Taking the High Ground With Kindness

After I finished my blog and posted it about “watching our words on the battlefield”, yesterday, I read this daily email from a ministry. It was the “icing on the cake” of what I had said in my blog: “I call you, My people, to be kind to one another. The world is filled with selfishness and hatred. But you belong to Me and not to the world. When you become one with Me, your attitudes will reflect My heart and not yours. And the fruit of My Spirit will be evident in all that you are and all that you do, says the Lord." "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

Those words pack a punch, don’t they? I reeled them in my heart --.hopefully to stay there, germinate and then produce a bumper crop of those fruit – especially the “kindness” fruit. Yep! That’s a fruit I needed a couple of days ago – before my blog, yesterday. From hearing way too much irritating smack talk that I “shushed” that person with fingers to my mouth. To someone else, I really wanted to retaliate (but didn’t) when they opposed my way-of-thinking. And to another, I even let casual words slip out that “stung” them enough to end a conversation. Holy kindness, Lord, I pray!

What in the world? I’m that on-purpose gal who does her best to never get my “panties in a wad”, but that day I did. Eventually, I realized the enemy was setting me up for a crummy day. Those are his tactics – it’s not just one little incident, but incidents -- multiplied. But, he is such a loser that he doesn’t get that those of us who are the blood-bought, filled-with-the-Holy Spirit, strivers to improve our love-walk daily – recognize him. We take that nonsense long enough and, in my case, I turn it into a blog that teaches a better way – God's way of handling opposition. You messed with the wrong girl, devil!

I love this quote Joyce Meyer says about herself: “Each morning, before getting out of bed, I pray that I will love and be kind to everyone today. But, then I get up and encounter people!” That hits home. I live by myself so, really, I should be okay, but then again, I know myself enough that I need to stay on guard for myself to keep ME out of trouble!

If anyone should speak on behalf of staying in tune with the Holy Spirit, it’s the Apostle Paul. He wrote these words: “Ask God to bless those who persecute you — yes, ask Him to bless, not to curse”. (Romans 12:14). We all have people in our lives that require extra grace from us. They annoy, anger, frustrate, and test us. But they also help us grow. God calls us to demonstrate mercy and kindness to everyone -- even those who cause us the most trouble. And being Spirit-led people who have the fruit of the Spirit in us, we just get "kindness" out of the fruit basket and refuse to be offended. Most of all we purpose to always take the higher ground. Proof positive of being fruit bearers!

When we take the high ground, we can see past the behavior of others. When we take the high ground, we rise above the irritation and the conflict and choose to live in peace and to be loving and kind fruit bearers.

Ronald Reagan said it well: "Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God."

What Medicine Do You Take?

If you're like me, your medicine cabinet has just about everything you need in it for the common cold, headache, cuts, scrapes, bug bites, sunburn, tummy ache, etc.  I've got aspirins, ointments, sprays, oils, ice packs, heating pads to help conquer the ailments at any given time.

Yesterday morning, while getting ready for my day, I listened to a Joyce Meyer broadcast that I had previously recorded.  Her message sure hit home and impacted me enough that I'm sharing with you the part that I loved and took to heart the most.

She had two HUGE medicine bottles on the stage -- two medicines for our souls.  One said, "Trust" and the other said "Do Good".   Joyce said,  "This is a prescription for trust. The doctor is Jesus and the patient is whosoever. The instructions are take as many, for as long as you need it, refills are endless. There are some side effects, so you'll need to be careful. The side effects are: peace, joy, stability and confidence.  Trusting God is the best sleep aid in the world."   And the other presciption was "Do Good" -- side effects:  extreme happiness.  Trust God and do good.  That sounds like two medicines that would take care of spirit, soul AND body.  Those two medicines that Joyce mentioned:  "Trust God and Do Good"  will solve any problem we have.  Psalm 37:3 says "Trust in the LORD, and do good".

I loved this analogy.  How easy it is for us to go to the medicine cabinet for the physical issues we might be dealing with, but what do we do when we are in fear, dealing with anxiety, disappointment, discouragement, depression, anger, self-doubt, and so many other emotions?  The answer is Joyce's answer "Immediately go get the prescription and medicine of God's Word."  The Word of God fixes everything that ails us.  There is an answer for everything in God's Word.   When in fear, take a dose of courage; when anxious, take a dose of peace; disappointment -- a dose of a thankful heart; discouragement -- a dose of encouragement, etc.   We wouldn't put up with a headache very long before we'd take an aspirin for relief.  And we shouldn't put up with all the sufferings of our soul.  How do you spell relief?  TRUST GOD and DO GOOD!

The Older Teach the Younger

Day 282 of Photo Inspirations -- The Older Teach the Younger
I'm sure we've all heard the scripture that references the older women teaching the younger women (Titus 2:3-5).  I'm so grateful for the older women who influenced my life -- my Mom, my mother-in-law, my Bible teachers like Joyce Meyer, Gloria Copeland, and so many more, but I am even more thrilled that I get to be an influencer to younger women in my own life.  I love it when a young mom calls and cries out "HELP!!!  What do I do?"   I really believe that God places us here at this time and this place to be mentored by those who've walked the walk and have proven success by the "fruit" we see in their lives, but I also believe.....we are being trained and prepared by God, as we go along in our lives, to be the mentor to those younger than us.  I know that, as a widow, I've been able to help other widows become warrior women who realize God still has them here for his plans and purposes even though their loved ones are in heaven.  They've turned their mourning into dancing.

Who qualifies to be the "older" or the "younger" women?  If someone is younger in their faith or in life.....we are the older.  I watched my granddaughter encouraging a younger friend -- perhaps not so much in age, as in her faith.  I've seen you sweet Moms, who've had the experience of nursing, of figuring out the ropes for getting your little sweethearts to sleep through the night, or just what method to use for teaching potty training.  You are being the "older" women to those who are "less traveled" on the "Mommy" road.

I think about some of you, my sweet sisters, that think you don't fit into either category.  You think what you do doesn't count because you're doing it at 2 am in the morning when no one is looking -- except for your sweet baby who has lost his pacificer....AGAIN.   Or because you think you need a podium for your voice to matter or make a difference.

But, I just want to take your sweet faces between my hands and tell you "You ARE making a difference."  Podiums and pulpits are not just found in churches.  Speeches do not just come from stages.  Microphones are just not necessary to be heard.  Don't for a second succumb to the false words you hear in your head that to make a difference, you have to be a theologian instead of changing yet another diaper.  I'm telling you diapers, laundry, and a sink full of dishes IS serious theology.  You are the Proverbs 31 woman who rises while it's still dark to provide for your family. You are the ones who are teaching your children and your daughters what it is to be a Godly woman in the midst of LIFE.  The hours that you sow juggling soccer practice, ballet and football games or between carefully maneuvering the selection of your daughter's prom dress so it's NOT the one that is too low cut in the front.  You're on a mission field of teaching and training and being the example of faithfulness and resilience and determination.  When you break up conflict between your kids, you are being the peacemaker that, one day, they'll remember how you resolved conflict when they're having to do that with their kids. You ARE in ministry.

To offer my life, my lessons learned and failed – so many broken bits and pieces of experience for my sisters who, on a daily basis maneuver your lives with precision, is an honor.  I get to be an "older" woman to you "younger" women.   And while you're getting up again and again for another glass of water or another story to tell, I'll be going through my routines.  You will benefit from my experience, and your mentorees will benefit from yours.

You are teaching the younger.  And while you're teaching the younger, those of us who passed that way long ago.....are engaged in our own battlefields:  taking care of elderly parents, coping with aging bodies, carrying on when a cherished loved one passes away.  But, all is well, because we have "older" teachers that are showing us the way.

We will survive because we know why we're here at this time and this place -- to grow and mature and train and teach and to walk hand in hand -- making our world a better place to be, because we cared AND shared and mentored and all became women worth following!

The JOY of the Lord is My Strength

Day 280 of Photo Inspirations -- The JOY of the Lord is my Strength
After a full, vigorous, packed-full-of-fun week with my sweet boys in Seattle,  I returned home and early the next morning I was headed for a 4-day fast-paced, action-filled women's retreat.  It was a retreat where women were refreshed and restored, however, for those of us on the Leadership Team -- it was a work-out, and it was worth the work-out to see so many, so blessed.

But, I came home....depleted of energy and, from where I had fallen a few weeks before on my hip and leg....I was aching and in pain. I was hobbling. My mind was being taunted by the enemy saying "You're going to be hobbling like that from here on out!"  I even started imagining what that might look like.

But, I love how the voice of my Good Shepherd speaks to me.  I turned on the TV on and saw Joyce Meyer with a little devil on her shoulder (something her team made for her to emphasize a point). She was telling the audience.  "We all know the enemy is a liar, but how many of us just let him continue to lie to us and even consider what he's saying?  We called this conference  'Mind, Moods & Attitudes' and tonight I'm going to teach on the mind!"  Then, the voice of Satan came from the sound system...."The mind?  You've got to be kidding!  Don't you think you teach too much on the battlefield of the mind?  People are sick of hearing about the mind!  And, that outfit you have on looks ridiculous!"  Initially, Joyce, in her dramatic way, showed how Satan was getting to her, but of course, in her hilarious style, finally did what we're supposed to do -- she put him in his place by speaking God's Word and told him to "SHUT UP!".  Then she knocked him off her shoulder.  She WON!

Immediately, I took that message to heart, because I had been taunted by the enemy telling me "You're tired.  You should slow down.  You're going to be hobbling the rest of your life!"  But, I did what Joyce did.  I shouted, "Shut up, Satan!  I am healed.  By The stripes of Jesus I am made whole. The JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!"  I got it.  My part is to stop the enemy's lies in their tracks.  My part is to start rejoicing in God's love and faithfulness.
 
Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Joy is the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit and I took it personally.  I know that joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity. It's a gift that comes from spending time with the One who created it.   My Lord and I had some one-on-one time, and "His strength, that is made perfect in MY weakness", consumed and strengthened me.

This opportunity to teach on the Fruit of the Spirit over these next few weeks is teaching ME -- loud and clear -- that God has given us the opportunity to WIN over the adversary in our everyday lives!  God has equipped us with everything we need to win....and win big time.  I'm so thankful for His profound love that wakes me up and sets me straight in the knick of time.

Excuse me......I need to go eat MORE fruit!!!

Transformed From the Inside Out

Day 258 of Photo Inspirations -- Transformed From the Inside Out
My grandsons were big fans of the Transformers -- the toys that could be converted from a robot to a car and vice versa.  They collected just about all of them.  I sure wasn't as proficient at transforming them as they were.  I just couldn't get all the parts tucked in well enough to transform it into a car. But they sure could.

Honestly, God surprises and amuses me daily with the photo inspirations that I get each day. Those toys are literally transformed from the inside out.  And isn't that what God desires to do in us?  He wants us to be transformed from the inside out.  God works with us to work in us so that what is in us.....comes through us to help transform others.  Not only can we be changed, but we can be the catalyst for change in others.

A friend of mine called me a couple of days ago, after previous calls that she had made to me to help her pray for a family member that really needed a life transformation.  They had some particular "issues" that needed to be corrected. We prayed.  But on this day, when she called, she said, "Today, I'm asking God to change me!"  I loved it.  It reminded me of hearing the TV Teacher, Joyce Meyer,  tell about how she kept asking God to change Dave (her husband).  Then, one day, like my friend, she started praying "God, change me!"  And when she did that, she started recognizing those areas that needed to be changed from the inside out in her -- her complaining, criticizing, selfishness, bitterness, and envy soon transformed into praising, encouraging, selflessness, and gratitude.  We know that the transformation Joyce experienced was the change catalyst -- the "transformer" in so many people's lives today.

Stephen Covey said,  "I am personally convinced that one person can be a change catalyst, a 'transformer' in any situation, any organization. Such an individual is yeast that can leaven an entire loaf. It requires vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence, courage, and faith to be a transforming leader."

Isn't today a good day to say, "God CHANGE me.....transform me from the inside out.  Work in me so that what is in me....comes through me to help transform others.  Help me to be the catalyst for change in someone today!"

St. Paul: “I know that I am not yet what God wants me to be. I haven’t reached that goal, but I keep moving toward it to make it mine because Christ made me and saved me for this. I know that I haven’t yet reached my goal, but there’s one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead."  Philippians 3:12-15

Here For A Purpose and Assignment

I am a very busy woman. That's on purpose. I am passionate about life and squeezing out every drop of it that I can. Not only do I work as a marketing representative showing visitors the wonderful community where I live, but I'm a member of another company where I get to share an amazing opportunity that changes people's lives. I serve in various capacities at two different churches. I have a Life Group that meets in my home every Thursday. I'm a Board Member of a non-profit organization, an Advisor on another, as well as serve on two committees in my community. I speak and/or teach at events and organizations. I mentor and counsel some precious people. I post each day about something that might help someone. And, best of all, I'm on beckoned call when my kids call for my help. In fact, I'm in Texas, right now, helping my precious daughter and family move into their beautiful new home.

Last week, one of my friends asked, "Aren't you so tired? You just do too much -- after all you're supposed to be retired?" My response, "Where did you hear that from? I have no intention of EVER retiring. In fact, every day I refire with passion to do even more!! If I'm not dead; I'm not done. I fully intend to go out in a blaze of glory!"

I heard Joyce Meyer say, "Don't be always talking about 'If I can just make it through this old world to my mansion in the sky'. If that's what life is all about, the minute you got saved, God would have beamed you out of here! You are here for a purpose. You are not here just to take up space!"

I love that -- God's master plan is for us to live our life with excitement, enjoyment, determination, and zeal......and to fill that space with loving, caring and spreading God's love everywhere and to everyone! When my time here has ended, I'll know that I will have no regrets, because I gave it everything I had. Yes, I believe I'm here for a purpose and assignment.....and when my assignment here is completed, God WILL beam me out of here!