Have you ever found yourself asking a person to do something and then later regretting it? I think we all have. I can remember a time when asking my spouse to wash my clothes. I offered to go and fold them once they were dried; only to find that they were discolored. Ouch!
This reminds me of the story of when Sarai, Abram's wife, couldn't have children. But her maid servant Hagar could. So Sarai had this great idea to have Abram lay down with Hagar so Sarai could have children through her. Yet, after Hagar did and she become pregnant, Sarai mistreated Hagar and told Abram to tell her to move out of the city. Ouch!
Now granted, my laundry isn't half as much of a regret as Sarai having Hagar bore a child.
Yet tell me this. How many times have we made plans for other people to do something, expect others to do something and ended up getting angry with that person? How often do we expect others to answer our call or provide for our daily needs and when they don't deliver we get mad?
Who are we mad at though? Let's look at this. We get mad at the person who didn't jump through hoops for us and accomplish what we wanted done. We get mad with maybe the third person involved like Sarai got upset with Hagar.
We have a difficult time looking at ourselves as the one we should be mad at. The problem with this is that we have to face the facts that our decisions are not always right. We should admit that our idea was not thought through but was specific and ended up hurting someone else and it affected our life and theirs. We should admit that it may have caused basic injuries such as a broken relationship, physical loss or damage, and more importantly it hurt one or more people along the process.
The best part is that God knew it was going to happen before it started. We, you and me, have to decide what we are going to do about our actions and the reactions of those decisions.
I believe that recognizing who was really at fault might help. I find that when I admit I had a part in it and face the fact that I need to apologize for my part, the situation gets better instead of worse.
You see when two or more are involved in a decision making process and both parties agree; that means that each of us have a responsible part for the outcome, good or bad.
God knows our hearts. He also knows where we are in life and if the apology we give is honest and pure and not just a bandaid to temporarily fix the situation.
He wants us to live free, free in Christ. Not hold onto bitterness like Sarai did, but be compassionate like God is.
Is there someone that you wronged today? Perhaps someone has wronged you. you have a choice on how you will react to their actions. Today, I hope you offer forgiveness and begin to live a free and joyous life.
Remember someone can only have you on their hook if you let them.
~ Marjorie
Everyone needs encouragement and I want to encourage you today. I hope you will enjoy today's write up.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Win~Win
Recently I've heard alot of talk from friends about death. Most of us don't want to talk about what will happen when someone we loves dies. Some of us don't want to talk about us being six feet under the roots, like that is a bad thing?
I guess it would be a dark, dismal, scary, and frightening topic if you weren't prepared for death. I would expect someone who has been told to get their house in order and make preparations to die might consider it a fence ride.
Recently, I had my best friend scheduled to go for a heart cauterization. He was once told that there was nothing that could be done to correct his heart condition, He was also told that if something went wrong he had a good chance of dying. Please understand that my friend had also been told by another doctor that the doctor performing the surgery is a risk taker. This added to the possibility of death.
I have been around death before, but I never experienced it like I did the other day. I couldn't see past Friday. Saturday didn't have sunshine, no plan, no schedule, nothing. It was like a black abyss with no end in sight. I've never experienced this type of "looking forward to tomorrow."
I thought about the scripture "So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." (AMP)
I couldn't worry about tomorrow much less see tomorrow. What if this is how the LORD anticipates us to live. I mean, he tells us he only promises today. If we look at only today and live in the now moment, we could probably see lots of blessings. We just might not have a lot of illnesses and sicknesses to go along with worry.
For myself, I'm back at trying to live one moment at a time. If I can concentrate on what God has blessed me with at this moment, I know I am a much joyful person.
What about you? Are you worried about what tomorrow brings? What if today is cut short are you ready to face the next life?
My friend, Sam, tells me it is a win win situation. He wins if he stays on this earth because he will live to tell someone about Jesus and he wins if he dies because he'll see Jesus face to face. What will you face when your time of death comes? Do you know where you are going to go? People there is a real place called heaven and there is just as a real place called hell. There is no floating in the middle of the milky way. I hope you have made a choice, considering what would happen to you and will begin to ask questions. It's up to you, it's your choice. I hope to see you in heaven. The only way to heaven to meet God the Father is through his son Jesus. Whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life. There is a mansion being built with many rooms, a street of gold to walk on, and praises to the One who died on a cross for you and me. So, yes, I can see where Sam says it's a win win situation. I'm riding on that fence. The fence of win win.
How about you?
~ Marjorie
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I guess it would be a dark, dismal, scary, and frightening topic if you weren't prepared for death. I would expect someone who has been told to get their house in order and make preparations to die might consider it a fence ride.
Recently, I had my best friend scheduled to go for a heart cauterization. He was once told that there was nothing that could be done to correct his heart condition, He was also told that if something went wrong he had a good chance of dying. Please understand that my friend had also been told by another doctor that the doctor performing the surgery is a risk taker. This added to the possibility of death.
I have been around death before, but I never experienced it like I did the other day. I couldn't see past Friday. Saturday didn't have sunshine, no plan, no schedule, nothing. It was like a black abyss with no end in sight. I've never experienced this type of "looking forward to tomorrow."
I thought about the scripture "So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble." (AMP)
I couldn't worry about tomorrow much less see tomorrow. What if this is how the LORD anticipates us to live. I mean, he tells us he only promises today. If we look at only today and live in the now moment, we could probably see lots of blessings. We just might not have a lot of illnesses and sicknesses to go along with worry.
For myself, I'm back at trying to live one moment at a time. If I can concentrate on what God has blessed me with at this moment, I know I am a much joyful person.
What about you? Are you worried about what tomorrow brings? What if today is cut short are you ready to face the next life?
My friend, Sam, tells me it is a win win situation. He wins if he stays on this earth because he will live to tell someone about Jesus and he wins if he dies because he'll see Jesus face to face. What will you face when your time of death comes? Do you know where you are going to go? People there is a real place called heaven and there is just as a real place called hell. There is no floating in the middle of the milky way. I hope you have made a choice, considering what would happen to you and will begin to ask questions. It's up to you, it's your choice. I hope to see you in heaven. The only way to heaven to meet God the Father is through his son Jesus. Whoever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life. There is a mansion being built with many rooms, a street of gold to walk on, and praises to the One who died on a cross for you and me. So, yes, I can see where Sam says it's a win win situation. I'm riding on that fence. The fence of win win.
How about you?
~ Marjorie
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
I'm Sorry
Has there ever been a time in your life that you were sorry for what you did or didn't do? I found there are many words for sorry such as regretful, shameful, disgraceful, heartbroken, and remorseful. I am sure there are many ways to say "I'm sorry." Sometimes, saying I am sorry or "I apologize" isn't enough is it?
Just to say "I'm sorry for __________" (you fill in the blank) doesn't appear to change the situation or emotion from the one person or thing you are apologizing to or for.
I was such people pleaser that it didn't matter what I thought or did, if it didn't match up to others standards, I would apologize and do things "their" way. Now, I've come to know that my reactions and responses towards other people is something that I need to pay more attention to. I didn't say I need to conform to their way of thinking, but I need to be more mindful of what they are going through before I speak. I need to be quick to listen and slow to speak as it is written.
Did you know the Lord was sorry or regretful at one time. He sure was. It is written that the LORD
saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.
The Lord was regretful and then He did something about it. This is the creator of the Universe, who would have thought he would be "sorry" for creating mankind? He didn't say he made a mistake and I'm sorry. God was regretting that the people he created was turning themselves away from Him and following the sins of the flesh.
Wait a minute.....
Isn't that what is happening today? WOW! The saying must be true "history repeats itself." The only thing is that the next time that the earth is destroyed it will be better for some and worst for most.
Some people may read this and say "yep He is a big God with a stick, ready to beat you over the head with it."
This isn't true and this isn't what I am saying.
I want you to recognize and take responsibility for your actions. No one makes you and me do the things we do or say what we say to others. It is out of our own mouths and heart what others receive.
Once you and I recognize our part of the problem, we should repent from it. This is where we give a heartfelt apology to the one we have wronged. Along with repenting we should renounce our partnering with the father of lies, Satan and get away from his presence in our situation. Then remove Satan from your presence, just as Jesus recognized Satan in Peter. Jesus told Satan to get behind Him. Then God said to replace Satan by being mindful of the things of God. Once you disengage the lies of the devil and press into the words of God, believe these words, and you can rejoice in the benefit package that God offers you.
When someone comes to your door with a gift of flowers, money, or even a package, would you be quick to send the person away or would you accept the gift?
You see, God is that person at your door with a gift; a free gift. A gift of salvation.
I would love to talk more with you, so connect with me.
~ Marjorie
Just to say "I'm sorry for __________" (you fill in the blank) doesn't appear to change the situation or emotion from the one person or thing you are apologizing to or for.
I was such people pleaser that it didn't matter what I thought or did, if it didn't match up to others standards, I would apologize and do things "their" way. Now, I've come to know that my reactions and responses towards other people is something that I need to pay more attention to. I didn't say I need to conform to their way of thinking, but I need to be more mindful of what they are going through before I speak. I need to be quick to listen and slow to speak as it is written.
Did you know the Lord was sorry or regretful at one time. He sure was. It is written that the LORD
saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.
The Lord was regretful and then He did something about it. This is the creator of the Universe, who would have thought he would be "sorry" for creating mankind? He didn't say he made a mistake and I'm sorry. God was regretting that the people he created was turning themselves away from Him and following the sins of the flesh.
Wait a minute.....
Isn't that what is happening today? WOW! The saying must be true "history repeats itself." The only thing is that the next time that the earth is destroyed it will be better for some and worst for most.
Some people may read this and say "yep He is a big God with a stick, ready to beat you over the head with it."
This isn't true and this isn't what I am saying.
I want you to recognize and take responsibility for your actions. No one makes you and me do the things we do or say what we say to others. It is out of our own mouths and heart what others receive.
Once you and I recognize our part of the problem, we should repent from it. This is where we give a heartfelt apology to the one we have wronged. Along with repenting we should renounce our partnering with the father of lies, Satan and get away from his presence in our situation. Then remove Satan from your presence, just as Jesus recognized Satan in Peter. Jesus told Satan to get behind Him. Then God said to replace Satan by being mindful of the things of God. Once you disengage the lies of the devil and press into the words of God, believe these words, and you can rejoice in the benefit package that God offers you.
When someone comes to your door with a gift of flowers, money, or even a package, would you be quick to send the person away or would you accept the gift?
You see, God is that person at your door with a gift; a free gift. A gift of salvation.
I would love to talk more with you, so connect with me.
~ Marjorie
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Sand or Rock?
Have you heard the saying "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything?" I often thought it was a saying to laugh at. Looking back at my life, I found I was living that quote. I didn't care what I did, who I had to walk on to get what I wanted, I let others walk on me, and worse, it seemed the world was against me. The truth is that the world was what I was listening to that got me into the messes I got into.
I see young people today, I talk to them too, that hear what you have to say, but don't care to hear it. Just when you think they are listening, their choices they make say they aren't listening and they don't care. I use to say "If I had only listened to my mom and dad, I wouldn't be where I am now." Yet, I know, if I listened to them and did what they wanted me to do, I wouldn't have had the lessons in life I've had. Would it have saved me from my folly?
Life is full of experiences and we can either stand for something solid like a rock and let the waters around be rough or we can stand in the sand and let the sand swallow us whole.
Prayer works, the smallest of faith will get you out of the sand you are sinking in and placing your trust in the rock (Jesus Christ) will help you to stand firm. It takes a step and suggestion of choosing to commit all your life and will to Christ's care and control.
Matthew tells us "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (NIV) Humble yourself before God, lay your burdens down and let him lift you up. For once in your life, trust in what you cannot see. For once in your life, pray for help and know the Lord hears, He forgives, and He loves you in the sinking sand. I encourage you to start now, this moment, to believe in what you cannot see.
Your life doesn't have to be like cherries, full of pits. Your life will have a few lemons, but make it into lemonade. You have a choice and ONLY you can make the difference between sinking in the sand or standing on the rock. You choose. Whatever you decide is alright with me, but I'm praying for the rock.
Replace your name before the parenthesis and make this about you.
For God so loved the world (you) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever (you) believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world (you) to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
It is personal because wants a personal relationship with you.
You see when I read these two verse's I read them like this: For God so loved Marjorie that He gave His one and only Son, that if Marjorie believes in His Son Jesus that I will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to Marjorie for her to be condemned but for her to be saved through Jesus
So again, if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
What is your choice are you making; sinking sand or the rock?
May God's word richly dwell in you today
~ Marjorie
I see young people today, I talk to them too, that hear what you have to say, but don't care to hear it. Just when you think they are listening, their choices they make say they aren't listening and they don't care. I use to say "If I had only listened to my mom and dad, I wouldn't be where I am now." Yet, I know, if I listened to them and did what they wanted me to do, I wouldn't have had the lessons in life I've had. Would it have saved me from my folly?
Life is full of experiences and we can either stand for something solid like a rock and let the waters around be rough or we can stand in the sand and let the sand swallow us whole.
Prayer works, the smallest of faith will get you out of the sand you are sinking in and placing your trust in the rock (Jesus Christ) will help you to stand firm. It takes a step and suggestion of choosing to commit all your life and will to Christ's care and control.
Matthew tells us "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." (NIV) Humble yourself before God, lay your burdens down and let him lift you up. For once in your life, trust in what you cannot see. For once in your life, pray for help and know the Lord hears, He forgives, and He loves you in the sinking sand. I encourage you to start now, this moment, to believe in what you cannot see.
Your life doesn't have to be like cherries, full of pits. Your life will have a few lemons, but make it into lemonade. You have a choice and ONLY you can make the difference between sinking in the sand or standing on the rock. You choose. Whatever you decide is alright with me, but I'm praying for the rock.
Replace your name before the parenthesis and make this about you.
For God so loved the world (you) that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever (you) believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world (you) to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
It is personal because wants a personal relationship with you.
You see when I read these two verse's I read them like this: For God so loved Marjorie that He gave His one and only Son, that if Marjorie believes in His Son Jesus that I will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to Marjorie for her to be condemned but for her to be saved through Jesus
So again, if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.
What is your choice are you making; sinking sand or the rock?
May God's word richly dwell in you today
~ Marjorie
Sunday, June 19, 2011
An experience I'll Never Forget
I recently had an experience that I don't believe I will ever forget. Today, I heard the Lord say to take half of a meal that I didn't finish to a homeless man who was sitting on a bench near the courthouse. My friend took the meal because I am still without a car and found the man exactly where the Lord said he would be. (As if God would lie, right?)
As the day proceeded, I had the opportunity to find out why this man was homeless. The main reason he stated was because he fights depression. Isn't it ironic, depression is a tool of Satan's.
It is sad to see a man well educated and full of possibilities lack the strength to face another day.
I also had the opportunity to see a man who has been in the shoes of this homeless man have great compassion, understanding, and love for a man of this circumstance. It was great to see someone have a heart to help him out and want more for him. It can lighten ones heart, bring sadness and joy all at the same time. It was something to see this friend take this man and purchase his medicine, buy him things, feed him, love him. It was something to see my friend reach into his already empty pocket and pull out what he did have to help someone else. Not himself but someone else. He took what little he did have and we watched it multiply. We have and serve such an awesome most High God.
Last I noticed when we took this man to a public place, there was a woman who looked at our new friend with disgust. The first thought I had was to quickly say something to this woman, but instead I chose to pray for her. Sometimes praying for someone else doesn't seem to be enough. We think that we should do or say more, but God tells us His wrath is worse; His punishment is worse than what we can ever do.
It breaks my heart when people think they are so much better than another. I have to wonder what kind of lifestyle are they in to make them think they are better. I wonder what in their life is so perfect that they think they may never find themselves homeless or penniless.
It really makes me mad the more I think about it, but I believe what Jesus said "love your enemies and pray for them."
The best part of this day was our new friend received what he needed because the Lord prompted my obedience and I followed through. The victory in this belongs to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What have you done today to make the difference in someone else's life tomorrow?
When was the last time you had the pleasure of ministering in to someone? Not preach to someone but reach out and help someone. Reach out and know you made someone who needed love, mercy and grace and you showed it to them not told them about it. You didn't tell them how wrong they were, but you showed them how much you loved them. When was the last time you reached down to someone and gave them all you had to pull them up? When was the last time you ministered to someone. I can tell you this, through my friend I had the privilege of witnessing and sharing and being a part of just that. If you have not done this in a while or maybe never have; I want to tell you then you have missed the blessing of God. we can find it written in Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. (NKJV) When was the last time you entertained an angel?
As the day proceeded, I had the opportunity to find out why this man was homeless. The main reason he stated was because he fights depression. Isn't it ironic, depression is a tool of Satan's.
It is sad to see a man well educated and full of possibilities lack the strength to face another day.
I also had the opportunity to see a man who has been in the shoes of this homeless man have great compassion, understanding, and love for a man of this circumstance. It was great to see someone have a heart to help him out and want more for him. It can lighten ones heart, bring sadness and joy all at the same time. It was something to see this friend take this man and purchase his medicine, buy him things, feed him, love him. It was something to see my friend reach into his already empty pocket and pull out what he did have to help someone else. Not himself but someone else. He took what little he did have and we watched it multiply. We have and serve such an awesome most High God.
Last I noticed when we took this man to a public place, there was a woman who looked at our new friend with disgust. The first thought I had was to quickly say something to this woman, but instead I chose to pray for her. Sometimes praying for someone else doesn't seem to be enough. We think that we should do or say more, but God tells us His wrath is worse; His punishment is worse than what we can ever do.
It breaks my heart when people think they are so much better than another. I have to wonder what kind of lifestyle are they in to make them think they are better. I wonder what in their life is so perfect that they think they may never find themselves homeless or penniless.
It really makes me mad the more I think about it, but I believe what Jesus said "love your enemies and pray for them."
The best part of this day was our new friend received what he needed because the Lord prompted my obedience and I followed through. The victory in this belongs to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What have you done today to make the difference in someone else's life tomorrow?
When was the last time you had the pleasure of ministering in to someone? Not preach to someone but reach out and help someone. Reach out and know you made someone who needed love, mercy and grace and you showed it to them not told them about it. You didn't tell them how wrong they were, but you showed them how much you loved them. When was the last time you reached down to someone and gave them all you had to pull them up? When was the last time you ministered to someone. I can tell you this, through my friend I had the privilege of witnessing and sharing and being a part of just that. If you have not done this in a while or maybe never have; I want to tell you then you have missed the blessing of God. we can find it written in Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. (NKJV) When was the last time you entertained an angel?
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tool Box
What is in a tool box? I think to answer that question we must first look at the tools inside to determine the answer. Okay stay with me. If there is a screw driver, a hammer, and a wrench then the answer to the type of tool box would be one a handyman's tool box.
What about a life tool box? Some of us need tools for our tool box just to get through the day. Some people have a journal to write in, others have a diet to eat right, and others have devotions or inspirational readings to think on good things. Next, there might be a few pictures in their tool box to remind them of who they use to be and not who they are now.
Some of us have gone to church, support groups, have mentors, or therapist to help us gain tools. These tools look like inventory list, writings of their many blessings, or even some attitude adjustments that they have made.
Recently I had my tool box filled with some marriage tools. I went to a marriage conference even though I am single. The reason I wanted to go was to find out what my role as a wife looks like to God. What I can do to be a better life partner to someone one day and it was great. These are tools I can use in a marriage and in other outside relationships. I look at marriage as a oneness, a joint effort. I understand now when I see a ring that has no beginning and no end. It is God who created and he has no beginning and no end either. This is a tool for my tool box of life.
God alone has given us tools for our life tool box, it's the Bible.
Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
Psalm 119:4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.(KJ)
I think the life lessons we go through are also tools for our life tool box. We all make mistakes and when we learn from them; the lesson appears. Isn't that a tool? We know that when we write in a journal our daily actions we can see how we react to other peoples actions. If we responded in anger, we can see how that may have lead to an action of violence or hurt. When the next time the situation arises we may see it coming and react in a more subtle and gentle way that wouldn't cause violence or hurt. BUT we have to be willing to change out those tools. We have to be willing to learn new ways to communicate. Have you heard the saying hurt people ~ hurt people? The reason we hurt other people is because we don't know how to handle our own hurt. We may not even take the time to examine our hurt and we don't recognize when we hurt others. The tool here is to take the time to look at what is hurting you, deal with the hurt with help and learn ways to release that hurt. Then when a time arises, you won't hurt nor hurt other people in your path. Remember the more you invest into something or someone, the more you are going to receive an investment from it. It might not come as you want it to, but it will show up right on time. Invest some time into yourself, put new tools into your toolbox of life, change the things you want to change, equip yourself with goodness, gentleness, love, kindness, and learn long suffering.
Your life will be better and can get better when you choose to change out your tool box.
Any tool unused just gets rusty.
Go in Peace and Love,
~ Marjorie
What about a life tool box? Some of us need tools for our tool box just to get through the day. Some people have a journal to write in, others have a diet to eat right, and others have devotions or inspirational readings to think on good things. Next, there might be a few pictures in their tool box to remind them of who they use to be and not who they are now.
Some of us have gone to church, support groups, have mentors, or therapist to help us gain tools. These tools look like inventory list, writings of their many blessings, or even some attitude adjustments that they have made.
Recently I had my tool box filled with some marriage tools. I went to a marriage conference even though I am single. The reason I wanted to go was to find out what my role as a wife looks like to God. What I can do to be a better life partner to someone one day and it was great. These are tools I can use in a marriage and in other outside relationships. I look at marriage as a oneness, a joint effort. I understand now when I see a ring that has no beginning and no end. It is God who created and he has no beginning and no end either. This is a tool for my tool box of life.
God alone has given us tools for our life tool box, it's the Bible.
Believers Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
Psalm 119:4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.(KJ)
I think the life lessons we go through are also tools for our life tool box. We all make mistakes and when we learn from them; the lesson appears. Isn't that a tool? We know that when we write in a journal our daily actions we can see how we react to other peoples actions. If we responded in anger, we can see how that may have lead to an action of violence or hurt. When the next time the situation arises we may see it coming and react in a more subtle and gentle way that wouldn't cause violence or hurt. BUT we have to be willing to change out those tools. We have to be willing to learn new ways to communicate. Have you heard the saying hurt people ~ hurt people? The reason we hurt other people is because we don't know how to handle our own hurt. We may not even take the time to examine our hurt and we don't recognize when we hurt others. The tool here is to take the time to look at what is hurting you, deal with the hurt with help and learn ways to release that hurt. Then when a time arises, you won't hurt nor hurt other people in your path. Remember the more you invest into something or someone, the more you are going to receive an investment from it. It might not come as you want it to, but it will show up right on time. Invest some time into yourself, put new tools into your toolbox of life, change the things you want to change, equip yourself with goodness, gentleness, love, kindness, and learn long suffering.
Your life will be better and can get better when you choose to change out your tool box.
Any tool unused just gets rusty.
Go in Peace and Love,
~ Marjorie
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
To Do or Not to Do?
Recently I committed myself to attend an event, but did so with reluctance. The reasons I had were good ones, or so I thought. I rationalized that it was going to be unpleasant and I wasn't equipped to do it anyways.
Little did I know that there was going to be a lesson for me.
I had to first come to the definite realization that I made a commitment to attend. This commitment lead me back to my saying "I want to be a woman of my word." So, yes I will attend. Up until last night I was fighting tooth and nail that I wasn't going to go, besides I have two weeks before the event happens. People will forget that I was asked to attend. Nope.
God distributes gifts to each of us. Some have the ability to play a piano or some other instrument, another might be a poetic writer, or some (like me) was given a voice to sing. I've even had my friends hear me sing and ask why I am not in the choir. My very pleasant and honest answer is "some people in the congregation need help too."
I still firmly believe it doesn't matter where you stand as long as you sing to praise the One who gave you the gift.
Well here it is, two weeks before the event and I know what song I am suppose to sing. I don't want to sing it.
The song is "In the Garden." I didn't want to sing it for the sheer fact that it was played at my dad's funeral and the second is the event that I am to sing at is on Father's Day, June 19th. How am I suppose to sing a song that has such depth meaning to me and it's only been less than 5 months since my dad passed away. Well God provided away.
I was with a friend when we pulled up the song on YouTube and listened to it. I quickly ran out of the room just at the first note and words, crying. I could stand to listen to it. As I cried, it felt like my heart was being split open, it HURT! It was truly as if someone had taken a knife and split me open at my breast bone and cut to my heart.
I now call this "God's sensation of heart surgery." I cried so hard. I tried singing the song to make it better, but it didn't feel better, it still hurt.
After a while my friend and I talked it over and made the decision to make new memories with this song. So I began the journey of walking in the Garden with Jesus as Adam and Eve did in the cool of the day.
My tears began to dry up, my attitude changed from sad to happy or semi happy. Now, I cannot get the song out of my head nor off of my heart.
It's funny when I think about it, but here is one song "In the Garden" when another song comes after it "It Is Well With My Soul." I choose to surrender to all that God wants to change inward than what I'd rather project outward.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJ)
In your journey today are you holding steady and letting God do a good work in you or are you fighting him?
When you increase your dependence on God, amazing things begin to happen that YOU couldn't do on your own. So why not step back, look at your current situation and surrender it to the one who already knows what is going to happen? He wants to give you his BEST and you won't even come close to that on your own. It's a mistake to make a permanent decision based on a temporary circumstance or changing emotion.
Step out in Faith with me
~Marjorie
Little did I know that there was going to be a lesson for me.
I had to first come to the definite realization that I made a commitment to attend. This commitment lead me back to my saying "I want to be a woman of my word." So, yes I will attend. Up until last night I was fighting tooth and nail that I wasn't going to go, besides I have two weeks before the event happens. People will forget that I was asked to attend. Nope.
God distributes gifts to each of us. Some have the ability to play a piano or some other instrument, another might be a poetic writer, or some (like me) was given a voice to sing. I've even had my friends hear me sing and ask why I am not in the choir. My very pleasant and honest answer is "some people in the congregation need help too."
I still firmly believe it doesn't matter where you stand as long as you sing to praise the One who gave you the gift.
Well here it is, two weeks before the event and I know what song I am suppose to sing. I don't want to sing it.
The song is "In the Garden." I didn't want to sing it for the sheer fact that it was played at my dad's funeral and the second is the event that I am to sing at is on Father's Day, June 19th. How am I suppose to sing a song that has such depth meaning to me and it's only been less than 5 months since my dad passed away. Well God provided away.
I was with a friend when we pulled up the song on YouTube and listened to it. I quickly ran out of the room just at the first note and words, crying. I could stand to listen to it. As I cried, it felt like my heart was being split open, it HURT! It was truly as if someone had taken a knife and split me open at my breast bone and cut to my heart.
I now call this "God's sensation of heart surgery." I cried so hard. I tried singing the song to make it better, but it didn't feel better, it still hurt.
After a while my friend and I talked it over and made the decision to make new memories with this song. So I began the journey of walking in the Garden with Jesus as Adam and Eve did in the cool of the day.
My tears began to dry up, my attitude changed from sad to happy or semi happy. Now, I cannot get the song out of my head nor off of my heart.
It's funny when I think about it, but here is one song "In the Garden" when another song comes after it "It Is Well With My Soul." I choose to surrender to all that God wants to change inward than what I'd rather project outward.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJ)
In your journey today are you holding steady and letting God do a good work in you or are you fighting him?
When you increase your dependence on God, amazing things begin to happen that YOU couldn't do on your own. So why not step back, look at your current situation and surrender it to the one who already knows what is going to happen? He wants to give you his BEST and you won't even come close to that on your own. It's a mistake to make a permanent decision based on a temporary circumstance or changing emotion.
Step out in Faith with me
~Marjorie
Monday, June 13, 2011
How Important Is It?
Do you find yourself in a hurry to get things on your to do list, only to find more things have been added to this list? We live in a world that is so busy that we miss the important things in life. What is worse we don't enjoy the life we've been given, but we dread the day coming. Our relationships suffer when we get busy and the tension in our necks swell up, our attitudes go from pleasant to destructive, and we find ourselves snapping at the innocent people in our lives; sometimes that is our children.
Why do we make things harder than they are?
A friend once taught me "what you put into something, is the same amount you get out of it."
If you don't read your bible, you aren't going to get anything from it. If you don't invest time with your children, but ignore them, you're ending up with great problems in their future and yours.
There was a time in my life that I was in such a hurry to get things done (sometimes I am still in this mindset) that I rushed and rushed some more only to find I was overwhelmed.
Then the day came when another friend suggested to me to ask myself "how important is it?" Now, this is a question I have to ask myself more than once a day. It helps me with my to list, order of importance list, and it helps me to decide how I react to someone else's actions. I use to enjoy fighting, arguing, being in strife with others, but it only left me feeling miserable. Once again, I asked myself "how important is it?" I stopped fighting and I stopped showing up for the fights. It wasn't worth my health, poor attitude or the break down of my relationship with others.
So if you find yourself discontent with your reactions to others actions, discontent with your life and you feel overwhelmed, or if you just want to change yourself; make a list of what is important and what isn't.
When you start to ask yourself "how important is its?" you just might find a little peace in your unmanageable life.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJ)
[ Meditate on These Things ] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy.
Philippians 4:10-12 (NKJ)
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
May you count your blessings along your way
~ Marjorie
Why do we make things harder than they are?
A friend once taught me "what you put into something, is the same amount you get out of it."
If you don't read your bible, you aren't going to get anything from it. If you don't invest time with your children, but ignore them, you're ending up with great problems in their future and yours.
There was a time in my life that I was in such a hurry to get things done (sometimes I am still in this mindset) that I rushed and rushed some more only to find I was overwhelmed.
Then the day came when another friend suggested to me to ask myself "how important is it?" Now, this is a question I have to ask myself more than once a day. It helps me with my to list, order of importance list, and it helps me to decide how I react to someone else's actions. I use to enjoy fighting, arguing, being in strife with others, but it only left me feeling miserable. Once again, I asked myself "how important is it?" I stopped fighting and I stopped showing up for the fights. It wasn't worth my health, poor attitude or the break down of my relationship with others.
So if you find yourself discontent with your reactions to others actions, discontent with your life and you feel overwhelmed, or if you just want to change yourself; make a list of what is important and what isn't.
When you start to ask yourself "how important is its?" you just might find a little peace in your unmanageable life.
Philippians 4:8 (NKJ)
[ Meditate on These Things ] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy.
Philippians 4:10-12 (NKJ)
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
May you count your blessings along your way
~ Marjorie
Friday, June 10, 2011
The World and All It's Possessions
I had a chapter of my life close this past week. It may seem silly but it was a great experience I want to share with you. My car went to the junk yard and it was a sad day for me and this is why. There was a time in my life that I didn't have anything that I owned. I had a job with no vehicle to get me back and forth but I had friends help me. I am grateful for them. I needed a vehicle of my own. You know how that feels don't you? The problem I saw in this situation was that I didn't have any money and I had no collateral to put towards this car.
I began looking, I prayed over it and one day a car was provided. My son gave me a car that the engine would crank up and get me from point A to point B, but it didn't have lights, tags, and was a danger to drive. I wouldn't have paid $50 for the car.
I went to a used car lot and there was this Saturn that fit me like a glove. The salesman said he would look at the car my son gave me and see what he could do. I prayed over my need and whatever God wanted he could have. I surrendered my situation to Him. Oh, mind you, I kept pointing my finger to scripture and giving God's word back to Him in my prayers. I knew it was ultimately His decision whether I was going to have this car or not.
The next day I signed for the Saturn and I began making payments. This was a responsibility I wanted. The Lord says if we are faithful with the small stuff, he will make us rulers over many things. I kept this in mind each time I made a payment on the car. I was grateful to have something of my own, something I was responsible for, that I had to take care of or I would be the one to pay for it later.
I drove it for approximately 3 years after paying it off. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19 (NIV)
Life lesson number one: pay a car off and continue to make payments to your savings account. I didn't do this and now I am in a new situation. HOWEVER, God is going to take care of this situation because I trust him to. I am back in his word and believing in what he says about me and this situation.
Tears well up in my eyes when I think of my Saturn being crushed like a bug. I cry at the thought that I won't be driving it down the road anymore, or when I think of a memory I have in relation to my Saturn.
Funny thing happened. I went to look at vehicles the other day and I couldn't stay long. I was looking on the computer at some cars and I had to walk away because I started crying.
I know God wants to bless me with his Best and I felt like he did with the Saturn. I can't imagine having something better.
I think David says it best in 1 Chronicles 29:11
"Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all."
This says it all for me. I know God possesses EVERYTHING. The world says it possess everything, but who is the world? The world are the people in it, you and me. We think we can chase after life and obtain all the possessions in it and be happy. Maybe there is someone that owns a lot of possessions, but are they happy? What is happy? It is a state of mind. I am happy that I spent at least 4 years with my car. I am happy that I have friends that care enough about me to help me get from one place to another. I am happy to know that I was successful in taking care of something small, at least in my eyes.
Life lesson number two: Growing up isn't so bad.
I went into this situation with humility and I am coming out of this situation with so much more. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow up and take responsibility of God's possession. I was successful in keeping it in one piece (no accidents). I learned there are so many things that come with owning a car.
Have you ever seen the movie "28 Days" with Sandra Bullock? There is a man who is trying to take care of a plant and dog because if he can take care of them he is ready for a relationship.
The dog survives the plant dies, just in case you were wondering.
This is how I felt when I was walking through my chapter. If I could just take care of this one payment, this one possession, then I was ready for the next responsibility. My next responsibility and stability was a room, a home, a relationship, an animal.
I am on my road to recovery and life is getting better one day at a time. I can look back at my chapter and say with a smile "it was good, it was really good and I survived." I can also assure you that if you are trying to obtain things on your own, they will only last for a short time. I hope you choose to partner with God on your next adventure, your next chapter of life because when you do, you will get so much more from it.
May you have a blessed day
~Marjorie
I began looking, I prayed over it and one day a car was provided. My son gave me a car that the engine would crank up and get me from point A to point B, but it didn't have lights, tags, and was a danger to drive. I wouldn't have paid $50 for the car.
I went to a used car lot and there was this Saturn that fit me like a glove. The salesman said he would look at the car my son gave me and see what he could do. I prayed over my need and whatever God wanted he could have. I surrendered my situation to Him. Oh, mind you, I kept pointing my finger to scripture and giving God's word back to Him in my prayers. I knew it was ultimately His decision whether I was going to have this car or not.
The next day I signed for the Saturn and I began making payments. This was a responsibility I wanted. The Lord says if we are faithful with the small stuff, he will make us rulers over many things. I kept this in mind each time I made a payment on the car. I was grateful to have something of my own, something I was responsible for, that I had to take care of or I would be the one to pay for it later.
I drove it for approximately 3 years after paying it off. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19 (NIV)
Life lesson number one: pay a car off and continue to make payments to your savings account. I didn't do this and now I am in a new situation. HOWEVER, God is going to take care of this situation because I trust him to. I am back in his word and believing in what he says about me and this situation.
Tears well up in my eyes when I think of my Saturn being crushed like a bug. I cry at the thought that I won't be driving it down the road anymore, or when I think of a memory I have in relation to my Saturn.
Funny thing happened. I went to look at vehicles the other day and I couldn't stay long. I was looking on the computer at some cars and I had to walk away because I started crying.
I know God wants to bless me with his Best and I felt like he did with the Saturn. I can't imagine having something better.
I think David says it best in 1 Chronicles 29:11
"Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all."
This says it all for me. I know God possesses EVERYTHING. The world says it possess everything, but who is the world? The world are the people in it, you and me. We think we can chase after life and obtain all the possessions in it and be happy. Maybe there is someone that owns a lot of possessions, but are they happy? What is happy? It is a state of mind. I am happy that I spent at least 4 years with my car. I am happy that I have friends that care enough about me to help me get from one place to another. I am happy to know that I was successful in taking care of something small, at least in my eyes.
Life lesson number two: Growing up isn't so bad.
I went into this situation with humility and I am coming out of this situation with so much more. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow up and take responsibility of God's possession. I was successful in keeping it in one piece (no accidents). I learned there are so many things that come with owning a car.
Have you ever seen the movie "28 Days" with Sandra Bullock? There is a man who is trying to take care of a plant and dog because if he can take care of them he is ready for a relationship.
The dog survives the plant dies, just in case you were wondering.
This is how I felt when I was walking through my chapter. If I could just take care of this one payment, this one possession, then I was ready for the next responsibility. My next responsibility and stability was a room, a home, a relationship, an animal.
I am on my road to recovery and life is getting better one day at a time. I can look back at my chapter and say with a smile "it was good, it was really good and I survived." I can also assure you that if you are trying to obtain things on your own, they will only last for a short time. I hope you choose to partner with God on your next adventure, your next chapter of life because when you do, you will get so much more from it.
May you have a blessed day
~Marjorie
Monday, June 6, 2011
One Person's Perspective
Have you ever wondered the effect we have on other people, when they watch how we handle our trials and tribulations? I had this question come to my mind when I had the following experience. I had inquired from a young lady about a church in the area I was visiting. Unfortunately, she could not recall or suggest a church because she informed that she did not and has not attended one.
I did find a church to visit through another woman and enjoyed her suggestion to the point I wanted to share it with the first young lady, Kim. When I found Kim and finished witnessing to her about this church I visited I returned to my car and it wouldn't start, now my problem begins.
I then had a choice to make; I could let Kim see my belief in Jesus Christ or I could let Kim see me worry about my problem and how it would affect me and my actions. Of course, I wanted her to see Jesus in me and my trust in him. However, I became overwhelmed with "what is my next step going to be or what am I going to do now?" Kim saw more of my concerns than my faith. At this time, I didn't think of her perspective of me. However later, the story in Daniel was presented to me. I am sure we all remember the three men who were thrown in the fire because they would not worship or bow to a false god. As I searched the scriptures or the story, I had to wonder did Kim see in me what King Nebuchadnessar saw in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.
Dan 3:24-25
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?"
They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."
25 "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
NKJV
Did she see the Son of God in me or did she see my trials and tribulations? Did my actions show her that I believe that all things are possible through God or did my actions show her I was more concerned on how "I" was going to handle the situation?
How often do we as Christians consider the perspective and the affect we have on the non Christian by how we handle our trials and tribulations?
Do we stop and think are people seeing the Son of God in us or do they see more of our fears?
Do we leave people with the impression that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego left King Nebuchadnezzar with, that we serve "the Most High God?" OR That we are afraid to go through the fire?
This has been a life lesson for me. I want you and others to know that when I go through adversity I want the Son of God to be seen in me. I want to show belief in His word, faith in what He will do, and all I have to do is walk through the fire; knowing that he will be there with me and no harm and no smoke will be found on me.
I thank the Lord that he gives me one more day to talk to another person about Him~ the Most High God.
~Marjorie
I did find a church to visit through another woman and enjoyed her suggestion to the point I wanted to share it with the first young lady, Kim. When I found Kim and finished witnessing to her about this church I visited I returned to my car and it wouldn't start, now my problem begins.
I then had a choice to make; I could let Kim see my belief in Jesus Christ or I could let Kim see me worry about my problem and how it would affect me and my actions. Of course, I wanted her to see Jesus in me and my trust in him. However, I became overwhelmed with "what is my next step going to be or what am I going to do now?" Kim saw more of my concerns than my faith. At this time, I didn't think of her perspective of me. However later, the story in Daniel was presented to me. I am sure we all remember the three men who were thrown in the fire because they would not worship or bow to a false god. As I searched the scriptures or the story, I had to wonder did Kim see in me what King Nebuchadnessar saw in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.
Dan 3:24-25
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?"
They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."
25 "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
NKJV
Did she see the Son of God in me or did she see my trials and tribulations? Did my actions show her that I believe that all things are possible through God or did my actions show her I was more concerned on how "I" was going to handle the situation?
How often do we as Christians consider the perspective and the affect we have on the non Christian by how we handle our trials and tribulations?
Do we stop and think are people seeing the Son of God in us or do they see more of our fears?
Do we leave people with the impression that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego left King Nebuchadnezzar with, that we serve "the Most High God?" OR That we are afraid to go through the fire?
This has been a life lesson for me. I want you and others to know that when I go through adversity I want the Son of God to be seen in me. I want to show belief in His word, faith in what He will do, and all I have to do is walk through the fire; knowing that he will be there with me and no harm and no smoke will be found on me.
I thank the Lord that he gives me one more day to talk to another person about Him~ the Most High God.
~Marjorie
Sunday, June 5, 2011
God's Amazing Creatures
God has created all kinds of animals that are beautiful and some are down right ugly in MY eyes; some were actually cute and cuddly and others you could see danger in their eyes.
Some of the creatures are small, while others are enormous. I know God creates all things beautiful in His time, but I think some were still a work in progress. I am thankful God loves us all as we are.
Wally the Wallaby
Some of the creatures are small, while others are enormous. I know God creates all things beautiful in His time, but I think some were still a work in progress. I am thankful God loves us all as we are.
Tamandua and Red River Hog
Wally the Wallaby
African Monkey
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Traveling the Unknown
When you close your eyes and travel to a happy place, where do you go? Some may go to a white sandy beach with a warm breeze blowing and you can see it in the way the palm tree leaves sway. Some may travel by airplane to a very busy city that the lights are neon, brightly shining and flashing. Last there are those who close their eyes and don't travel at all. They don't see past their current location with no destination ahead of them. It's too busy, it's too comfortable and the fear of the unknown keeps them bound up and frozen. Maybe the fear to dream, to experience, to have any kind of adventure will keep them from experiencing all God has to offer them. The fear of "what if's" may keep them from traveling and changing their views. The fear of a tire blowing out on their car, the fear of being robbed or beaten will keep them from changing their view or perspective of traveling or having adventures.
Most of us want a change of view or perspective. Change can be good or even great, yet some people have a difficult time with changes in their life or current situations, their job or their homelife.
But what if, what if we were to surrender to change? What if we were to experience the fullness of life?
Traveling down the road with no particular place in mind and stopping wherever you land your feet or put the brakes on? What kind of adventure could you be on then? It's an unknown all over again, but a good experience. At least I think it is. It's exciting to do something out of the ordinary. It's exciting to travel down the road and see little towns that have churches on every corner or two churches just a driveway away, little shops that remind me of old western movies where the town is closely knit together. It's exciting to see the different restaurants in these towns. Some of the restaurants are big name brands and other are mom and pop's places. None the less, the unknown can be exciting, fullfilling, and an experience you'll never forget.
Just imagine where you could go and what you could experience, the things you could see if we would decide to walk with God. We have our nice homes that are warm and cozy, inviting to those who walk in. We have our yards that are filled with swings or children's swing sets, trampolines, or bicycles. God wants us to have the Super Bowl, Busch Gardens, or Disney World. In order to receive the fullness of God, we must be willing to step out of our ordinary and into His extraordinary.
I know He is building a mansion in heaven, but I'm not there yet and I want all the benefits that God wants to give me now. I want God's blessings and gifts that would overwhelm me. I want to go where God says go and do what God says to do. WOW, what an adventure, a road to travel, and an experience that would be exciting, pleasurable, and fullfilling
I'm on a journey to see new things from God, do new things through God, experience new things with God, and I'm so extremely excited to see what today will bring. After all, God tells us to live one day at time, live life abundantly, and enjoy all the fruits along the way.
So, just for today, I'm going to walk with God and see His world in a new way.
~ Marjorie
Most of us want a change of view or perspective. Change can be good or even great, yet some people have a difficult time with changes in their life or current situations, their job or their homelife.
But what if, what if we were to surrender to change? What if we were to experience the fullness of life?
Traveling down the road with no particular place in mind and stopping wherever you land your feet or put the brakes on? What kind of adventure could you be on then? It's an unknown all over again, but a good experience. At least I think it is. It's exciting to do something out of the ordinary. It's exciting to travel down the road and see little towns that have churches on every corner or two churches just a driveway away, little shops that remind me of old western movies where the town is closely knit together. It's exciting to see the different restaurants in these towns. Some of the restaurants are big name brands and other are mom and pop's places. None the less, the unknown can be exciting, fullfilling, and an experience you'll never forget.
Just imagine where you could go and what you could experience, the things you could see if we would decide to walk with God. We have our nice homes that are warm and cozy, inviting to those who walk in. We have our yards that are filled with swings or children's swing sets, trampolines, or bicycles. God wants us to have the Super Bowl, Busch Gardens, or Disney World. In order to receive the fullness of God, we must be willing to step out of our ordinary and into His extraordinary.
I know He is building a mansion in heaven, but I'm not there yet and I want all the benefits that God wants to give me now. I want God's blessings and gifts that would overwhelm me. I want to go where God says go and do what God says to do. WOW, what an adventure, a road to travel, and an experience that would be exciting, pleasurable, and fullfilling
I'm on a journey to see new things from God, do new things through God, experience new things with God, and I'm so extremely excited to see what today will bring. After all, God tells us to live one day at time, live life abundantly, and enjoy all the fruits along the way.
So, just for today, I'm going to walk with God and see His world in a new way.
~ Marjorie
Friday, June 3, 2011
Forgivessness to yourself or others...
"I didn't do that." "It wasn't me." "Oh, my dog ate my homework."
Okay, these are the "small white lies," but they are still lies. What do you do when someone lies to you about small or big things? We are given instructions as to what to do and why we should do it.
"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. "
Matthew 5:23-24
God wants us to be reconciled with one another, but the simple thing of a lie can cause us to be seperated, drive us away from one another. It is best to first go to your brother or sister and say "I've recognized I've done something wrong" and then admit your hurtful thought, word or deed. You will be amazed at the results of such a simple action like this. Sometimes that person doesn't even know you've been offended by them.
God loves us so much that he sent his son to die on the cross so that we would be reconciled with him in heaven.
If you can't apologize because of distance or circumstances, remember it is for your own sake that you choose to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
Mark 11:26
"But if you don't forgive other people, then your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins."
Place a chair in the middle of the room and pretend the person is sitting there. Next, tell them exactly how you are choosing to forgive them for what they did or did not do. If you need a friend there to help, call on one. If you think it sounds strange, that's okay. I can tell you from personal experience, you will feel much better after you forgive or ask for forgiveness.
Is it easy? NO! Is it worth it? YES!
You become reconciled with yourself, others and God.
Just think about this, God, the creator of the universe; the Alpha and Omega only wants to be loved by you and for him to love on you. WOW! Isn't that amazing!
It took time to believe that someone really loved me, it took a lot of tears to release the hurt that others have placed on me or I put on myself. Once I forgave them or myself, I felt so much better. Sometimes I had to forgive more than one time for the same offense. Please know, that is alright too.
The one thing to remember is this, when you forgive it's not saying you forget, it means you are letting that person off of your hook and you are beginning to be a better person.
May today you find peace with someone, even if it's yourself.
~Marjorie
Okay, these are the "small white lies," but they are still lies. What do you do when someone lies to you about small or big things? We are given instructions as to what to do and why we should do it.
"So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. "
Matthew 5:23-24
God wants us to be reconciled with one another, but the simple thing of a lie can cause us to be seperated, drive us away from one another. It is best to first go to your brother or sister and say "I've recognized I've done something wrong" and then admit your hurtful thought, word or deed. You will be amazed at the results of such a simple action like this. Sometimes that person doesn't even know you've been offended by them.
God loves us so much that he sent his son to die on the cross so that we would be reconciled with him in heaven.
If you can't apologize because of distance or circumstances, remember it is for your own sake that you choose to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
Mark 11:26
"But if you don't forgive other people, then your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins."
Place a chair in the middle of the room and pretend the person is sitting there. Next, tell them exactly how you are choosing to forgive them for what they did or did not do. If you need a friend there to help, call on one. If you think it sounds strange, that's okay. I can tell you from personal experience, you will feel much better after you forgive or ask for forgiveness.
Is it easy? NO! Is it worth it? YES!
You become reconciled with yourself, others and God.
Just think about this, God, the creator of the universe; the Alpha and Omega only wants to be loved by you and for him to love on you. WOW! Isn't that amazing!
It took time to believe that someone really loved me, it took a lot of tears to release the hurt that others have placed on me or I put on myself. Once I forgave them or myself, I felt so much better. Sometimes I had to forgive more than one time for the same offense. Please know, that is alright too.
The one thing to remember is this, when you forgive it's not saying you forget, it means you are letting that person off of your hook and you are beginning to be a better person.
May today you find peace with someone, even if it's yourself.
~Marjorie
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Encouraging Words From Friends
I use to hang out with people who I thought were my friends. I would go places with them, eat and party with them. It took me a long time for me to realize they weren't there in the tough times, but only when they could get something from me.
Today I've been taken notice at the friends I have now. They are true friends. I know because they have walked with me through tough times, good times, and exciting times. These friends of mine have become my brothers and sisters; family. They speak to me with words of kindness, gentleness, love me where I'm at, don't expect more from me than my best and love me inspite of my faults.
If I need anything they are there for me. They tell me "call me if you need anything" and I know they honestly mean it.
My heart is full like a cup of coffee that is filled to the rim. I'm so filled with joy right now that I can't seem to put it into words. If you are a friend of mine and have spoken words of encouragement to me, "thank you, for you have blessed me."
Today, a friend shared how she can tell when reading my blog how I'm feeling and how the course of my writing changes with the emotions from the words. I like that, to me that is a compliment.
You see, before I begin to write, I ask the Lord for His guidance and ask to allow my words to be His words. I want the desires of my heart to be the desires of His. I know now that people who read my writings experience God. Now, whether it is a good experience or bad, I don't know. What I do know to be true is that if you are rubbed the wrong way through what you hear or read, it is probably the Lord trying to get your attention and the Holy Spirit is convicting you to change. This is a good thing.
I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I ask you to take what you want and leave the rest from what I write. Tonight, I go in peace knowing that I have some REALLY special friends in my life. I call them my balcony people. They are on a journey to change their lives over to the care and control of God our Saviour. Some have had spiritual heart surgery and will always be a work in progress.
We are all diamonds in the rough and God sees us worth more than rubies and pearls. He sees us worth the life of his son, Jesus Christ, who died for us. Jesus Christ calls us his friend too.
Thank you for being my friend,
Marjorie
(Thank you Ms. Terri)
Today I've been taken notice at the friends I have now. They are true friends. I know because they have walked with me through tough times, good times, and exciting times. These friends of mine have become my brothers and sisters; family. They speak to me with words of kindness, gentleness, love me where I'm at, don't expect more from me than my best and love me inspite of my faults.
If I need anything they are there for me. They tell me "call me if you need anything" and I know they honestly mean it.
My heart is full like a cup of coffee that is filled to the rim. I'm so filled with joy right now that I can't seem to put it into words. If you are a friend of mine and have spoken words of encouragement to me, "thank you, for you have blessed me."
Today, a friend shared how she can tell when reading my blog how I'm feeling and how the course of my writing changes with the emotions from the words. I like that, to me that is a compliment.
You see, before I begin to write, I ask the Lord for His guidance and ask to allow my words to be His words. I want the desires of my heart to be the desires of His. I know now that people who read my writings experience God. Now, whether it is a good experience or bad, I don't know. What I do know to be true is that if you are rubbed the wrong way through what you hear or read, it is probably the Lord trying to get your attention and the Holy Spirit is convicting you to change. This is a good thing.
I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I ask you to take what you want and leave the rest from what I write. Tonight, I go in peace knowing that I have some REALLY special friends in my life. I call them my balcony people. They are on a journey to change their lives over to the care and control of God our Saviour. Some have had spiritual heart surgery and will always be a work in progress.
We are all diamonds in the rough and God sees us worth more than rubies and pearls. He sees us worth the life of his son, Jesus Christ, who died for us. Jesus Christ calls us his friend too.
Thank you for being my friend,
Marjorie
(Thank you Ms. Terri)
Encouraged: It takes action, but just what kind of action are ...
Encouraged: It takes action, but just what kind of action are ...: "What does the phrase 'live one day at time' mean to you? There was a time in my life that I was running and running to get things done; li..."
It takes action, but just what kind of action are you willing to take?
What does the phrase "live one day at time" mean to you?
There was a time in my life that I was running and running to get things done; life was no fun. I would set my schedule down to the hour, the minute, and if it wasn't all done, I was still running. Looking back, I didn't accomplish much. The choices I made weren't good ones, the situations I got into weren't the best for me, and I didn't care who I hurt in getting what I wanted when I wanted it.
Then I took a chance. I made a conscious effort to STOP. I literally felt like I put the brakes on and stopped. I slowed down and recognized I only had one day. I worked on one moment at a time from the moment I got out of bed until the clock struck 11:59pm. I recognized that yesterday can't be changed and tomorrow is only an idea. God only gives us the present of today.
I ONLY have today, this moment that I am sitting in right now; from one minute to the next minute. I can hear and feel myself breath, I can listen to the other sounds around me, I can listen to my thoughts from this one minute to the next minute. It won't slow the day down and it won't speed it up. I can't change the clock, the minute, the hour, or the day. I CAN change what I do in it.
So what was I in a hurry for? What was I chasing after? It tells me in Ecclesiastes 2: 11, 17, & 26.
Eccl 2:11
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.
NKJV
Eccl 2:17
17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.
NKJV
Eccl 2:26
26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
NKJV
So what is "grasping after the wind?" Try it, put your hand out and try to grasp the air. It's pointless, it doesn't change a thing, it's wasted energy, and it has no purpose. God says we have purpose and that is for us just to love him and share him with others.
My action was to make a decision to run after something worth running after. God sees you as worth chasing after you that he is chasing you now. He desires a personal relationship with you. All you have to do is stop running, slow down and turn around to him and say "yes, I will let you love me, show me how to be loved." He will do it too because that is his hearts desire also.
What action are you performing today that will leave a mark in the next hour?
How about praying, listening to your good thoughts and knowing they are worth hearing? Look at the good things in life instead of the dismal and disappointing things?
A friend recently told me a story of how he was in a hurry, he complained with moaning and groaning because he didn't get his way and in his time. Two days later, he found out that if he had gotten his way, he, and his wife, would have been dead from where an earthquake had come and crashed the rocks in very spot he would have been sitting in. God's timing is perfect and He may be four days late (or two in this story), but he is right on time.
Yes, it pays off to slow down and take one day at a time.
~ Marjorie
Father God, I ask you to forgive me of my sin because I sin against you and only against you, thank you for hearing and being faithful to forgive.
Lord I ask you to bless the person reading this. Please bless them with peace, safety, guidance, and strength. Holy Spirit, I ask you to comfort them, guide them, and do a mighty work in their life today. Please change them where they desire change and may it be of your will and not of their own.
~Amen, so let it be
There was a time in my life that I was running and running to get things done; life was no fun. I would set my schedule down to the hour, the minute, and if it wasn't all done, I was still running. Looking back, I didn't accomplish much. The choices I made weren't good ones, the situations I got into weren't the best for me, and I didn't care who I hurt in getting what I wanted when I wanted it.
Then I took a chance. I made a conscious effort to STOP. I literally felt like I put the brakes on and stopped. I slowed down and recognized I only had one day. I worked on one moment at a time from the moment I got out of bed until the clock struck 11:59pm. I recognized that yesterday can't be changed and tomorrow is only an idea. God only gives us the present of today.
I ONLY have today, this moment that I am sitting in right now; from one minute to the next minute. I can hear and feel myself breath, I can listen to the other sounds around me, I can listen to my thoughts from this one minute to the next minute. It won't slow the day down and it won't speed it up. I can't change the clock, the minute, the hour, or the day. I CAN change what I do in it.
So what was I in a hurry for? What was I chasing after? It tells me in Ecclesiastes 2: 11, 17, & 26.
Eccl 2:11
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.
NKJV
Eccl 2:17
17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.
NKJV
Eccl 2:26
26 For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
NKJV
So what is "grasping after the wind?" Try it, put your hand out and try to grasp the air. It's pointless, it doesn't change a thing, it's wasted energy, and it has no purpose. God says we have purpose and that is for us just to love him and share him with others.
My action was to make a decision to run after something worth running after. God sees you as worth chasing after you that he is chasing you now. He desires a personal relationship with you. All you have to do is stop running, slow down and turn around to him and say "yes, I will let you love me, show me how to be loved." He will do it too because that is his hearts desire also.
What action are you performing today that will leave a mark in the next hour?
How about praying, listening to your good thoughts and knowing they are worth hearing? Look at the good things in life instead of the dismal and disappointing things?
A friend recently told me a story of how he was in a hurry, he complained with moaning and groaning because he didn't get his way and in his time. Two days later, he found out that if he had gotten his way, he, and his wife, would have been dead from where an earthquake had come and crashed the rocks in very spot he would have been sitting in. God's timing is perfect and He may be four days late (or two in this story), but he is right on time.
Yes, it pays off to slow down and take one day at a time.
~ Marjorie
Father God, I ask you to forgive me of my sin because I sin against you and only against you, thank you for hearing and being faithful to forgive.
Lord I ask you to bless the person reading this. Please bless them with peace, safety, guidance, and strength. Holy Spirit, I ask you to comfort them, guide them, and do a mighty work in their life today. Please change them where they desire change and may it be of your will and not of their own.
~Amen, so let it be
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Role of Judge
When growing up, I would play with my cousin in a camper that was stationary in her yard. We would pretend to be shopping in a grocery store, one was a cashier and one was paying for her groceries. We also played a school teacher with a class of one, or we would play with our dolls. I can't remember ever playing courthouse though, the judge and the jury of one, the ballif, or the thug.
As I've grown up I've played all kinds of roles like mother, friend, teacher, girlfriend, and student. I've also played roles without thinking about them judge, jury, doctor, and a bum.
Today the judge is on my mind. I recently have been thinking about how I judge others or even give my opinion of others without even knowing them. What kind of character am I? Does that make me a hyprocrite? No.
I know that I am not perfect and I know I do things that other people may not approve of. I also know, I don't do things that other people think I should. I am not out to receive other people's approvals, but I want to live in harmony. I am a believer and follower of Christ. This to me means I am not who I was. I am a new creature with a new heart, with a new attitude; a new beginning everyday.
Why is it so easy for us to see the wrong in others? Why do we sometimes even concentrate on other people's flaws without looking at our own?
I know for myself. I've sometimes had a difficult time in finding my flaws. Once i see my flaws I want to change myself. Maybe seeing my mistakes and being my own judge is better than someone else's. I can't change them, but I can change me.
"I can see clearly now the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way." I don't know if you know the song, but that is my song when I take the log out of my own eye and see clearly to remove the speck from my brother's eye.
I don't like it when anyone points a finger at me because it's uncomfortable, it's ugly, it's sometimes nasty. I had a friend share "you may have one finger pointing at you, but the friend has three pointing back at them." What an illustration, huh?
If you struggle with judging or pointing fingers towards others, it's not alright, look at the three fingers pointing back at you.
I think this is what Jesus was saying in Matthew 7:1-6 when he talked about judging others.
He tells us to love our enemies and pray for them, love one another as He has first loved us, and God is love.
If you have something against me, bring it to me and let's talk. If you have something against someone else, go and talk.
Have a blessed day
~Marjorie
As I've grown up I've played all kinds of roles like mother, friend, teacher, girlfriend, and student. I've also played roles without thinking about them judge, jury, doctor, and a bum.
Today the judge is on my mind. I recently have been thinking about how I judge others or even give my opinion of others without even knowing them. What kind of character am I? Does that make me a hyprocrite? No.
I know that I am not perfect and I know I do things that other people may not approve of. I also know, I don't do things that other people think I should. I am not out to receive other people's approvals, but I want to live in harmony. I am a believer and follower of Christ. This to me means I am not who I was. I am a new creature with a new heart, with a new attitude; a new beginning everyday.
Why is it so easy for us to see the wrong in others? Why do we sometimes even concentrate on other people's flaws without looking at our own?
I know for myself. I've sometimes had a difficult time in finding my flaws. Once i see my flaws I want to change myself. Maybe seeing my mistakes and being my own judge is better than someone else's. I can't change them, but I can change me.
"I can see clearly now the rain is gone, I can see all obstacles in my way." I don't know if you know the song, but that is my song when I take the log out of my own eye and see clearly to remove the speck from my brother's eye.
I don't like it when anyone points a finger at me because it's uncomfortable, it's ugly, it's sometimes nasty. I had a friend share "you may have one finger pointing at you, but the friend has three pointing back at them." What an illustration, huh?
If you struggle with judging or pointing fingers towards others, it's not alright, look at the three fingers pointing back at you.
I think this is what Jesus was saying in Matthew 7:1-6 when he talked about judging others.
He tells us to love our enemies and pray for them, love one another as He has first loved us, and God is love.
If you have something against me, bring it to me and let's talk. If you have something against someone else, go and talk.
Have a blessed day
~Marjorie
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