Easter/Resurrection and You

Turning the corner to head to my sisters house for Easter dinner, I saw my nephew on his skateboard. He's been struggling with drug addiction for years now. My sister & brother-in-law had to make the difficult decision to kick him out of their home in order to save not only their family from his violent, drug induced outbursts, but also to save him & try to convince him to go into a rehab facility by taking away his daily comfort.

I hadn't seen him in a while so we honked, waved & pulled over to say hi. He asked if we could give him a ride to his friends house a few blocks away. While driving him it was obvious he was under the influence of drugs. He was ranting & raving about something. I began to silently pray for him. He needs to be set free of his addictions, he needs prayer for protection, redemption, freedom & peace found only in Jesus Christ.

As we pulled up to the house, I quickly jumped out of the front seat to run around and hug him before he left. I told him I loved him as I squeezed him tightly. My heart and soul breaking for the decisions he's making and the pain he's in because of drugs. I got back in the car and began sobbing. It's so hard seeing someone you love destroying their life. As I continued to cry, my husband grabbed my hand and we prayed together for Jason. Knowing the pain I was feeling, I thought of the Lord and His love for us; stronger, deeper, higher, and wider than our human minds can comprehend. I can't imagine the pain He feels for each of us and His heartbreak over our poor choices...we're His children. He wants us to come to Him with whatever we're going through. He wants to heal, restore and bring each of us into His loving embrace.

Don't let the enemy continue to lie to you & tell you that you're not worthy, you're not loved, you're beyond help. Let Jesus' unselfish, loving gift; His sacrifice for your sins not be in vain. He fulfilled God's will and took on the burden of your sins. He rose to life on the 3rd day...resurrected, fulfilling God's promise. He made it possible for you, I and my nephew to be free, saved, and forgiven so that one day we can be with Him for time and all eternity. Take the gift and accept Jesus Christ today. Let Him guide and direct you in your choices. Let Him set you free!

GOD LOVES YOU!

"And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." Luke 24:38-39

Are You Ready To Run Your Race?

As he approached the starting line, his heart began to race, taking big deep breathes, he forced himself to stay calm and focused; refusing to allow the nerves to overtake all he'd worked for. He was ready. His coach had been preparing him for this moment for months; hours of stretching and drills to work on the mechanics of his movement. He practiced quick starts off the block, working on the drive phase to maximize his speed in the beginning of the race. He lifted weights daily and ran the same routine over and over again...while his coach continued to instruct, encourage and correct him.

In his mind he'd run this race a thousand times. As the starting official said, "On your marks," he crouched down, getting into position, eyes looking at the finish line with razor like focus. "SET!"  the official shouted. He placed his hands behind the line, up on his finger tips; feet securely pressed against the starting block, hips raised slightly above his shoulders, muscles relaxed as he held his breath. The official raised the gun over his head..."B A N G!" the gun signaling the start. He shot out with one smooth movement, releasing his breath as he pushed with each muscle, each touch of his spikes plunging into the track, propelling him toward victory.  
 

Life is often like a track meet. God has been helping us, coaching us, training and preparing us daily for the life's big race. We often struggle through the difficulty of our training. There are painful times, moments of fear, failure, rejection, loss, loneliness and darkness. But your trainer, Jesus Christ, is always with you...instructing, encouraging and correcting. Then as you continue to push through, keeping your eyes on the Lord, (your strength) you realize he's prepared you to run this race that is before you. It's not always easy, remember that you're never alone in life's race, the Lord is always with you. He will be with you until its completion. When you're tired, go to a quiet place, sit alone with the Lord, your life coach (in prayer.) Open up His perfect training manual (the Bible), as He reminds you that you are more than equipped for what's ahead of you...as He guides you toward victory!

"Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience"Colossians 1:11

"He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber" Psalm 121:3

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

My Life Jacket Saved Me

My emotions began to flood my body, several waves of trouble crashed down on me. Every time I'd come up for air, a new one pounded me. During this time, I struggled to catch my breath, as I desperately reached for my 'life jacket' the Bible. I clung to it early in the morning, allowing God's words to keep me afloat. One thing after another attempted to sink me throughout the day. The waves continued to come, but my 'life jacket' was firmly in place. God's words were bigger than the waves of problems; His Truth, bigger than every fickle emotion which threatened to drown me.

As I learned to Pray through each sea of problems, I was overcome by an undeniable Peace. It seemed to stop the flood. It replaced the fear, doubt and anguish, with a feeling of comfort. Emotions are feelings and thoughts, not necessarily truth. When we allow our emotions to control us, we sink into a pool of despair. If you're feeling drowning affects, stop and pray. Open up God's written Word and put on His 'Life Jacket.' Establish a close, trusting relationship...allow Jesus Christ to rescue you!

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:21-24

"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40

"The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple." Jonah 2:5-7

Listen...It's For You!

I started my morning like every other day, spending time praying, reading my devotional & my Bible. I then go on to posting scriptures & thoughts on my Twitter account, typing up a message to email to a few people then rush to get ready for work.  

As I headed out the door, I had no idea how important the things I just finished reading would be for me. I sometimes think, “I'm good, I've got this whole, stress, worry, and fear thing under control. I've learned to seek the Lord daily and feel like nothing's going to shake me.” I know the truth of Jesus Christ for goodness sake. I carry it on my heart, in my mind & spirit.

But...the enemy is always lurking, waiting to hit a weakness. 

I walked right into my first obstacle the second I reached my car. There were two parking control guys standing at my oldest son's car. I asked, "Is there a problem?" "Yes, this car's registration is expired & we're towing it." I tried everything I could to talk them out of it. I was so frustrated, knowing my son was in Utah with my sister, didn't have any money to get the car out and he's the only one on the pink slip. His car didn't pass smog even though he paid all his fees; he hasn't been able to complete the registration. I was so upset, I started to cry. Then a few more things transpired to continue my down ward spiral. I cried on the way to work, just feeling overwhelmed. Once I reached the parking lot, I sat in my car and prayed. I knew the enemy was throwing everything at me, playing with my emotions & overwhelming me with so many things at once. 

As I prayed, Anthony called me and said, "Re-read the Devotional you just sent out to everyone this morning. It's perfect for what you’re facing." I opened the e-mail on my Blackberry and began soaking in each and every word. I always read it before I send it to everyone. What I didn't realize were those words were specifically for me! (Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you.)  Don't get me wrong, I know when I read them that it's for my benefit first & foremost, but sometimes, I find myself thinking, "Oh, this will be perfect for so & so, they’re going through a really difficult time right now."

But the truth of the matter is, when the Lord sends words your way, you need to soak them in & apply them to everything you face during the day. It's not for someone else...it's for you. He's giving you guidance and direction, which enables you to be comforted when the enemy overwhelms you...attempting to send you into a tailspin. The Lord's words are there to grab hold of your instable, human emotions. He knows what's outside that front door waiting for you. He is arming you with His protection. He has already defeated the enemy. He is leading you to this same victory. Listen to what the Lord is telling you & just as Jesus replied to the enemy's lies, with God's written word, follow His example (Read Luke 4:1-13) For the enemy loses his power in the face of God's Truth.

Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'
Luke 4:4

He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes & scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."
Luke 10:18

"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way."
Proverbs 20:24

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:21

The Lady With The Lamp

She wasn't anything special, other than having a quick-wit and a love for God. She had no particular talents. By all accounts you might've said, "She's ordinary.'' She wasn't expected to accomplish anything great. Born to a wealthy English family in 1820, her only expectation in the elite, Victorian Society circle was to get married and have children.

But when God has a plan for someone's life, He only requires you to be willing and available for HIS PURPOSE. In 1837, she heard a call from God. This calling became so overwhelming that she went against all traditions, much to the opposition of her parents. Florence began to travel, studying the field of Nursing and Mathematics. She eventually worked in a London clinic. When the Crimean War broke out, she boldly took a group of women she trained and headed for the British Military Hospitals. This was very controversial, yet she pushed forward doing God's will. She worked tirelessly, caring for these men. She made rounds late into the night, checking on each patient. She carried a light in the evening, making her rounds and was affectionately called, "The Lady with the Lamp,” a bright light in the dark, dingy, hospital. She brought God's Love, Help and Word to these men.

She tirelessly petitioned on behalf of the deplorable conditions & led a reform campaign which was instrumental in changing the hygiene, sanitation and treatment of patients in hospitals. Florence Nightingale's memory still shines today. She established the groundbreaking, Nightingale Training School for nurses. She was awarded the Royal Red Cross by Queen Victoria in 1883 and was the first woman to receive the Order of Merit in 1907. Florence Nightingale heard God's call and answered with a resounding, "Yes Lord!" She followed Jesus Christ's example. She lived her life in the service of others.

God has a plan for each of us. He had a plan for His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was faithful to fulfill His Father's will and provided a way for us to also follow in His footsteps. As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let's not forget His example. Seek to show love, seek to serve others, seek to pick up your cross daily and do His Will, His good and perfect will for your life.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas!

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel-which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved."
John 10:9

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-I lay down my life for the sheep."
John 10:14-15

"You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."
Luke 7:8

Read the Birth of Jesus Christ- Luke 2:1-40

LENNY INTERRUPTED MY DAY

I had a million things to do and was only halfway through my list when I decided to run in and get a quick bite to eat at McDonald's. Earlier that morning, while doing my Bible study, I made a post on my Twitter account, "Be prayerful and watchful-God will show you whose life He wants you to invest in. He has a purpose for you today. Go out & be a blessing."  I wanted to remind everyone to let God guide their day.

What I didn't expect was that God was reminding me before I began my day that He had a specific person in mind for me today...that person was Lenny.

He was an older man in his 80's, ordering, "Extra crispy fries please. I haven't been here in 20 years and that's how they used to make them," he happily told the girl at the counter. After a few more requests, "A couple of creams and some Splenda for my coffee and please make sure the fries are extra crispy." As the girl walked away he mumbled to himself, "What a nice girl."

Normally when I'm in a hurry I start to get a little impatient. However, something about this man's cheerful demeaner kept me patiently waiting my turn. The girl came to the other side of her register as Lenny stood at the counter waiting for his order. I ordered my usual cheeseburger, fries & apple pie, while Lenny turned to smile at me & tell me how good the fries were here 20 years ago, "extra crispy are the best!" I chatted with him while the young girl finished filling our orders. Lenny grabbed his tray and then turned to sit down, but stopped and said, "Young lady, would you like some company."

I was caught off guard. Did I want company? I had a million things to do, and planned on eating quickly, quietly sitting with my thoughts, before rushing off to my next stop. So, truthfully, did I want company? No. But did he want company? Yes. Was God interrupting my day for His Purpose? Yes. So I replied, "Sure." A smile lit up his face as he asked, "Where would you like to sit?" "Anywhere you'd like is fine," I replied. Another new one for me...I'm particular about where I sit.

I sat with Lenny for about two hours. He told me stories about the war, jobs he's had, how much he enjoyed being retired and playing golf. He reflected on his younger day's, "When I was in between jobs, I'd ask my dad for money & he'd always say, "No, get a job if you want money." But my mom always interjected saying, "Joey (that's my dad's name, he grinned) give him some money. And my dad always would. So I learned to always ask my mom." He let me know that he has melanoma cancer in several areas & told me to make sure my family always wears sunscreen and hats. I was able to talk to him about forgiving people who've hurt you & the freedom it brings, as he was still angry at his ex-wife.

I silently prayed for him as he talked to me. I asked the Lord to bless him, heal him and lead him to Christ. As the conversation turned to travel, I shared a little about the beauty of our recent trip to Hawaii. He'd never been & didn't particularly have a desire to go. I showed him the picture I took on my phone, the image of Christ in the waterfall. He didn't say too much about it, just looked and said it was beautiful. He wanted to see another picture of where the falls began. Later as we began to say our goodbyes & exchanged our full names, he told me his name was Leonard Colombus. I told him my name & that it was an Italian last name. He said, "Me too," then smiled and said, not really, I'm Jewish."

I wondered if that was why I was prompted to share the image of Christ with him. I will probably never know. But what I do know is that God put Lenny in my path today. God asked me to forego my plans and do His will. His Good and Perfect Will. Is there a "Lenny" God wants you to talk with today? Is there someone you can share Christ's Unconditional Love with?
 
 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40

"But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:21

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7

What Did I Say?

I was confronted with several unforeseen compliments and thanks this week. This had me thinking about the things we say and do. The ease with which a word of thanks can roll off your tongue, but the struggle we have in conveying it. With this in mind, I set out to start my day by thanking my husband for all he does, the little as well as the big things. To my surprise he responded with, "Who are you and what have you done with my wife?"

Ouch!

That comment (meant to be funny) rang loudly, a bell signaling truth. I'm not good at complimenting or thanking my husband. I don't know why I have so much trouble with it. The self absorption often over-shadow's gratitude. Reflecting on the the kind words I received made me realize that something so simple can touch someone in a huge way.

After my husband got over the initial shock of my gratitude, he said, "Thank you for telling me that, it really means a lot!" Something so small, which required little effort, just a willing heart, changed his day.

The realization that the power of my words, or words I don't speak, breathes life into my relationship or sucks the life out of it. As I continue to work on this, I'd like to encourage each of you to breathe life into your relationships. Find a kind word, a thankful moment, and share your feelings with each other. Christ set an example of loving kindness. We can follow in His footsteps, beginning with one another. Share the love that's in your heart. Don't withhold gratitude from the people in your life.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galations 6:9

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

1 Corinthians 13:4

"Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Colossians 2:7

IS IT TIME TO BECOME CHILDLIKE?

Blonde hair flying in the wind, kicking off their shoes, the two ran through the wet sand, jumping into the swings, laughing as they joyously pumped their legs, back and forth...higher and higher. The rain had stopped just moments before the two appeared in the deserted park. They didn't seem to mind the cold, or large puddles that surrounded them.

The laughs became louder, one lunged forward as the other went back. Just as one of the swings reached its highest point, she propelled herself, arms flapping, soaring like a bird in flight, carefree, until she landed, the force sinking her deep into the sand. Her friend, not wanting to be outdone repeated the acrobatics, unfortunately landing on her backside. They roared in laughter as her friend helped her up. Picking up their shoes, skipping playfully across the grass, water splashing onto their rolled up pants.

I watched as they disappeared around the corner. Their carefree, unabashed delight in the day leaving a smile on my face. These were not children, or teenagers, they were two women. Grown women, delighting in a childlike way. They had not forgotten the pure joy of swinging, flying through the air, skipping & playing in rain puddles.

When was the last time you swung on a swing at a park, ran through rain puddles, slid down a slide? When was the last time you enjoyed each moment of your day without worrying about what others think, how you look doing it, or what tasks await you? Watching these ladies made me want to run towards the swing & do the things I enjoyed so many years ago. Innocent, simple, childlike fun. When was the last time you let go of your daily cares and had childlike Faith? Children possess the following traits that we seem to lose sight of as adults: believing, trusting, forgiving, loving, caring, and sharing. 

The Lord has said in order to inherit the Kingdom we need to have Faith like a child.  Complete Trust that your Father in Heaven can handle anything. Jesus' sacrifice was to set you free. Don't let life's troubles keep you from all that He's promised you. Pray today for increased, childlike Faith and Trust. Let God handle all your troubles...lay them at His feet in daily Prayer. You will then be able to once again, swing, fly, run, and skip. He wants you to know HIS FREEDOM!

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:14-16

"You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear." "O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life." Lamentations 3:57-58

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:21-26


"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40

EXTRA PARTS

After all the kids are asleep, late one Christmas Eve, a husband and wife frantically work to assemble bikes, toys & electronics. The wife pleads with the husband to look at the instruction manual. It ultimately ends in a big fight as the husband declares he's done...while screws, pads and parts remain on the floor. To which the husband promptly replies, "Those are extra parts, in case something goes wrong." Which only leads to further arguing, the wife scouring the manual looking for where it says, 'EXTRA PARTS.'

Most of us avoid our daily life instruction manual. The words that will piece our life perfectly together, leaving no 'EXTRA PARTS,' just in case. God doesn't need a back up plan from you, or anyone else. His plan is perfect. He's assembled the instruction manual, THE BIBLE, to put you and your day together piece by piece, part by part, hour by hour, minute by minute. Enabling you to move efficiently through each trial, struggle and storm, well put together, sealed with His Strength, Wisdom and Love.

Read the Bible, God's instruction manual for your life each day. Continue in His Word and He'll set you free.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38

Feeling Overwhelmed?

We climbed the tough hill, pushing a wheelchair of a dear lady, who wanted to take part in this extraordinary event, after the passing of her daughter the prior year. Looking behind us, the view of  white and pink speckled the ground. The unusual covering, representing struggle, heartache, hope, strength, determination, unity and Love. Men, women and children all walking for a cure for cancer. 

The scene, reminded me of God's never ending Love for each of us. No matter what we're going through, He is walking up each hill, carrying us through our struggles, diseases, pain and heartaches. Speckling our aching, hurting hearts with an amazing covering of unexplained hope, strength, determination, unity and Love. Giving us a Savior, Jesus Christ, to forgive our past mistakes and show us His Restoring, Healing Power! He is for us...He is our support...He is our Savior...He is our cure...He is our everything!

Stop running from Him and RUN TO HIM! Let Him set your feet on solid ground. OH...HOW HE LOVES US!

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." 
Hebrews 2:1

"But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." 
Isaiah 49:4

"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." 
Psalm 57:10-11

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." 
Psalm 59:16-17

Unmistakable Image of Christ

Hiking two mile's, 800 feet up, to the top of the glorious, Seven Sacred Pools waterfall; braving the slippery, treacherous rock path over the river. Standing in awe, gazing at the beauty in front of us, we realized the journey was worth it. The sight of the waterfall, cascading hundreds of feet over the rocks, plants and moss, took our breathe away. It wasn't until we got home however, when my husband, while looking through the pictures we'd taken, saw something even more glorious than the waterfall. It was unmistakable. It was in almost every single shot. The picture, taken with my cell phone
was the most brilliant.

At the bottom of the waterfall, on top of the water, the image of Jesus Christ, clothed in a robe of white, with His arm extended upward, toward Heaven.

We didn't notice it while we were there, right in front of it. It wasn't until we stepped away and looked at it from another view. Through the lens of a camera, were we able to see this incredible 

picture of Christ. We were overwhelmed and consumed by so many things, 

we missed His image right in front of us.

In your life, you may not know why things are happening, as you view the situation from close-up.  But God's View, is All Seeing, All Knowing, All Powerful. Seek Him and His View of your situation. Step back and ask Him for His Strength, Comfort, Courage and all consuming Love. He will fill your heart with a Peace that will enable you to view things differently than you would relying on your own strength and limited view.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
Joshua 1:9 

This is what the Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.' 
2 Chronicles 20:15  

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Jeremiah 31:3

"Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:4