Tonight as I tried to settle in for my nightly devotional time, my mind was filled with feelings and thoughts of the day. I ask God to provide some direction for my study time, I’m here to tell you God provided not merely direction but a beacon! Below are the scripture verses that are from three different apps I use daily on my iPhone. I do not believe it was coincidental the passages had a familiar tone to them. I had been thinking about my life and trying to understand how different I think I am from everyone else, someone close to me suggested that it’s not how different I see myself from others but rather look within myself and be proud of who I am and stop trying to put myself into someone else’s idea of who I think I should be. Along with all this thinking, I have a friend who is experiencing difficulties and my heart is heavy because I want to help, physically help and be supportive and I feel inadequate for several reason but the best help I can do is pray for her and her children. Pray for peace and clarity for her. God is our shelter in troubled times, He is our strength when we are weary, He is our salvation! Life is messy sometimes and difficult, very difficult but we are never alone, the world and the people around us can do many terrible things to us but no one can take our spirit, we alone hold the key, we can give it away but it can never be taken. None of us are perfect, if we were Jesus would not have had to suffer and die for our sins. I know I have made some really bad decisions in my life and these verses remind me that truth is always right, especially when it hurts so deeply. This is a lesson I struggle with at times because I do not like to see someone else hurting but some lessons can only be learned by experiencing it first hand. It’s like laughing and crying, at some point in your life you have had to experienced these two emotions separately, how else would you truly appreciate laughter if you had never experienced the depths of what is its direct opposite, pain and crying. As my friend is living through troubled times I pray that she feels the loving arms of Jesus wrapped around her, that she knows that God loves her and her kids. God knows every truth, every wrongdoing and I am reminded of the scripture passage in John 8:32 “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Free to be a child of God, free to love your children. My friend, I am here for support and friendship. Trust God and cling to His promises. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NRSV)
“Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.”

“Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.” ~Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe – Writer, playwright (1749-1832)

“The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.” ~Proverbs 12:19

“Stay away from a foolish man, for you won’t find knowledge on his lips.” ~Proverbs 14:7

“Do not dare not to dare.” (The Horse and His Boy) ~C.S.Lewis

~ Blessing and Peace~

 

 

 

Do you ever think about all the comfortable things you have in your life? Often we take things for granted like the clean air we breathe, shelter from the elements, food that gives nourishment, clean water to drink and bathe in…it can be an endless list of things we receive and use without thought or thanksgiving. I want to go a step further and recognize another kind of comfort I have in my life, my connection to a unique group of women, I’m honored to call them my friends. This special group of women have been my “comfort” during times of sorrows and my “support” in times of exceeding joys. This specific group of women call themselves, “Esther’s Circle” several of the women have known one another for years, some only a few and some they have just met. The love of sisters in Christ is their unbreakable bond, their foundation. I am so very thankful to be a part of Esther’s Circle and although our bond to one another is metaphorically a circle, our love and compassion for all has no boundary. I had the opportunity to spend time with Esther’s Circle yesterday, we had taken a few months sabbatical to attend another function sponsored at our church. It was such a wonderful feeling to be together once again, it was similar to attending a reunion of relatives and catching up with all the happenings in one another’s lives. Ironically, we are in the process of reading a book by Bob Goff called “Love Does.” We started reading the book in August 2013, we are moving rather slowly but that’s ok. We typically read 2 chapters a month and then spend time discussing the chapters based upon book study questions. I had the opportunity to lead the discussion last night and to share suggested scriptures for the specific chapters. The book is a collection of short stories from Bob’s life although some stories seem unbelievable, truth be told we all have a story or two about ourselves that might seem unbelievable too. His stories show grace, acceptance, endurance, perseverance, love, forgiveness, and joy to mention a few but he also shares his family and faith with the reader. Many of us in Esther’s Circle have joked about the believability of a few of his stories but as I left our meeting last night I was suddenly struck with a profound sensation that the message Mr. Goff is sharing with his readers is exactly what this group of extraordinary women do on a daily basis, share love with everyone they encounter…Love Does is not merely words in a book but also the actions of a group of women loved by God who share God’s love and I am so very blessed to be a part of it.

~Blessings and Peace~

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. ~Proverbs 16:18

Most of us like to think we grow and learn from our past mistakes. If I say I believe all things happen for a reason and trust that God has a plan, does that also mean I accept the fact that bad things happen to good people? I tell people I am not the person I was 10 years ago or even 15 years ago; however, the true reality of that statement is false. My DNA remains the same, my blood type is the same and to look at me I’m basically the same. What is it that moves me to say with such conviction, I am different? I am changed on the inside, the power of the Holy Spirit is at work within my very being. I have put an enormous amount of time and energy into understanding God’s purpose and plan for me and my life. I tried justifying my past decisions and actions, tried being what I thought others wanted and needed me to be. Convinced myself that my actions helped, even saved others. I guess I told myself and I heard myself saying over and over these things that I actually started to believe the excuses. I like to think of myself as brave but nothing could be further from the trust as least where my past actions are concerned. I’ve been a coward, I took others feeling for granted, I was selfish, I didn’t think about consequences. I could say I was young, which would be true and I could say I was blinded by love and again that would be true. I am thankful my story does not end here, although things may be true that does not mean they were right and decent. I have hoped and feared coming face to face with my past. Now that it is here, at times I feel frozen, scared to say or feel anything for fear that I will repeat past mistakes. Although God has always been a part of my life, the one big difference now is I do not want just part of me with God, I want, no I need all of me in God’s hands. I seek His will and not mine, but I am here to tell you that “Uncle Screwtape” has been working overtime this week, whispering things to try to break me, weaken me, distracting me from the truth. I allowed space and time to steal away precious time from connecting with God. In order for me to know God’s will for my life I have to be connected to God. All the wishing and hoping in the world can’t change the past, I will not be able to move forward until I can let go of the past. I keep trying to find some kind of logic and even search for hidden meanings in the past. The one and only thing I have control of is choosing to accept my role and take responsibility and learn from it. I can’t heal anyone but me, I can’t teach anyone else only learn the lessons for myself. As much as I want to help others I can be of no help until I help myself heal, help myself learn, forgive myself and most importantly “let it go…” Letting go does not make things disappear, it allows one to move forward, no longer to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of pain, guilt, and blame…that is not life God wants for any of us. I want to let go, God help me to let go…

Pride will have a fall. Those that are of a haughty spirit, that think of themselves above what is meet, and look with contempt upon others, that with their pride affront God and disquiet others, will be brought down, either by repentance or by ruin. It is the honour of God to humble the proud.

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com

The Screwtape Letters by: C.S.Lewis

 

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. ~Psalm 37:4

This was the first verse I read today during my devotional time at the end of my day. It quickly brought things into focus for me. By focus, I mean clarity. Clarity is my “One Word” word I picked to concentrate and explore in my spiritual life throughout this year. I tend to be very concrete in a lot of my views and I like having things neat and tidy, a place for all of life’s little pieces. Not realistic, hence exploring! This week has been filled with events needing clarity, I am so very thankful for the spiritual searching, learning and growing of the past year. God has brought invaluable people into my life to help with this journey, I would love to thank each one publicly but I respect their privacy; however, I hope they know I am overjoyed to have them in my life. I have learned over the past few years and most especially the past few months when my life is centered around God I have a sense of order, peace and balance in my life. When I start to waver in my devotion and allow things to clutter and distract me, I feel uneasy and easily frustrated. I recently experienced a valuable lesson that so vividly describes what I am like when I allow distance between me and God. I sometimes become very passionate and animated in my views and in my interpretation of how the world should be, “according to Charlotte, that is…” Those who know me personally are getting a “chuckle” right now. So, I had a brief yet very loud verbalization stating my disapproval of a coworkers actions, in my opinion of course! I overreacted to the actions of this individual because I was being judgmental, the truth is the person I was judging hadn’t changed or deviated from their usual behavior, it was my behavior that had changed and my need to have things my way. I had allowed myself to become judge and jury for which I have no claim to, God is in control and the further away from God I am the less control and balance I have and display. I am in no way bragging about this poor display of humanness, I only mention it because I want to highlight the closer my relationship is with God and the more I am in conversation with God, the better my life is and as well as those around me. God wants us to be happy and filled with goodness and as the verse in Psalm says, “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Another favorite of mine is: Matthew 6:33 (KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” If you read the whole chapter of Matthew you will see that God will provide and He does! Be open to God and trust is His guidance, we don’t always see the logic of things until afterwards, God teaches us through adversity and pain, preparing our hearts and minds to be strong during difficult periods in our lives. It is only when we recognize these experiences do we truly see the divine tapestry of God’s hand not only in our lives but in the universe. This past week I have had to face two uniquely different circumstances one of emotions opening up the past, reliving memories and one involving physical health. Because of my relationship with God and the lessons I have learned, have I been able to be brave in the face of the “unknown” health concerns and I have no doubts that the difficult times I’ve endured over the past five years were about teaching me to trust in God and place my faith in God so I could have an opportunity to help someone else heal as well as myself and to appreciate love. My idea of love and what it looks like has changed through the years, we learn these lessons only by experience. I do not wish sadness on anyone but for me I understand love more deeply because of the loss of being in love, loss of being loved and the loss of a loved one. I’ve learned that even relationships that end doesn’t equate to being a bad/mistake relationship, maybe incompatible or goals changed…choose to remember the happy times, funny times…things that make you grin just by thinking of them, things that give you butterflies in your stomach. Relationships are not easy, they are actually processes that continually evolve. Time stops for no one, be part of life…living and growing together. I am so amazingly blessed, first chances, second chances…God never gives up in us!

Friends, be open to possibilities but more importantly, be open to God working in, around and through you!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com

“Appetites are never fully and totally satisfied.” ~Andy Stanley – Pastor/Author

Happiness is sought by many; but found by few. Most people seek happiness outside themselves; yet it is a choice inside themselves. Desires are sought after to quench the yearnings of the mind. A small house leads to a bigger house, a compact car to fancier cars, faster boat, better lifestyle, trendier clothes, more friends, etc. Appetites are fueled by desires. And we all know with our human nature that we are rarely satisfied with a little of anything. What the eyes see, the mind goes after. What is at the top of your valuable list? Is it possible to choose to want for nothing? What if your most prized possessions were taken away? Would you survive? What if God said to you . . . “Want me more than you want anything.” What would your life look like? When you want for nothing but your Heavenly Father’s love, all else will be trivial and insignificant. Where are your eyes drawn?
~Daily Inspiration App~

My personal life story…relates to this story, those questions and most of the comments listed above. I decided a little over a year ago to cancel my cable TV and I gave my TV away. To be honest I haven’t missed really missed it. I would like to mention a clarifying point…when I visit family and friends I do watch TV and my job responsibilities require me to monitor TV news and weather information. But at home I tend to spend more time reading, writing and studying. I also have a couple of hobbies I enjoy doing such as drawing, painting, doing stain glass projects to list a few. I also try to participate in activities at my church, book studies and bible studies and I’m going to try to participate with the softball team as my schedule allows. I also just finished a nine week course by Dave Ramsay titled Financial Peace University, wonderful course! I guess what I am wanting to share is we can choose to do things that help us grow and develop new skills or we can choose to sit on the sidelines of life. My life feels full through the activities I choose to do, and sometimes that includes sleeping for long periods of time on my days off but too much of that type of behavior is dangerous, “moderation” God meant for us to rest and encourages it! Maybe look at ways to squeeze more God time in your life and less “nothingness” I promise you will feel and see results immediately! Plan times to connect with people, especially friends and family. In fact, I just finished having lunch with a friend of mine, I am so blessed to have this particular person in my life. She has this amazing quality of listening, actively listening to me and does not get caught up in all the external components of my stories, she keeps me grounded but more importantly she is concerned and interested in the “me” parts of my stories and how things effect me and affect me, she never takes over a conversation and makes it about herself, it’s not politeness (although she is polite) it’s her grace and sincerity that makes our friendship so special. My desire, my appetite for life grows bigger and stronger day by day. It is exciting to see where I’ve been, compared to where I am, and then to imagine and strive to be where I want to go and grow! It’s more than growing older and maturing, I have made a decision to be “intentional” I have a desire and a need to be the person God created me to be. Sometimes I feel like it has taken me too long to get where I’m at in life but honestly it’s because of my long list of experiences up to this point in my life that growth is even possible for me. The one thing I am absolutely sure of and that is…God loves me! So what are you hungry for? Stop just existing and start “being” you have the leading role in the story of your life, be intentional, be present, be all you were created to be…BE!

~Blessings and Peace~

Today is the day we pay tribute to the women who chose to be our mothers. Like most of you the relationship between mother and child can and does change as we grow and mature as children into adolescence to young adults and in many cases become parents ourselves. I can remember my rebellious stage, wanting to be like all my friends and trying new things, I remember watching my parents worry when my sibling was late for curfew. Most of the lessons we learn growing up are acquired by seeing how others do things and their results. My defiant era did not last long because I quickly learned and saw the pain and grief as it covered my parents. I was and still am blessed, my parents never abused me, I was never punished to the point of brutality, I never went to bed hungry and I had a bed to sleep in, I was always clothed and feed. When I look around the world and even my neighborhood I know I was and continue to be truly blessed. I am still fortunate enough to have my dad living, his heart may be weak in the physical sense but it is filled to overflowing with the love of the spirit. I have a renewed sense of respect for the man my father is, today will be a difficult day for my entire family (dad, brother and me). Mom passed away un-expectantly in June 2012, I miss her every single day. I still talk with her from time to time, I find myself crying easily when a memory flashes before me. I visit her and leave little trinkets and flowers for her on a regular basis. She was not perfect, she was strong-willed and often spoke her mind whether or not it was welcomed. She loved her family, she was fair and earned respect even from people who didn’t necessarily agree with her or like her, but others could not argue with the facts she brought to light. She did not expect or want to be treated differently from anyone else only expected treatment to be consistent and fair. She was devoted to her family, which included her in-laws; first and second generations of aunts/uncles and cousins. She was the matriarch our her family and that was a theme within her family, I come from a long line of strong, brave, determined and confident women. I pray that no matter how you might celebrate this day, take a moment and think about the special women that have helped to shape you into the person you are today, if possible tell them. I am filled with love because I was loved first. God created me, He knew me before I was made, loves me in spite of myself and my sin and He walks with me daily. I like to think at this very moment, Jesus is standing with my mom and they are smiling as they are looking down at me. Psalm 139:13-14 (NRSV) “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works that I know very well.”

Happy Mother’s Day…to all the women who make a difference in this world and most especially in our lives. May all receive a special blessing from God today, for I have been abundantly blessed time and again by wonderful godly women my entire life.

~Blessings and Peace~

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~