Make no friendship with an angry man: and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. ~Proverbs 22:24-25 (KJV)

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
~Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV)

This is the scripture verse for my evening devotional, and I have to admit I am having great difficulty accepting the ramifications associated with the application and meaning of this passage. My co-workers, some of them would describe me as “Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde” which saddens me greatly. Partially because they are correct and because the things that bring out Dr. Jekyll are true statements, the issue is in my animated delivery of said statements. I would like to be able to share bits of wisdom with you about this subject today but honestly I’m struggling with understanding and “owning” this situation myself plus, my own perceived weaknesses of my character. My pride can be a huge obstacle for me at times which often moves me away from humility and causes a distance/a divide between God and myself, and my spirit. I do appreciate truth and continually seek clarity in most things in life; however, those two things are more often than not simply a projection of what I want things to be as opposed to the true reality in the reflection of such things. Honestly, I have a heart that desires truth and acceptance but the reality is, it is so much easier said than done. I have great intentions, it’s my follow-through that needs some consistency. I am uncomfortable in my own skin at this very moment, I feel dark, alone and separated from God. I know that God has not, will not and did not leave me, I’m hiding because my eyes have been opened and my exposed infractions/sins are visible to everyone, at least it feels that way. My sins whether they are committed in secret or alone are openly seen by God, I don’t deserve forgiveness but God is standing with arms open wide, offering love, acceptance and forgiveness; but all I can do is stand and stare at the distance, the great divide between us,  wanting so desperately to run and jump into God’s arms, I feel paralyzed, too ashamed to accept responsibility of my actions and trying to convince myself, that I am in complete control of my world.  My body is reeling with emotions and my heart is aching for acceptance and forgiveness. It only takes a small leap, barely a jump and God will catch me and hold me, love me and forgive me. Pride has no place in God’s family. He sees us from the inside out which is where we usually screw things up by looking at only the outside stuff. The fact that I’m struggling tells me there’s more for me to learn about myself and that changes need to happen from the inside out. The only road that leads to peace is Jesus Christ, a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, trusting in the love of the Father and allowing the Spirit to completely surround and penetrate our very beings.

Almighty God, take my life, take me and show me your ways. Forgive me and teach me your truth. Shine your light on me and cast away all the darkness that surrounds me. Change me O’ God, mold me into the person you created me to be,  all for your glory and not mine. In Jesus’ Holy and Precious name…Amen!

Friends and readers, trust in God, do not run from Him, seek Him out and learn from Him. Release the grip that sin and pride has on you, shake it off, pull it off, push it off…be victorious one day at a time. Seconds by seconds; minutes by minutes; hour by hour; press on for salvation’s sake!

John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

~Blessings and Peace~

Come learn with me…discover the names by which God is referred to in the Old and New Testaments. Please click the website listed below to read more…

Learning God’s names challenges us to take him seriously in all areas of our lives so that, as Jesus taught us, we can pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it in heaven.”

The most common name for God in the Hebrew Bible is El, meaning “God.” Derived from a Semitic language, the root meaning of El is “might, strength, power.” This name for God occurs widely throughout the Bible.

El or Elohim, “the one true God

El, the Hebrew name for God, occurs in the Old Testament in many compound forms to reveal important qualities of God’s character. One of these combines El with Elyon, a Hebrew word meaning “go up” or “ascend.” So the name El Elyon reveals God as “The Most High God.”

1. El or Elohim, “the one true God
2. El Elyon reveals God as “The Most High God.”

References:
http://m.today.reframemedia.com/
Matthew 6:9-11
Genesis 1:1-31
Genesis 14:17-20

~Blessings and Peace~

 

I had lunch with the JULIETS today! I was able to have lunch with a great group of women from my church today. I count myself blessed to have found such a wonderful community of faith, family and friends to share my life with, we laughed and shared a meal together. Our hearts missed those who couldn’t attend and we welcomed new comers with open arms. I was afforded the opportunity to share with a new member of our church, God was ever so present and was at the very center of our conversation, I was able to share parts of my story as well as hear parts of hers. What an awesome God we have and He is our great provider. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my faith with someone new. Being new can be so overwhelming, extend a hand of friendship to someone new to your church, office, even a bus ride, God is still saving souls and whether we realize it or not, people are watching to see if we show love and spread God’s love only on Sundays or everyday of the week! I don’t believe I did anything special today, but I am fully aware that God and the Holy Spirit were working though me to show His love. It really does not get better than that! I am at a loss for words, trying describe what I felt today, talking about how God has been working in my life. I just try to live my life as best I can and believe me I make plenty of mistakes, but I try to learn from them and try not to repeat the mistakes over and over. I thank God daily for the experiences I am afforded, nightly ask for forgiveness and mornings thankful for new opportunities. God wants to share your life and your experiences, engage God throughout your day, He wants more than the “cliff note” version of you! Praise God and may you experience the love of Jesus Christ today and everyday!

10 Easy Things To Do That Can Make a Difference:
1. Smile at someone, it could change their whole outlook.
2. Hold a door open for someone, it could keep them from feeling invisible.
3. Say “thank you” and mean it.
4. Say ” you’re welcome” and mean it.
5. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee or a coke.
6. Respond sincerely when asked, “how are you today?”
7. Ask someone “how are you?” and intently wait for a response.
8. If you see someone in need, offer to assist.
9. Take time to notice beauty all around.
10. If you want peace but can’t find it, simply ask God because only by knowing God can we find true peace. I saw this on a bumper sticker once:
~Know Peace (or) No Peace~

Matthew 18:20 ( NIV)
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

John 14:27 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Proverbs 14:25 (ESV)
“A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.”

References:

biblegateway.com

J.U.L.I.E.T.S. (Jolly Unique Ladies Informally Eating Together Somewhere)

~Blessings and Peace~

 

 

May 1st! I awoke with a renewed spirit, refreshed and more focused than I have been in some time. Today is my chance to make a difference in the world. Time to let go of the things pulling me down and staying down due to the intense grip I have on things I should have let go of a long time ago. I am in no way saying the process is going to be easy or painless, but as I am choosing to embark on this journey I hope you will consider joining me. Look to God and God’s Word to lead you, He will not lead you anywhere, causing you to be alone. God loves you and wants only the best for you. One of the devotional sites I use is called “Today…refresh, refocus, renew.” The theme for May is going to focus on “God’s names in the Old and New Testaments, and learn who he is by reflecting on the meaning of his names.” I am looking forward to digging deeper into the scriptures and I hope you can participate as well. I will list the website at the bottom of this entry.

“The most common name for God in the Hebrew Bible is El, meaning “God.” Derived from a Semitic language, the root meaning of El is “might, strength, power.” This name for God occurs widely throughout the Bible…” For more information about names of God click the link below.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
~Deuteronomy 31:6

References:
http://m.today.reframemedia.com
biblegateway.com

~Blessings and Peace~

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
Maya Angelou – American Poet

Many children as well as adults do not consider themselves writers. Yet if you are a human being past the age of reason then you certainly have experienced an event, a moment, an incident, a revelation, an encounter with nature, a relationship, or a catastrophe worth writing. Such experiences are simply stories waiting to be told. Allow those stories a life, lighten your weight and awakened yourself for others. You matter and so do your experiences . . . Both big and small.

I have been asking myself during they past 48hrs, what is it I still need to learn about my life? Over the past year and a half I have discovered things about myself I never knew and some I wish I could change, although I can’t change the past I do have the power to do things differently in the present and my future. Life is a gift from God, life is not always easy and life is tiring. I find myself tired a lot of the time. I feel pulled in different directions most of the time. I rarely take time for just “me.” I feel like I’m being selfish when I spend time and money on myself. You’ve probably heard the saying, “burning the candle at both ends” that’s how I feel presently, and in addition there’s sparks in the middle of my candle! I feel like I keep repeating the same days over and over, and nothing changes. The news headlines rarely change, crime and injustice abound. Often my energy is depleted before I get a good start to my day. I have so many blessings in my life, everyday and every moment should be praising God for His abundant love for me. I am reminded again of the acronym F.E.A.R.=False, Evidence, Appearing, Real. My fears, real or perceived robs me of joy, rest and security on a regular basis. This past week I’ve caught myself saying aloud “go away satan” or “not again, uncle Screwtape!” I know I am not alone in my struggles, though that is the feelings I have. Bad things happen to good people not because they deserve them, they teach us in ways we can learn. God knows best! If you are feeling the need to share one of your stories, writing it down or tell it to a friend, perhaps a teacher or pastor. You can share it with me if you want, you matter and so do your experiences! I have a few special individuals in my life I can share my stories with and they help me to lighten my load and help me to see life in “truth” not rose-colored glasses. I am so very blessed. Release the stories and experiences you have pinned up inside, let go of the pain and grief, forgive yourself and others, greet life with open hands and not with clinched fists. My the love of God engulf you and penetrate your walls and give you peace.

References:
C.S.Lewis, “The Screwtape Letters”
Maya Angelou – American Poet
Inspirations by JCTROIS

~Blessings and Peace~

This month has been filled with all levels of emotions for me, with Lent and Easter Celebrations and lots of family things. I found myself getting disconnected from God and frustrated at myself for it. My father has been experiencing many health issues over the past six weeks which have included 3 hospital stays, 4 surgeries with 2 of them serious. I am happy to report, he is now doing better and recuperating at home. I found that I too often put myself in a control position and quickly become overwhelmed, I am only fooling myself, God is the only one in charge and control the universe. Seeing my father age has been a struggle. Since my first memories of my dad, he’s always been active. He enjoys working in his garage, mowing the lawn and tinkering on this and that projects. Although his health requires modification to do these things now, I do not want him to stop doing the things he loves doing. He remains in my heart and mind…the “I can do anything” dad. He often remarks about his limited education but those who have degrees and certifications have nothing on him. I’ve seen him change oil, change tires, rebuild engines, build a tool shed, paint, doing roofing…the list goes on and on. My dad came from a lower middle class family, learning many traits and working long, hard hours was just a part of life that started at a very young age. My dad, in my opinion holds a very special degree, MASTER OF LIVING LIFE which is available everywhere but not all can complete the class!! I have been able to see and appreciate my dad with kinder, more loving eyes, the older I become. We lost the “rock” of our family almost two years ago. The loss of my mom was in my mind devastating, the worse experience I’ve had in my life. But, how much more devastating it was to my dad, after moms passing the depths of my dads love for her was so very evident and so overwhelming I could only try to imagine what it was like for him as he suffered the loss of his wife and best friend. My parents were to celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary just one month and three days after she passed. I had planned a secret gift for them, knowing that it would not be expected at their 49th…a trip to Gatlinburg, TN. When my brother and I were young that’s where we would go on vacation and I knew they loved the area. However, it was not meant to be. Back to my thoughts of being overwhelmed with issues life has thrown at me this month. My biggest struggle this past month has been that my life felt “out-of-balance”; my life routines had been drastically altered. My time with God and studying His Word had been interrupted and initially I remember thinking I’ll catch up with my devotions and reading…you know how that went, out the window!! The further I got away from God’s Word the more frustrated with life I became. Knowledge I have gained during this time of Easter/Lenten celebration has been to live in the moment, celebrate in the moment, being present in the moment. God does not require makeup sessions or detention when we miss a devotional or church service, God will meet us where we are, He wants to meet us where we are. I simply had to acknowledge who God is and how very much I need Him, as well as how very much I want to be in connection with Him. I noticed that the more I connected with God, through His Word, prayers and conversations, the closer I felt to God. When I choose to look at the events of this past month, I can see clearly that what I viewed as overwhelming, was opportunities for me to experience my dad in a very personal way and gain even more respect for him as a person but most importantly my dad. I have new found insights to the realities of Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection! Jesus paid the price for my sins and when He sees me, He doesn’t see the ugliness of sin which is what I often see in my reflection, He sees the person He created along with all the special and individual characteristics that are mine alone, how awesome is that! I am unique and wonderfully made, by God who is my Redeemer, my Salvation and my Heavenly Father. I am so very blessed by my Earthy Father and my Heavenly Father!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
biblegateway.com

Psalm 139:14 (NRSV)
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

Psalm 18:2 (NRSV)
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 19:14 (NRSV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Hopefully many of you like me have been preparing for the long Christian holiday of Easter weekend. I found myself watching many movies this past week depicting Jesus’ birth, His ministry, and His death and Resurrection. I also view movies depicting some of the disciples and the history of the children of Israel, including their Kings and Prophets. Tonight, I attended Good Friday services at my church, I have attended many in my life but tonight as I listened to scriptures being read and beautiful music being played I was overcome with questions of why(?) why do we as Christians refer to this day as “good?” Our Savior and our King was beaten, mocked and degraded as something less than human. As I often find things puzzling, I decided to do what I normally do…hit the Internet and search for an answer to my questions. After reading a few explanations, I discovered I was looking at Good Friday from the negative side of things, only the things that occurred on that Friday so many years ago. Absolutely, terrible things happened to Jesus; however, He was fulfilling the prophesies, He willingly submitted Himself to the cruelty of man to Glorify the Father and to take upon Himself the sins of the entire world so that you and I could have life eternal with God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit forever! The “Good” in Good Friday is Jesus was victorious over death, death could not hold Him, He lives and reigns forever and ever!! That’s the “Good” in Good Friday, Hallelujah Jesus was triumphant! This weekend reminds me that no matter how difficult I think my life is at times, it does not compare to the scoffing and cruelty my Jesus endured so that I could have life, life eternal in Heaven with all the Angels, Saints and Believers in Christ Jesus!! Amen and Hallelujah, today and forevermore! Happy Easter!

Mark 16:5-7 (NIV)
“As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

John 3:16-21
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”

My favorite Easter song:
Christ Arose

Lyrics:
Low in the grave He lay—
Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day—
Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Vainly they watch His bed—
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead—
Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep his prey—
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away—
Jesus my Lord!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/123#ixzz2zIhEgv6m

~Blessings and Peace~

Below are just a few writings/poems from the past I wanted to share.  My inspirations come from my dreams, life experiences and from observing life and how people interact with one another.

 

There’s not much in this life but love and hard work.

~Will Geer (Grandpa Zeb Walton)

 

Black and white
You lying on a bed of white
You inviting me
You and me
Skin to skin
Me holding you
You softly holding on
Feels like flying
Time stands still
Holding on to the air within
I want to this moment to last
Tears of joy flow freely
My eyes open
It was only a dream
My eyes quickly close
Bringing you back
My heart feels heavy
In the darkness
Your embrace I feel

C.A.Robinson
~February 27, 2011

 

Oh how I wish to be cradled in your arms

To feel safe and secure from the evils of this world

I yearn for the feeling of protection that covers me with your arms, the gentle caress that soothes my fears away

A feeling of complete and utter peace as I slumber wrapped in your loving arms

The assurance of reaching for you after a nightmare, knowing you’re only a touch away and all my fears scurry away

I tried so very hard to be so many things to you, these are the things you were to me.

C.A.Robinson
Nov. 30, 2011
12:43am

 

My Over-Protection

My porcelain doll shiny and new
Upon a pedestal all dressed in blue
Me looking up at you
You looking down at me
Never wanting you down to play
Fearing that day
You would not want to stay

~C.A.Robinson
February 05, 2012
1:30pm

References:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Geer

I have reached a crossroad in my life. I find myself thinking of my past, present and future. I feel like I am in a very good place at this time in my life. It is easier to look back on the events of my life with kinder and gentler eyes than those of my youth. I have maturity on my side and wisdom of the years. I do not like using the word “regret” because by doing so seems like I wish this or that had not happened. The truth is I do feel badly for the pain, sorrow and unhappiness I have caused others. But in the absence of these things, I would not have had the opportunity to learn from these experiences. Through my failed relationships I have learned to be a better life partner, discovered my limitations, my needs and my wants. I have learned relationships are partnerships of working together and complimenting one another. If I were to be availed the opportunity to say “I’m sorry things did not work out” I would do it; however, I know now that the faults for ruined relationships are almost never only one-sided. To my ex’s I have rationalized our breakups as something I did wrong, something I didn’t do right, I loved you too much or not enough. I have even admitted that there lives are better because we broke-up. I can honestly say I have only wished happiness and success to all those I’ve loved. I don’t know when or if I will ever “get over” the loss of my “true love” letting go is so very, very difficult. Perhaps, God is waiting for me to “let go” as long as I hold onto the past, I cannot securely grasp the present or pursue a future. Learning and changing my behaviors of the past can show me a clear vision of the present, to planning a future.

My professional life has also had it’s fair share of ups and downs, successes and failures. I’ve taken jobs because I wanted to pursue new adventures, I have taken jobs for their titles and prestige. It is because of these failures I am now more aware and have identified where my skills reside, my passion is ignited and to pursue jobs/positions that bring pure joy to me as well as contribute to the successes of those around me.

The most important revelation to my existence is my deep desire to know God and to do His Will. God has blessed me so abundantly and I so desire to be His child, to do His work. I have known of God’s love as far back as I can remember, I have fond memories of godly men and women teaching me the love of God, showing me companionship, friendship and stewardship. The writing below has always been a favorite of mine and I hope and pray that the people God brought into my life, know just how very thankful I am for having had the opportunity to have crossed paths with them.

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
~Flavia Weedn~

References:
goodreads.com

~Blessings and Peace~

Below is a devotional I get twice daily on my smart phone. It’s a wonderful site that provides specific bible verses and a brief related story that brings the two together. It also provides a trivia quest and a bible humor/joke. I can not say that all humor hits my funny bone. I have included the entry from today and I will share some personal notes at the end.

“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 118:6 (NIV)

“With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:6 (NRSV)

“Fear, it leads to worry and obsession. It causes us to overreact or become paralyzed with inaction. When you feel the anxiety rising up in your throat and constant reminders abound to keep your broken record of thoughts swirling around, fear not. For the Lord is with you. If you seek Him, He will provide peace, comfort, and understanding. When the fear begins to rise up, conquer it! Do not let fear reign over you. The Lord is more powerful than fear.” http://jctrois.com

I can completely relate to this story. I have experienced a lot of fear during my life so far and continue to struggle at times. I can, with all honesty and sincerity tell you that the closer my relationship is to God, the less fearful I am. I know that most of my fears are results of me making assumptions about people and things, and sometimes a direct result of my confidence tank being empty. The closer I am to God, the more I want to seek His Will and not my own; when this happens there’s little room for fear to enter into my life and cause confusion and doubts. I have learned that confidence has to come from within; other people or things cannot give you confidence to be fearless. God is the only true source of clarity, strength, confidence and empowerment to conquer fear.

Our fears can be the result of our life experiences, situations and people we come into contact with. Just as we cannot do anything to receive salvation and eternal life in Heaven with God, our Creator and Savior; we are saved because God loves us and the price of our salvation was and is the life, death and resurrection of the Son of God. Jesus came to earth to be born for the sole purpose of sacrificing himself for the atonement for our sins, Jesus, the sinless took upon himself the sins of the entire world, faced pain and torment beyond anything our cruel minds could conjure up; Jesus withstood the pain of His Father looking away as He took upon sin, our sins, as God cannot look at sin as written in Isaiah 59:1-2 (NIV) “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NRSV) “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”

My personal battles with fear cross a wide range from individuals, to friendships, professional position, and even to my faith community. I would also like to reiterate that overcoming fear is internal; the external reasons whether just or not they have no power above God’s power. Fear to those of us that feel it, it is very real to us . I wish I could tell you the process of facing fears is an easy one. Truth is fears are learned over a long period of time and reinforced through our relationships, our jobs and through our environment, plus our social positions. Trusting God is your key to facing your fears, the first step is knowing and believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior. The closer our relationship with God, our faith received clarity to the Will of God in our lives. I still have fears, I can recognize them seeping into my life and because of that awareness I can remind myself of a great acronym a friend gave me and I hope it brings you confidence as it does for me:
F = False
E = Evidence
A = Appearing
R = Real

In closing, just as our faith needs to grow daily through the nourishment we receive from studying the Scriptures, so must our strength, confidence and understanding be sharpened by our interactions with others by followings God’s Word.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NRSV)
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.”

Psalm 27
Triumphant Song of Confidence Of David.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1 (NRSV)

References:
http://jctrois.com
biblegateway.com

~Blessings and Peace~