They Say, We Say, I Say, You Say

We can say so many defeating and negative things about ourselves – when we need to be saying what God says about us instead. Others may cast shadows of doubt in us by what they say to us and then there’s the times when WE (you know, misery loves company) speak negative and self-deprecating things about ourselves. I love Lauren Daigle’s song “You Say”. It is an anthem to what God says about us and His is the only voice we should be listening to, unless others agree with us about what God says about us. We must silence other voices that tell us otherwise.

Lauren Daigle, two-times grammy award winning artist and songwriter, said the following about her song “You Say”. She was being challenged with the issue of her identity and was trying to figure out how to exist when she felt like so many things were pulling her in so many different directions. She said, “I think a lot of times we build these complexes based on insecurity, based on fear, based on rejection, and lies that we have to constantly overcome. And so, this song for me was just a reminder of identity. It was a reminder that I know when I’m weak, He’s strong—so how do I change that and bring that into my everyday life? When I feel inadequate, how is it that there’s always these moments where I feel like God just steps in and supersedes my inadequacies. This entire song was so every single day I would get up on stage and remind myself—no, this is the truth, this is the truth, this is the truth. Don’t get buried in confusion. Don’t get buried in waywardness. Just remember to steady the course, steady the course." Here is the chorus:

You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And you say I am held when I am falling short
And when I don't belong, oh You say I am Yours
And I believe, Oh I believe, What You say of me. I believe.

Lauren’s worth, according to her song's lyrics, is found in God and whatever He says about her strength and ability. I agree with Lauren. It is so easy for me to fall into the trap of allowing what others think of me to determine my identity. There is really only ONE who has the authority to tell me who I am...and that is my Creator. This song, “You Say” encouraged me so much the first time I heard it. And, it inspired me to do a little treasure hunt for scriptures that we can all use to discover who we really are in Him. Let's discover what God's Word has to say about it and stand in faith and belief on what it says.

I am a child of God. (John 1:12)
I am a friend of Jesus. (John 15:15)
I have been justified and redeemed. (Romans 3:24)
I have been set free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)
As a child of God, I am a fellow heir with Christ. (Romans 8:17)
I have been accepted by Christ. (Romans 15:7)
I am a new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am no longer a slave, but a child and an heir. (Galatians 4:7)
I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. (Ephesians 1:4)
I am seated in heavenly places with Christ. (Ephesians 2:6)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
The peace of God guards my heart and mind. (Philippians 4:7)
I have been made complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)
God loves me and has chosen me. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

All of those “I am” scriptures prove who we are if we have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and committed to serve Him in word and actions. I've seen way too much evidence that He sees me right where I am today, and I know His love for me is vast. I've experienced way too many of God's blessings, and I know they didn't come to me by coincidence. I've been loved so much that it's the story of my life. And, I want it to be the story of your life as well. I want it to change everything -- including how you look at God, and yourself, and other people. I want you to live in confidence that when God looks at you, He sees beauty. He sees value. He sees hope. He sees a precious treasure beyond compare. And when you're hiding, or when you feel so beaten down, and you can't see anything clearly, He's still hard at work, crafting for you a beautiful future. He sees you. He loves you. We are SO loved by ALMIGHTY God -- doesn't that AMAZE you? It sure amazes me. Listen to this song and let it resonate within your spirit that YOU ARE HIS!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI

I’ll Admit It. I’m a Jesus Freak!

While in the waiting room of my doctor’s office, I noticed these first three photos of wall-hangings and plaques AND Christian music was playing in the background. What a comfort it was to know he is a man of faith. Then, on Saturday, I went for a haircut and I noticed, right away, these next wall hangings that surely indicated this gal’s faith. I said, kiddingly to her: “You are definitely a Jesus freak!” She admitted she is, and so am I.

The term "Jesus freak" was originally used to demean or insult Christians involved with the Jesus Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. It was primarily directed towards those who were especially aggressive in their evangelistic efforts. The core meaning of Jesus freak was a person who is so dedicated to following Jesus that it seemed there was nothing else the person could talk about. A Jesus freak is basically a person who is obsessed with Jesus.

Yep. That was my husband and me back in those days, and that is still me today. My hair stylist told me that people will come into her shop and right away, they’ll start their conversations with her by saying “I love your wall hangings. You are definitely a Christian aren’t you?” And she said other people will come in and they’ll notice the hangings and not speak of them or they don’t even notice them at all. I’m proud of her. What a great way to say “I believe”.

Sometimes it’s NOT a piece of cake to start talking about our love for God. We want to share about that love and oftentimes it feels awkward or pushy and even, Jesus freakish, but just because we possess more enthusiasm, passion, and excitement about a certain thing, in this case, a certain SOMEONE named "Jesus" doesn't automatically make us "freaks" does it? Why is loving someone so unconditionally as we do our Savior has to be something society is threatened by? We're simply passionate about someone. It would be like calling an aspiring actress an acting freak. Or someone who really loves the products they sell a "selling freak"? It's simply our overwhelming love for THE ONE Who gave His only Son to us that we would have life now and forever. We are often embarrassed to talk about the One who lives in us and who has given us so much. I am a “Jesus freak” because I can’t help myself. There aren't many conversations that I have with anyone that God’s name isn’t mentioned. If you knew where I came from and what I’ve been through, you’d know the reason why I love Him so.

Not long ago, the kindest man who was formerly the mastermind behind the City of Frisco's Water Wise program and who is now retired but does sprinkler system repairs, repaired mine. He was diligent, efficient and low-priced so I just had to tell others in my community about him on our NextDoor app. He got lots of new business from my recommendation. Why would I not share something good so others can be blessed? If I knew the cure for cancer, why would I withhold it from others?

That’s how I feel about God. I sing because I’m happy. I’ve been blessed way more than I deserve. I live in peace because He walks and talks with me each day. He comforts me when I’m sad. He nudges me when He wants me to be better and do better. He is my best friend and confidante. He lives in my heart and is my ever-present help in trouble. How could I NOT share Him with others? I have scriptures, crosses, plaques and statutes and all kinds of symbols in my home. You would know who I hold in greatest esteem and honor. I wear a cross necklace. I listen to Christian music. I pray in restaurants, and if I’m with people who I don’t know if they know Him, I still ask if I can pray over our meal. I'm not ashamed. Yep. I’m a Jesus freak!

St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times……and sometimes use words.” Maybe it’s time we all should strive to make God famous through our example and our love for Him that cannot be suppressed…..because we just can’t help ourselves. We’re just so in love and we know He is the cure for loneliness, depression, sadness, fear, worry, and anxiety….we can’t hide it!

It's Not Always What It Seems and That May Be a Good Thing

From my vantage point, relaxing in my beach lounge, I saw this guy spending a lot of time looking and looking on the beach, then I saw him with some sort of stick and maneuver it all around this certain spot. I just knew he had a metal detector and was moving in on a treasure. When he started digging in that spot, I had to get closer to his big "find". I paced myself over to him and said, "Are you looking for a hidden treasure?" He looked up, smiled and said, "No, just trying to find a good spot to plant my umbrella!" LOL! It wasn't what it seemed.

Recently, I read this short story:
"Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to receive his daily medical treatment. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by the description of activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a beautiful lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers held hands and walked amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man described his view from the window in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

One morning, the nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. To his surprise the window faced a brick wall.

The man called for the nurse and asked what could have compelled his deceased roommate to describe such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

I thought about the umbrella planter (my reality thought it was a hidden treasure) and this story about the blind man (his reality was a beautiful world to share with his friend). Another story is one of great faith found on the wall of a concentration camp. A prisoner had carved these words:
"I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine. I believe in love, even when it isn't shown. I believe in God, even when He doesn't speak." I can't even imagine how this prisoner had that kind of conviction about his faith. His eyes beheld horror. His spiritual eyes beheld God and His goodness. That prisoner, that man in the hospital bed by the window -- chose to see with eyes of faith, with eyes that chose to see the unseen.

Despite what we "naturally" see -- pain, sadness, reasons to worry and be afraid -- there is tremendous joy in seeing the world around us with faith, joy, optimism and gratitude. When our outlook and expectations include sun-filled days, blessings overtaking us, hope for tomorrow and appreciation for all we have, then we'll always be describing birds singing, children playing, blue skies, lovers holding hands, and we'll be singing "And I think to myself -- what a wonderful world!" Today is a gift, that is why it is called the present.

Psalm 119:18 "Open my eyes so that I will observe amazing things from your instruction."

I Believe

Days before I posted my July 4th post, I had put up my "red, white and blue" decor'. Patriotism is a big deal to me. My dad and my brother served in the armed forces, my brother-in-law did, and my oldest grandson serves now. I am proud to be an American, and I'm proud to say so. I loved seeing American pride throughout my city.

Yesterday, my day started with posting my "God Bless America" message and blog. I wanted my words to emphasize gratitude AND praying for our nation -- taking our cues from our Founding Fathers who prayed, often spoke of God and our need for His favor.

So that I'm not only a speaker of my words, but also a doer of my words, I made sure to attend a morning church service. It was complete with patriotic songs, (i.e., "My Country 'Tis of Thee", "The Battle Hymn of the Republic") and a beautiful message about our Founding Fathers' intent and first priority -- that we have freedom of religion. The right to freedom of religion is so central to American democracy that it was the first priority in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Largely because of the First Amendment's prohibition against government regulation or endorsement of religion, diverse faiths have flourished and thrived in America since the founding of the republic. On street corners, throughout our great land, you'll find synagogues and churches of every denomination. No matter where we go, we'll find a place to worship God. I love that. Oh, I know there are many who are patriotic, but don't hold to the need to add God to the equation. But, since this is my post and my blog, I get to exercise my "Freedom of Speech" (also in the First Amendment), to share that:
I believe in God the Father
I believe in Jesus Christ
I believe in His Virgin birth
I believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given me new life
I believe in the crucifixion
I believe that He conquered death
I believe in the resurrection
And He's coming back again, I believe.

And, because I BELIEVE, I have faith and hope for today and tomorrow that our God cares more about our nation than we do, This is the ONLY nation in history that was formed by people who loved God, for the purpose of being free to worship Him, and I BELIEVE, He will NEVER forget it! Let's not forget HIM in the process!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!" Psalm 33:12