, "Preserve the teaching of God." It is because of writing that we have God's Word today- to teach us what is right and true, correct us and prepare us to do His work. With all of today's technology, writing by hand is becoming a pastime of sorts. I find that unfortunate. I treasure handwritten notes from loved ones, as it is a little piece of them. Just another example of the magnificence of God's creation, making each individuals handwriting unique. With a simple pen and pad, you can preserve the lessons in life that God has taught you. You never know how it can later impact you or future generations.

A Great Day

"Children are a gift from the Lord"- Psalm 127:3(NLT)

Eleven years ago today, April 9, my life changed forever. While the journey was just beginning, I felt the strength of God's love for me. I wept tears of joy and I praised God for the beautiful blessing of my first born child. Today, celebrating my firstborn and expecting my sixth, I praise God for all of HIS wonderful blessings.

A Lesson from the Recycling Bin

"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Mark 10:14-15 (NLT)

Have you ever noticed how babies love to play with things like boxes, paper, empty plastic containers? Simple things. While us adults ooh and aah at the newest, brightly colored toy that can sing and speak in multiple languages and will make our children the next Einstein. There is always the latest and greatest, next best thing at the store, begging for your dollars. Meanwhile, treasure awaits in a place right in front of you - the recycling bin. Things that have already been paid for, headed to the trash. Yet, a baby can look at those same objects and see a treasure trove of fun and learning through simple play.
What if we adults took on this simple way of viewing things? Sometimes we can over complicate situations in life that really could be handled with a more simple solution. So much time is wasted trying to find the next best thing or person that will make us "happy", while JESUS is there waiting all along for you to simply call on HIM.
Just like those recyclables we have already been paid for. While we were yet sinners, JESUS paid it all when HE died on the cross for the sins of the world. HE can transform a life headed in the wrong direction, into one full of purpose and love. The treasures HE holds for those that believe in HIM, bring far greater joy and fulfillment than anything else in this world. 

Pardon the Interruption

 " Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." Philippians 2:4-5

I was recently out shopping and wanted to purchase a few snacks for my family. While my husband was checking out, I went over to the concession area and placed an order. I turned to ask my husband if he had a dime, so I wouldn't have to break a larger bill, but pay the exact change. The gentleman behind me in line took out a dime and offered it to me. While this may be a seemingly small gesture, I was sure to tell the man thank you and that it was very kind of him.

 In today's world, we encounter so many people that are walking around in a hurry, on the phone or texting, oblivious to the things and people around them. Many older gentlemen will still hold a door for a lady but many youth try to squeeze through the door at the same time, without saying excuse me. It falls on the parents and mentors of today. We set the example.
 It was once said to me by a man holding the door for me, "There are a few gentlemen left in the world." My response, "Yes, I'm raising a few myself." Not only gentlemen but young ladies as well. My husband and I are sure to instill "The Golden Rule" in all of our children, " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."( Matthew 7:12)  It only takes a moment to extend courtesy and manners to our fellow man.

 There are so many examples in the Bible where Jesus was on His way to do one thing, yet someone interrupted in order to receive healing that only He could give. Everyday we have opportunities to share His love with others. Extend a helping hand, hold a door, say hello, smile... all simple things that today are being seen less and less as everyone is in such a hurry to take care of themselves. You never know how you can touch a person's heart with a simple gesture of caring. You can show them that there is good in the world today and His name is JESUS.

SONSHINE

Today is a beautiful bright sunny day and I just love it! As I've been out today, basking in the sun, I just thank God for the beauty of HIS creation. It is a blessing to smell the clean fresh air, feel the breeze and see flocks of chirping birds swoop down to gather food.  Spring is certainly here : ) Yes there are a few clouds in the sky blocking the sun's rays from time to time, but that bright light can still be seen peeking through. 

This beautiful weather brought a particular verse of scripture to mind. Matthew 5:16 (AMP) says, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

As the wonderful sun shines in the sky, let us children of God remember to let the SON, living on the inside of us, shine brightly through our words, deeds and actions. Let others see that you live for HIM and the love, joy and peace that brings. Our heavenly Father will then be recognized, exalted and praised. Even when
those clouds come- things, people or situations that try to dim your light, remember that the love of JESUS can still shine through.

DECISIONS

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not to thy own understanding. Acknowledge HIM in all your ways and HE will direct thy paths."

The above passage of scripture is one I always cling to when faced with making an important decision. I must consult the Lord, knowing that HE knows what is best for me. After all, HE did create me and HE has a plan and purpose for my life. As a parent, you are faced with the responsibilty of making important decisions on behalf of your children. I am so thankful that I can seek the Lord and know that HE will guide me. Often parents will say, "There is no instruction booklet on raising children." I firmly disagree. God has given us HIS WORD to lead us and guide us. As children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), surely HE wants to be involved in the decisions we make on their behalf.  My hope is that parents would utilize another precious gift from the LORD - the HOLY BIBLE.  It's up to us parents to STUDY GOD'S WORD, PRAY and SEEK HIM in our daily lives. Then we can know and understand HIS instruction for our lives.

THE ONLY ONE

Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since my last post. Life gets quite busy at our household every Spring and this year we've been pleasantly busy with birthday celebrations and baptisms among many other things. I praise GOD daily for HIS abiding presence in our lives. It is a blessing.

As stated before in a previous post, I find daily devotional time to be vitally important. Keep GOD first!
Your days go so much better. Why? Perspective is based on HIM and HIS blessings, HIS grace, HIS mercy, HIS love and HIS promises. A recent study for me was based on the story of Noah found in Genesis 6-9.
As a child growing up, I loved the story of Noah's Ark, in part because I was an animal lover. However, today, after much growth and spiritual maturity, I love this story because of Noah and his love for GOD. It's amazing to think that in ALL the earth, Noah was found to be the only righteous man, worshipping and serving the Lord, following HIS commands and not the wicked ways of the world. Wow! THE ONLY ONE IN ALL THE WORLD!
 So often, people feel uncomfortable being the only one. However, GOD calls HIS children to stand out and be different. It's okay if you're the only one to stand on your faith and step out to do what HE has called you to do, despite what the world might think or say.  It's okay to be the only one praising HIM and expressing joy when everyone else is being negative and complaining. Does it take strength? Sure. But remember, HE gives us HIS strength.
I think what's most powerful to understand is that when we feel like we stand alone here on the earth, God in heaven is standing right along with those who love HIM. HIS Holy Spirit living on the inside of us gives us that strength to stand and be the only one living as HE would have us to.
Psalm 28:7 (NLT) says , "The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust HIM with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." 
Even in today's world, we as believer's in CHRIST JESUS can trust in the Lord and be filled with joy, loving HIM, following HIM, and most of all telling others about HIM.

Giving Thanks

Each morning I rise, I know that there is a lot to be thankful for. First and foremost, God is an AWESOME GOD!! I am so thankful for HIS presence in my life. HE has blessed me with great family, great friends and the opportunity to live for HIM each day. My hope is that I pass an attitude of thanksgiving on to those I encounter. There's plenty out there to be negative about but with JESUS in your heart there's so much more to be positive about and ultimately, THANKFUL.

"Do not worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank HIM for all HE has done." Phillipians 4:6 NLT

BRAND NEW

 It's a brand NEW YEAR! To everyone, I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm excited for 2011 and look forward to enjoying it with my family and friends! When I think about the word NEW, I'm reminded of God's Word and I just get excited! Titus 3:5 (NLT)

 "he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a NEW birth and NEW life through the Holy Spirit."
On this NEW day of 2011, I'm so glad to know the Lord JESUS as my SAVIOR and I'm thankful for the newness of each day with HIM.
As Isaiah 60:1 says, " Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. The glory of the Lord rises to shine on you."  As HIS child, I know that HE is in control and knows what's best for me. So, this year I hope to shine for HIM as HE shines HIS love, wisdom, guidance and direction on me. I also hope that in this NEW YEAR, you my friend choose to let God lead you, as you shine your light for JESUS CHRIST. Share HIS love with someone today and remember each and every day that HE cares for you.