What Do I Do When I Mess Up?

My hubby was recently released from a two and a half week emergency hospital stay for diverticulitis, perforated colon, a blockage and C Diff infection. I'm now being trained in his home care.

I've got most of it down. I changed the hubby, Anthony's IV/drainage tubes without a nurse yesterday and it went pretty smooth. Well, that was until I got to the machine settings. I jumped the gun, hitting yes, as it cycled through an area I should've hit no. The hubby said, "You need to slow down!" He wasn't too happy with my exuberance and "I've got this" attitude/actions. 

I told him, "No big deal, everything is fixable." 

You see, I'm not the nervous type and generally plunge into things thinking, "If I mess up...it can always be fixed". 

It got me thinking....what about when I sin, mess up, fall short of all I want to be? Do I have the same attitude or do I choose to sit in the mess feeling hopeless, lost, alone and unforgivable? 

So I ask myself...I ask you friends, what areas of guilt and shame am I/are you still holding onto?

I want to remind you today that it's *fixable*...in and through JESUS CHRIST. Ask HIM into your heart and life this very moment. Ask for HIS Forgiveness. Lay it down and let HIM wash you clean...the very reason HE came. 

Sin, shame, guilt and regret will keep you locked in the bondage of hopelessness; hindering all that The LORD is calling you for.

JESUS came so all our sins and *less than moments* are fixable!  Redeemable. Forgivable. HE died specifically for your *not enough*. 

I'm thankful for the reminders that every area I fall short in, The LORD is waiting to Pick me up, Dust me off, Hold me close, Redeem my hurt, Forgiving and Loving me beyond my shortcomings.

"He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

Out of the miry clay,

And set my feet upon a rock,

And established my step"~Psalm 40:2

JESUS said...

"I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep."~John 10:10

Jump on the "Thankful Train" friends, what are you thankful for?

ARE YOU HUNGRY?

He slowly descended, wings wide, landing softly; having nothing to do as I waited for the green light, I watched. A second bird, identical in size and color glided in next to him. They turned to look at one another, the second bird lowering its body and turning his beak upward.  The first bird leaned down, putting food into the waiting, open beak.

I want to be just like this second bird; trusting, expectant...as I spend time with my Lord each day, waiting in openness for Him to feed my soul the nourishment needed for today. 

I want to start my day knowing that I'm empty, needing a healthy portion of what The Lord wants to give me to make it through this day, finishing strong; fed, and then feeding others who may, "glide in next to me."

Lord, help me to spend time each morning, bending low, looking up to You for exactly what I need. Open my heart as You faithfully and lovingly meet me, fill me, guide me and direct my every step, thought, word and action. You are more than enough for whatever I face today. Help me so I don't MISS IT! In Your Mighty & Holy Name Jesus, Amen.  

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"~Matthew 6:26

"The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season."~ Psalm 145:15

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."~Romans 5:5

That Annoying Person

While driving to work, I found myself stuck behind several cars. I was late as usual and in a hurry. I was finally able to get around an old, beat up, small, gray pickup truck. I reached the stop sign before him but to my surprise, he decided not to stop, he completely blew through it just to get in front of me again. "What the heck?" I thought and then said out loud, "WHAT A JERK!" I sped up trying and get around him, but he seemed determined for some unknown reason, to make sure I stayed behind him.

Now, I have to tell you before I go any further with my story, I'm truly so much better than I used to be with my road issues (I purposely left out rage, not wanting to expose to much of my previous short comings!) This guy however came out of nowhere and seemed to be doing everything he could to push me over the edge. But luckily for him and me, I had my Christian music playing. I was suddenly reminded to calm down and pray for the guy. I said a quick prayer, "Heavenly Father, I pray the blood of Jesus over him. Please bring Christ into his life and remove the lies of the enemy. Please help me to stay calm, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Whew, I felt much better!

As I got on the freeway, he did too. He crossed several lanes, cutting people off to get into the fast lane. I figured I was done with him. I continued on in the slow lane waiting for the 73 freeway exit which veered off to the right. I was feeling quite proud of myself I might add! As I went to change lanes, there he was again; he'd cut across four lanes and was now blocking me. "Ugh...what's this guys problem!" I shouted in my car. He sped up and got right next to me. As I turned to give him a "crusty" (aka-a dirty look,) I was reminded to pray for him again. So I did! As I was praying, he pulled in front of me as we both exited the freeway. I stayed behind him continuing to pray; the Lord was reminding me of something very important, and I needed to pay attention. When God highlights someone in my path, it's for a reason!  I have no idea what's going on in his life. I don't know if he knows Jesus Christ. I don't know if anyone is praying for him. But what I do know is that this seemingly "annoying" guy was brought directly into my path. I had a purpose and it wasn't to get angry. I needed to pray and stand in the gap. I may be the only person praying for this man to accept Christ into his life.

So now I'm going to remind each one of you; when that "annoying" person (family, friend, enemy, co-worker, other drivers, etc) are brought to your attention, remember, it's ALWAYS for a reason. You have a purpose and God is highlighting them for you. Prayer is powerful! Shower people with prayer and stand in the gap, ask the Lord to remove the strongholds and lies of the enemy in their lives. 

Who's being highlighted in your life today? It's time to step up and be a prayer warrior! Jesus commanded us to love one another. Make a difference today...recognize the Lord's promptings and pray for people!

"Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" Mark 4:11-12 (NIV)

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35   

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Ephesians 6:18