Growth

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything in our lives was “roses and rainbows”? Easy street and beautiful to view? What if we didn’t have a concern or worry in the world? That everyday was easy…with no struggle whatsoever. We all had millions; lived in lavish homes and everything was smooth sailing…food on the table and not a single worry, no cringing of where the next paycheck was coming….nothing.

For some people this year has a been a tough year. I’ll be the first to tell you it has for me. High inflation. Everything costs more. How are we paying for all those same things that cost 3 times less just 3 years ago? Some people have had loss of jobs or less income, loss of family members or have been stricken with cancer this year. Death, sickness, less money. The pressure is stacking up.

We say roses and rainbows but have you ever really pondered and thought of that saying? Because we live in a fallen world the roses now have thorns. Most people would argue they’re the most beautiful flower on earth but in order to bloom and become beautiful they grow thorns on the stems. Let’s move on to the Rainbows. I’ll be the first to tell you I’ve seen the most beautiful and stunning colorful rainbows in my life. But how do we get rainbows? Usually after a terrific storm.

Life is not always roses and rainbows. We endure challenges…sometimes super tough ones. Complete Heart break, sickness, gut wrenching cancer, death, loss, brokenness, not knowing where another paycheck is coming from. Life is tough and almost impossible to get through situations at times. But through these pains and sorrows, we encounter grit, perseverance, determination, courage, faith, new life and love. New perspectives and New ideas are born. New opportunities are presented; if life was easy always, we would not experience New strength, New power, New confidence. Growth happens in our souls.

So as much as it hurts to endure tough times, I thank the Lord for them. He uses everything for good. It reminds me of the potter molding and shaping clay into something useful and pretty. The clay must first endure immense heat before turning into a beautiful piece.

So whatever you’re going through, keep going. Climb the mountain, endure the storm, face the heat. Out of it comes Success, Faith, Growth, Greatness.

Romans 8:28 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.

John 16:33 ^“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

James 1:12 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

Luke 8:24-25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.²⁵ “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Stand in Victory

Have you ever thought about putting on Armor. Like the armor from Gladiator days. You know the kind we see in the movies. Of course we don’t have armor like that now but if you’ve ever toured a castle or traveled to England or Europe you’ve probably seen it in person. It’s heavy, bulky and huge! Many of you know and have seen me personally. If you haven’t let me paint you a picture…I am 5’1” (really 5’3/4” on a good day but let’s be real…we all “round up”). So can you imagine this little 5’ human with a sword, a helmet, breastplate, shield and those things you put around your calves and arms? Haha! I might be able to stand up but I literally would not be able to move. Most of you men and some women would, but not me!

Do you know God talks about Armor in the Bible? I remember when March 2020 hit and the world shut down, I felt a shift. A spiritual shift. When we think of armor, we think about those gladiators with physical armor—that’s a good picture. Paul even used that analogy in Ephesians 6 to fight spiritual battles. We are in serious world spiritual warfare today. People fighting, killing, confusion in children, temptation, lies, deception, fighting in Israel… there is division and isolation everywhere. It’s all around us. The enemy attacks where we are vulnerable. He distracts us and blinds us with anger, bitterness and division amongst people. So let’s look at what we are to put on everyday to combat that.

The FULL Armor. In a real battle, We would not just pick up a sword without our breastplate, or the belt without a helmet. As you consider this picture, it doesn’t work does it? We may be able to fight for a moment, but we would not stand FIRM. In order to stand firm, We have to put on EVERYTHING. So here we go—

1. Belt of Truth

2. Breastplate of Righteousness

3. Feet fitted with readiness from the gospel of Peace

4. Shield of Faith

5. Helmet of Salvation

6. Sword of the Spirit (Bible)

We are to put this on everyday. Everyday y’all! We have to stand firm in faith. There is a spiritual battle daily in our lives, in our country and in our world. Rise up daily. Let us lock arms spiritually together and with Jesus, create a wall against the enemy. Are we readying ourselves daily? So when that alarm goes off every morning, remember your Armor and get ready. TOGETHER let’s stand firm with the full Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?

A Tribute to Men. Be Strong.

Men. I had this on my mind to write in June after Fathers Day. Please accept my apologies for the lateness of my thoughts. Better late than never though, right? As I ponder this celebrated day of man, I look at my Father and all the men that have been an influence in my life. We need you. Let me say this loud and clear. We need men! You may think, You of all people, a strong independent woman are saying this? Why, yes. Yes I am and I am certain mountains of other women would gather behind me in this effort. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be the first to say I am an independent woman. A stubborn one at best that has the wherewithal to forge through just about anything by myself. However, that doesn’t mean I am lumped in the category of bashing man. Far from it.

My strong father, caring and loving uncles, my former father in law and friends made me the woman I am today. I thank you dad and all the men in my life with the bottom of my heart for being who you are and loving me.

I understand some people have had a bad childhood or experience with men in their lives. I am utterly and truly sorry for that. We are to look to men for manliness, strength, endurance, provision and guidance. Rocks to lean on in times of need. Our firm foundation in life and in our homes. Supporters of our careers and ambitions. They love us unconditionally and are prayer warriors for my children.  Lest we forget, God created man in His Image! As we look to the Bible for men’s defined role we see Jesus says man is to be the strength and leader but also to lay down his life for his family as Jesus did for the church. The people. ALL people. Men are to strive be as Jesus is to His people. A Rock, our Family Foundation; our Provider, our Strength, our Peace in the midst of a storm, a powerful Leader yet Servant-like for his family just as Jesus is. On a side note, women, chill out for a moment. That doesn’t mean men are superior over us, better than us, or are to rule with an iron fist or that we can’t be leaders as women. We all have our roles that are equal but different. Jesus never said we are beneath or lower or are to be abused. We are His daughters in Christ. That topic is a whole other subject to write later.

As I look at the world around us today, all the culture changes, social media and marketing propaganda, men are being attacked at the core. We have to rise up and fight. Men, we know you need us now more than ever to be your encouragers, cheerleaders in this fight against your manly existence.

What I’m trying to say is we need men to be men. We need your wisdom, strength, power, provision; care, love, guidance and support. I’m boldly saying men be men! Strong and courageous in this world that is trying to take you down. Rise up and be strong for all of mankind. Sure, we complain about your Neanderthal habits, occasional uncleanliness, your need to be naked, and dirty socks on the floor, but we are still your biggest fans. Without you we are well, just women. It is you that make us who we are meant to be. You need us. We need you. I Thank you Dad for being a Man’s Man. I love you for everything you are. Go forth, men, and be Men.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)

I Timothy 6:11-12 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

NOISE

Have you ever sat somewhere and just closed your eyes and listened? I remember growing up on 15 acres in Georgia. Even though we were out a little ways we were still on a main road. My sister and I would play the car game on the front porch. Close eyes, listen, and guess what kind of car or truck it is and guess a color. I think back to that time and remember there would be a car or two every few minutes but then it would be silent in between. Now when I sit on that very same front porch there are cars almost every second that goes by. It makes me think of our world today vs. yesteryear.

Lets compare our world today vs 30 years ago. (I know I’m dating myself but keep reading) 2023 vs 1993. Let’s look at today first. We have internet, Social media outlets …Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat and any of the others I don’t even know about. We have phones <basically computers> attached to our hip. Cars that go by constantly. 24 hour news networks. Computers. Constant emails. And even gas stations with TVs that start playing when you get out to pump gas! Phones ringing, texting chirps and emails dinging. More cars whizzing by. More media Marketing ads, more TV shows 24/7 now. I remember back then we had 4 tv channels and the TV station went off after about 1230am and nothing else came on until about 6am. We had a phone on the wall in the kitchen and one in my parents bedroom. That was it. We took Sunday afternoon naps, played outside when we were bored and made mud pies in the driveway after rains. I would be greeted by my cats when I got off the school bus and would walk up the driveway looking forward and not down at a phone.

My comparison point is we have so much “noise” vying for our attention these days. It’s no wonder now when I sit to read anything it takes me twice as hard to sit and be still.

I’m not about to say that all these things we have today are all evil. I’m very thankful for a lot of the technology because it does make my life especially work life easier. I’d go further to say you wouldn’t be reading this if we didn’t have the phones and internet and capability today. What I am saying though is that the enemy uses all this “noise” to deter our focus off of peace, serenity, positivity, calmness and the One who created all. We have a magnitude of distractions now that take our focus off the Prince of Peace, being still and knowing He is God. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. He knows God came to give peace and life more abundantly. The enemy doesn’t want us to have peace and life; he’s trying his best to distract us from Peace.

I tell my closest friends I wish and long for 1989 again. It was definitely less “noise” more peace and something I strive daily to create today.

I urge you more than ever to be still. Focus. Remove “noises” from time to time to listen to the birds, smell the roses, laugh with your loved ones without phones in your hands.

Meditate on the Word because we need it more than ever. Be Still and Know everlasting Peace.

Psalm 46: 10 Be still and know that I am God.

Phil 4:6-7  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

Age is a Privilege

I remember the day my dad turned 40. My mom and his friends had a dinner party for him at a restaurant in Athens. He received a walking cane as a gag gift indicating he was old. When they came home, I laughed. I thought…what does he need that for? He can walk still. I looked at my dad. My dad is very handsome, strong, and I felt the most secure in his presence. But I looked at his age and pondered, “My dad is 40! 40 must be old.” I was 10. My sister was 20. What did I know?

A lot has happened through the years since then…Good and bad; triumphs and tribulations. As I look back I think of many joyous occasions such as growing up, Life experiences, love, Saturday afternoons with my grandmothers, wedding of my sister and her friends, my sister having children, performances, marching in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, high school graduations,  being in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, UGA Redcoat Marching Band Auxiliary, college graduations, marriage, experiencing births of my own daughters, several careers, military life, travels abroad, and many birthdays of my parents and myself. Time is not always a joyous occasion though. I also have experienced trials and tragedies, divorce, death of grandparents, cancer and the passing of my my sister at age 37.   

When I turned 40 I reminisced of the day my dad turned 40 and thought while laughing, “Wow! He wasn’t old after all!😄”  …and then in the blink of an eye 5 more years have passed and I recently turned 45. Every year there comes new challenges with age. More wrinkles, grey hair, aches and pains and a pound or two; however, as the years go by I’ve changed my perspective on age.  Good things also come with age. I’ve become more calm and less worrisome. I have grown closer to God in my walk with Jesus. I have created and experienced more life; more wonderful birthdays of my parents. I’ve watched my children grow up. I have more education, more career years and more wisdom of letting go of what I can’t control and being wiser in the decisions I can control. I’ve become more thankful and grateful of absolutely everything God has given me. The grass is greener and the flowers more beautiful. The sand is softer and the ocean more mesmerizing than ever. The sunsets are more stunning and the sunrises…well let’s just say I definitely experience more sunrises the older I get and I never knew how incredibly unique and stunning they are as well. I look back at the passing of my sister at age 37 and think of how precious life is. Her outward beauty was stunning but she also was one of the most beautiful souls one would have ever met. Her life experiences were short. She never experienced wrinkles and gray hair, 40th birthdays, watching children grow up or parents getting older. Because of her, I view life through a different lens. So when you see another wrinkle or gray hair, or have a pain or ailment remember…we don’t always get tomorrow. Laugh more often to create those laugh lines. Be more forgiving of yourself. Rejoice in your eyes watching your children grow up. Stop for a moment to experience a sunrise and sunset. Find joy in helping others throughout your life. Encourage an elderly person with a beautiful compliment and always remember age is not getting old.  Age is a Privilege.

Phil 4:4 Rejoice, and again I say rejoice!

 Matthew 6: 25-34 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ….Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Song of Solomon 4:7 You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

Phil 4:11-13 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Everlasting Value

Ever watch The Price is Right? It was one of my childhood staples. All the summers before my 16th birthday I would plan my day around watching that game show. Recently, my daughter and I were watching old 1980s re-runs of the show with host Bob Barker. We watch the contestants jump in joy winning prizes and gadgets like new washers and dryers, new hatchback cars, trucks and boats. Oh How all these prizes were new and shinny 40 years ago. As Layla and I watched, we wondered if the people still have any of these outdated things today. An old lawnmower is probably rusting in a junkyard now...cars perhaps compounded and used for other things today. Every physical thing these people won are now old, dated, obsolete or gone. It makes me think of how much time and effort we put into working so hard to obtain physical things, and covet cars or trucks or homes...How much we long for someone else’s money or possessions.  In the blink of an eye 40 years later, it seems all in vain. Not that I’m saying wanting nice things is wrong. I’m only saying all the effort we put into obtaining certain things is where our focus should not be.  What if we made that much effort and put that much passion and energy into investments that were lasting and eternal ...like our relationships, our children, our friends or family or our personal selves. If we placed that energy into eternal investments, we make our relationships with ourselves, our family’s and God reap such rich dividends. Now and forever. Time and energy invested with God will never rust, go outdated or become obsolete or be put in a junkyard. That price will always be right. Investments we make in our relationships will gain endless value and will withstand the test of time.

Matthew 6:19-21  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I John 2:7 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

Matthew 22:37-40 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Luke 12:15. Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Here and Now

My daughters recently completed 11th and 8th grade. It was a monumental moment for me because now in the fall they will be a Senior and a Freshman...back at the same school for one year together. When they were in the 2nd and 5th grade with the oldest about to embark into 6th grade which is middle school here, I pondered and told them they will not be at the same school again until 9th and 12th grade. The day I said that seems like yesterday. Here it is. Now.

As a present this year, I took them to see Kenny Chesney at the Wharf in Orange Beach....strangely enough he labeled it the “Here and Now” tour.

Another devotional I recently read was on being in the present. And yet again my devotion yesterday was...master time or it will master you. As I’m sitting here in the Keys on vacation, I am forced to be in the now. It is a good moment.  It reminds me that the past is past and the future is always tomorrow. We must be present. In the now. The moment. If we live in the past, we are missing the present. If we worry of what’s to come of the future we are robbing ourselves of the actual moment we are in. Trust me...I of all people am the one that need this same advise I’m giving you. Don’t bring the past into the present because it’ll rob you of your future. Similarly don’t let the worry of the future rob you of this very moment. The Present. Maybe that’s why we use the word ‘Present’ for presents because it truly is a gift. BE. Here and Now.

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own time.

Psalm 118:24, ESV This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…

Colossians 4:5-6, ESV Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Isaiah 43:18-19

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it. I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Choose JOY

I wrote this during the Christmas season and lost it so I’m writing again...
Joy, joy, joy. You know how sometimes over the course of a week or two or maybe a few months you all of a sudden see or hear the same word many times and it gets your attention? When that happens to me I believe it’s the Lord speaking directly to me. This time is the word Joy. It reminded me when I was little in Sunday School and summer vacation Bible school we would sing a song…”I got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart…Where? Down in my heart! I got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart to stay!” That song has stuck with me throughout the years. I never knew how much of an impact those few simple words would mean to me until my adult days. Some people think joy is happiness. But they’re different. Although Joy often alines with the feeling of happiness, it is not one in the same. You see...Joy is a deeper feeling, an everlasting presence of peace. In fact, it’s a little hard to describe to be honest unless you’ve experienced it yourself. Joy is different than happiness in that it is not fleeting.  A bouquet of roses may make one happy but they don’t last forever. A brand new car or boat or house may give you an exhilaration of happiness but it may be short lived. Joy however can be had in sickness or in health...in times of poor or wealth. Joy is 1000 times more incredible and lasting than a moment of happiness. How does one experience true Joy? Through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Have you ever looked up the definition of Joy? In verb form, it says Rejoice. To rejoice means to be happy no matter what situation we are in. To me Joy equals Jesus, an everlasting peace, an eternal happiness, a choice not just a feeling. As you go along in your days,  I encourage you to daily Choose Joy. 

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Drop the Rock

Do you remember when you were a kid down at the pond and your dad showed you how to skip rocks on the water? Or maybe it was your brother or best friend. I watched in awe how the rock, if positioned correctly in the hand, bounced ever so lightly several times on the water making soft trickling effects on top. The water made little waves that went far and wide with every tap of the rock on the water. Well then it was my turn, haha. I don’t think I ever got the rock to skip but I did notice even when I dropped the Rock like a cannonball it still made a big wave effect that lasted quite some time.
Both of my daughters were able to go to church camp this summer. They came home talking about their experiences but one particular young husband and wife speaker and mentor team really stood out and made such positive impressions that will last forever in my daughters’ lives. They will hopefully take those moments and influence people they meet throughout their lives and their kids lives, etc…just by the positive impressionable influences of this young married couple back in church camp.
Just as you drop the rock in the water, the effects of our influence are lasting and sometimes we may never know how many people can be and will be touched by one act of kindness, an encouraging word to a coworker, one smile on the street, or one summer of volunteering at a church camp. We “Drop our rocks” daily in the water so to speak. Those lasting ripple effects can be positive or negative. Remember to make lasting positive impressions because someone will be touched by your actions.

Titus 2:7. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity and dignity.

Proverbs 10:17
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

I Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Proverbs 22:6.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Open 24/7

This writing is from my mother. It’s her first blog! Enjoy…

When I was growing up I did not have a key to our house. The door was never locked. I want my door to always be open for my family and friends just like God always has a door open for you.
When God sees you doing your part developing what He has given you, He will do His part and open doors that no man can shut. He has a plan.

Gods heart is always open. Look to Him when it is hard to do life on your own. Pray that God will open a door of opportunity.

As a child of God, your future is bright. Everyone you meet may be fighting a battle we don’t know about. Open your heart and be kind. Remember God’s door is always open.

Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

John 10:9. I am the door. By me if any man enter he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

I Corinthians 16:9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.