The Reality of Life Here

Often, this is the way life goes...

Life in 3 Seconds

The question is how do you handle it?

" For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us."  Romans 8:18

A Leaf On The Wind

There is a line from a movie that I love: "I'm a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar."

So often, we see only the first part of that statement evident in our lives. There are so many twists and turns which come up, that we feel bounced around and chaotic. Life seems as though we are high in the air with nothing under our feet.

But as Christians we need to understand that the Spirit is the wind which guides us. John 3:8 says "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." To have a vibrant testimony, we need to have confidence in our God that He knows what He is doing. The Spirit is not tossing us around to torture or tease us, but to lift us up in order to amaze those around us who do not believe. He enables you to soar.

So, soar.

The Sifting Process

This is a comment I wrote on a friend's blog after she had a difficult day. She said I could share it with you, and I pray it encourages you!


As I read...(your blog), I couldn't help but remember both Peter and Job. Satan asked God's permission to test them, and God allowed it. There is always a reason. Jesus told Peter, "Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." I feel God has allowed Satan to whisper the "What If's" to you so that you will recognize and begin to answer some of these questions. Honestly, WHAT IF? Nothing drastic happened this time- praise God! Perhaps He is allowing you to enter into this realm so that you will learn a deeper dependence on Him. If something horrible had happened, God is still Holy and Just. It would have been the right thing, no matter how little sense it made to us. He has our days numbered, and there is no changing them. What a blessing that He is trusting you with this deeper level of love and trust in Him! Are we right to question? Never. But we always do. All of us. And He knows He must build us up slowly to lead and live powerful lives of testimony for Him. I am so grateful that your friend is OK; Miraculously so! But I am also grateful for the growing pains you are receiving. And doing well in acknowledging and handling I might add :) Love ya sis!


And I truly love you all too: Even those I won't meet until heaven!

Use What Works

God created the universe. He created us in His own image. Don't you think He knows how it all works best?

Satan tried to make himself equal to God, but was cut down to the ground (Isaiah 14:12-14). He also knows that what God says - the way He tells us to act for our own benefit - is the way we were created to respond and desire. Satan is the Master Counterfeiter! He uses Biblical principles better than many professing Christians do, yet He uses them to take our focus and attention off of God and onto anything else. Remember, He even tried quoting Scripture to Jesus in order to distract Him (Matthew 4:5-6).

Today I pray for you to recognize the difference between God-like principles and God. When you get a chance, please watch the video below. It is 20 minutes long, so make sure you have the time. I'd like you to find all the good, Godly principles this man describes. I have no idea if he is a Christian or not, but I do know he gives no glory to God throughout the story of his life. Begin making a practice of distinguishing the difference between to two.

Man Remains Quiet for 17 Years

Are You A Big Stall-er?

OK. This is a totally nit-picky, but do you ever have the dilemma of which stall to use when going into a public restroom?

I do.

When you walk in there is usually one large stall and several small ones. Now, I want to use the big stall in order to have more room. You know, more space to place your purse, bags, back pack, etc. However, the large stall is there for a reason: The handicap and people with small children. I have to admit that I'm always happy when it is the only one open. And those times of waiting in line - you know what I mean ladies - when it's the large one that opens up next for me I feel like I won the lottery!

This is one of those weird things that the Spirit has convicted me of. If I say I show love to others (1 John 3:18), and I'm suppose to do for them what I'd want done for me (Luke 6:31), then shouldn't I leave the big stall for them if at all possible?

Just a little something to ponder...

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies

Yesterday I made a batch of cookies.

This may not seem like to big a deal to most people, but these cookies were for me, and I haven't had cookies in three years. It was a very big deal. Actually, I did eat one organic Oreo about a year ago and got sick, right away. It was almost worth it. 

Due to my wheat and potato allergies, it is very difficult to find any bread-like product I can have. Most gluten free products have potato starch, so I'm out of luck just about every time. However, I found some coconut flour which had a cookie recipe on the back - I suppose most people need some ideas what to do with coconut flour - and I finally tried them. I hadn't built up my hope because honestly, most substitute recipes stink. However, when they came out of the oven, I about melted. 

After fighting the kids off and "testing" several to make sure they were OK, I began to think that perhaps the only reason they tasted so good to me was because it had been so long since I'd eaten any. Time does that to us. Things I use to think were so bland, taste wonderful to me now because of my limited palate. Going on this hope, I let the kids have one each: They loved them. The cookies really were as good as I thought.

As the day wore on, I found myself going over to grab "just one more cookie", more than just one time. Funny how I wasn't really hungry for dinner...

At the end of the day I had eaten too many cookies. At least there were some left - but not many. Even then, as my body was saying "No more cookies!", my mouth was begging for more. I had lost the will power not to devour the cookies! Actually, I think I never really had it in the first place. I just haven't had the option of bending in so long, I had forgotten how weak I was when it came to cookies. They really don't even need to be around.

Jesus was teaching His disciples about the same principle in Matthew 18:7-9:

Woe to the world because of offenses. For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom to offenses come. If you hand of your foot causes your downfall, cut it all and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes your downfall, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, rather than to have two eyes and thrown into hellfire."

Yes, I realize that is extreme. Especially when talking about cookies. Yet the principle behind it is the same. No, those cookies were not blocking my walk with Christ, but there are things which seem just as innocent at times that can. They can be different for everyone as well. One person may be hindered by specific TV programs that don't bother other Christians. Music is another thing which can be very powerful in a persons walk with Christ. If events start taking the place of Christ, such as sports, clubs, or social activities, they should be taken away as well.

If I find after another batch or two that I can't control myself at all around those cookies, will they become a stumbling block? I think so. Not because of the cookies themselves, but because of the character flaw of a lack of self control they would bring out in me. If I found that to be true then, yes, I shouldn't make them anymore. However, that shouldn't be the end of it. Once the flawed attitude of the heart/soul is discovered, we should go to our Savior for healing. Seek Him in order to become more like Him. Then, just perhaps, one day, we will be able to eat those cookies again....