I don't know about you, but when a new year comes around, I get reflective. I take time out and think about how far I've come and where I want to go. And for someone who sometimes is extremely hard on herself, much frustration comes up.
Why?
Well, I think about where I wanted to be in terms of career goals, relationship goals (yes, I have relationship goals) and financial goals. I want things; some things of a spiritual nature, but there are some things of a material nature too!
I enjoy watching HGTV and I watch the shopping channel from time to time and sometimes daydream about having some of the things I see. But sometimes it goes a little too far; my goals for attaining certain material things seemed to begin to be more important than my other goals.
I recently told a friend that I was convicted about this and confessed in my prayertime that I had been a bit too focused on the material.
In the parable of the Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-24), the Rich Young Man, wanted the right thing, to follow Jesus, he was doing the right thing; he kept the commandments.
But one thing stood in the way of him and eternal life, he could not give up his wealth!
Now I believe that whatever God has for each of us (car, home ownership, lots of material possessions), it is for us no question. But when we allow these things to shift our focus from the greater and bigger picture of eternal life and our real purpose here on earth, then our material things become a problem!
We were created for worship and praise to the one and only true God! Our material stuff is just that, STUFF! GOD THRU JESUS CHRIST SHOULD BE OUR FOCUS!
What do you think? Do you want to walk away sad from a life in Christ because the pull of the world's stuff is too great?
As for me, I'm hoping God will continue to convict and correct when I lose focus. I desire to set my heart on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
After all, we've brought nothing into this world, and we take nothing out...
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Earth Holds No Sorrow that Heaven Cannot Heal
I attended yet another funeral of someone I have come to love and respect.. Yes, as with life, there is certainly death. It is a reality, and those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, we are certain that our loved ones and friends are with the Lord.
But it still hurts! We still miss those whom we've shared so much: laughs, tears, and daily dramas, up and downs. There is a piece of our lives suddenly missing and we want it back!
Can anyone relate to what I'm saying?
Yes, I take a moment to cry out and lament over how much I will miss this person and reflect over the many others I've lost in my short lifetime. It's okay to mourn! In my capacity as a minister, I think about how diffiuclt it was for me to fight back the tears today in order to be strong for the family and the congregation. I looked over at my pastor and wondered how many times he had to fight back tears in order to lead surviving families and friends in celebrating the life of the departed.
We can be encouraged that as much as we may mourn and experience the sorrow of losing a loved one, it is definitely true that God can handle our sorrows! God can at just the right time lift you up out of your sorrows; whether He allows you to wake up in the morning feeling like a weight has been lifted or whether
He sends people into your life that show up with the word or action that can help you feel like you can make it another day, God can and God will see you through!
But it still hurts! We still miss those whom we've shared so much: laughs, tears, and daily dramas, up and downs. There is a piece of our lives suddenly missing and we want it back!
Can anyone relate to what I'm saying?
Yes, I take a moment to cry out and lament over how much I will miss this person and reflect over the many others I've lost in my short lifetime. It's okay to mourn! In my capacity as a minister, I think about how diffiuclt it was for me to fight back the tears today in order to be strong for the family and the congregation. I looked over at my pastor and wondered how many times he had to fight back tears in order to lead surviving families and friends in celebrating the life of the departed.
We can be encouraged that as much as we may mourn and experience the sorrow of losing a loved one, it is definitely true that God can handle our sorrows! God can at just the right time lift you up out of your sorrows; whether He allows you to wake up in the morning feeling like a weight has been lifted or whether
He sends people into your life that show up with the word or action that can help you feel like you can make it another day, God can and God will see you through!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
It's a New Day!
Yes, it's been a long time since you've last heard from me. We have a new look and a new title because it is a new day! And this day is new year!
John 8:32 says, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
The year 2011 is about telling the truth, and the truth is, in my world, I experienced many challenges; physically, emotionally, and mentally during 2010. I may have taken on too much, despite receiving news of a medical diagnosis. I definitely continued to be troubled regarding stressors on my job, in church and all of those related to raising a teenager as a single mom.
I wanted to feel alive, despite the pain that has come to be apart of my life for this present moment. I don't own it forever, but I am in the reality that for this point in time it's what I have to deal with. To feel alive, I piled on responsibilities and obligations, did my best to be present for social engagements.
These things are not wrong, but when used to stuff feelings-pain even, they turned out to be wrong decisons and failed to leave time for the more important things. These were the truths for my world.
How about you??
The truth of God is this, if we tell the truth, if we face the truth, it will indeed set us free! Isn't true? :)
How good does it feel after so many lies to have the truth come out! Doesn't it feel like a weight has been lifted? Yes, sometimes truth hurts, but in these last and evil days, do you really want your life to be a series of lies to yourself and others?
So here's some truth from me: I went on Facebook and posted my hope that those who did not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would confess their sins and believe on Him that they would be saved. Only one person "liked" my posting. The truth: I was shocked that there was not more. The truth is, we do not know the day or the hour of when Christ will return for His own and if you are not ready when He comes, then you will be left behind! If I sound insistent, it's because it's important, and it is indeed in the Word of God.
The truth is, we are living in times when we cannot afford to continue to live in sin! 2011 is a year to step out boldly and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!
It's a new day!
John 8:32 says, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
The year 2011 is about telling the truth, and the truth is, in my world, I experienced many challenges; physically, emotionally, and mentally during 2010. I may have taken on too much, despite receiving news of a medical diagnosis. I definitely continued to be troubled regarding stressors on my job, in church and all of those related to raising a teenager as a single mom.
I wanted to feel alive, despite the pain that has come to be apart of my life for this present moment. I don't own it forever, but I am in the reality that for this point in time it's what I have to deal with. To feel alive, I piled on responsibilities and obligations, did my best to be present for social engagements.
These things are not wrong, but when used to stuff feelings-pain even, they turned out to be wrong decisons and failed to leave time for the more important things. These were the truths for my world.
How about you??
The truth of God is this, if we tell the truth, if we face the truth, it will indeed set us free! Isn't true? :)
How good does it feel after so many lies to have the truth come out! Doesn't it feel like a weight has been lifted? Yes, sometimes truth hurts, but in these last and evil days, do you really want your life to be a series of lies to yourself and others?
So here's some truth from me: I went on Facebook and posted my hope that those who did not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would confess their sins and believe on Him that they would be saved. Only one person "liked" my posting. The truth: I was shocked that there was not more. The truth is, we do not know the day or the hour of when Christ will return for His own and if you are not ready when He comes, then you will be left behind! If I sound insistent, it's because it's important, and it is indeed in the Word of God.
The truth is, we are living in times when we cannot afford to continue to live in sin! 2011 is a year to step out boldly and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ!
It's a new day!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Clean on the Inside or Clean on the Outside?
In the bible text Matthew 15:18-20 it says, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughs, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man 'unclean;' but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.'"
What's better clean on the inside or clean on the outside? In our world today we are bombarded with diseases, infections, and viruses that are being transmitted through the air and common interaction-touch! We look to be clean if we want to stay healthy: we wash our hands, cover our mouths whatever it takes to stave off infection.
But how often in our words and thoughts have we murdered, been unfaithful, committed sexual sin, stole, lied against, and mispoke against others?? Seems like it couldn't happen, yet I bet at least one time this very day the dirtiness of your heart spilled out or against someone.
Think about it....are you clean on the inside or clean on the outside?
Or are you just plain dirty??? You decide.
Blessings!
What's better clean on the inside or clean on the outside? In our world today we are bombarded with diseases, infections, and viruses that are being transmitted through the air and common interaction-touch! We look to be clean if we want to stay healthy: we wash our hands, cover our mouths whatever it takes to stave off infection.
But how often in our words and thoughts have we murdered, been unfaithful, committed sexual sin, stole, lied against, and mispoke against others?? Seems like it couldn't happen, yet I bet at least one time this very day the dirtiness of your heart spilled out or against someone.
Think about it....are you clean on the inside or clean on the outside?
Or are you just plain dirty??? You decide.
Blessings!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Connected
What holds you together when things go wrong? Is it a significant other, loved one, food, smoking, drinking or some other habit?
The bible tells us those who are in Christ are connected to the true vine! And if we remain in Him, He will remain in us! He will stand by us and He will protect us!
Life is stressful enough, and when everything goes upside down we need to stay connected to a sure source!
Blessings!
The bible tells us those who are in Christ are connected to the true vine! And if we remain in Him, He will remain in us! He will stand by us and He will protect us!
Life is stressful enough, and when everything goes upside down we need to stay connected to a sure source!
Blessings!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Firm Foundation!
What is your life rooted in? If a major disaster hit your life, this day, this hour, this minute, would you be able to stand against the storms of life?
The Northeast United States just got pummelled with rain and flooding this past weekend. The local news channels have flooded the tv with photos from all over of the damage the rains and winds have done in the area; downed telephone poles, electical power lines,and trees!
No one is exempt from the catastrophes that life can bring us! Will you be the one down after the storm?
As for me, my foundation is in God thru Christ Jesus. With Christ on my side, I have an assurance that no matter what storm comes in my life, I will not be broken!
So, think about what roots you and is there or if there is anything holding you together?
Blessings!
The Northeast United States just got pummelled with rain and flooding this past weekend. The local news channels have flooded the tv with photos from all over of the damage the rains and winds have done in the area; downed telephone poles, electical power lines,and trees!
No one is exempt from the catastrophes that life can bring us! Will you be the one down after the storm?
As for me, my foundation is in God thru Christ Jesus. With Christ on my side, I have an assurance that no matter what storm comes in my life, I will not be broken!
So, think about what roots you and is there or if there is anything holding you together?
Blessings!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Showing Up or Just Floating?
What is the status of your life right now? Have you checked in lately?
We walk our walk everyday. We wake up, we take care of our families, we work, we may worship God, take care of bills, etc. But have we tapped into our life's passion yet? Our daily can allow us to float from one day to the next for the most part in a very effortless fashion!
However, showing up, is a little different! It requires figuring our what's going on in our lives, good or bad. It means that after we do our evaluation of the state of our lives, we have to decide if this is actually working for us!
We have to actually make plans for change! And then an even bigger step, we actually have to carry out the change we neeed!
It may sound a little scary, but I think I prefer to show up in my life, because I just realized just a few short months ago that I had been floating and I didn't even know it! I want to feel, experience, and deal with life: its good, its challenges, whatever God has planned for me!
You won't know what's God's best if you allow this world to just let you float thru. It may be time to wake yourself up and show up to the first day of your new life!
Blessings...
We walk our walk everyday. We wake up, we take care of our families, we work, we may worship God, take care of bills, etc. But have we tapped into our life's passion yet? Our daily can allow us to float from one day to the next for the most part in a very effortless fashion!
However, showing up, is a little different! It requires figuring our what's going on in our lives, good or bad. It means that after we do our evaluation of the state of our lives, we have to decide if this is actually working for us!
We have to actually make plans for change! And then an even bigger step, we actually have to carry out the change we neeed!
It may sound a little scary, but I think I prefer to show up in my life, because I just realized just a few short months ago that I had been floating and I didn't even know it! I want to feel, experience, and deal with life: its good, its challenges, whatever God has planned for me!
You won't know what's God's best if you allow this world to just let you float thru. It may be time to wake yourself up and show up to the first day of your new life!
Blessings...
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