Changing One Life, Reaching Many....

What Does A Christian Look Like?

Beautiful One, what does a Christian look like? I suppose the answer is not as simple as the question itself.

This last week I watched the drama unfold in the life of Mel Gibson. Like many others, I was somewhat dismayed and discouraged at the events surrounding him. The one thing I can safely say about Mr. Gibson's present circumstances, is, as awful as they may be, I despise the cycle he has gotten himself that have aided his actions, if they are true.

Beautiful One, many good people do bad things. The old line,"hurting people, hurt people," may sound like a cliche, but it is very true.

How can a Christian man who had been married for almost three decades, raised seven children, and produced a movie glorifying God (The Passion of the Christ), be sitting before us in the court of public opinion battling the woman who had a part (along with him) in destroying his first marriage?

How did this man get to where he is? Has the body of Christ yet endured another black eye?

If he were really a Christian, would he be in this mess? Is it possible to belong to the Lord while living a life that is a chaotic mess? Would a real Christian do and say hurtful things? The answer is yes.

An Empty Urn, Or Fresh Cream?

As a man thinks, so is he...(Proverbs 23:7 NIV)

Beautiful One, have you ever heard the saying, Perception is everything? Many of us have said it ourselves. But how often when we say things do we really take time to listen to ourselves? When was the last time you actually saw how you perceived things?

How we see ourselves, God, and others, will determine the level of victory we will attain in our daily lives. If we think less of ourselves than we should, we tend to attract others who see and treat us in that manner. If we don't think we deserve the best in life, there's a good chance it will elude us. And, if we get it anyway,  we will somehow push it away, because we don't see that we are worthy of it.

Recently the Lord used a habit of mine to teach me about my own perception. I am an avid Star Bucks iced coffee drinker. I confess that I make a minimum of three visits each day. I love the the drink and the whole experience of going into my neighborhood coffee shop, talking with the baristas and getting my iced cup of joe.  

Believe it or not, it never fails that when they hand me my iced coffee and I go over to the sugar and cream counter, the half and half urn is always empty. I kid you not! Without fail, it has become a long standing joke that when they see me coming, the baristas have to run to replenish the empty urn. 

It Is Possible!

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of the Midians." The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midians hand. Am I not sending you?"(Judges 6:12-14 NIV)

Beautiful One, in an unstable world full of uncertainty, how do we keep our head above the waters of life? The answer for Christians is an easy one: Jesus Christ! But, did you know you can be rooted in the Lord, and still feel like you are drowning? Did you know that head knowledge is completely different than heart knowledge? And, it is possible to have wounds within our minds that go deeper than the faith within our hearts.

It is possible, to believe pain more than to believe God!

What makes this statement true is that sometimes we feel God evades us. But, there never seems to be a shortage of pain, adversity, and hardship; they like to surprise us from around every corner of life. After turning enough corners, you realize that in order to get passed them, you must first go through them.

It hardly seems fair, especially if you have encountered many hardships in life. Sometimes, you can look around and think things could be worse; other times you realize things could be a whole lot better!

As you look back over the pages of life, it's easier to identify the defining moments in your life; places where choices were made, offenses occurred, and successes had their moments! But, why is it that we are so easily derailed and stalled by the wounds of life? Is that what we really want? Personally, I don't believe any sane person wants to be tormented and plagued by their pain. But sometimes when the pain is great, it's easier to not take that risk and believe for something better.

It is so much easier to not have any expectation, than to have one, and have it elude you.

It's so much easier to not do anything, than to do something and have it all fall apart, again.

Beautiful One, it's easier, but it's a lie!

When times of turmoil hit our homes and pierce our very hearts, we face a defining moment! We may despise the trial, shed buckets of tears, and act foolish in the process. But it's OK so long as we keep going, never give up hope, and believe for something greater than we could imagine!

When Gideon was in a cave hiding from the Mideanites, God came to him. God told him to get up and out of the cave, and go! He had a job for Gideon. But, Gideon, by his own admission was afraid, alone, and worn out. All he could see was his pain. He loved the Lord and knew all about God's strength and might. But, Gideon also knew the pain of oppression and injustice, because they stood on the corner in his life and daily called his name.

Detours, Determination, And Destiny!!!!

Beautiful One, have you been cruising along the freeway of life and suddenly found yourself on an unexpected detour? When detours arise without warning, it is hard to react quick enough to get back on track; we just hold and hope for the best.

Detours, bumps in the road, and even road blocks happen to everyone. Some are foreseeable and we can sometimes avoid them. However, there are obstacles that come out of nowhere like the loss of a job, physical or mental abuse, an affair, or even illness. Maybe a loved one dies. Maybe you woke up one day and realized you're addicted. These are just a few of the unexpected detours that insert themselves into our lives.

These sudden back roads can be painful and difficult to recover from. It doesn't help that we alienate ourselves from others. Systematically we push others away as the pain festers within because we feel afraid and misunderstood. Slowly but surely we become the product of complacency, tolerance and indecision. As time passes, we become so familiar on our detoured route that even if we wanted to make a turn for the better, the fear is so great within us, that we opt to stay in our misery.

~According To God~

Beautiful One, yesterday is gone, tomorrow has yet to arrive, here we are in today! Today, let's diminish the lies, cast off the regret, and determine in our hearts to be all we were created to be. Whether we win or lose in life does not matter; it's how we play the game that defines who we are . . . according to God!

I am amazed at the many goals and expectations the New Year tempts us to set. We are more inclined to make new goals and set fresh standards in January more than at any other time. What fascinates me is that even though this can be a good thing, it can also be an easy recipe for failure. What often happens is that if we lacked discipline in the previous year, we will probably struggle with it in a new year. Our goals and resolutions sound great and invigorate our hearts and minds, but just because it is January 1 of a new year, doesn't mean discipline automatically enters the picture.

This is just one example illustrating how we tend to think and operate in our daily lives; we start out committed and excited, then life happens. Work, kids, bills, you know . . .  life! Slowly and unintentionally our resolve starts wane and all our good intentions fly out the window. It's as if we think that just by setting goals, we will automatically attain them without any effort.

Beautiful One, I'm not saying we should not try new things or attempt to better ourselves; absolutely! try it, but start small and build from there. We need goals; we need fresh perspective in our lives.

However, what we need more than anything is a renewed mind; free of worry and doubt, but refueled with the Spirit. A mind that is at peace with God, so in return we will have peace within ourselves. In order for us to embrace a new beginning, we need to free our hearts and our minds from all the old things. Today is a new day, and the things that worked against you are old. God has something new to lay hold of and we simply cannot embrace it if our minds are already full of old stuff that needs renewal.

Almost There.....

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."  (John 11:32 NIV) Word 887

Beautiful One, have you ever questioned God's sovereignty and been disappointed? Does God get any glory from things that don't happen? This may seem obvious but, when we walk through certain trials and tribulations, we sometimes question the Lord. Why did you let this happen, God? You could have prevented this or changed it.

Many Christians struggle with these questions. It's as if they are afraid to admit it, fearing they may appear to have a weak faith or no faith at all. In case no one told you, we all question God and He does not mind our questions. He created us to think and to problem solve. When an answer seems to escape us and, we turn to the One who knows it all. It is not a sign of struggling faith, but rather a genuine heart longing for a reason. If you didn't have faith you wouldn't even ask such things of God.

The Bible tells us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. That means when we apply the soothing balm of faith to our problems when we are desperate for relief. We know those words about faith are true, but what happens when the only thing your mountain does, is grow larger while still standing in your way?

Beautiful One, sometimes things happen that make absolutely no sense. Sometimes in the midst of turmoil, we think we've done something wrong; we think an attack came as a result of some failure on our part. This is not always the case; trouble sometimes shows up to divert your attention, and throw you off course. Why? Because you are so close to receiving God's promise of glory and honor in your life.

Don't give up, you're almost there!

There's No Place Like Home......

Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." (Luke 9:58 NIV) Word 992

Beautiful One, have you seen her?  She's the one with the disheveled appearance and the gaunt look on her face. She hasn't showered in days. She's the one who when you we go home to sleep at night, she stands on a corner holding her sign made from a box.

It reads; "HOMELESS."

Beautiful One, have you seen her?

When I was a young girl I wanted to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I absolutely loved her. I thought Dorothy was so beautiful with her brown hair and her blue and white dress. Not to mention those ruby red slippers!  They were the most fabulous pair of slippers my eyes could behold. You know I had a pair, and I wore those shoes everywhere I went. In my imagination, I felt like a beautiful princess as if something magical would happen to me whenever I slipped my feet into them. I remember clicking my heels three times and saying "there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."

Nothing magical ever happened. But I really did believe that there's; "no place like home."

So, what happens when you don't actually have a home? What happens when the only home someone has ever known gets ripped away from them? Or, what if home is such an  unhappy place and the pain is so great that one actually takes flight away from theirs? What happens when home is nothing more than something that belongs to someone else?

Beautiful One, yesterday when I came home from a long day at work I sat at my computer deciding if I should start this weeks article. I knew  what these next few articles theme would be, but I just wasn't feeling it. I decided to go to Star Bucks instead, but not before asking the Lord what it was that He had in mind for my article.

 As I was driving, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a lone figure standing in the dark. I couldn't see very well but well enough to see that it was a woman, holding a sign.

I have seen many people but this one was different. I felt compelled to go to her.  I just knew I had to make a u-turn.

As I drove nearer, I kept asking myself. What are you going to say to her? How can I help her?  I only had a little bit of cash in my wallet. Yet despite my uncertainty, I still went.

I drove up to her knowing I had a very short window of time. My heart ached. It was something about the way she was standing there. She looked beaten down, weary and worn out. The look of anguish and desperation on her face pierced my very soul.

  As I I pulled up next to her I extended my hand with a little cash in it and said "sweetie, I'm sorry,  this is all I have." As she reached her hand to mine, with tears rolling down her cheeks, she profusely repeated "thank you, thank you."

I looked at her and I firmly told her, "YOU" hold on, your going to make it, don't give up! Dont you give up!!!!" I quickly told her "I used to be right where your at, God is going to help you, all you have to do is call out to Jesus and he will help you, I'm living proof." I just kept repeating, "your going to make it through this!"

As my time was coming to a close I asked her, her name. She replied, my name is "Shannon." I said, "that's my name too." As we touched, I said "we have the same name and I'm going to pray for you every day, don't you give up, you’re going to make it."

As we parted she said “I will never forget you." Little did she know, I too will never forget my  sister on the street...

As I was driving away an overwhelming gratefulness came over me. There was a time in my life when I was just like my sister,....and my Savior. I had no place to call home.  I cannot describe to you, the anguish and heartache that accompanies this reality. It is such a horrible and traumatizing event that  many that experience it, never recover.

Beautiful One, there are so many out there suffering from homelessness.  Especially now with people losing their homes and jobs. Shelters are overflowing with men, women and children and being turned away because the need is greater than the supply.

I admit that I really couldn’t change her situation. But maybe, just maybe, when I told her to not give up and call out to the ONE who can, maybe she will do just that.

Maybe, she will meet her Maker. Maybe she will have realized that although she has done it her way, her way got her to that lonely street and maybe it’s time to try His. God is a miracle working God and although He has everything, He still seeks only one thing, the heart that doesn’t know him.

Maybe we can give hope to someone who has none. Maybe instead of passing someone by, we can reach out and touch them. Maybe eight dollars isn't a lot, but then again, to someone who hasn't a dime, it's everything. Maybe just hearing a stranger say, I've been here too, hold on. Is the very thing that will renew their hope and help them to keep going.

Maybe, one act of kindness can make an eternal difference.

Maybe, that beautiful one standing in her pain, can one day be like Dorothy and be able to say;

"There's no place like home...."

Beautiful One, just believe...and make that u-turn.

That's Just The Way It Is......

Two are better than one. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV) word 953

Beautiful One, did you know that we were created for relationship? Relationships are designed to bring fulfillment, love, nurturing and strength to our lives.

Sometimes our relationships are strong and thriving. And then, sometimes they are weak and unhealthy. Because of events, circumstances, character issues and how well the people in the relationships are doing in their own personal life, are determining factors as to whether or not that particular relationship will grow and endure or wither and die.

So, what happens when a relationship has wounded you and left a gaping hole in your heart? Generally, these wounds aren't inflicted by strangers.True anyone can wound us, but I am talking about those closest to you.

Those that cheer for you in the stands as you run your race. You know if you have had this, you know how good it feels to have a captive audience encouraging you along your way.

You might also know what it is to not have had this. Maybe your audience has held you captive, for years even. Maybe the ones who were supposed to have protected and loved you, were the very ones who walked off and left you. Depositing the gift of abandonment within you, you now approach every relationship through the lens of pain, mistrust and ultimately because you weren't shown your worth, you don't believe you have any and therefore you wont receive it.

I recently got the news that my biological dad had died this past June. He was in prison serving time for attempted murder of his then 83 year old mother, my grandmother. His crime was shocking and horrible. Up until the year 2004, I never knew him.  I was one year old when my parents divorced and my dad chose to walk away from it all. He actually had a birth certificate burning party to burn up any memory of me so that he could start anew with someone else.

Meeting my dad in a prison pretty much shattered all the dreams I had of him.. All the questions I carried there, were still there when I left. Actually a few more were added. You see, I always saw other girls with their dads, hearing them being called "daddy's girl" and my heart always hurt.

I had deeply longed and desired such a relationship, so much so that I had romanticized  what my life would be like thinking that someday it would all be made up to me.  I longed more for the one who walked away, and overlooked the ones who actually stayed.

Beautiful One, sometimes we can get caught up with the ones who have rejected us and in doing so, we push the hand away that is reaching for us. When I heard the news of my dad passing, not one tear was shed, there was no relationship that held us together.  I knew when I met him that God didn't bring me there for a relationship, but for closure. God wanted me to know that daddy wasn't coming, not this dad and not for this girl.

There are people who come into our lives and they are just passing through. We think it should be a certain way, because it works for others, but this is not always the case.

Then there are those who come into our lives and they stick. They are committed and connected and nothing shall separate them.

All my life all I wanted was to know my dad. When I finally met him, all I wanted to do was to just get away from him. I thought God was holding out on me all those years, when all the while God was sparing me while I was unaware.

Beautiful One, Jesus said "your enemies will be that of your own household." Jesus knew that wherever people are, things gets messy. Whether your related or not.

Sometimes we have to let go. Other times we must endure. Relationships require all parties involved to be active in maintaining it.

I didn't have a say when my dad walked away and erased me from his life. My voice was silenced.  But now, my voice is silent no more.

The truth is; our God is a miracle working God, and sometimes we don't see the miracle in the mire. My dad walked out and left a gaping hole that took me years to overcome- that's just the way it is. But God gave me a mother who remained committed and connected. God also gave me a father who loved and provided for us the best he could.

Beautiful One, our greatest tragedy is not what happened to us, our greatest tragedy will be if we don't arise, embrace the truth of what is, and take the power we have been given to turn it around into what we want it to be.

The choice is ours..

I never thought in a million years that I'd be saying "thank you" to the ones who have wounded me. What they meant for evil, my God has turned for good and I am who I am because of my adversities.

I choose to leave this world differently than I came, with no one to lean on, rely on or blame. I chose this day to be the change I want to see. 

How about you, are you in this thing to win it, or will others dictate the course of your life?

Beautiful one, just believe because that's just the way it is......

Who Knew?

All things work together for the good of the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Beautiful One, do you realize that your life and everything you have experienced has a purpose? Not just any purpose, but a very specific one? A purpose was assigned to you before the foundation of the world, and before you were formed in your mother's womb. Think for a moment: if you had not lived through what you did, it would not have caused this or that to have happened. Our circumstances, trials, and even our successes are all part of a divine plan that is larger than we can imagine.

Do you realize that even though you have a freewill, an active thinking mind, and feet that help you carry out your plans, "that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord?" (Proverbs 37:23 NIV)

The truth is, nothing just happens; especially, for those of us who have lived through and survived the unthinkable. When pondering things that don't make sense such as abuse and the bondage of self destructive ways of living, we need to be reminded that nothing just happens; that all things work together for the good of those who are the Lords.(Romans 8:28 NIV)

Do you look back over the pages of your story and feel the desire to rip out a few chapters? Maybe trash the whole book? If so, remember that what happened to you is not the greatest tragedy of your life. The greatest tragedy would be failing to arise from the ashes, ascend the hill, and fulfill your God given purpose on this earth.

Beautiful One, God knows how old you are and what you've been through. He knows who left you, who mistreated you, and who loved you. He knows why you do what you do, and He knows exactly how and when to bring you out. The question we must ask ourselves is, who else knew?

Who knew....

when Joseph's brothers despised him and threw him into a pit that it was the first step of many towards positioning him to help rule Egypt?

who knew that a prostitute, with one act of faith, would save her whole house?