For most people, this time of the year means ~ Spring Cleaning!!! Time to freshen up your house from the winter and get everything swelling good and clean. You make your to-do list of everything you want to get done around your house. Maybe if you are like me, I start on the outside of my house by doing the windows. It's the beginning of beautiful weather and I love to have clean windows to open up and let all the fresh air in. Then I go from room to room cleaning from top to bottom. There is nothing more gratifying then having a sparkling clean house. Call me crazy, but I love to clean!! Not only at my house, but for others also. I love to help people clean and organize their homes. Okay so I'm not so crazy about cleaning toilets but other than that, I do get joy from a clean home.
Have you noticed when you have your house clean and in order it just makes you feel better. You are never ashamed or embarrassed if someone should just show up at your house, or your husband invites some friends over at the last minute. Or maybe a clean house is just not important to you. You don't care what other people think. It definitely doesn't make you feel good, but you just don't want to take the time to make it better. You say to yourself, " I don't want to clean, my house is fine just the way it is."
What about your heart? Does your heart need some Spring cleaning? Or do you think you are fine just the way you are.
I love Psalm 51:10 ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Quoted from the Message it says," Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life."
A lot of times we have so much "JUNK" in our hearts that it starts to affect how we live. Maybe it's a deep dark sin that you don't want anyone to know about. It could be that unforgiving spirit you have towards someone. It could be bitterness, envy, hatred, impure motives.
Whatever "Junk" you may have in your heart, It's time to clean it out!!! God wants us to have a pure and clean heart so others may see Jesus shining from our lives!! Make a to-do list of everything that needs to be cleaned out of your heart. Ask God to reveal those things to you and then ask Him to forgive you.
It's pretty simple. Just say, "Hi, God, I have my soap and scrub brush ready! Show me what it is in my heart that needs to be cleaned out so that Your Son Jesus may shine through me for others to see."
Trust me, I know you will feel so much better!! Your spiritual house will be in order and God will be able to use you as His clean vessel.
So are you ready to clean house?? Get rid of all those lingering cobwebs hiding in the corners of your life. Ask God to help you take out the garbage and clutter that are limiting the ways for others to see Jesus shining through you.
Let the Spring Cleaning Begin!!!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Has Your Personality and Life Changed? If So, Why?
If you read my post from last week, I talked about the big word ~ Commitment! I truly know that God has been trying to help me in this area of commitment in so many areas in my own life. God has heard my prayers over and over about how I so desire to want to live a life full of grace and mercy and love and be totally committed to Him. There is only one problem!! ME!! I haven't really been the same person that I use to be. Where was my faith in God? Why don't I trust Him like I should? My heart has changed. My personality has changed. My life has changed. It's like I have allowed satan to steal my life from me, and I feel so hopeless and defeated. Lord, I need your help if I am going to be totally committed to living my life that brings You glory!!
Well, I just have to say this is what God has been stirring in my heart these last couple of weeks.
It all comes back to the question ~ Why?? Have you ever had something happen in your life and you find yourself asking God ~ Why did you allow this to happen to me??
Twelve years ago I lost my sweet mother to cancer. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever gone through. From the time we left my dads house after the funeral and headed back home to Alabama my life had changed. All I could do for the longest time was to question God. Why did you take my mom away from me?? I miss her so much! I couldn't understand why He was allowing me to go through this pain and suffering. About 6 months after losing my mom, God allowed me to understand why I went through that pain and suffering of losing a loved one. As a Pastor's wife at that time, He used me to help two very dear friends of mine through the loss of their loved ones. I could truly understand how they were feeling and God allowed me to stand beside them and give them words of encouragement and love. It was amazing to see how God used me and gave me just the right words to say to bring comfort to my dear friends and many others after them.
A Healing Truth ~ If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose - a good purpose, because He is a good God.
I could still be living a life full of anger and bitterness and hurt from the death of my mom, but God brought me out of my deep pit of despair and He is using me to bring comfort to those around me in the loss of their loved ones. God is so good!!
A Healing Truth ~ Because God is all-knowing, He knows the very source of your deepest pain- and He understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
Here's why my title of this post is talking about your personality and your life as you are living it right now.
Within these last couple of weeks of really looking at my own life and where I am spiritually right now, I realized I am not walking close with God like I should be or want to be. This was really hard for me to admit, but I needed to change my heart. I can not be totally committed to God when my heart and life is not where it should be. Why? I know why ~ I was allowing anger, hurt, pain and so many other emotions invade my life and it completely was changing my personality. Wow!! Can something that has hurt you beyond words change who you are and how you respond to your family and those around you? Yes, it really can!!
Have you ever experienced a hurt so devastating and unbearable that you thought for sure it was just a BIG NIGHTMARE!!! And then you ask yourself that question, at least I did - God, if you are all- knowing, Why did you allow this to happen to me?
Many know our story, but for those who do not, I will just briefly tell about our journey that Jack and I have been on.
Over three years ago my husband betrayed me for another woman. I thought my life was over!!! I was totally devastated and hurt beyond words. My emotions were all over the place. One day I would be so angry at God for allowing this to happen and then the next day I would be crying out to God to help me. The question ~ WHY? was asked over and over again.
I remember sitting at my fathers table when I first saw him and some of the first words that he gave me were - "Becky, You know what Romans 8:28 says; And 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".
Jack went into the "City of Refuge" program which is through a church in Georgia that helps hurting pastor's and their families. After being in the program for a little over a month, I joined him and we went through the program together getting much needed counseling and support. You know when you go through a hard circumstance, sometimes you feel like you are the only one going through it. Well, I found out that there are many others who are hurting and going through hardships.
Jack and I completed the program in April of 2010 and the first weekend of May we re-newed our vows to each other.
Now I would love to tell you that everything has just been great and that we both are healed and moving on. We are getting there, but we have still gone through some difficult times and even a few months of separation since then, but our pain has not been in vain. God is redeeming our pain and He is using our story to help others. We never know why God allows hurt and pain and circumstances to come into our lives, but until we let go of the hurt and anger and unforgiveness we are continually living in our past and we are never going to be able to move on with our lives and experience a true relationship with God.
Here's the truth ~ I have been writing this blog for almost a week and satan has been trying to get me not to finish it or even just delete it. When he knows that your heart is changing and you are wanting to make a true commitment to God and experience all that God has for you, he is not a happy with your decision and he will do anything he can to stop you. You see, if you stay the way you have been- angry, hurt, bitter, unforgiving, always wanting people to feel sorry for you because of what someone has done to you. Easily frustrated and easily agitated. Allowing the hurt to keep you from your quiet time and your relationship with God and maybe even going to church. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. You are not living your life that brings glory to God. You are just living each day in your hurt and pain and not experiencing what God wants to give you. That's where I have been. Not wanting to let go of these last couple of years. Living in my self-pity and continually punishing my husband for what happened in our marriage.
A Healing Truth ~ Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself-to complete and total dependence on God-which is the best place you could ever be. Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else's actions or by your own sins and failures, healing begins at the cross - the greatest expression of God's love for you.
Here is my commitment today~ Satan I am taking back what you stole from me, you are under my feet ( I am stomping on you really hard!!) and Lord, I am totally trusting in You to heal me and make me stronger in my walk. To use me as your clean vessel in helping others around me who are hurting. Use my pain for Your good! It's my desire to live for You!!
So my friend, here is a challenge for you. If you have been hurt by someone or have gone through a difficult circumstance~ How have you been living your life? Has your personality changed? If so, are you wanting to stay the way you are, living in your past hurts and unforgiveness towards someone ~ or are you ready to give it all over to God and trust Him totally with your life. To experience God like you never have before.
The choice is up to you!!
As for me and my house, I choose God!!!
* If you are needing healing and hope for your life's desperate moments ~ Here is a great book to read by Kay Arthur ~ When the Hurt Runs Deep. All of the Healing Truths came from her book.
Psalm 51:10-12 ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Be Blessed and Encouraged today!! God loves You!!
Well, I just have to say this is what God has been stirring in my heart these last couple of weeks.
It all comes back to the question ~ Why?? Have you ever had something happen in your life and you find yourself asking God ~ Why did you allow this to happen to me??
Twelve years ago I lost my sweet mother to cancer. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever gone through. From the time we left my dads house after the funeral and headed back home to Alabama my life had changed. All I could do for the longest time was to question God. Why did you take my mom away from me?? I miss her so much! I couldn't understand why He was allowing me to go through this pain and suffering. About 6 months after losing my mom, God allowed me to understand why I went through that pain and suffering of losing a loved one. As a Pastor's wife at that time, He used me to help two very dear friends of mine through the loss of their loved ones. I could truly understand how they were feeling and God allowed me to stand beside them and give them words of encouragement and love. It was amazing to see how God used me and gave me just the right words to say to bring comfort to my dear friends and many others after them.
A Healing Truth ~ If God has allowed pain in our lives, He has allowed it for a purpose - a good purpose, because He is a good God.
I could still be living a life full of anger and bitterness and hurt from the death of my mom, but God brought me out of my deep pit of despair and He is using me to bring comfort to those around me in the loss of their loved ones. God is so good!!
A Healing Truth ~ Because God is all-knowing, He knows the very source of your deepest pain- and He understands exactly how to touch it, heal it, and use it to bring about your highest good.
Here's why my title of this post is talking about your personality and your life as you are living it right now.
Within these last couple of weeks of really looking at my own life and where I am spiritually right now, I realized I am not walking close with God like I should be or want to be. This was really hard for me to admit, but I needed to change my heart. I can not be totally committed to God when my heart and life is not where it should be. Why? I know why ~ I was allowing anger, hurt, pain and so many other emotions invade my life and it completely was changing my personality. Wow!! Can something that has hurt you beyond words change who you are and how you respond to your family and those around you? Yes, it really can!!
Have you ever experienced a hurt so devastating and unbearable that you thought for sure it was just a BIG NIGHTMARE!!! And then you ask yourself that question, at least I did - God, if you are all- knowing, Why did you allow this to happen to me?
Many know our story, but for those who do not, I will just briefly tell about our journey that Jack and I have been on.
Over three years ago my husband betrayed me for another woman. I thought my life was over!!! I was totally devastated and hurt beyond words. My emotions were all over the place. One day I would be so angry at God for allowing this to happen and then the next day I would be crying out to God to help me. The question ~ WHY? was asked over and over again.
I remember sitting at my fathers table when I first saw him and some of the first words that he gave me were - "Becky, You know what Romans 8:28 says; And 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".
Jack went into the "City of Refuge" program which is through a church in Georgia that helps hurting pastor's and their families. After being in the program for a little over a month, I joined him and we went through the program together getting much needed counseling and support. You know when you go through a hard circumstance, sometimes you feel like you are the only one going through it. Well, I found out that there are many others who are hurting and going through hardships.
Jack and I completed the program in April of 2010 and the first weekend of May we re-newed our vows to each other.
Now I would love to tell you that everything has just been great and that we both are healed and moving on. We are getting there, but we have still gone through some difficult times and even a few months of separation since then, but our pain has not been in vain. God is redeeming our pain and He is using our story to help others. We never know why God allows hurt and pain and circumstances to come into our lives, but until we let go of the hurt and anger and unforgiveness we are continually living in our past and we are never going to be able to move on with our lives and experience a true relationship with God.
Here's the truth ~ I have been writing this blog for almost a week and satan has been trying to get me not to finish it or even just delete it. When he knows that your heart is changing and you are wanting to make a true commitment to God and experience all that God has for you, he is not a happy with your decision and he will do anything he can to stop you. You see, if you stay the way you have been- angry, hurt, bitter, unforgiving, always wanting people to feel sorry for you because of what someone has done to you. Easily frustrated and easily agitated. Allowing the hurt to keep you from your quiet time and your relationship with God and maybe even going to church. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. You are not living your life that brings glory to God. You are just living each day in your hurt and pain and not experiencing what God wants to give you. That's where I have been. Not wanting to let go of these last couple of years. Living in my self-pity and continually punishing my husband for what happened in our marriage.
A Healing Truth ~ Deep, exhausting, unrelenting hurt can bring you to the end of yourself-to complete and total dependence on God-which is the best place you could ever be. Whether your hurts have been caused by someone else's actions or by your own sins and failures, healing begins at the cross - the greatest expression of God's love for you.
Here is my commitment today~ Satan I am taking back what you stole from me, you are under my feet ( I am stomping on you really hard!!) and Lord, I am totally trusting in You to heal me and make me stronger in my walk. To use me as your clean vessel in helping others around me who are hurting. Use my pain for Your good! It's my desire to live for You!!
So my friend, here is a challenge for you. If you have been hurt by someone or have gone through a difficult circumstance~ How have you been living your life? Has your personality changed? If so, are you wanting to stay the way you are, living in your past hurts and unforgiveness towards someone ~ or are you ready to give it all over to God and trust Him totally with your life. To experience God like you never have before.
The choice is up to you!!
As for me and my house, I choose God!!!
* If you are needing healing and hope for your life's desperate moments ~ Here is a great book to read by Kay Arthur ~ When the Hurt Runs Deep. All of the Healing Truths came from her book.
Psalm 51:10-12 ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Be Blessed and Encouraged today!! God loves You!!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
What Are the Desires of Your Heart?
I have noticed so many times in my life especially when I am trying to be totally sold out or committed to something I catch myself saying, "Lord, you know the desires of my heart, so please help me!" It's like I know deep down in my heart what I want but I know I'm going to fail at doing it over and over again. It really comes down to that big word that I have such a hard time with ~ COMMITMENT!!!
Do you know how many times I have tried to make a commitment to something and have quit along the way!! I know you probably don't have this problem, but I think if we were all honest with ourselves we would have to say that being totally committed to something can be very hard.
I would have to say that over these last couple of weeks God has really been trying to teach me something about the word Commitment. Maybe it's because He really does know the desires of my heart and what I long for in my life.
Commitment demands a choice!! I can either choose to stay the way I am or I can be committed to change! Now of course my desire is to change, but somewhere along the way I choose to quit or give up. I can hear that little voice in my head saying, No, Don't quit ~ You can do this girlfriend!!! Stay strong!! But then that little devil that sits on my shoulder cuts the rope that I'm hanging on to and I fall flat on my face. I realize commitment is a life-time venture, requiring time (of course we make the time for what we really want), it's also work and determination.
For instance, in some areas of my life I am determined to be committed!! My marriage to my husband is something I am very committed to. God gave him to me and I made the vow to him almost 29 years ago to be with him until death do us part. Marriage is a BIG commitment!! and sometimes it takes A LOT of determination to stay committed. Matthew 19:6 ~ So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man (or woman) separate.
Marriage takes a lot of work, it's not a 50/50 thing ~ it is a 100/100 commitment to each other. I can honestly say that our marriage has taken some rough hits within these last couple of years. Satan has tried his best to destroy our marriage and family. I have gone through some very deep pain and hurt and have come very close to giving up on our marriage. When you are in the midst of so much hurt and pain and your emotions are all over the place, it's then when satan knows you are at your weakest and will come at you full force to destroy you!! This is when I had to get on my knees and truly ask God to help me!! Help me make sense of what is going on in my marriage. I can truly say that because of God's grace and mercy, love and forgiveness, God has restored our marriage!! Praise God!!! He knew the desires of my heart!!!
How many areas of your life have you tried to make a true commitment on?? I've tried to stay committed to diets and exercise and so many other things in my life and I'm sure you have too, but then I always seem to get off track and just give up. It's just too much work!!!!
If I can just be honest with you once again, I am tired of my lack of commitment in so many areas of my life, but it's my commitment to God that I am determined to make stronger starting today!!! I need to have more faith and more character. As I was reading notes in my woman's study Bible it said: Commitment is Following Jesus!! The choice for us as believers ~ either we deny ourselves or deny Him; either we go His way, or we pursue our way. Commitment demands action; it cannot be divorced from responsibility. It extends beyond our relationship to the heavenly Father to other areas of life. Can I just say, I am tired of doing things my way. I'm tired of asking for God's forgiveness in areas of my life that I know I can do so much better at with His help.
One of my favorite songs that I use to sing was called ~ It's My Desire to Live for Jesus!!!
Here are some of the words: It's my desire to live for Jesus. Though often I fail Him and bring Him shame, still It's my desire to live for Him. If you could see where Jesus brought me from to where I am today, then you would know the reason why I love Him so. Now you can take this world's wealth and riches, for I don't need earths fame, Because It's My Desire to Live for Him!!!
Lord, you say in Your Word in Psalm 37:3&4 ~ Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Lord, It is my desire to be more faithful and more in love with you. To totally trust in You to guide me through every area of my life! Help me Lord starting today to make a stronger commitment to You, to my husband, to our sons and daugher in "loves", to family, our church and all the other areas in my life.
COMMITMENT ~ How's that word working for you??
What are the Desires of Your Heart?
Do you know how many times I have tried to make a commitment to something and have quit along the way!! I know you probably don't have this problem, but I think if we were all honest with ourselves we would have to say that being totally committed to something can be very hard.
I would have to say that over these last couple of weeks God has really been trying to teach me something about the word Commitment. Maybe it's because He really does know the desires of my heart and what I long for in my life.
Commitment demands a choice!! I can either choose to stay the way I am or I can be committed to change! Now of course my desire is to change, but somewhere along the way I choose to quit or give up. I can hear that little voice in my head saying, No, Don't quit ~ You can do this girlfriend!!! Stay strong!! But then that little devil that sits on my shoulder cuts the rope that I'm hanging on to and I fall flat on my face. I realize commitment is a life-time venture, requiring time (of course we make the time for what we really want), it's also work and determination.
For instance, in some areas of my life I am determined to be committed!! My marriage to my husband is something I am very committed to. God gave him to me and I made the vow to him almost 29 years ago to be with him until death do us part. Marriage is a BIG commitment!! and sometimes it takes A LOT of determination to stay committed. Matthew 19:6 ~ So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man (or woman) separate.
Marriage takes a lot of work, it's not a 50/50 thing ~ it is a 100/100 commitment to each other. I can honestly say that our marriage has taken some rough hits within these last couple of years. Satan has tried his best to destroy our marriage and family. I have gone through some very deep pain and hurt and have come very close to giving up on our marriage. When you are in the midst of so much hurt and pain and your emotions are all over the place, it's then when satan knows you are at your weakest and will come at you full force to destroy you!! This is when I had to get on my knees and truly ask God to help me!! Help me make sense of what is going on in my marriage. I can truly say that because of God's grace and mercy, love and forgiveness, God has restored our marriage!! Praise God!!! He knew the desires of my heart!!!
How many areas of your life have you tried to make a true commitment on?? I've tried to stay committed to diets and exercise and so many other things in my life and I'm sure you have too, but then I always seem to get off track and just give up. It's just too much work!!!!
If I can just be honest with you once again, I am tired of my lack of commitment in so many areas of my life, but it's my commitment to God that I am determined to make stronger starting today!!! I need to have more faith and more character. As I was reading notes in my woman's study Bible it said: Commitment is Following Jesus!! The choice for us as believers ~ either we deny ourselves or deny Him; either we go His way, or we pursue our way. Commitment demands action; it cannot be divorced from responsibility. It extends beyond our relationship to the heavenly Father to other areas of life. Can I just say, I am tired of doing things my way. I'm tired of asking for God's forgiveness in areas of my life that I know I can do so much better at with His help.
One of my favorite songs that I use to sing was called ~ It's My Desire to Live for Jesus!!!
Here are some of the words: It's my desire to live for Jesus. Though often I fail Him and bring Him shame, still It's my desire to live for Him. If you could see where Jesus brought me from to where I am today, then you would know the reason why I love Him so. Now you can take this world's wealth and riches, for I don't need earths fame, Because It's My Desire to Live for Him!!!
Lord, you say in Your Word in Psalm 37:3&4 ~ Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Lord, It is my desire to be more faithful and more in love with you. To totally trust in You to guide me through every area of my life! Help me Lord starting today to make a stronger commitment to You, to my husband, to our sons and daugher in "loves", to family, our church and all the other areas in my life.
COMMITMENT ~ How's that word working for you??
What are the Desires of Your Heart?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Hey!! Where did all the Nice People Go??
About two weeks ago as I was entering a store a woman was coming up behind me so I went to the door and opened it and told her to go ahead. Waiting for a "Thank You", she walked right on by me without saying a word. Okay!!! No problem... I quickly went to the next set of doors that leaded into the store and opened those doors for her also. Again, she just walked on by me without saying a word. At this point I wanted to do the Christian like thing and just shout ~ "You're Welcome!!!!" All I could say was Wow!! as I was kinda of chuckling under my breath. People, people, people!!!! Where are your manners!!
Well, let me tell you it just gets better from that point. In the same store as I was kneeling down in an aisle looking for some glue, with plenty of room to go around me, I saw from the corner of my eye a lady coming with a cart or buggy if you're from the south. I looked one more time behind me to make sure she had plenty of room to go by and she did. I went back to looking for this certain kind of glue I wanted and before I knew it, I was hit in the backside and almost knocked to the floor. Really!!!! Did you really just hit me?? Yup, you did and hard too!! Now I am really laughing and thinking, I can't believe this. I looked up at her as she was going by me thinking she was going to say, Oh my goodness, I am so sorry, are you ok?
Well, that didn't happen. She kept her head up and walked right on by me. I sat on the floor really laughing now and was just in amazement to think that someone could do that and walk away without saying a word.
I found my glue and went around the corner and there she was!!! I wanted to start some store rage and go up to her and say, Hey lady, are you blind?? You about knocked my hip out of joint! What's your problem?? Did your mamma not teach you any manners!!!
Well, for all of you that know me, I didn't do that, even though I thought about it. My mamma and daddy did teach me manners, so I did the "Christ" like thing and walked away and left that store.
I am really noticing as I get older how people are acting and changing each day, and that goes for those of us who call ourselves Christians, little "Christ."
Where did our manners go? Are we not teaching our children manners anymore? What about loving and caring for people. People don't care anymore these days. All they think about is themselves and not others around them. Their angry, bitter and just miserable and for the Love of God, you better not mess with them or get in their way, because they sure enough will run you over!!!
May we all remember, that we do need more Love in this world. As a Christian, love is not optional. We are commanded to love one another. Love is demonstrative! Our love for God is shown through how we love others, even through our manners. Love is active!! Love is responsive. We are able to love because we have been and are loved by God. This love causes us to respond lovingly to others (I John 4:21)
In the words of my mamma when I was a young girl,"Show your manners" and then most importantly be Nice!! Show the love of God to others each and every day.
LIVE ~ LAUGH ~ LOVE
Love ya'll!!!!!
Well, let me tell you it just gets better from that point. In the same store as I was kneeling down in an aisle looking for some glue, with plenty of room to go around me, I saw from the corner of my eye a lady coming with a cart or buggy if you're from the south. I looked one more time behind me to make sure she had plenty of room to go by and she did. I went back to looking for this certain kind of glue I wanted and before I knew it, I was hit in the backside and almost knocked to the floor. Really!!!! Did you really just hit me?? Yup, you did and hard too!! Now I am really laughing and thinking, I can't believe this. I looked up at her as she was going by me thinking she was going to say, Oh my goodness, I am so sorry, are you ok?
Well, that didn't happen. She kept her head up and walked right on by me. I sat on the floor really laughing now and was just in amazement to think that someone could do that and walk away without saying a word.
I found my glue and went around the corner and there she was!!! I wanted to start some store rage and go up to her and say, Hey lady, are you blind?? You about knocked my hip out of joint! What's your problem?? Did your mamma not teach you any manners!!!
Well, for all of you that know me, I didn't do that, even though I thought about it. My mamma and daddy did teach me manners, so I did the "Christ" like thing and walked away and left that store.
I am really noticing as I get older how people are acting and changing each day, and that goes for those of us who call ourselves Christians, little "Christ."
Where did our manners go? Are we not teaching our children manners anymore? What about loving and caring for people. People don't care anymore these days. All they think about is themselves and not others around them. Their angry, bitter and just miserable and for the Love of God, you better not mess with them or get in their way, because they sure enough will run you over!!!
May we all remember, that we do need more Love in this world. As a Christian, love is not optional. We are commanded to love one another. Love is demonstrative! Our love for God is shown through how we love others, even through our manners. Love is active!! Love is responsive. We are able to love because we have been and are loved by God. This love causes us to respond lovingly to others (I John 4:21)
In the words of my mamma when I was a young girl,"Show your manners" and then most importantly be Nice!! Show the love of God to others each and every day.
LIVE ~ LAUGH ~ LOVE
Love ya'll!!!!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Strengths & Weaknesses
This past week as I was filling out an application for our Praise and Worship team at our church I came across these questions:
What are your Strengths?
What are your Weaknesses?
I have to admit those kind of questions always get me thinking about who I really am. The first thing I did was to ask Jack what he thought my strengths were. I mean who likes to sit and write down what you think your strengths are or what you think you are good at. This is when the evil one loves to play with my mind and tell me you are not good at anything!! You don't have any strengths!! He really can make me believe that I don't have any, but then I say to myself ~ Wait a minute!!!! I do have strengths and I have them because God gave them to me. They are gifts that God gave to me from the time I was conceived.
God gives each and every one of us gifts (strengths) that He wants us to use for His will and for our good to not only use them to make us stronger but also to help others on our journey through this life.
Think about it, What is one strength you really feel like God has given you?
I know the first strength I wrote down was the gift of encouragement. I love to be able to encourage others. There is not a greater joy for me then to help someone who just needs to be encouraged. Who just needs someone to listen to. Who just needs to know that someone cares about what they are going through whether it be good or bad.
I believe that through the years God has allowed me to use this strength for His good. He allowed me to go through many different valleys and mountain tops so I could turn around today and help others through many of the same circumstances. There is a song that is titled, God Loves People More Than Anything. So if people are important to God, then they should be important to us. There are a lot of people in this world and especially in the church setting that are hurting or struggling with something and they just need to know that someone cares about them and loves them. I want to be that person that can give them encouragement.
So again I ask you, What are your strengths and how are you using them to give honor to God?
Now the question is, What are my Weaknesses??
This question can either play with your pride or make you feel even less of yourself.
Pride comes in and says ~ I'm not weak in any area of my life. I don't have any weaknesses!!! It's all good with me!!!
Or, the evil one tells you ~ You are no good to anyone, not even yourself. You are a failure!!! You are full of weaknesses! You can not do Anything right!! You can write down one weakness after another, because that is what you are ! YOU ARE ONE WEAK PERSON!!!
Well, GUESS WHAT?? YOU NEED TO TAKE THAT THOUGHT CAPTIVE!!!!
When we are weak, GOD MAKES US STRONG!!
We all have weaknesses and sometimes we dwell on them more than we do our strengths!!
Once again I have to admit that when I was writing down some of my weaknesses, I had to stop and give a little "preaching" sermon to myself!!!
One of my weaknesses that I wrote down is ~ Not Trusting People!! It's hard to know who you can trust!!
Over the years I have been hurt by people who I thought really liked or loved me. I mean, come on now, Who wouldn't like me!!! lol.... But sad to say, there have been people who I have trusted over the years and they have let me down or even worse have hurt me. So then you start to build this wall up between you and them. I'm sure you have done the same thing. If you are like me, I want to know that I can trust everyone.
Now, here's where my preaching sermon came in.
Becky, You can ALWAYS TRUST IN ME!! I WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!
I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU IN THE GOOD AND BAD!!!
TRUST IN ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART!!
As I was looking over my weaknesses that I wrote down I had to stop and say ~ Why am I weak in this area?? How can I make myself stronger in this area of my life?
Well, as any good sermon should have ~ you have to have at least 3 points and if they are really good, they will all start with the same letter.
1. CHOICE
We all have to choose how we want to live our lives. Do we want to live in our weaknesses or grow from them. I choose whether or not if I can trust someone or maybe how to overcome fear. I choose whether or not how I want to live my life. It's all in the choices I make. If I am fearful, how can I change that? or do I just continue to live in fear. We make the choice everyday or in every situation how we should live our lives. God's Word says in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 that you need to Choose Life, that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for HE is your life!!
So who are you choosing to listen to?? Who do you think will help you grow from your weaknesses? God or satan. As for me and my (Becky's) house, I will choose to listen and serve the Lord!!!!
2. CHANGE
Well, now that I realize that I choose to totally give over to God all my weaknesses because I know that through Him He can make me a stronger person. Now it's up to me to do something about it. I need to put some action to my words. I need to CHANGE!!! I need to change my attitude on how I believe I can make myself a stronger person with God's help. "The quality of your life and the duration of your success journey depend on your attitude, and YOU are the only person in this world with the power to make it better."~John Maxwell. We all need to have more FAITH, faith in ourselves to believe we can change and MORE FAITH in God to know He can change us!!
3. CONTROL
Who are you giving Control to? I think many of us give to much credit to the evil one trying to control our thoughts and how we choose to live. Once again, we have to tell satan, IN THE NAME OF JESUS to GET LOST!!! I serve a MIGHTY GOD who has never let me down and has ALWAYS been there for me through the valleys and the mountain tops. I give TOTAL control of my life to Him.
So, You and I have a Choice to make!! Do we choose to live in our weaknesses or grow in our Faith in God? If we choose to have more Faith, then we need to act on it!!! And when we act on it, let go and let God have COMPLETE Control!!!
Well, there you have it!! That's my sermon for today!!!
I pray you have a wonderful week and that you give God complete control over your life!!
God is good all the time ~ And all the time ~ God is SO GOOD!!!
What are your Strengths?
What are your Weaknesses?
I have to admit those kind of questions always get me thinking about who I really am. The first thing I did was to ask Jack what he thought my strengths were. I mean who likes to sit and write down what you think your strengths are or what you think you are good at. This is when the evil one loves to play with my mind and tell me you are not good at anything!! You don't have any strengths!! He really can make me believe that I don't have any, but then I say to myself ~ Wait a minute!!!! I do have strengths and I have them because God gave them to me. They are gifts that God gave to me from the time I was conceived.
God gives each and every one of us gifts (strengths) that He wants us to use for His will and for our good to not only use them to make us stronger but also to help others on our journey through this life.
Think about it, What is one strength you really feel like God has given you?
I know the first strength I wrote down was the gift of encouragement. I love to be able to encourage others. There is not a greater joy for me then to help someone who just needs to be encouraged. Who just needs someone to listen to. Who just needs to know that someone cares about what they are going through whether it be good or bad.
I believe that through the years God has allowed me to use this strength for His good. He allowed me to go through many different valleys and mountain tops so I could turn around today and help others through many of the same circumstances. There is a song that is titled, God Loves People More Than Anything. So if people are important to God, then they should be important to us. There are a lot of people in this world and especially in the church setting that are hurting or struggling with something and they just need to know that someone cares about them and loves them. I want to be that person that can give them encouragement.
So again I ask you, What are your strengths and how are you using them to give honor to God?
Now the question is, What are my Weaknesses??
This question can either play with your pride or make you feel even less of yourself.
Pride comes in and says ~ I'm not weak in any area of my life. I don't have any weaknesses!!! It's all good with me!!!
Or, the evil one tells you ~ You are no good to anyone, not even yourself. You are a failure!!! You are full of weaknesses! You can not do Anything right!! You can write down one weakness after another, because that is what you are ! YOU ARE ONE WEAK PERSON!!!
Well, GUESS WHAT?? YOU NEED TO TAKE THAT THOUGHT CAPTIVE!!!!
When we are weak, GOD MAKES US STRONG!!
We all have weaknesses and sometimes we dwell on them more than we do our strengths!!
Once again I have to admit that when I was writing down some of my weaknesses, I had to stop and give a little "preaching" sermon to myself!!!
One of my weaknesses that I wrote down is ~ Not Trusting People!! It's hard to know who you can trust!!
Over the years I have been hurt by people who I thought really liked or loved me. I mean, come on now, Who wouldn't like me!!! lol.... But sad to say, there have been people who I have trusted over the years and they have let me down or even worse have hurt me. So then you start to build this wall up between you and them. I'm sure you have done the same thing. If you are like me, I want to know that I can trust everyone.
Now, here's where my preaching sermon came in.
Becky, You can ALWAYS TRUST IN ME!! I WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!
I WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR YOU IN THE GOOD AND BAD!!!
TRUST IN ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART!!
As I was looking over my weaknesses that I wrote down I had to stop and say ~ Why am I weak in this area?? How can I make myself stronger in this area of my life?
Well, as any good sermon should have ~ you have to have at least 3 points and if they are really good, they will all start with the same letter.
1. CHOICE
We all have to choose how we want to live our lives. Do we want to live in our weaknesses or grow from them. I choose whether or not if I can trust someone or maybe how to overcome fear. I choose whether or not how I want to live my life. It's all in the choices I make. If I am fearful, how can I change that? or do I just continue to live in fear. We make the choice everyday or in every situation how we should live our lives. God's Word says in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 that you need to Choose Life, that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for HE is your life!!
So who are you choosing to listen to?? Who do you think will help you grow from your weaknesses? God or satan. As for me and my (Becky's) house, I will choose to listen and serve the Lord!!!!
2. CHANGE
Well, now that I realize that I choose to totally give over to God all my weaknesses because I know that through Him He can make me a stronger person. Now it's up to me to do something about it. I need to put some action to my words. I need to CHANGE!!! I need to change my attitude on how I believe I can make myself a stronger person with God's help. "The quality of your life and the duration of your success journey depend on your attitude, and YOU are the only person in this world with the power to make it better."~John Maxwell. We all need to have more FAITH, faith in ourselves to believe we can change and MORE FAITH in God to know He can change us!!
3. CONTROL
Who are you giving Control to? I think many of us give to much credit to the evil one trying to control our thoughts and how we choose to live. Once again, we have to tell satan, IN THE NAME OF JESUS to GET LOST!!! I serve a MIGHTY GOD who has never let me down and has ALWAYS been there for me through the valleys and the mountain tops. I give TOTAL control of my life to Him.
So, You and I have a Choice to make!! Do we choose to live in our weaknesses or grow in our Faith in God? If we choose to have more Faith, then we need to act on it!!! And when we act on it, let go and let God have COMPLETE Control!!!
Well, there you have it!! That's my sermon for today!!!
I pray you have a wonderful week and that you give God complete control over your life!!
God is good all the time ~ And all the time ~ God is SO GOOD!!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I Can't Control My Emotions!!!
Several years ago when my husband was the Senior pastor in Prattville, Alabama (War Eagle!!!~sorry just had to say it) I taught a womans Bible study from the book -Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free.
Author Nancy Leigh DeMoss suggests that the lies Christian women believe are the root of most of their struggles. "Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation," says DeMoss. "Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners."
In her book, Lies Women Believe, she exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women - lies about God, sin, priorites, marriage and family, emotions, and more. She then sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. She offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome satan's deceptions - God's truth!!
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free! ~ John 8:32
I would have to say this book was probably one of the best that we used for Bible studies that the women felt really helped them in their personal lives.
One of the biggest lies that satan tries to tell women is ~ "I Can't Control My Emotions"
From her book she says, " The Enemy uses this lie to make us believe we have no choice but to be controlled by our emotions. While it may be true to some degree that we can't help the way we feel or think, the Truth is that we don't have to let our feelings run our lives. The Truth is, regardless of what emotions are whirling around inside , by God's grace, we can choose to fix our minds on Him and to trust and obey. When we do, we will experience His peace and the grace to be faithful, even though our circumstances may not change."
If you are anything like me, in all honesty you could probably spin the Emotional Wheel and any where that it stops would be an emotion that you have had at one time or another. One of my greatest emotions that I struggle with is FEAR!!! Fear of not doing something right, fear of not being the Godly mother I should be to my boys and their wives. Fear of how I look so I can always keep my husband happy. Fear of dying. I could go on and on about all the things I am fearful of, but I know that's not what God wants my mind and heart to dwell on. My life verse says it all for me ~ Fear not, (Becky) for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' Isaiah 41:10,13
No matter what emotion you may be going through, the Bible is filled with God's promises that He can be your Helper, your Strength in time of need, He will never leave your side. He will walk with you through every circumstance and trial that comes your way or maybe that you are in right now.
I know you may feel like you are all alone and no one has ever gone through what you are going through or have felt, but trust me when I say, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!
I can tell you today with great confidence that God will never let you down. You are not alone. Don't be fearful, or worry. Don't feel like you are not loved or that you are not beautiful. Don't panic about anything or give in when you feel like no one can help you or you ask yourself, "God where are you, Why am I going through this?"
I love music and it has been amazing to see how during my deepest times of need, God will show Himself faithful to me through a song that He allows to come into my life right at the time I really need it. Let me share the words with you from a song by Meredith Andrews, You're Not Alone.
I search for love, when the night came, and it closed in, I was alone, But you found me, where I was hiding, and now I'll never be the same, It was the sweetest voice, That called my name saying
You're not alone, For I am here, Let me wipe away your every fear, My love I've never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, and I'm the one who's loved you all your life, ALL your life
You cry yourself to sleep, cause the hurt is real, and the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost, with heartache your closest friend and everyone else long gone, You've had to face the music on your own, But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying, You're not Alone
Faithful and true, Forever, Oh my love will carry you, You're not Alone, For I, I am here.....
My dear friend ~ Don't allow the evil one to make you think you can't control your emotions or allow him to have any control over your mind. Through Christ, take captive every thought and emotion you may be going through. I think for myself, this is so hard to do. It's an every day battle, but I know I feel at peace no matter what emotion or feeling I am going through, when I ask God to help me through it. He has never let me down and has always been there for me. Isaiah 26:3 ~ Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trustest in thee.
It's your choice!! You Can Control Your Emotions!!!! Let Go and Let God take complete control of your life.
 |
| Nancy Leigh DeMoss |
Author Nancy Leigh DeMoss suggests that the lies Christian women believe are the root of most of their struggles. "Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation," says DeMoss. "Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners."
In her book, Lies Women Believe, she exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women - lies about God, sin, priorites, marriage and family, emotions, and more. She then sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. She offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome satan's deceptions - God's truth!!
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free! ~ John 8:32
I would have to say this book was probably one of the best that we used for Bible studies that the women felt really helped them in their personal lives.
One of the biggest lies that satan tries to tell women is ~ "I Can't Control My Emotions"
From her book she says, " The Enemy uses this lie to make us believe we have no choice but to be controlled by our emotions. While it may be true to some degree that we can't help the way we feel or think, the Truth is that we don't have to let our feelings run our lives. The Truth is, regardless of what emotions are whirling around inside , by God's grace, we can choose to fix our minds on Him and to trust and obey. When we do, we will experience His peace and the grace to be faithful, even though our circumstances may not change."
If you are anything like me, in all honesty you could probably spin the Emotional Wheel and any where that it stops would be an emotion that you have had at one time or another. One of my greatest emotions that I struggle with is FEAR!!! Fear of not doing something right, fear of not being the Godly mother I should be to my boys and their wives. Fear of how I look so I can always keep my husband happy. Fear of dying. I could go on and on about all the things I am fearful of, but I know that's not what God wants my mind and heart to dwell on. My life verse says it all for me ~ Fear not, (Becky) for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' Isaiah 41:10,13
No matter what emotion you may be going through, the Bible is filled with God's promises that He can be your Helper, your Strength in time of need, He will never leave your side. He will walk with you through every circumstance and trial that comes your way or maybe that you are in right now.
I know you may feel like you are all alone and no one has ever gone through what you are going through or have felt, but trust me when I say, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!
I can tell you today with great confidence that God will never let you down. You are not alone. Don't be fearful, or worry. Don't feel like you are not loved or that you are not beautiful. Don't panic about anything or give in when you feel like no one can help you or you ask yourself, "God where are you, Why am I going through this?"
I love music and it has been amazing to see how during my deepest times of need, God will show Himself faithful to me through a song that He allows to come into my life right at the time I really need it. Let me share the words with you from a song by Meredith Andrews, You're Not Alone.
I search for love, when the night came, and it closed in, I was alone, But you found me, where I was hiding, and now I'll never be the same, It was the sweetest voice, That called my name saying
You're not alone, For I am here, Let me wipe away your every fear, My love I've never left your side, I have seen you through the darkest night, and I'm the one who's loved you all your life, ALL your life
You cry yourself to sleep, cause the hurt is real, and the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost, with heartache your closest friend and everyone else long gone, You've had to face the music on your own, But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying, You're not Alone
Faithful and true, Forever, Oh my love will carry you, You're not Alone, For I, I am here.....
My dear friend ~ Don't allow the evil one to make you think you can't control your emotions or allow him to have any control over your mind. Through Christ, take captive every thought and emotion you may be going through. I think for myself, this is so hard to do. It's an every day battle, but I know I feel at peace no matter what emotion or feeling I am going through, when I ask God to help me through it. He has never let me down and has always been there for me. Isaiah 26:3 ~ Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trustest in thee.
It's your choice!! You Can Control Your Emotions!!!! Let Go and Let God take complete control of your life.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
LIFE - It's not about how you play the game ~ But how you Live it!!
As I was sitting watching TV the other night a commercial came on for the Honda CVR. I have seen this commercial several times before but never really paid attention to the words. They went something like this -"Life moves along pretty quick, if you don't stop and look around a little bit, you could miss it!"
I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and wrote those words down. How true those words are and I guess I am really realizing that alot lately as I am getting older. This past fall was really and eye opener for me about how quickly life goes by. Both of our sons were married this past fall of 2011. WHAT!!! Are you kidding me??? How did that happen?? It seems just like yesterday they were those cute little boys following me around. I remember having people tell us, "Enjoy them while they are young, because before you know it, they will be all grown up and married". Where did time go? Now we are saying that to younger couples with young children.
Life ~ The game is alot of fun to play, but Life itself is hard and sometimes just doesn't seem fair. I can honestly say that life has been pretty good to me. I had a great childhood with very loving parents, married my husband Jack and had two wonderful sons. We had a lot of fun with our boys and even though we might not have been the perfect parents, we did our best to have quality time with them. Family time was very important to us, even though sometimes they didn't think so.
Life has been good to the Weight family but that's not saying that it hasn't been hard. We have had many ups and downs and still do, but with God's help we are trying to make the most of our life together as a family. As the saying goes, "Life is too short, enjoy every moment of it".
Twelve years ago this coming June I lost my mom to cancer, talk about life not being fair!!! She was only 76 years old. I felt like I didn't have enough time with her. She was such a wonderful mother and grandmother to our boys. She use to always say, "Live everyday like it could be your last". I am very grateful for how she lived her life and how she left that wonderful heritage to her whole family. Before she passed away my sister Trudy went and had my mom tell her many stories about her life and then put it in a small book for all of our family. I am so glad she was able to do that. I sometimes wish I had taken more time to sit with her and hear her tell those stories, but we lived so far away but I cherish every moment I had with her.
This year my father will be 91. He is such an amazing man and has been a wonderful father over many, many years. Jack and I are so thankful for his love and support that he has shown us time and time again. Almost 5 years ago he married my stepmom, Joyce. I truly believe after my mom died, he felt like his life was over. He was very lonely but God brought a wonderful Christian lady into his life and I just love her.
We now live back in our home state of Delaware and I am enjoying being so close to family. We live only 20 minutes to an hour away from the boys and their wives and we are going to enjoy living life together especially as our family grows!!!
The past couple of weeks I have been doing some Interior decorating with my husbands help at my dads. We went from one project to another but as of this past Monday, everything is complete. I had alot of fun doing everything but my greatest moment was sitting with my dad on Monday and just sitting and listening to him talk about life. His life when he first met my mom and then married her after my mom gave back his ring many times. His life as becoming a believer and how hard it was with my mom not having that relationship with God. He would go to church without her but then one day he came home and she told him that she asked Jesus to come into her life and their lives changed from that moment. As my dad continued with the story, he told me that our lives would be so different today if my mom never had that relationship with God.
They would have never left their home state of Michigan to go far away from their families to go to a Christian college in Delaware, which by the way was my moms idea for my dad to go to college. They had 3 young children at the time, Everett, Gary and my sister Trudy. They might not have had anymore children, which means Tim and my sister Debby and Me! wouldn't be here if my mom and dad didn't move to Delaware. I would have never met Jack and we wouldn't have Jack and Bryan which means they wouldn't have their wives and sooo many others would not have met their mates through the church or school and most importantly many would be lost and without Christ in their lives. God knew the plans He had for all of us starting from the time that both of my parents asked Jesus into their hearts.
I have shared this story with you for a very important reason. I realized while I was sitting with my dad and listening to him tell many stories from the past until now that life is so short and what am I doing with it? What are you doing with it?
I want to cherish every moment that I can with my dad and stepmom. I want to spend everyday living life to the fullest with my husband. I want to enjoy my sons and their wives and future children and trust me, I can not wait to become a Nana!! I don't want to waste going through life without stopping and taking the time to be with the ones I love. Family is so important and sad to say, many of us today are too busy to take the time to spend that quaility time together. Don't let life pass you by, Live life to the Fullest with the ones you love!!! Don't have regrets or wait until it's too late to spend with your family. We are all not promised tomorrow, so how are you living your life today?
I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and wrote those words down. How true those words are and I guess I am really realizing that alot lately as I am getting older. This past fall was really and eye opener for me about how quickly life goes by. Both of our sons were married this past fall of 2011. WHAT!!! Are you kidding me??? How did that happen?? It seems just like yesterday they were those cute little boys following me around. I remember having people tell us, "Enjoy them while they are young, because before you know it, they will be all grown up and married". Where did time go? Now we are saying that to younger couples with young children.
Life ~ The game is alot of fun to play, but Life itself is hard and sometimes just doesn't seem fair. I can honestly say that life has been pretty good to me. I had a great childhood with very loving parents, married my husband Jack and had two wonderful sons. We had a lot of fun with our boys and even though we might not have been the perfect parents, we did our best to have quality time with them. Family time was very important to us, even though sometimes they didn't think so.
Life has been good to the Weight family but that's not saying that it hasn't been hard. We have had many ups and downs and still do, but with God's help we are trying to make the most of our life together as a family. As the saying goes, "Life is too short, enjoy every moment of it".
Twelve years ago this coming June I lost my mom to cancer, talk about life not being fair!!! She was only 76 years old. I felt like I didn't have enough time with her. She was such a wonderful mother and grandmother to our boys. She use to always say, "Live everyday like it could be your last". I am very grateful for how she lived her life and how she left that wonderful heritage to her whole family. Before she passed away my sister Trudy went and had my mom tell her many stories about her life and then put it in a small book for all of our family. I am so glad she was able to do that. I sometimes wish I had taken more time to sit with her and hear her tell those stories, but we lived so far away but I cherish every moment I had with her.
This year my father will be 91. He is such an amazing man and has been a wonderful father over many, many years. Jack and I are so thankful for his love and support that he has shown us time and time again. Almost 5 years ago he married my stepmom, Joyce. I truly believe after my mom died, he felt like his life was over. He was very lonely but God brought a wonderful Christian lady into his life and I just love her.
We now live back in our home state of Delaware and I am enjoying being so close to family. We live only 20 minutes to an hour away from the boys and their wives and we are going to enjoy living life together especially as our family grows!!!
The past couple of weeks I have been doing some Interior decorating with my husbands help at my dads. We went from one project to another but as of this past Monday, everything is complete. I had alot of fun doing everything but my greatest moment was sitting with my dad on Monday and just sitting and listening to him talk about life. His life when he first met my mom and then married her after my mom gave back his ring many times. His life as becoming a believer and how hard it was with my mom not having that relationship with God. He would go to church without her but then one day he came home and she told him that she asked Jesus to come into her life and their lives changed from that moment. As my dad continued with the story, he told me that our lives would be so different today if my mom never had that relationship with God.
They would have never left their home state of Michigan to go far away from their families to go to a Christian college in Delaware, which by the way was my moms idea for my dad to go to college. They had 3 young children at the time, Everett, Gary and my sister Trudy. They might not have had anymore children, which means Tim and my sister Debby and Me! wouldn't be here if my mom and dad didn't move to Delaware. I would have never met Jack and we wouldn't have Jack and Bryan which means they wouldn't have their wives and sooo many others would not have met their mates through the church or school and most importantly many would be lost and without Christ in their lives. God knew the plans He had for all of us starting from the time that both of my parents asked Jesus into their hearts.
I have shared this story with you for a very important reason. I realized while I was sitting with my dad and listening to him tell many stories from the past until now that life is so short and what am I doing with it? What are you doing with it?
I want to cherish every moment that I can with my dad and stepmom. I want to spend everyday living life to the fullest with my husband. I want to enjoy my sons and their wives and future children and trust me, I can not wait to become a Nana!! I don't want to waste going through life without stopping and taking the time to be with the ones I love. Family is so important and sad to say, many of us today are too busy to take the time to spend that quaility time together. Don't let life pass you by, Live life to the Fullest with the ones you love!!! Don't have regrets or wait until it's too late to spend with your family. We are all not promised tomorrow, so how are you living your life today?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine's Day or Not!!
Valentine's Day ~ if you are in that special relationship or married to your best friend can be such a romantic day. A day full of love and romance, with flowers, and chocolates, gifts and a dinner out or maybe a dinner at home made especially for you. You can just feel the love in the air!!!! A day to show the one you love how special they are and how much they mean to you. If you are really lucky, maybe he or she will sing you a love song!!! Oh ~ So Romantic!!!!
Now, maybe if you are someone who is single or maybe you have lost your husband or wife, this day can be very DEPRESSING!!! and very Lonely. The last thing you want to see is couples arm and arm with each other looking so in love. This is the holiday you wish you could just sleep right through until the next day, or better yet, just take it off the calendar....
Or maybe this is you this year.... You and your sweetheart are going through a rough time. You feel like you are all alone or you just want him/her out of your life. As in the song written by Neil Diamond ~
"You don't bring me flowers, You don't sing me love songs, You hardly talk to me anymore, When you come thru the door".
You feel like your marriage is over. The romance is gone.... In the book, Rekindling the Romance by Dennis and Barbara Rainey they write ~ You started your marriage filled with passion, and the flame of romance burned brightly. But then came real life. Stress. The demands of work. Routine. Parenthood. Disappointment. Anger. Unfaithfulness. You even may have wondered if it was all a mistake.
Does this sound familiar?? If so, you're not alone. This pattern is nearly universal, common to millions of marriages - including our marriage (Dennis & Barbara) and ours too ~ Becky and Jack.
Your marriage is sure to reap the rewards from reading this book, I promise you. It has helped our marriage!! You can go on my Resource page and click on the link to order your copy of Rekindling the Romance.
My prayer is for everyone today to have a wonderful Valentine's Day with the one you love, even if you are all alone, you have your Heavenly Father who will be there to wrap His arms around you and love more than you could ever be loved. Remember, God loves us all with an everlasting love!!! How great is that!!!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Love you all!!!
Now, maybe if you are someone who is single or maybe you have lost your husband or wife, this day can be very DEPRESSING!!! and very Lonely. The last thing you want to see is couples arm and arm with each other looking so in love. This is the holiday you wish you could just sleep right through until the next day, or better yet, just take it off the calendar....
Or maybe this is you this year.... You and your sweetheart are going through a rough time. You feel like you are all alone or you just want him/her out of your life. As in the song written by Neil Diamond ~
"You don't bring me flowers, You don't sing me love songs, You hardly talk to me anymore, When you come thru the door".
You feel like your marriage is over. The romance is gone.... In the book, Rekindling the Romance by Dennis and Barbara Rainey they write ~ You started your marriage filled with passion, and the flame of romance burned brightly. But then came real life. Stress. The demands of work. Routine. Parenthood. Disappointment. Anger. Unfaithfulness. You even may have wondered if it was all a mistake.
Does this sound familiar?? If so, you're not alone. This pattern is nearly universal, common to millions of marriages - including our marriage (Dennis & Barbara) and ours too ~ Becky and Jack.
Your marriage is sure to reap the rewards from reading this book, I promise you. It has helped our marriage!! You can go on my Resource page and click on the link to order your copy of Rekindling the Romance.
My prayer is for everyone today to have a wonderful Valentine's Day with the one you love, even if you are all alone, you have your Heavenly Father who will be there to wrap His arms around you and love more than you could ever be loved. Remember, God loves us all with an everlasting love!!! How great is that!!!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Love you all!!!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
HAPPINESS: Experiencing His Joy!
Happineness can be defined as a feeling of spiritual contentment that will carry you through the triumphs, pitfalls, or even heartaches of life with calm stability, serenity, peace of mind, and tranquility (Matt. 5:3-12). Happiness may or may not be related to the happenings in your life. In many instances, the outward happenings in a life affect our attitudes. However, happiness is also an act of the will (Ps. 144:15). We all have things "happen" in our lives that give us reason to be unhappy, but we have the power through Christ to make our own response to those happenings. Happiness is a potential positive choice.
Jesus gives some characteristics that promote a response of happiness (meekness, righteousness, merciful, peacemakers; Matt. 5:8-11. A believer must concentrate not on doing, but on BEING and LIVING! Total commitment to the Lord will result in a believer's instinctive Christlike response to various happenings as they occur. You must appropriate the tools God has given (His Word and His indwelling Spirit) in order to pursue happiness (Prov.3:13; 29:18). Happiness is enjoying everything the Lord has given you and not fretting about the things that have been taken away or withheld. Happiness is trusting in God's sovereignty and omniscience. You must believe that in EVERY "happening" God will work for your good (Rom. 8:28). Happiness comes from daily obedience and faith in the Lord.
As I was reading Proverbs 16 in the Womans Study Bible the above instructional notes were given. I have realized that my greatest "Joy" comes from when I put all my trust in God to take care of me no matter what I am going through. You know the old saying, "If mamma ain't happy, no one is happy". You can find happiness and real joy in everything, even though it may seem like you can't, but with God you can. You determine your happiness!! Don't allow satan to steal your joy!! Your attitude determines everything, so determine to have joy, REAL JOY!!
Love you all!!
Jesus gives some characteristics that promote a response of happiness (meekness, righteousness, merciful, peacemakers; Matt. 5:8-11. A believer must concentrate not on doing, but on BEING and LIVING! Total commitment to the Lord will result in a believer's instinctive Christlike response to various happenings as they occur. You must appropriate the tools God has given (His Word and His indwelling Spirit) in order to pursue happiness (Prov.3:13; 29:18). Happiness is enjoying everything the Lord has given you and not fretting about the things that have been taken away or withheld. Happiness is trusting in God's sovereignty and omniscience. You must believe that in EVERY "happening" God will work for your good (Rom. 8:28). Happiness comes from daily obedience and faith in the Lord.
As I was reading Proverbs 16 in the Womans Study Bible the above instructional notes were given. I have realized that my greatest "Joy" comes from when I put all my trust in God to take care of me no matter what I am going through. You know the old saying, "If mamma ain't happy, no one is happy". You can find happiness and real joy in everything, even though it may seem like you can't, but with God you can. You determine your happiness!! Don't allow satan to steal your joy!! Your attitude determines everything, so determine to have joy, REAL JOY!!
Love you all!!
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