Good

Do Christians think we are better than non believers?  Apparently that is what some non believers think of us.  They think we consider ourselves the only nice people on earth.  Is it the way we try to convert everyone because of the great commission?  Perhaps it's because we tend to hang together.  Whatever reason, we must embrace the phrase "perception is reality".  

The only reason I'm bringing this up is to challenge you to review your image and perspective to other non believers.  Everything we do or say should be done in love.  We are called to be light in a darkened world.  We are to bring help and hope to anyone in need.  Everyone should be considered precious in God's eyes.  Do we see everyone as precious?  Or do we pick and choose who we want to be invited into the kingdom? Seek to love everyone unconditionally.  Become very humble and remember that we are All Sinners.

In your prayer time, take a moment to ask God how you can be shown how to become more loving towards everyone.  To not pick and choose.  To have your heart opened and lead by the Spirit.

For me, Mother Teresa was the type of person that could love unconditionally.  She lived to help those around her and saw everyone as a child of God.

peace......

In Honor of Cheryl

Cheryl is a inspiring woman from our church who went to be with the Lord yesterday.  My husband and were in several small groups with Cheryl and her husband.  There is a quote, "Be the person that if anyone ever said anything bad about you, no one would believe it." Cheryl was that person.  Her faith in Christ was a living testimony.   Cheryl battled breast cancer for the last 10 years of her life. She was paralyzed from the waste down the last year as the cancer moved into her spine.  In spite of it all Cheryl had a quiet loving spirit.  I would say she was a perfect example of living by the fruit of the spirit as we are to become as Christians. 

I want us to take The Cheryl Challenge.  We can all live like Cheryl.  We can all be an example of Christ.  It doesn't matter how old you are or what you have done in your past or just did a few moments ago.  With Christ, we are a NEW CREATION.  New meaning CHANGED.  Accept this NOW.  We are free.  If you are already a follower of Christ then change from your old ways.  Get rid of hatred, anger, bitterness, selfishness, rage, and unforiveness.  Through the Holy Spirit living in you, live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control.

If you have never accepted Christ into your life, then I beg you to do it right now.  Christ provides a way for us to have everything above and receive this for eternity.  Our life on earth is but a second.  We can make a choice.  But this choices offers us a chance to live with God forever.  To have the Holy Spirit enter our soul and give us everything in that picture above now.  You can and will experience peace so wonderful, love so amazing,  joy never ending.  No matter what you will endure on this earth, God will never leave you and promises that.  That is why we can suffer and still live by the Fruit of the Spirit.  

Our small group is studying Hebrews.  The book of Hebrews was partly written for Jews who converted to Christianity.  They were persecuted and lived a very hard life.  The Jewish people disowned them. To some it was so hard they wanted to go back to the old ways and give up.  Throughout Hebrews the message is clear.  Turn you eyes to Jesus.  Fix your eyes on Jesus.  Jesus came down to give us a new way and and new life.  When we turn to Christ, we can find rest here on earth.  Cheryl was able to find rest through Christ in spite of her troubles.  

Change today.  Don't be so prideful or embarrassed.  Take the Cheryl Challenge and become the person God intended you to be.

If you want to become a follower of Christ.  Just pray,  Jesus, I sin.  I don't like my life and I want you to be a part of me.  I believe that you were the sacrifice for me.  By dying on the cross you saved me.  I believe in you and want you to be in my life forever. Amen!  

I will leave you with a quote that is on Cheryl's Pinterest board. 

Day ? 2/23214 stillness

I am still here.  Although. The new job and changes with my husbands job have changed my time and schedule.  Things are good.  We have both transitioned well into our new jobs.  I am surrounded by Christians and have a great place to work and utilize my skills.  God is good.  In the midst of all of our lives, and stuff, and issues, and up, and downs God doesn't change.  He is always our loving God.   He says Be Still and know that I am God.  Rest in God and thank him continually for His love.  Our lives are but a moment in the scheme of eternity.  

Peace.....

Day 158 Next

I am not very good at multi-tasking at my personal life.  I am great at work.  Probably because one is expected to multi-task in order to get it all done.  The whole job change thing took a lot of focus and energy.  Leaving not much mentally for me to tackle anything else.  Now that I am settled into the new job, which I really enjoy by the way, I am ready to tackle the next part of my journey.  Hubby and I are keeping God first in our life but will be joining another small group that will work with our schedule.  

My next journey is back on the be healthy journey.  My goal is to take priority of my health through diet and exercise.  I don't have to tell you that health insurance is so expensive.  I have accumulated a few RX drugs that I hope to eliminate by improvement of health.  So.....  What I began earlier this year and got sidetracked will become a focus now.  What does that mean?  Water....treadmill....eating right...and back to weekly pictures!  I know it's cruel but that keeps me focused with mini goals!  Never give up and always keep striving to be your absolute best.  I hope you are becoming your best.  Remember to Love God, love others, and love yourself.  

Live in peace......

Day 151 - Change is good!

Yes, change is good.  Change can be like a breath of fresh air.   It gives us a new attitude.  A chance to begin.  It is like the new year.  We think of it as a way to start over or begin again with a goal or a belief or a task.  I think the one thing we should be ready for is change.  Life is unpredictable.  It can be scary and unknown.  Don't be afraid of this.  

I have three special prayers for you In 2014.

1.  I pray you love God.

The one thing you can always count on is God.  He is the unchangable part of your life.  My prayer for you for 2014 is get to know God.  Yes,  you can know God.  There is a relationship waiting for you.  He can bring you through the changes in your life.  He will guide your path.  He will make a way when you think there is none.  Find like minded people who are God seeking people.

2.  I pray you love others.

We are created to love.  Be nice to your family and love them.  Tell them you love them.  Forgive those who have caused you pain.  Help those around you.

3.  I pray you love yourself.

God created you.  You are special and unique.  Love yourself and become the best you can be.  Break bad habits.  Believe in yourself.  Make yourself better.  Live life to the fullest.  Make 2014 your best year ever.

Love God, love others, love yourself.  Amen

Day 144 - New beginnings

2013 is almost over.  2014 is going to be a great year.  New job. New attitude.  New love for God. New friends. I came across a website. 365promises.com. It contains a daily verse of a promise of God and a short devotion.  I want to challenge you to go deeper in your walk with God.  He wants a relationship with you.  Not a "hi how are you, fine thanks" passing relationship. A jump off the cliff, peal back the layers kind of relationship.  The kind that will challenge you.  Change you. Fix you. Make you reach up to be the person God created you to be.  Are you scared?  Can you let go?  It would be a kind of experience you have never imagined.  One more thrilling than anything you have experienced so far.  This is my challenge to you.  If you don't know what to do, write me.  We can go through this together to get you in with God.  Nothing else in life will compare to this new way of life.

Ready.  Set  Go!    

Peace........

Day 140 - Merry Christmas!🎄🎄🎄

My family had a wonderful Christmas.  There wasn't any toy to put together the night before.  We didn't have a child waking us up all night because they couldn't sleep.  Cliff and I woke up first. We had to wake up the kids.  So the timing was perfect.  I made the easiest cinnamon rolls out of biscuits courtesy of Pinterest.  The opening of presents was very relaxing.  Everyone got what they wanted but it wasn't overdone.   The real joy of the day came when we went with friends to three different nursing homes and sang carols to the residents.  We met the nicest people in the world today.  Many sang along with us.  We mixed jingle bells and frosty with O Come All Ye Faithful and Silent Night.  Nicole sang solos and sounded like an Angel.  The mother of our friends spent months making little Rudolph's filled with chocolate kisses that was given out to the residents. The last gentleman we sang to cried at the end of silent night.  Another gentleman's daughter came up and told our friend what a great thing we did.  He father's first day was today.  He loved the singing and sang with us during all of the songs.  We thought he had to have sung in a choir but he said he just liked to sing.  His daughter said it helped him a lot to feel more at home.  They all welcomed hugs, smiles, and love.

Jesus came as a gift to us.  The best gift we could ever get.  He came to help the weak, the poor, and the needy.  We are called to be like Jesus and love God and love others.  Both Cliff and I agree today that this Christmas is one of the most meaniful of all because of the joy we got while sharing the love of Christ with others today.  

My prayer for you today and everyday is that you know the love of Christ.  That this love will fill your heart mind and soul so that it overflows toward those around you.  Give yourself away.  Be kind to those around you.  Go out of your comfort zone.  Be God's hands and feet.  In Jesus name.  Amen