First I want to apologize for the lapse in my writing. The hard drive of my laptop decided to die a fast death. It has taken time to get back up and running, in between obligations during n the holidays. I am learning fast that our world of electronics leaves us no mercy and can change in an instant what our plans and add extra tasks to be put at the top of our “To Do List”. It is good to be back up and running.
Over the past several weeks, I have spent time thinking about voids. Voids are those places within us that are empty, containing no matter. Voids hurt - they are painful. Voids are created from losses we have experienced, disappointments, hurts and rejections. Voids can last for years and even lifetimes.
Voids can dictate the way we live, the way we deal with others. Voids can dictate our eating and sexual habits and change our entire personality.
A couple of weeks ago a relative passed away - there were voids, mine from his friend. She spent around 11 years knowing him others did not. She walked through the last of his days into eternity. What is the extent of her void and will it ever be filled?
Does a professional football player who really loves his game, the void that comes when he knows his career on the field is over. Does anyone truly understand and will it ever be filled?
The list could go on and on – the husband or wife who is unfaithful – the mother – the dad who walks out of their family – the friend who no longer wishes to be friends – the lost of the job – the molestation by a family member. Some to the surface seem more serious than the other. Voids whether of little scenario to a large scenario can reek havoc.
How we choose to fill these voids will actually close them forever or just make them wider. I was standing in my kitchen when two of the maintenance men were trying to fill a large hole under the sink with a can of foam. The foam did not have anything to adhere to. It needed some type of foundation. I stood there thinking how this is how we are with filling our voids. We do not have a foundation to adhere to.
Most common fixes, just like that can of foam, just makes a mess and additional help is needed to clean the fix up. Most voids are blamed for the reason we act and react the way we do.
Ok, so make a list of the void – Look at how you can change your life style not to reflect the void but how to change your life style that uses the void as catalysis to make a difference in your life journey. Apply the Word of God to it and believe God to use your void as a stepping stone to touch someone’s life! The healing is incredible.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Massaging Your Mind and Soul
Massaging Your Mind
I believe in the principle of continued education. I believe that by taking the time to explore each day to find a new piece of information that you might have missed the day before. There is no excuse for any of us not to at least find one thing that they did not know the day before, especially with the use of the internet one can engage to search opportunities to enrich their life. This little daily exercise will you help to keep your mind active and alert. Every one of us can use a little mind massaging.
Massaging Your Soul
I believe this same principle of continued studying the Word of God. I believe that by taking the time to explore each day to find a new insight to the Word that you might have missed the day before. There is no excuse for any of us not to at least find one thing that they did not know the day before, especially with all the opportunities available to us also through the use of the internet one can enrich their spirit man. Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com). This little daily exercise will you help to keep your spirit man active and alert. Every one of us can use a little soul massaging.
Managing Your Negative Emotions
I believe that each one of us can take charge of our negative emotions and change the manner of how we live our life. There is no doubt that negative circumstance and scenarios personally and in the world can shake us to the very core of our being. When we apply truth, when we take control over the emotional side of our thought patterns and apply common sense and facts, then we will see an overwhelming change in our view of life.
Managing Your Choices
I believe that each one of us can apply the reasoning of World Thought or reasoning by Word Thought. One of the most powerful tools one is their choices. You can choose to have life or have death. You can choose to do right or do wrong. Too often we make choices based on lack of knowledge, but full of emotions. When we take time to separate the emotions from facts and look at all the options that we have, then we are able to make wise decisions.
When you massage your mind and your soul then you will find managing your emotions and choices will find that right balance.
The results of mind and soul massaging on a daily basis, will find you surfing your life’s journey, not your emotions and circumstances surfing you.
I believe in the principle of continued education. I believe that by taking the time to explore each day to find a new piece of information that you might have missed the day before. There is no excuse for any of us not to at least find one thing that they did not know the day before, especially with the use of the internet one can engage to search opportunities to enrich their life. This little daily exercise will you help to keep your mind active and alert. Every one of us can use a little mind massaging.
Massaging Your Soul
I believe this same principle of continued studying the Word of God. I believe that by taking the time to explore each day to find a new insight to the Word that you might have missed the day before. There is no excuse for any of us not to at least find one thing that they did not know the day before, especially with all the opportunities available to us also through the use of the internet one can enrich their spirit man. Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com). This little daily exercise will you help to keep your spirit man active and alert. Every one of us can use a little soul massaging.
Managing Your Negative Emotions
I believe that each one of us can take charge of our negative emotions and change the manner of how we live our life. There is no doubt that negative circumstance and scenarios personally and in the world can shake us to the very core of our being. When we apply truth, when we take control over the emotional side of our thought patterns and apply common sense and facts, then we will see an overwhelming change in our view of life.
Managing Your Choices
I believe that each one of us can apply the reasoning of World Thought or reasoning by Word Thought. One of the most powerful tools one is their choices. You can choose to have life or have death. You can choose to do right or do wrong. Too often we make choices based on lack of knowledge, but full of emotions. When we take time to separate the emotions from facts and look at all the options that we have, then we are able to make wise decisions.
When you massage your mind and your soul then you will find managing your emotions and choices will find that right balance.
The results of mind and soul massaging on a daily basis, will find you surfing your life’s journey, not your emotions and circumstances surfing you.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Art of Loneliness
I stood a midst branches that needed to go on the metal green pole that would be transformed into a lovely Christmas tree, Christmas music from a holiday music station filled the room with lyrics I have heard since childhood. My mind drifted to times past. Somehow, I truly believed that by this time in my life, I would not be putting up the tree alone. This is a lonely time for anyone.
As I continued my journey into the memories of time past, I thought about the Christmas that changed the way I view life and the art of loneliness. That Christmas my emotions wanted to give in to pity parties and feelings of depression, I had to make a choice, it was up to me how I would stop allowing circumstances and scenarios to dictate these times and to teach my children to embrace all the good things that we celebrate during holidays and in life.
Looking around at the branches that old overwhelming sense of loneliness embraced me pulling at those emotions. Putting up the Christmas tree alone is probably one of the loneness acts a person can do. I had even toyed about just not doing it at all. I finally managed to get the last branch in place and all the lights on. Even though I did not have babbles and beads on it yet, the main task had been completed.
Later that evening a friend and her daughter arrived to have a little girly girl time. Even without the first babble, this face of this precious little girl lit up. I watched as she gently ran her hand over the branches, and smiled and giggled in delight. Smiling I knew that this is why I do Christmas trees. Why I decorate where ever I am. For it is not about my loneliness or even my emotions, it is about bringing the warmth and joy to others.
It was that lonely Christmas so many years ago, that I made the choice to make the holiday season a gift to others, brings a smile in the face of a child, to embrace those that are in my life with love and care. What has happened over all these years is that it spilled into just everyday life, not just during the holidays.
The Art of Loneliness- knowing how to control it not allowing it to control you.
As I continued my journey into the memories of time past, I thought about the Christmas that changed the way I view life and the art of loneliness. That Christmas my emotions wanted to give in to pity parties and feelings of depression, I had to make a choice, it was up to me how I would stop allowing circumstances and scenarios to dictate these times and to teach my children to embrace all the good things that we celebrate during holidays and in life.
Looking around at the branches that old overwhelming sense of loneliness embraced me pulling at those emotions. Putting up the Christmas tree alone is probably one of the loneness acts a person can do. I had even toyed about just not doing it at all. I finally managed to get the last branch in place and all the lights on. Even though I did not have babbles and beads on it yet, the main task had been completed.
Later that evening a friend and her daughter arrived to have a little girly girl time. Even without the first babble, this face of this precious little girl lit up. I watched as she gently ran her hand over the branches, and smiled and giggled in delight. Smiling I knew that this is why I do Christmas trees. Why I decorate where ever I am. For it is not about my loneliness or even my emotions, it is about bringing the warmth and joy to others.
It was that lonely Christmas so many years ago, that I made the choice to make the holiday season a gift to others, brings a smile in the face of a child, to embrace those that are in my life with love and care. What has happened over all these years is that it spilled into just everyday life, not just during the holidays.
The Art of Loneliness- knowing how to control it not allowing it to control you.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Sympathy Cards, “Barbie In The Box” and Offensives
On Saturday evening a relative passed away. He had been out of the family loop for years. I received a e-mail that said “Send Condolences to Family in care of a non family member. As I pondered exactly what defined “family”, I knew it did not include me or the other relatives we had grown up with. So not only did I have to select an appreciate card, I had to write the appropriate note.
Several days later I stood amidst greeting cards, with every imaginable flowery thought. Who writes this mess? And who would send this mess to someone? I searched up and down the isle to even find a nice looking card that was blank. There was none.
As I left empty handed, I thought how much those little gold crown cards reminded me of the Barbie in the Box. You know they are lined box by box along the shelves. All nicely tucked in their box, each one looking just a like, not one of them stand out or looks any different from the other.
Yesterday, I wrote a comment in a social network on a lady’s post. She had for two days posted information on "The Bible on Women’s Appearance!" and today she posted I Timothy 2:9 “Also [I desire] that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with [elaborate] hair arrangement or gold or pearls or expensive clothing”
For some reason this post seemed funny to me, for several reasons – I love to poof my hair, color the gray! I am known for my “gaudy” jewelry and sometimes wild clothes. Being a southern woman it is just natural for me to. So I a funny little comment (or I thought to be funny) about not giving up my jewelry and messing with my hair.
Later in the day I receive an e-mail from this lady and I quote: "Never intended to offend anyone. You realize what I'm saying. Some women do not know how to dress modestly (boobs everywhere!!!). I could care less about the jewelry and makeup. Maybe I need to remove that verse. "
So I ask you in this world today, as we venture out to do the right thing, and make one smile and give comfort to those we do not even know. How is it that well meaning “Barbie’s” that have escaped the box and stand alone amidst the “Boxed Barbies” pleading the cause of reality must it be taken as offensive?
To this dear Barbie in the Box, to the Domestic partner of my cousin and to those who write meaningless gold crown cards I humbly apologize and wish for you the reality of being one’s own self and break free from the your box and become the real you that you were created to be.
Will you offend those around you? No doubt. Should you march to a different drum beat? As long as Abba Father is your drummer. Break free from the “Barbie Box”!
Several days later I stood amidst greeting cards, with every imaginable flowery thought. Who writes this mess? And who would send this mess to someone? I searched up and down the isle to even find a nice looking card that was blank. There was none.
As I left empty handed, I thought how much those little gold crown cards reminded me of the Barbie in the Box. You know they are lined box by box along the shelves. All nicely tucked in their box, each one looking just a like, not one of them stand out or looks any different from the other.
Yesterday, I wrote a comment in a social network on a lady’s post. She had for two days posted information on "The Bible on Women’s Appearance!" and today she posted I Timothy 2:9 “Also [I desire] that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with [elaborate] hair arrangement or gold or pearls or expensive clothing”
For some reason this post seemed funny to me, for several reasons – I love to poof my hair, color the gray! I am known for my “gaudy” jewelry and sometimes wild clothes. Being a southern woman it is just natural for me to. So I a funny little comment (or I thought to be funny) about not giving up my jewelry and messing with my hair.
Later in the day I receive an e-mail from this lady and I quote: "Never intended to offend anyone. You realize what I'm saying. Some women do not know how to dress modestly (boobs everywhere!!!). I could care less about the jewelry and makeup. Maybe I need to remove that verse. "
So I ask you in this world today, as we venture out to do the right thing, and make one smile and give comfort to those we do not even know. How is it that well meaning “Barbie’s” that have escaped the box and stand alone amidst the “Boxed Barbies” pleading the cause of reality must it be taken as offensive?
To this dear Barbie in the Box, to the Domestic partner of my cousin and to those who write meaningless gold crown cards I humbly apologize and wish for you the reality of being one’s own self and break free from the your box and become the real you that you were created to be.
Will you offend those around you? No doubt. Should you march to a different drum beat? As long as Abba Father is your drummer. Break free from the “Barbie Box”!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Forty Years Plus
Today I read a blog from my sister and it once again brought home to me how precious is this journey of life we make, when we make it in the arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the latter part of it she quoted Nehemiah 9:20-21 and then made the following statement. As I stared at this scripture, I thought about my own journey with the Lord.
“For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.” Nehemiah 9:20-21
“As I walk the streets of Brandon today I realize that what I thought would kill me has only made me stronger. My feet are not swollen as I’ve walked through season after season, through times of heartache and times of amazing joy. This place is not what it was before, but then neither am I!”
A little over 40 years ago I gave my life to the Lord. At that time I was a young lady in desperate needs of a Savior. What I thought was going to be the beginning of a perfect life, began the journey of desert walking. I read the scripture over and over. I began to retrace those steps of my life as a baby Christian, as I kicked against obedience and wanting to do it my way, instead of His way. Of the many times, I did not think I could possibly wait for the answers and wanted so out of the desert.
I remember that significant night some 23 years prior as I lay in the floor of my living room, begging God to just kill me there. That I knew He could not want a failure like me. For over and over I had fallen on my face. How He wrapped me in His arms and healed my broken spirit and taught me to love Him and embrace His Word – My most cherished love letter, from my Abba Father.
Even then the desert walk did not end, but with each step I grew and embraced Him more. He has sustained me – over and over again. He guided and directed my footsteps. You are so right my precious sister. "This place is not what it was before, but then neither am I!”
Whatever it is that you are walking through today, embrace your desert walk and know that He will sustain you and you will not be what you were before either.
“For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.” Nehemiah 9:20-21
“As I walk the streets of Brandon today I realize that what I thought would kill me has only made me stronger. My feet are not swollen as I’ve walked through season after season, through times of heartache and times of amazing joy. This place is not what it was before, but then neither am I!”
A little over 40 years ago I gave my life to the Lord. At that time I was a young lady in desperate needs of a Savior. What I thought was going to be the beginning of a perfect life, began the journey of desert walking. I read the scripture over and over. I began to retrace those steps of my life as a baby Christian, as I kicked against obedience and wanting to do it my way, instead of His way. Of the many times, I did not think I could possibly wait for the answers and wanted so out of the desert.
I remember that significant night some 23 years prior as I lay in the floor of my living room, begging God to just kill me there. That I knew He could not want a failure like me. For over and over I had fallen on my face. How He wrapped me in His arms and healed my broken spirit and taught me to love Him and embrace His Word – My most cherished love letter, from my Abba Father.
Even then the desert walk did not end, but with each step I grew and embraced Him more. He has sustained me – over and over again. He guided and directed my footsteps. You are so right my precious sister. "This place is not what it was before, but then neither am I!”
Whatever it is that you are walking through today, embrace your desert walk and know that He will sustain you and you will not be what you were before either.
Monday, December 1, 2008
I WONDER
Today a news reporter wrote in his commentary: “It made me wonder: What were they shopping for? Christmas gifts? They didn't show much Christmas spirit. When store officials ordered the mob out of the store because someone had died, many called it unfair, because they said they had been waiting hours to shop. The terrorist attack in India will cause us to redouble our anti-terrorist efforts, and economic recovery plans are already in the works. But shouldn't the death of that poor sales clerk give us some pause as well? If we have become a people so self-centered that we are willing to step over a lifeless body to get a bargain, we have problems that go beyond terrorists, a credit crunch and bad mortgages. Surely we can do better than that.”
On Saturday a cousin passed away. He was known to the Radio and Rock & Roll World as a legacy. To me he was family, our mothers sisters. The odds of him knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior were slim to none. He wanted nothing to do with his family – over the years he lost literally billions of dollars several times over, multiple wives and lost the battle with lung cancer.
On Sunday, I talked with another cousin, who sits and waits for death to come. She has renal disease and chooses to take no treatment. She has confined herself to her home and spends the day reading and waiting.
As we have entered the Holiday Season for 2008, I wonder if the angels themselves weep over us. As they stand and see us .literally throwing caution and poor judgment to the wind, individual and family values are at an all time low. What will be our wakeup call? Do the majority of us even know who the Spirit of Christmas is?
In my heart, I hear the ring of those words spoken so ever long ago “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” The Kingdom of God is at hand. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
For it is not the babe in the major nor is it the shepherds, nor the Wise men – The Kingdom of God are at hand and we have better get our lives in order. For Abba Father has had enough of the mess, enough of the lukewarm ho-hum attitude from His Children. We have aligned ourselves too long with the agenda of the enemy himself. We have turned our backs on the Truth and licked our wounds and demanded that we are owed and deserve and our rights have been infringed on.
The madness must stop and stop now. For The Kingdom of God is at Hand. Repent for our Savior is mounting His White Horse. . . . . . . I wonder are you ready to face The Bridegroom or is the oil gone from your lamp? I wonder?
On Saturday a cousin passed away. He was known to the Radio and Rock & Roll World as a legacy. To me he was family, our mothers sisters. The odds of him knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior were slim to none. He wanted nothing to do with his family – over the years he lost literally billions of dollars several times over, multiple wives and lost the battle with lung cancer.
On Sunday, I talked with another cousin, who sits and waits for death to come. She has renal disease and chooses to take no treatment. She has confined herself to her home and spends the day reading and waiting.
As we have entered the Holiday Season for 2008, I wonder if the angels themselves weep over us. As they stand and see us .literally throwing caution and poor judgment to the wind, individual and family values are at an all time low. What will be our wakeup call? Do the majority of us even know who the Spirit of Christmas is?
In my heart, I hear the ring of those words spoken so ever long ago “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” The Kingdom of God is at hand. The Kingdom of God is at hand.
For it is not the babe in the major nor is it the shepherds, nor the Wise men – The Kingdom of God are at hand and we have better get our lives in order. For Abba Father has had enough of the mess, enough of the lukewarm ho-hum attitude from His Children. We have aligned ourselves too long with the agenda of the enemy himself. We have turned our backs on the Truth and licked our wounds and demanded that we are owed and deserve and our rights have been infringed on.
The madness must stop and stop now. For The Kingdom of God is at Hand. Repent for our Savior is mounting His White Horse. . . . . . . I wonder are you ready to face The Bridegroom or is the oil gone from your lamp? I wonder?
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