Life and Lessons

Christmas at The Gas Station

2011-12-30T11:48:00.000-05:00

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate. He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy, I'll just go." "Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger. "It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When you're done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me, be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy. Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked. "Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent. "My wife is with child and my car is broken." George opened the hood. It was bad. The block looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead. "You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ." George thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do. Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can fix this," he said to

himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention. "Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said, trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya. Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked. "None for me," said the officer. "Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun. "Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this before.

"That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man, reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last week."

George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer." "Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said. George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn. "Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.

"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued. "Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw. "I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories. That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that too," George said. "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger. "You say you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin' cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, LordJesus"

Merry Christmas!!

This story is better than any greeting card.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!

Excuses

2011-12-30T09:53:00.002-05:00

I would address the issues that hurt me, but if I were to do so you would say I was just being petty, or ignore my feelings, or thoughts because they are nothing like yours'.
All too often this is the words of those who hold things in and go about their lives as all is well. Then one day it erupts into a heart full of hurt and anger and disbelief and along comes bitterness.
Isn't it recorded in history? The Holy Bible, to confront your enemies. When someone wrongs you, go to them in love.It is written by the ones who knew Jesus personally.
We can excuse ourselves right out of a relationship that was meant to grow us closer to our Lord.
What excuse do you have for not addressing an issue or for not hearing the words from those you have wronged?
Leave the excuses out in the cold and go face to face to those who need to hear from you and open your heart to hear how you have made them feel when you acted unconsciously towards their feelings.

Forgiving like Jesus

2011-12-29T19:25:00.002-05:00

Every day should bring us a new beginning. New fresh feelings as though yesterday's errors didn't have control. For all the times we throw things in the garbage how many times do we return to gather them back?
Forgiving has always been a problem for me. It was my blanket of protection from future hurt. So long as I held you at arms distance you couldn't hurt me anymore. Wrong my friend. Way wrong. I only hurt myself when I do not forgive.
I work on forgiving and loving like Jesus did. Notice I did say "WORKING"
I pray for you all that forgiveness is something you become very familiar with.

Miss Understood

2011-12-27T19:16:00.002-05:00

Often I feel I am miss understood on simply statements. Like the conversation I had recently with a new friend. It is difficult to cross over the threshold of being a mommie and being the mother of an adult. They need you just the same but in a totally different means. My daughters still call daily and we live only twelve miles apart but they don't need me to tell them what decisions to make and how. Advice yes but they are so strong and well informed with what they learned along the way they don't need be to mommy them now just being their mother is great.
Miss understood when I say it is a hard way to separate the child and the adult guidance. I suppose only the other mothers who have previously gone through this is the ones who don't miss understand me.

Ask and Be Ready

2011-12-26T20:31:00.002-05:00

I ask in a prayer if I could love like the love Jesus spoke of when he walked this earth. Then it started I was given more opportunities to show love. I was ask to take a meal to a shut in. A lady who had no means of getting out on oxygen and hospis.
It's important for you to know that this lady is my sister and she had taken her life down a path that was destructive and at her on hands she would deny family time. Now she needs a meal, a smile, and I would be the one to carry it out. It went much better than I had thought it might go.
This is when I realized just what it meant when Jesus said to his followers to help the poor. My heart began to think of how many ways I could help her. Because she is my sister? No, because she was in need.
I found myself thinking of excuses for others who made mistakes and bad choices. I began seeing how to love those unlovable people.
Love is a funny thing and if you ask, be ready.

Gifts

2011-08-29T22:08:00.002-04:00

Gifts come in so many forms. It is a gift to just sit and chat with the love of your life in the quietness of your home. I would not have received this gift had I not taken time away from writing the story. or cleaning or all the other things we as homemakers do.
Many times I have ask someone to spend time with me and they are too busy. They have no thought of the gift they might have received when allowed the time to enjoy the moment.
A lesson worth holding onto I think when ever possible, when you are invited to spend time with someone it could be a time you will never forget.

Turning a Wrong Into a “Write”!

2011-01-14T07:20:00.000-05:00

Turning a Wrong Into a “Write”!

Let Go and Grab Hold

2011-01-07T13:53:00.002-05:00

So many times I have held on tight to those things in life that just felt comfortable. They weren't necessarily good for me. They were just familiar with the life actions of the normal.
Although I have learned that when I would let go of a situation, no matter if it was a job, a relationship, or worse control. I would find myself in a better place. A place to grow and be better than I had been before.
The real lesson was when I realised that letting go is the only way I would have the empty hand to "grab hold"
Lesson Learn Be okay with letting go. Then open your hands your heart and your attitude to grab hold.

Man Up

2011-01-03T11:21:00.002-05:00

Where did all the men go?
Who is ready to "man up" and take a stand for the orginal man?
God created man first, no one I know will agrue that fact. But definition of man can be summed up pretty easy. At least from my window of life. Men are to take leadership roles. They are to take care of the women of the world. Their women that is. Their daughters, wifes, sisters. But they don't, they don't "man up".
The average household today in America is single mothers. Boys are searching all the wrong places for father roles. Daughters are seraching also for that godly leader to guide and protect them.
Man up, it's your call. Before you think of yourself first, think of the role that was given you at birth, if you are male. Women must man up to the call to teach their daughters how to settle only for a godly man and expect nothing less from the man in her life.
What does your Man Up look like?

A New Year (2011) - A thought to Ponder

2011-01-02T13:06:00.000-05:00

A New Year (2011) - A thought to Ponder

Life and Lessons: Culture or Religion

2011-01-02T12:58:00.000-05:00

Life and Lessons: Culture or Religion

Culture or Religion

2011-01-02T12:11:00.003-05:00

As a Christian women was speaking to her friend about the difference in their beliefs. I was taken back as I heard her say "you aren't a very good Jew". Was it because she didn't take on the traditions of the culture or that she didn't go to the synagogue, or was it she didn't have any faith at all? Or was it out of ignorance on both of their parts?
The Christian lady didn't go to church, didn't have a routine of bible reading and studying. The culture traditions she attended were mostly family dinners and gift giving at Christmas and Easter baskets. So in fact she wasn't a very good Christian. Maybe this is why they became friends.
Being a Jew is a culture one is born into. It is also a faith where Jesus is known as a prophet. A very good man,who taught the old testament of Moses, Noah,Daniel,and Isaiah.
My soul was sadden that neither of them really had a stand. It is known the Jews were Gods chosen people. It is also known we the gentiles were instructed to lead his people back to him. Why could neither of them see their place in Gods hands?
A lesson here for me, is that I will strive to understand the cultures of others and know that Jesus did not push his gift on anyone. But he did speak truth to all within hearing distance.
There is nothing that we take with us from this earth. It is all too important of what we leave behind. I sure hope it will be said one day that I left the heart to serve and the words of truth to those who wanted to accept the gift from God his only son Jesus.

Another point of view

2010-09-15T14:04:00.002-04:00

It's commonly heard "wait till your father comes home." What are we really saying? I don't have time to deal with this./ or are we saying, you don't have to listen to me I'm merely a women and men get the bigger respect.
Actually that is how I looked at it.( when I was the child) That is one reason, I suppose I was known as the stronger diciplinary parent.
Don't miss understand me, It takes both parents to guide a child, and the child needs to know the parents work together. This is for married parents as well goes the same for the divorced.
Please feel free to question my thoughts or ask your questions. I would love to hear from you

One Liners

2010-08-17T22:22:00.002-04:00

Your life is what your thoughts make it.
Count your blessings not your troubles
Act rather than Re Act.

Remeber

2010-08-02T20:44:00.002-04:00

When you were first placed in my arms; I gracefully held the gift from God.
I kissed your face and whispered these words in your tiny ear.

"Remember always the words the angels spoke to you."
"Remember what God placed in your heart before he sent you to me."

Daily, over the first year I would remind you to listen closely, keep your eyes on the angels that God gave you, to watch over you all the days of your life.
I never wanted you to forget. Never ever forget what it felt like hear God's angels softly in your ear.

I have forgotten.

I dream of hearing their voices.
I ask God for his own voices to be heard. My heart hears his words, or is it the memory of long ago?

Do not be afraid to ask God for the favor of his angels.
However never forget you were placed above them.
They are mysterious, this is true. But you my child; how very special you are. Above the angels with more power and value.

Do not take my word for the truth. Search it for yourself. Search out how God's plan was to make you holy.
You were to be set apart all other creations.
He trusted you to make choices to glorify him.
He trusted you with secrets and dreams.
Every dream your heart had was placed there by his love for you.
God believes in you, because you were made in his image.
Jesus once asked "Who do you say that I am?"

I ask you a similar question; "Who do you say you are?"

Self Thinkers

2010-07-08T22:12:00.002-04:00

Selfishness looks the same on all people.
It is not attractive.
When we strive to prosper at the cost of others, or we consider only the effects of success in our best interest.
How then can we call ourselves selfless ones?
While I was talking with a friend who I admire and respect it looked as though she was warm and loving to all those around her. But for the first time I watched her speak of others and it was all too familiar with the same way I found myself speaking of others. We feel in our hearts we care and love all equally and yet our tone and speech does not imply the same.
I felt shame and conviction.
God want you forgive me and help me with this selfish nature I carry. My heart does not mean to be only thinking of my self, however I catch myself putting others after me and only listening to myself.
Self ishly I long to be Self less.

2010-05-17T22:10:00.003-04:00

My first Writers Conferance.
It was September 11th, 2009, and I was about to enter a room full of what I had invisioned, well read, and known authors.
I felt intimated and feared I would truely make a total fool of myself. I knew that all I really had to do was to ask the Holy Spirit to give me clearity. So there I set in the car nervous and feeling scared to death.
I silently ask for Jesus to send his Holy Spirit to me I had a request, it went like this.

Lord Jesus, please confirm that it is your will and desire that I am to be a writer. Please make it clear if you are ready for me to carry your lessons to others, or close this door clearly so you can guide me to another field to serve you.
There I was among those strangers who embrassed me fully.

Now I have a published story in their book America Remembered. Well I suppose this is my book as well.

You can order yours at
Christianauthorsguild.com
Enjoy every story, and know without doubt God was ready for these stories to be joined together and he will place them in the homes of those who so desire.
Just another lesson. His timing not our own.

Being a Somebody

2010-04-30T06:31:00.002-04:00

What is the difference from a nobody to a somebody?
A somebody is a person whom is known by many people across the land. Usually one who is well respected by their accomplishments. There have been many others who are "somebodies'" by their not so good deeds. With that thought however I began to think about all the so called no body's' that I personally know. In my heart they are even more than a "somebody". Let me try to explain.
First and foremost all of Gods chosen ones are somebodies'. They are very well known by the saints and the angels appointed by God. You can not get any higher reconnection than that. If that isn't enough, the lives they touch along the way will forever make them "somebodies'" on the hearts of others.
This thought of mine was provoked by my desire to introduce my Camden (my 12 year old grandson)to Mr Ted Turner. Mr. Turner once owner of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Camden was named after his stadium, also after the stadium Camden Yards.
Camden was a awesome baseball player from the time he was 5 years old and even younger. Until he was benched due to a tragic ATV accident. The accident nearly cost him his right leg. It has put him in a wheel chair bond then to a walker, and with the hand of God this journey will take him back to his feet to walk again. Of course this will be in Gods timing.
I have spent many hours with Camden, and by his own nature, is a quit kid, he has shared his heart with me. As much as any 12 year old boy would.
Here is the moment I'd like to share. We were leaving his Physical Therapy appointment when I had picked up a large post card advertisement on a home for sale. A 4 acre 4 bedroom ginormous home. I picked it up because the agent pictured was not wearing a hair style that was most becoming, and I as a hairstylist felt it my duty to help her out. As I shared my thought with Camden he was shocked, and could not believe he was hearing grandmother say she'd actually tell a stranger she'd look better with her help. I had to chuckle a bit, and explained what I was thinking. A random invitation for a updated picture. He looked at the post card and began to read it. At 12 he wasn't concerned about the agent at all.
"Is this one house?" He ask, yes isn't it huge I answered. As he spoke with such confidence and belief his answer back to me was. "When I'm playing for the Atlanta Braves I'm gonna buy me a house like this. It's really cool"
I couldn't help but know in my heart that this in fact would one day be true. One day in the journey of Camden Turner Ray, he will walk out onto the Turner Field with a Atlanta Braves uniform, and his rank on earth will have the same status as his rank with the saints as a "somebody".

I would like for you to ask yourself. Are you a somebody? What is your definition of a somebody?

Do All Things To His Glory

2010-04-16T07:04:00.003-04:00

If you are looking at me to be perfect because I am a child of God. You will not only be disappointed, but I also will be embarrassed and disappointed.
Being perfect and never doing wrong is not in me. It is not that I do not desire to be. It is not that I don't try to be better today than I was yesterday. It is all just because I am human.
I hope I do not disappoint you more often than I encourage you. My true heart desires to show you love, like that of Jesus, and grace like that of Gods.
Many times I will fail you I am certain, but with my heart to serve God and his people, I pray you will be blessed through Life Lessons.
Your own life lessons are the school of learning from the master himself.

I would like to encourage you to do all things today as if you were personally doing them for God.
Teach the children as though God their Father personally drove them to you.
Nurse and doctor them as though they were brought to your office in Gods arms.
When you are cutting their hair, chooseing their color, do it as though he were guiding your artistic hand.
If you are taking information for a service, or cashing out the purchases of another, I would encourage you to look into the eyes, or listen with the ear of Jesus.
Love those who need it most. They sometimes are not the ones that are easiest to love.

He is not Human

2010-04-08T07:35:00.006-04:00

If God were as human as we sometimes try to box him into. Might he be saying "whinie little people, you will never be happy. You all but refuse to see the truth." He might even, (if human as we) put his tired feet down and simply say, "you go on along your way my friend, I am no longer concern for you."
Of course we all know this is not at all true. No indeed he is not human and I for one thank him for that.
Today I pray to the Holy of Holy. The God that sustains all.

Thank you Lord for loving the unlovable. (That would be me as it is also many others.) Your grace and forgiveness is everything that makes it possible for me to face the days. The many blessings that we all have received over our time here on your earth. Lord you are by far more than we deserve. So many are hurting and my heart hurts for them. Personally things for me are not nearly as bad as they could be and for that alone I am thankful.
Lord I ask that you protect my family from evil. That you surround them with a protective shield. Watch over my daughters while they go through the days feeling as they carry the world upon their shoulders.
If it be your will God I ask that a Godly man would be given to them. I pray that my grandsons' are all being molded to be Godly men to serve you, as well as your people here on earth.
I pray that the hearts of my daughters and granddaughters will seek out only the man that has a heart for you.

(I stopped here during my prayer the Lord interrupted my heart with words he wanted me to share)

If God were human, As Christians remembered what God allowed to happen to his only son. Would we simply say , "oh here take my boy!" This is where we knowingly admit and acknowledge GOD is Not human.

Father God of this entire Universe. The one and the only living creator, I know that all things are possible for you. The things we can explain but most of all the things we can not.

Cancer runs threw our nation. Evil runs threw the hearts as silently as cancer does to a body. We pay no attention to the signs. We completely ignore the ones that are bluntly in our faces, and then we cry out "Lord Help".

As we grow we get up onto our knees and we rock. We get a little adventurous, and we take one hand and raise it up. We grab hold and even as we are too young to speak any known language we think it over. The possibilities of, can I stand up? What if I fall?

Each one of us go through this, unless you are stuck on your knees and I am not talking about praying knees here. After we have bravely acquire our position to take the challenge and pull ourselves up we become more self confident and wonder if we can in fact move one foot at a time, and holding no more we let go and the amount of freedom that over comes us is better than that first warm bottle of milk.

This is the beginning of total independence we must think. And it is. After all watch the faces and the sounds of the wiser of us all clapping and shouting LOOK, LOOK, Shes walking.

Many many lessons are taught this way.

Now here I stand in (literally) the middle of my life. I have pulled myself up, I seek my Fathers face for encouragement and approval. I fear I will fall. Problem now is if I fall at this point of life lessons it is not just my head that gets bruised. Now when I fall others fall with me.

Father I ask that while you stand with me just the presence of your Holy Spirit is what will keep me up right and that I am pleasing to you. I pray in behalf of family, friends, and neighbors that you also let them feel your Spirit to hold them up. Let not your children fall Father. Lest one is not more valuable than another.

Lord hear my heart cry out for you, hear and answer our souls to be rested in the palm of your hands. May we acknowledge that all things appearing larger than life is never larger than you oh God of all.

So here I am, wondering if it is necessary to let go, stand up and feel the freedom I felt as a toddler, or stay in my comfort safety zone and trust not.
I need the powers of the Holy Spirit to stand along side me today as always and forever more.

Do you try to make God fit into a human nature?
Do you allow him to be bigger than your troubles?
What has you doubt his powers?
Can you imagine being free of the fears?

Trust Him Always, Go into his words.
He is not Human

Now I Know

2010-04-05T16:02:00.003-04:00

Each one of us today represents the grace and the love God showers over his people.
This is something we all might ponder about for a few moments. Let us not forget that we did not show up here by mistake. We are here for the moment of truth, learning, and teaching.
It is a great day to remember Jesus came, he taught, and he confirmed that the God we serve is not dead.

A year ago some of my worst night fears became facts and reality. I never left the side of Christ, praying and crying, and sometimes even getting in his way. But all in all even with the pain that is still inside I have learned so much about how God works things out for the good of all, and giving each one the opportunity to give all the glory to him.

I now know that traditions have no value if the heart isn't behind the celebration.
I now know that death is not the end of everything, it is sometimes the beginning of a hard lesson you were meant to learn.
I now know that when we paint a mind picture that reflects what we feel and how we respond to others in a situation, it looks totally different when we paint our self in that very scene, and time.
I now know that to be free of your own past, you must free others of their past.
This is what we call forgiveness.

If this confuses you and you have no clue how to put your mind around this round of jammier. I challenge you to go back to a conversation you might have had about another and put yourself in the same time with the same events and what others would say about you. There are many times things look different when it is us who is in the middle of the happenings and we should willingly and passionately give grace and love in abundance. After all isn't that the lessons Jesus himself taught?

What past hurts are you holding onto?
What hurts have you caused that you have not yet found the right moment to extend an apology for?
What celebration or tradition was met with more importance on the food the presentation and less on the reason for the celebration?

Just a few things to think about, while going threw life's lessons.

May God bless you always.

Easter

2010-03-24T23:03:00.005-04:00

Many times I have wondered just why is it we have a rabbit delivering eggs and chocolate bunnies on the morning our saviour conquered death. Now my eight year old granddaughter is asking me that very question.
So the research began, and shocked yet not so surprised. It was those pagans again. You know the ones, they are responsible for slipping into the festivities of our celebrations at Christmas and Easter.
Way back in time written in the books of Judges and Kings and Samuel, they all record where the pagans worshiped many gods. Easter,(Ishtar)she was known as the mother of Baal. You have heard of her right? She was the goddess of nature and fertility. Now are you starting to see it? So here it is spring time when new birth of flowers, and baby chicks, and the rapid reproduction of the rabbits. This is actually a tribute as I understand it to the fertility of new beginnings.
The rabbit and the eggs as I see it takes away from honoring the resurrection of Jesus.
I am going to continue to reasearch and study from scripture to get full understanding but if you'd like to read and study for yourselves, Here are some of the places I went. 1 King 14 - 24 and Jer. 19:5 Judges 2 and 10.
I also googled Baal and Ashtoreth.
I am still studing and think you should too. It's interesting and it is well with my soul. I feel that God is pleased with me when I study his words and learn his heart and desires.
Stay posted as I learn more of this great and wonderful event. Celebrate the wonder of Gods grace and perfection to love us enough.

Articulate Mother

2010-03-15T22:31:00.004-04:00

Where might you begin if asked to articulate a Mother? How many differnt textures and colors would you need? How might you design her if you where the artist?
Being a mother should never be taken lightly.
The greatest award given for the hardest requirments known to mankind, and rewards by far out weigh the cost.
No one actually sees beyond the surface of the duties and time put into being a mother.
I personally embrace the postion with passion. I am honored knowing God allowed me to be a mother. I beleive only a mother could do all that is required of her.
Watch while God kisses the face of the little ones at play, then as the rain drops wash their tears away.
Many colors I would need and even more textures are in need to articulate a mother. Remembering Mothers day is more about the honor that the Bible teaches us. Honor your Mother and Father it is written.

Something to think about

2010-03-10T20:19:00.004-05:00

Easter is in just a few weeks, the event of Jesus raised from the dead after 3 days. The event came with Traditions. Many households share in family dinners, baskets filled with colorfully decorated eggs..... Wait. What does baskets full of eggs and a 6ft rabbit have to do with the Resurrection of Christ?
This isn't the first time I have ask this question. It still bewilders me to think who came up with this tradition?
My question is this. How important is the event in relationship to the tradition?
I would like you to ponder that thought, not just about Easter, but also the other traditions and events you and your family have.
Birthdays, Christmas, Forth of July, Thanksgiving, the list is endless. Just think for a minute and go deep inside your heart and soul ask your self the question.
I got a little teary eyed, and humble when I thought about the traditions that took over the events in my life. Maybe it's just me.
Gave me something to think about.

Let me take the speck from your eye

2010-02-23T11:51:00.002-05:00

Come sit beside me, let me tell you a story, one you might relate to. Everyone has a story, similar as they are, each one has a different twist, a different set of circumstances. It's the similarity that connects us to one another.
Each morning I awake and begin my day asking God to show me how I might help my family and friends see the ways of our Lord more clearly. Each morning he guides me to a place in his written word where He speaks to me.
I was taken back a bit when He took me to Luke 6: 41&42.
You see I am always trying to fix the other person. But in the NIV translation of His Book It is written;
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye. How can you say to your brother, "Brother let me take the speck out of your eye when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers.
So here in the hour alone with Christ the words pierced my heart. I am working harder at finding fault with others and thinking I must have the answers to repair those in need, yet my Lord is trying to make me still so he can pull the plank out of my own eye to see Him more clearly.
So many times I ask the Lord to search my heart. He defiantly searched it out this morning.
Are you willing to allow him to search yours?

The Cabbage Patch Story

2010-02-17T22:59:00.004-05:00

The story of a real gift of hope and the answer to prayer was delivered via a Cabbage Patch doll. Just to let you know, you can miss a great opportunity to be God's helper if you're not paying attention.
You can read it in completion this spring.
A collection of authors' inspirational stories from the past to the most recent years of remembering life in America.
America Remembered
Pre-order yours today.
Check out:
www.ChristianAuthorsGuild.org

Love

2009-08-22T21:04:00.002-04:00

Love is the number one commandment.
God tells us to love him with all our hearts with all our soul and all our mind. Love is wanting to please the other one. To love on the level of that commandment also means putting the other one first. It's hard being so human to put others first. What about me? we say, we all want love and then when we get it, we toy with it. Taking it for granite. and expecting more. I am loved by so very many and at times it can even feel as a burden instead of up lifting. I feel so selfish and I hate selfish! I know how love feels how the heart drives in high gear to be with the one you love. To walk down a path to see something that reminds you of the one you love. To have only $10.00 in your pocket and want something for the both of you and buy for the other one cause you'll do with out. The pain that can, and will accompany love is too hard for some to bare so they choose to not love at all.
That's not what God of all has commanded. I feel myself today asking and leaning on God, these words. God of all , help heal my heart my soul my spirit. Satan has tampered with your child's heart and soul. I being this child get arrogant and he slipped in. I have let the past haunt me and have fought hard to have fun and live a life of freedom from responsibility. But I walk down a destructive path that is narrow dark and lonely. Just to find a glimpse of laughter and a physical touch. To feel my heart be awoken, and alive. I look at this world of aging people and I too follow. It is so very scary to me. I don't want to be old in any form, looks or actions. I actually enjoy my alone time and that too is scary. The lack of money to survive. You have given to me so much. My personality that when used for you can shine Jesus love to the whole room. A child like nature that makes the hardest of hearts open. Thank you God for that. I ask you to remove the ugly from my heart, take away my sinful desire and nature. Please Father don't let my hand go from yours. Walk with me even when I look away. Protect me from my own discussions even if it hurts me now. My ultimate goal is to be with you father. I ask you now if you can't or won't change my heart and protect me from myself. Bless my family they love me so. The love I feel from others is so big.
The Lord will answer all those children who kneel before the thrown and ask.
Have Thine Own Way Lord