Everyday men and women devote their lives to defend our freedoms, to honor their country more than themselves and to protect us while we are home safe and warm. All the while we are turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to the things that are going awry in our nation. We pretend that what those men and women are fighting to protect is just as it should be, yet everyday we hear of senseless murders, abuse, and other horrible tragedies. It has come to a point where our children are no longer safe -- not just from adults who intend them harm, but from other children. When we hear about a senseless shooting we are angered at the killer for taking the life of an innocent person, but when the tv coverage ends and the media moves on to some new event our anger has done nothing. We want someone to protect us and our rights, but we aren't in turn protecting from the inside what we were given charge over. So many of the events in recent history occurred because of one person being targeted by a "Bully" until they snapped. And what do we as a society do. Not much. The schools try to help the kids, but we've taken away so much of their power. They cannot do it all. I don't expect that I can go out and fix everyone I meet, but if I can fix my own little peice of the world and instill real Biblical core values in my child, that he will in turn pass on to his own someday, then at least I've made a dent. I pray for our nation as a whole, that we will take a stand against violence in any form and make sure that what our soldiers are fighting for is worth saving. I know this blog wont be popular, but I don't want to be popular -- I want to be real. I want to make a difference. I want to teach my child to make a difference and to lead others to do the same. God bless you all.
OK, so I'm a parent, and as such I know I have repeated myself a million times! I just can't stand to ask a question a not be answered. So, over the last couple of years I've found myself saying to my child (and yes my husband too) at these times "Yes, No, Maybe?" (in my most frustrated voice!) Tonight was one of those moments where I made this statement and then wondered how many times God has said that to me. So tonight I'm taking an internal account of my life and checking to see if I have answered Godm or if I've just ignored Him hoping He will ask someone else.
In today's society, we have become drawn into our own worlds. We are often so caught up in our own problems and small circle that we tend to miss the struggles and needs of others. It is my belief that God never intended for us to be self absorbed, but that we were meant to love others more than we love ourselves. I am not passing judgement on anyone more than myself. However, I am calling us out equally to be more aware of our surroundings. Often, people speak of the need to change the world, but then they just sit by and wait on someone else to do it for them. Let us take this moment to make a change. A few days ago I was faced with a situation where a friend needed me in a way that I wasn't expecting. She didn't need money or advice. She didn't even need to vent --although she did talk. What she really needed from me was for me to simply listen, to not pass judgement, to not make suggestions. She just needed me to be her friend. She wasn't looking for sympathy, she was looking for understanding, she was looking for unerring love. I found myself later that evening at home thinking about my friend and all that she had shared with me. I found myself praying for her and lifting up her needs before my own. Then I talked to her the next day and what I found out was that she was feeling much better. But what was more amazing was that it wasn't that her situation had changed, but that they simple act of showing her that I cared for her changed her perception. It gave her peace to know that she wasn't alone and that someone other than her cared. That someone was on her side. Find someone who needs you to just be there for them and just be what they need you to be.
Today started out like most other WORK days. It was full of computer problems, back to back questions, and non-stop ...well...work. And let's face it Monday is rarely our favorite day of the week. However, this day has shaped up to be full of Joy Unspeakable. I find that I am thrilled at the way God is moving over this group. Today alone we welcomed four new ladies, added businesses to our Christian Connection page, and I saw more and more how God is working. Just when I wondered if I was missing some vital concept in this ministry He began to reveal His plans. He is working behind the scenes...using the small things we are doing to reach people. I am filled with JOY UNSPEAKABLE at what God is showing me. Praise the Lord!!!
What is your UNSPEAKABLE JOY? Well everyone! Another monthly meeting has come and gone. I am very excited that we had a couple of new people to join us this month. We were very blessed to hear a testimony from Tonya Smith that really spoke of true faith and what can happen when you turn your situation fully over to God and let Him handle it in His time and in His way.
The day after any meeting leaves me to reflect on what was said the night before and how it impacted me and everyone else there. I can't speak for everyone else, but I know for me, that I will be striving more and more to leave it all in God's hands. I will stand on my faith knowing that His word is true and that He will provide my every need. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This means that when we are living in faith we are excepting that even though the outcome is not visible God is already working on our behalf. We are giving God our hopes, our dreams, our needs and even our wants. We are believing without a shadow of doubt that He is making a way for our needs to be met where man can see no possibility of hope. We are taking a hands off approach and trusting God to provide. We are purposely choosing to stay out of God's way and not try to do His job for Him. We are truly living in FAITH! I am going to live each day in faith - will you join me? |