Friendships and Our Children

For the believer, the biblical standard for choosing FRIENDS  has always been not yoking ourselves to UNBELIEVERS. That's easy enough to comprehend.  The other facet of FRIENDSHIP/FELLOWSHIP to consider then involves FLESHLY brothers and sisters.  This is a more challenging aspect of the matter being discussed.

As a mother, I don't really have issues with my kids WANTING to befriend unbelievers. They do not have a desire to do so, UNLESS it is to bring testimony of Jesus' love. They are not rude to those who've not accepted Christ as Savior, but they don't seek a closeness as do they with true believers. Albeit, the world and all it's 'pleasures' calls out to them and to me from every corner!  Even from within the realm of Christendom.

I can say that the trend in our experience that we've come across believers who are WANTING to be part of the world. I realize the naivety of youth and it's desire to want to feel accepted and loved among peers. That desire extends even into adulthood. It's a NATURAL desire.  

However, it's difficult to explain to my own kids that friendship with the world, that some misguided friends actually desire, makes us/them enemies of God (James 4:4).  So the challenge to teach the truth of God's word and to continue to be an example to these He's placed in my world is...HUGE.  My children desire fellowship too.  Indeed, the Bible encourages us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). But by endeavoring to obey this imperative will their God-given gifts, talents, and abilities  be used for HIS glory?  Or because of association, will mine fall prey to the same hedonistic world view that the church appears to be embracing, also take hold of my children's hearts as well? They were meant for so much more! 

PRAYER: Lord, help ME to accept who You made ME to be so that I can be a confident example of one who calls herself Yours. I acknowledge You as my Maker and trust that Your hand is ever present in my life, leading me through each challenge that parenting children brings.  Grant wisdom in those areas I lack insight from Your Word and help me to teach/train these children that Your principles are always right and good. When the temptations arise, and they will,  grant the strength and courage to choose Your ways. Amen.

The Little Things

I USED TO THINK THAT the Fruit of the Spirit was only shown while doing "spiritual" things like preaching or becoming a missionary! Very respectable positions indeed!

But there are in fact, innumerable ways that the fruit of the Spirit shows up in the life of a believer who truly seeks to know and bring glory to the Lord. Why, today alone our basket was filled to overflowing! 

Here's what I mean: 
1.) By pressing shirts, preparing meals, and feeding the pets shows that we LOVE one another.

2.) We reJOYced with a friend in celebration of her birthday ♥ We brought her flowers and candy. 

3.) Those members of our family eligible to vote, did so...that shows FAITHFULNESS to our fellow countrymen and a desire to uphold PEACE, if only for the time being.

 
4.) After grocery shopping the family helped to bring the parcels in from the van...that was very KIND and GOOD. (I only purchase dark chocolate candy for my sweet tooth...that's SELF-CONTROL! =D) 


See? It's not too difficult to catch a glimpse of His hand in our lives. We have only to acknowledge the little things. After all, isn't it the little things that seem to matter most? Even as we lay our heads down to rest after a long day, He will GENTLY remind us that our LONG-SUFFERING in this life will one day be rewarded. 

Deuteronomy 4:29 "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

A Faithful Friend

I'll begin with a quote today:

"A true friend to your destiny does not diminish, downplay, deny, detract, decrease, discount, or disdain your contribution! They recognize!" ~Christine Caine

Having been in the body of Christ for 36yrs I've felt both the sting of rejection and the warmth of loving friends. The latter honestly desired God's best for me. They wanted me to fully grow into and rejoice over the new creation God said that I was and continue to become even now. (2 Cor.5:17)  They made it easy to enjoy my walk with Christ. They shared His love extravagantly and prayed consistently for me.  I can testify that we can benefit so much from the love and support of the Godly influence of others in our lives! (1 Cor. 12:26ff)

On the occasions of felt rejection from both the world and fellow believers, I was moved to prayer, consideration of my steps and at times maybe even, much introspection. In those times I went to God's word and found true peace, acceptance, temperance and love.  Even in the rejection, He taught me that I am accepted in Him through Christ.  The sadness over not feeling like I fit in or couldn't please everyone, led me to the arms of the waiting Savior.  He saw my tears and patted them dry.  My heart in pieces, mended again and again.

See, what was very painful to experience, actually drew me closer to the One I needed to be running to in the first place. Only He deserves the place of honor, worship and adoration.  I don't need to be loved by everyone, only One.  When I understand and begin to live this life in the assurance of His love, I am better able to reflect His character.  After all, isn't that the purpose of all mankind anyway?

The exhilaration of those mountain-top experiences is breath-taking, but the valley (Psalm 23) has become a most welcomed place where I've continually found His peace and sustenance.  Oh, I can let the negative bring me down or I can choose to understand with new eyes, His constant transforming work of this new creation that I am becoming...for His glory!

A Work In Progress

Did you know that I, have trials and tribulations just like everyone else?! Is that too hard to believe??  I ask because sometimes I'm cited for always looking like I  "have it all together". Well, I thank you for that vote of confidence, I think.  But to be honest, I experience the shame of defeat somewhat regularly. Just ask any of my family members how I respond when rooms aren't picked up or if I only get half the truth in a matter, or don't get enough sleep in any given night!  After all, I am still in the flesh. Can I get a witness?!

This is reality. I do not like that the 'old' nature coexists with my new life in Christ.  Just wish it somehow didn't.  I understand that in Christ, I have His strength to grant victory over sin, but He still permits me to choose His way or mine.  And we all know what the consequences of taking the low road is.  First and foremost, it's broken fellowship with the Savior.  Thankfully He graciously restores that fellowship when sought out, and I do seek!

I hesitate to share my struggles in this venue, but I do have one or two trusted, believing friends that I can honestly share my 'ugly' side with, if you will. I know that they will pray for me and offer solid counsel from scripture.  So here, as in much of what I share, I'd rather encourage others with the scriptures that are either getting me or have gotten me THROUGH the struggles instead.  So if it looks like I have it all together, let it be known that I'm really a broken vessel who's resting in the certainty of His promises working their certainty in my life! For now, I'm a work in progress on the conveyor belt of His wonderful truths!

WHATEVER trials, struggles or concerns you may be facing today, or those you've been dealing with for what seems like forever, know that there stands One who understands completely.  His name...Jesus. Stay in the race! Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 4:13)  It aint over, till it's over!


TODAY'S SCRIPTURE <3
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy ~ 1 Peter 4:12,13 (NKJ)

27 The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms;
He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’  ~ Deuteronomy 33:27 (NKJ)

Our University Experience

Due to unusual heavy traffic this morning, what should have taken Gina and I twenty minutes to get to the University of South Florida, took an hour! We guessed there must have been an accident on the interstate that caused such a back up on the back roads.  But we were relieved to have made it to the campus on time, as Gina had an exam to get to.

Little Clayton and I accompanied Gina to school today so that we could then drive on to the airport from there. Gina was headed to Washington, DC for a prayer and worship event hosted by David's TentDC.  While walking in the direction she motioned and encouraged us to go in to reach the campus Starbucks, I was pleased to witness so many young people deciding to further their education! So young and full of life!  My prayer was that as their knowledge increases, may their love for the Creator do so as well.  We all have heard stories of how young people's faith has been tested when they enter college and whose lives unfortunately run a-muck.  But thank God for ministries like Campus Crusade, Intervarsity and others who offer studies and fellowship that maintain and even bolster faith in our young people.

Well, after walking for what seemed like miles (when you're wearing heels, it's always too far) anyway, we reached our destination!  We joined many students partaking of their morning cup joe as they peered into the screens of their laptops.  It amazes me that the information that used to be compiled in so many books can now be researched through one source...the internet!  Do you remember the Encyclopedia Britannica??  Volumes of information!  Yup, it's all online. How cool is that?!   But there's just something about holding a book in my hands that I still kinda enjoy.  Granted, some of those books were ginormous!

We finally got to sit down at a table to enjoy our breakfast goodies!  One toasted cranberry/raisin bagel and a Venti with a shot of hazelnut for me, and chocolate milk and a doughnut for the little man!  Delightful!  It made our already favorable University experience even that much more pleasant indeed!

"On The Road Again"

Do you sometimes feel the shame of  past choices weighing heavy on your heart? Do you compare your choices to those of others who seem to be unaffected by theirs. We all  allow ourselves to go down this road from time to time. But what happens when we do this?  We get further away from from His truth!  I, for one don't like to get off course. An occasional detour here and there, maybe.  Ugh, not to mention the time it takes to back-track which depends on how far we've gotten off course.

When we take a wrong turn, all is not lost. But we can't just sit there either. Have you been there?  We do have to stop, check the GPS or map and take appropriate measures to regain ground and reach our destination.  Who knows?  We may even get another Starbucks stop in for having to be on the road a little longer. Yes!

Hey, I like simple analogies from life to share God's truths. I hope you don't mind me taking you around the block.  But, the One who loves us most has His arms extended and has given His life to prove He knows the way, and in fact, is the Way.  Those  not-so-wise choices we've made or those of others that somehow affect us (or not) can actually point us to the road of redemption.  For if we made no wrong choices, we'd not need the Saviour!

Don't let past sins, yours or others, get you down and off course.  Instead look up!  Get back in the car of life and drive on!  His word gives direction, His Spirit enables!  So keep beeping, er, believing! ;)
                                                                                              
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   "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to ALL WHO BELIEVE. There is no difference, 23 for ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and (all) are JUSTIFIED FREELY by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:22-24-NIV-1984)

Is Talk Cheap? You Decide

I'm sure you've heard about how our actions can sometimes speak louder than our words. It's kind of insinuating that well, talk is cheap. Sadly, it often is. Wouldn't life be great if our words simply matched our actions? But to answer the question: Is talk cheap? I submit to you, that it may depend on your definition of the word cheap. 

One of the hardest things for me to accept is the very fact of this half truth.  If someone says they will meet me at such and such a place, at such and such a time, with so and so, I kinda expect those plans to come to fruition. Or how about when a close friend says the simple yet profound words, " I love you", I wouldn't expect them to turn around and later lie to, steal from or slander me.  Yet sadly, this occurs.  Harm was done, intended or not. Aquaintances and/or close friends alike are seperated.  Frankly, what are we to do with the offense? 

In all honesty, try as we may, our actions are going to fail to match our words on all occassions.  We will have hurts to hurdle, misconceptions to rectify and a host of other potential fallouts from our words not equating our actions or those words and actions of others. So how do we handle when things like this happen?  I'm almost positive that there are no easy answers.  But when I thought about it, things like this could actually be turned into blessings if we will allow them to be.   I'm not saying that friendships will always survive after an offense, yet they will be different in some way.  

Now I understand, from experience mind you, that relational turmoil doesn't feel good.  It even can make us sick, literally.  But aside from the struggle for a moment, just how does one count evil for good?  I am in no way an expert on this subject by any means. Yet I've observed that many times we justify knowing what's best for us. From the preferences of the friends we select, the decision of employment we make, to the actions, thoughts and words we choose to incorporate into our daily lives, wisdom often eludes us.  So how can we really know for sure if our decisions are going to bring success?  I rarely, if ever fully trust in my own knowledge of a subject to do things and know what's best in any given situation. Even deciding on what to eat for breakfast can sometimes cause a minor dilema!  But here's what I've been learning and that is, to seek God's word on matters that sequencially, and randomly arise.  His word is filled with guidance, direction and wisdom.  Ah-haaaah!  Thank God that He offers such help, and comfort to boot through His Holy Spirit!

Just because the knowledge and information lies at our fingertips doesn't necessarily mean we'll perfectly know how to appropriate it. Prayer is such an important key factor here that cannot be overlooked.  Rather than it being a time of coming to God and always asking for things, it can be a blessed time of communion.  It's here that I tend to listen for His voice.  I want to hear Him remind me of His love, and His ultimate purpose for my life. Then, at His leading do what He calls me to do.  Aligning my will to His, if you will. 

Okay, so you've been slighted, whether intentionally or not. Someone's actions didn't quite match what their words professed.  Saddened? Painful? Disillusioned? Yes.  End of the world?  It may feel like it, but friend, God hasn't brought you to this place to let you down!  His purposes are far greater than we can sometimes assimilate in the process of the issue at hand.  But what if we gifted the person who wronged us, with forgiveness (not justifying the offense, but not allowing it to negatively define who you are)?  What if we looked at our own personal times of failure?  Would we not offer more grace then to our offender?  Like I said above, not easy questions or easy answers but in Him, solid character development is progressively in the works!  Question is, will we allow Him to conform us into the image of His dear Son through the offenses? What will your resolution be?  Regardless of how you answer, you're not alone.  It's a continual challenge for me too!  

Endeavor to speak words of honesty and act accordingly, yes!  But don't allow your own personal failure or the failure of others steal your joy or hinder your progress in becoming more like the One who died for you.  I'll guarantee that when we see our own weaknesses and the weaknesses of others, giving bold testimony to the fact of our human frailty, that we will undeniably see His strength, majesty, wisdom, presence and power shining all the more brighter!

Come, Celebrate!

During the course of the days and weeks that are filled with the stuff of life, I tend to forget that those closest to me really do in fact, care a lot about me.  Granted, oft times the opportunity to show affection or appreciation is neither here nor there.  It's not a big deal.  I understand how detailed living in this world can be.  I get tired, misdirected and basically  lack the energy or find myself caught up in the routine of schedules and deadlines.  These things are not bad and actually are welcomed when held in the proper perspective of not neglecting balance.  We all need to find that tension and steward our time wisely.   But I do like to know some time or another that I matter, and especially to those dear to me. 

I'm no different than most others I guess.  Take for instance, the occasion of birthdays.  Our family has celebrated what seems like the whole month of August!  Mine was just yesterday.  On my birthday I like to think back over the previous year, thank the Lord for His faithfulness in all the days gone by and celebrate in a small way as I enjoy eating cake and sipping my favorite hazelnut flavored coffee. I'm kinda easy that way.  Then I sit, think about and kinda wonder what the next year will hold.  On a side note, being of the female gender, I also and especially enjoy occasional dinners out with my man, words of thanks and praise from my children and our doggys' tails wagging when I walk through the door after coming home from anywhere. 

This year's celebration was a little different for me though.  It's one that I surely will cherish in my memory for years to come.  The events that occurred were profound.  Profound in the sense that they made me feel so very special.  I wanted to share a bit of it with you, not to brag in any sense of the word, but to express how one life can be shown the love of God when we care enough to do so!  This time I was the recipient.   

Upon waking up and making myself somewhat presentable to the rest of the world, I left my mirror satisfied that I wouldn't scare anyone too much upon greeting them.  I then shuffled to our dining area and because of what my eyes beheld, found myself speechless.  I mean,  I don't think I have much to say on most occasions anyway.   I have my work cut out for me and I do it. Simple.  But when  I caught a glimpse of  what is usually our common, everyday dining area transformed into a picture of loveliness, my jaw dropped.  Literally.  Surely the flowers, china, and stemware were all meant for a queen or something.  Oh no. Not this time. I was quickly reminded by the resounding, "H a P p Y  B i R t H d A y, Mooommm!"  that rang out in sibling harmony, that this festivity was definitely prepared...just for me.  

I too, was lavished upon with thoughts of praise and adoration, if you will, from my family with both homemade and store-bought cards, a bouquet of balloons and a vase of those long-stemmed gladiolus'.  I absolutely love those!  My oldest daughter had planned and prepared a meal that resembled something us ladies would order when visiting a tea room...without the bonnets, thank you.  Then later we ventured to the mall laughing, trying on things, asking each other how this bling would look with this outfit, etc.  Lolly, lolly, lolly!    After a few hours there, our next stop was to favorite local coffeehouse where I was treated to my favorite 'Americana' cup of coffee!  Mmmm!  

In all of the nice-ities of the day, it wasn't about the lovely cards, balloons, flowers, food or the shopping, as ever so truly appreciative as I am for that aspect of celebrating the day was.   What was so profound to me, was the shear joy of relationship and the bonding that occurs in all of that stuff!  I revelled in the laughter, all of the chatter at breakfast time,  the teasing rolling of the eyes while shopping at the mall, and the many smiles that occurred inadvertently throughout the day.

In all of the wonderment that the day held for me, I look back and out of curiosity wonder if the God who created us, desires that same 'revelling' in and of relationship with us?  I would have to say indeed yes!  He made it so possible through the gift of His only Son.  The table has been set.  All of the arrangements have been taken care of.  With exceedingly more joy than could ever be rivaled in any earthly relationships,  Jesus invites you to come.  Don't be concerned about how you look when you first greet the Saviour.  Your worth and beauty will be cherished from the inside out.  Come!

What's Your Giant?

This morning  I felt saddened and overwhelmed at the effects of sin in the world. My heart was burdened for myself, family, friends and those whose lives face the giants of depression, fear, and addictions.  We all, in a sense and at times, have become enslaved to their lies.  For what felt like too long, the barrage of sorrow seemed both relentless and endless!

But the Lord brought His comfort to my spirit.  Wiping the tears from my eyes, I opened up His word and He led me to 1 Samuel 17.  Mmm-hmmm, the account of David and Goliath!


Saul said to David: 33-- "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”  Well, doesn't that just ring with encouragement? Not!


Listen, David had experience with God!  He knew of His faithfulness and His ability to deliver: 37--"The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”


Friend, what is your 'Philistine'?  May I encourage you to stand against the enemy who desires to steal(from), kill and destroy you? Don't give him the satisfaction of leaving you on the curb!  Take up the shield of faith, and move forward!


As I read on, I began to personalize the scripture. I placed MY name where David's name is recorded.  I read it like this:


45--David (LINDA) said to the Philistine (HER ENEMY, ie. fear, depression, addictions, etc.), “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46--This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47--All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 


To restate the last portion of this passage:  "...for the battle is the Lord's...".  When it's His glory that we want to reflect and reveal, I know He will bring the victory!!