Are You Clinging To A Lifeless Branch?

I came upon a tree that had one lone leaf still clinging to the lifeless branch. It survived the fall and continued to hang on through the winter. It somehow never realized that it was time to move on. By clutching the dried up branch, it was actually harming the tree, causing the branch to remain open and exposed to the cold elements. It also was forcing water to be released to the leaf...water that needed to be stored within the tree during these winter months to help it endure until spring.

You can often be just like that leaf, clinging to a lifeless branch in your life. You may know it's time to let go but you're afraid of change, afraid of the unknown, afraid of giving up your security blanket...(fill in the blank~whatever that may be.) We all have them, they come in many forms and can cause more harm than good. A false sense of security, but slowly it eats away at you; taking the much needed nutrients away, hindering your growth.

Just like a tree in the spring, which sprouts bright new life giving leafs, branches and even brilliant colored flowers; there are areas in your life that you need to let go of. Things that you continue to grasp that need to be cast aside enabling you to grow into all that God has for you; His good and perfect plan for your life. Change can be painful, letting go may seem impossible and fear can become almost debilitating. But God is bigger than your pain and fear. God is able to do remarkable, immeasurable things in your life. Have you asked Him for wisdom and guidance in this area? Have you listened to His promptings...trusting Him more than you trust your lifeless branch? If not, I encourage you to spend some time each day reading the Bible and praying, asking for God's life giving truth to be poured out over...(fill in the blank)___. Don't continue to hang on to your lifeless branch, let go and fall into the Lord's capable, loving arms. You are His child and He is guiding you safely toward HIS good and perfect plans for you. LET GO AND LET GOD!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

" What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul. O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live. Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back." Isaiah 38:15-17


"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:28-31

ARE YOU LOST IN A FAMILIAR PLACE?

"Can you help me, I'm totally confused and we've been walking forever?" the woman said with a sigh, as she approached me. I sat at the edge of the bluffs overlooking the ocean on my lunch break, trying to think of something inspirational to write and include in my weekly prayer requests I send out.

"Of course," I replied. She continued, "I've been here before and I parked by an entrance that was near a walkway leading down to the beach, but I can't seem to find it." She was carrying a large heavy bag and beach chairs. She had two little girls with her who were also weighed down with umbrellas, toys and towels. They looked tired of searching and ready to give up, head back to the car and go home. "Where am I? I can't find a trail down to the beach," the woman desperately asked, glancing down at the girls with droplets of sweat shining off their bright red faces.

I smiled and said, "There are two ways down in each direction. If you want to head back towards your car, there's a trail at the end of the road or you can go down the driveway in the same direction you're now heading." With relief she asked, "Which one's closer?"

"I would walk down the driveway that's just around this corner," I replied, pointing to my right. All three exhaled, as if they'd been holding their breathe, afraid they might have to walk miles farther. "THANK YOU!" they answered in unison. As they walked away I heard the woman apologizing to her exhausted girls.

Do you ever feel lost in a familiar place? Do you feel overwhelmed, tired and at your wits end, struggling just to make it through the day? Just like this woman and her two girls, the right path may be just around the bend. You may be tempted to quit, give up or throw in the towel, but your road to true happiness is so close. It may be hidden from your immediate view. You may need to take the necessary steps of trust and faith in the Lord, praying for His guidance and direction. With each step, Jesus Christ will lead you toward the path that takes you to that perfect place of peace, happiness, love and joy. Let the Lord be your guide. Stop and ask Him for directions today. Don't continue to walk for miles in the wrong direction with a load of burdens on your shoulders. Set them down at His feet and run in the direction He's leading you...to the true treasure He has planned for your life. Don't give up before you receive the glory and blessings He has in store for you. Your guide...your Savior, Jesus Christ is but a prayer away. Don't waste another minute...call out to Him and He will lead you safely through this.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. Matthew 21:21

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Can You Do More?

With the recent passing of a girl that had come into my life for a short period of time, I found myself asking, "Can I do more?" By worldly standards she had everything, she was beautiful, perfect figure, large gorgeous home in Huntington Beach, CA, a loving husband and children. Not to mention she was a stay at home mom, enabling her to be with her kids and spend time doing the things she loved like volunteering her time and walking along the beach.

I'll admit, when I first met her I was a bit envious. She had it "ALL," along with an incredible, outgoing personality and infectious smile that immediately drew me in. But now, in hindsight, "Did she really have it all?

On a seemingly normal day...beautiful, vibrant, full of life, Annette passed away unexpectadly. No one could have foreseen it. It was a terrible tragedy. A life stopped short at the age of 40. Now I ask myself, "Could I have done more?" My answer...a resounding, "YES!" You see, I don't know if she knew Jesus Christ. I'm not sure because I didn't take the time to talk to her more. I didn't take the time to pray for her to allow Christ to fill her with His peace, comfort and love. I was too wrapped up in my everyday life to even think about it. In my quiet time with the Lord each morning I need to remember to make time for the people the Lord's put into my life. He's placed them there for a reason...it's ALWAYS about the people. We all need to remember that we, who have the love of Jesus Christ in us, have the most valuable treasure that can ever be shared with someone. The gift of eternal life with Him. As I reflect on all Annette had, I don't know if she was missing the greatest treasure of all, a Savior, Jesus Christ. 

So today and everyday henceforth, I'm determined to pray for those who cross my path and those who are in my life, to find Jesus Christ. I will show unconditional love to all I come into contact with allowing the Lord to work in me and through me. I want people to see and know the life restoring gift that can be theirs. I'm not talking about being annoying, judgmental or pushy, but through love and prayer. Allowing them to see Christ's nature in me and then praying for the Lord to open the doors to share what He's done in my life; how He restored a lost, broken, hurt, beaten down, hopeless woman who needed His forgiveness and love.

Can I pray for the people in my life who are struggling, hurting, filled with anxiety and no hope? Can I pray for those who have hurt or disappointed me? Can I pray for those who seem to have the perfect life but may be missing the key ingredient to make them complete? Each and everyone of us need to step it up this New Year. You have a chance to fulfill the Lord's purpose for you. Don't waste another moment...no one is promised tomorrow. Remember...IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT THE PEOPLE! Go share the treasure of Jesus Christ through prayer and unconditional love today!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Hebrews 9:12

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:14-15

What's Your New Year's Resolution

Changes don’t happen because you make a New Year’s resolution at the beginning of the year. Changes take place because of daily choices, an undeterred resolve to make the tough decisions every second, minute and hour of the day. A complete and total steadfastness to seek the Lord daily to help you with the tough choices and decisions, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you with truth.

So today as you see the hope of a new year begin, seek to make changes in you, not others. Pray for others, but know that the only person you can change is you, with the Lord’s loving help and guidance. Remember you are not alone. You have a new beginning each morning; a fresh new day to make the right decisions; to be more loving, patient, kind, forgiving, and caring. Ask the Lord to show you and help you in the areas you need change. Start each morning in prayer and scripture study, feed your soul first thing, it is the most important decision you will make each day.  As you begin to see changes happening within you, the Lord reveals His truth about who you truly are in and through Him.

Happy New Year and remember, you are a new creation in Jesus Christ!

When Everything Goes Wrong!

I went to my usual place overlooking the ocean at lunch to unwind and write. As I sat my chair down I heard swearing and yelling. There was a young girl sitting on a bench that overlooked the ocean. She was on the phone. At first I thought she was mad but after a short time, I realized she just yells when she talks. I sat there trying to think of something to write about but all I could hear was her. I waited for a few minutes before I finally had to get up and walk further down the bluffs to try to get away from the yelling.

I found a spot a little further up the grass, it had a limited ocean view but was situated far enough away from the girl and not too close to a man who was also relaxing in a chair. Just as I sat down to begin my writing, the man who had been quietly looking out at the ocean got on his phone and seemed to also have a mega phone voice! Then the girl who was quite a ways away took it to another level and screamed, "I don't know what's going on! You need to talk louder I can't hear you!" It was like I had a stereo turned up with both speakers working too good! Just when I thought, "Is this a joke?" A man in front of me who had been working at the ocean front home turned on his leaf blower, the loud humming joined in with the yelling along with blowing dirt and leaves into the air around me. I could do nothing but laugh at that point. It was full surround sound...keeping me from any thought forming in my head other than, "My perfect lunch time is ruined!"

No, things weren't perfect; I was irritated and stuck in the middle of it! Just as my alarm went off signaling my lunch was over, the yelling girl, still on her phone, walked toward me and her car to leave. "Oh perfect timing I thought...NOW she's leaving! It's funny how life is usually like that and we fall victim to our "perfect plans," usually falling short. Even though it happens time and time again, we still allow ourselves to get upset and angry.

I stood up and reluctantly packed up my things; turning just in time to see an elderly lady shuffling along the sidewalk. I smiled at her, she said, "Beautiful day out isn't it?" "Yes it is," I agreed, as I looked out at the ocean. With that, Jean Rees came over and began talking to me. She told me about her life and her travels. She had worked at the library for years to keep her mind sharp. She also volunteered at the local theater up the hill in Newport as a treasurer. I knew I was going to be late getting back to work but I couldn't find it in my heart to excuse myself. She told me about her niece who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I asked her name, "Julia," she replied. I told her I'd add her to the weekly prayer request I send out. With that she excitedly said she went to a church up the street and she wanted me to know that recently she put a couple of people on their prayer request. The first one was a lady diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 40, but miraculously after prayer, the doctors said it was a "misdiagnosis." Then she added a boy who had leukemia. He was treated and it didn't work, they gave him no hope. But after he was put on the prayer list, they put him on a trial medication and was cured. With a steady, knowing look...she said, "You can never have too many people praying for you." We walked slowly together across the street. Just before I turned to head to my car and she began to head up the inclined street to her home, I stopped, smiled, touched her shoulder and said, "It was so nice meeting you Jean, we'll be praying for Julia...prayer is powerful!" "Thank you," she said with a twinkle in her eye, "It is."

I took a few steps and then decided that I wanted to get a picture of my new friend for my story. As I rounded the corner, I looked to where she should have been because of her slow shuffle, she couldn't have gone very far but she was nowhere in sight. I walked a little further toward the curb to see past a couple of cars...nothing. Wow, that's weird I thought, where could she have gone? I quickly got into my car and turned around to look again as I passed the street and the alley. Nothing. I thought, smiling to myself, "Well Jean either lives in the mansion on the corner or she's an angel." You can bet I'm going to be looking for her next Monday!

Either way, my day had purpose. I now had someone who needed prayer. We need to be willing to look for the opportunities the Lord puts in front of us each day? Can you still look for the good in your day when everything seems to be going wrong? It wasn't my "perfect day" but the Lord always has a plan and His plans are always perfect. He has a purpose for you each day. Seek His will and not your own today!

"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105

"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." Psalm 119:114

"My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek." Psalm 27:8




 

IS YOUR BASKET TOO SMALL?

We walked into the grocery store on Thanksgiving afternoon to pick up a few last minute items to take to the family dinner. Once inside, my husband asked, "Do you think we need a basket?" "Probably," I replied, "we have to get drinks and a few other things." I started walking toward the aisle, while he headed out to get a basket. All of a sudden I hear a loud clanking and rattling sound moving quickly toward me. I turned around to see my husband hunched over the tiniest basket...you know...the kind that the grocery store sets out for little kids to push and shop along side their parents. I started cracking up and said, "What are you doing?" He curiously looked at me and said, "You said we only needed a few things so I though this was the perfect size." I continued to laugh and said, "That's a kids basket!" He didn't seem to care and it made total sense to him, (a few items=a small basket.)

People laughed as he passed by and turned around to stare at the tough looking guy pushing the kiddy basket around the store. We continued to shop as I tried to stay quite a distance in front of him to let it appear as if he was shopping alone. Everything fit inside his little basket perfectly until he grabbed the last item, a large case of water bottles. He had to balance them across the top and carefully hold it as we headed toward the checkout line...passing the smiling onlookers.

In the beginning the basket seemed like the perfect size for the minimal items, but ended up being too small. Your life can be like that tiny basket. You may be limiting the Lord through doubt and self-defeating, destructive thoughts. Your basket of faith and trust may be too small. The negative things you are saying about yourself and others may be hindering the growth in your life.

The Lord has an abundance of blessings and love He wants to shower on you, He is your Heavenly Father. Are you allowing Him enough room to fill up your "basket"? Are you willing to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer and daily scripture study, allowing Him to renew your mind, body and spirit? Start speaking the life giving words of the scriptures over your life and all those you come in contact with. Ask yourself today, "Is my basket too small?" Don't limit the things the Lord has prepared for you.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

" In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul." Psalm 94:19

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." Philiippians 4:8-9

He Raised His Hand

The doors were propped open. The weather was brisk but sunny. The sounds of praise music pouring out of the church to those playing in the park. As we sang each new song, the music filled me up with joy, lifting my spirit which had been beaten down throughout the daily grind of my day to day work week. Other members of the congregation seemed to also be filled with the life giving presence of the Holy Spirit...carrying the burdens away through the joy of music.

I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye just outside of the open door. Standing there was a little boy with down syndrome about 5 years old. He was wearing a red baseball cap and looking directly at me. I stopped singing for a moment and smiled and waved at him. This sweet, happy, adorable little guy continued to watch me and listen to the instruments and the sound of our voices. Then he raised up his arm to the sound of the music. A young innocent little boy could also feel the Spirit of the Lord, inspiring him to raise his arm in praise.

Don't forget that no matter what your facing or going through...the Lord is working behind the scenes. He is seeking to draw you closer to Him. Teaching you to trust and have faith in Him. Do not hinder the Holy Spirit from working in your life. Let go of the things you are clinging to so tightly...the things that are weighing you down. Give them to the Lord, allowing Him the freedom to work all things out for good.

"The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace." Psalm 29:11

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37