Transformed by Being Informed

My grandsons were big fans of the Transformers -- the toys that could be converted from a robot to a car and vice versa. It didn't come as easy for me as it did for them. I just couldn't get all the parts tucked in to transform it into a car. Those toys are literally transformed from the inside out. Isn't that what God desires to do in us? He wants us transformed from the inside out. He works with us and 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. Those toys usually come with a guide to help slow learners like me. And so it is with God’s Word, our Guide, that helps us be transformed.

A couple of days ago I blogged about how diving into God’s Word is the way to be cured for what ails us and for transforming us. People ask me what the best translation of the Bible is and my answer is “The one that you translate into your life!” That’s what Bible study is all about. Being informed to transform.

I remember when my new Bible's pages had gold edges. Oh how beautiful those edges were. But those edges are long gone. They rubbed off on me and better yet, the words inside of it have rubbed off into my mind and heart. God gave us His Word to transform us, not simply inform us. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says”. In other words, God wants our beliefs turned into behavior. God makes His purpose for the Bible even more explicit in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

The purpose of the Bible is more than just showing us what is wrong in our lives or how we should live. God gave us his Word to radically transform our lives. The Bible describes itself as a two-edged sword – a tool designed to make radical changes. God intends for the Bible to dramatically change our lives. The Bible also describes God’s truth as milk, water, bread, and meat. What do all those things have in common? If we don’t eat or drink them regularly, we’ll die. So it is with God's Word. We should hunger and thirst after God's Word so much so that we can't live without it. So excuse me...it's breakfast time -- I'm getting my nourishment -- physically AND spiritually. Transform me, Lord. Transform me to be more like You as I nourish on your Word today.

Oh, Yes, My Dear – You ARE a Star

At my weekly Bible study group, we were discussing the famous words: “Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6) And then Paul the Apostle added “So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Galatians 3:6,9) Those words pack a punch. Abraham (the father of our faith) continued to believe that indeed he would be a father of many nations and here we are today – one of those stars that God pointed Abraham to when he said, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!" (Genesis 15:5) Just look at us – we are one of those stars! We are the stars – the descendants – the seeds of Abraham!

Continuing on with our discussions, when I heard those words “His faith was accounted to him as righteousness”, I thought about the faith journey of Abby Johnson’s parents who kept praying and believing for their daughter to come to her senses during the eight years that she worked for Planned Parenthood. I’m sure it seemed hopeless to them as Abby continued to “sell” over 22,000 abortions to women, but they didn’t give up on God and their prayers were answered.

I mentioned to my group, “I know what that kind of faith is all about. You see, my husband and I had that relentless faith when we were believing for his healing from cancer. We refused to believe anything other than his healing. We really weren’t in denial. We were in faith.” But, some would say “But, your husband died. Your prayers weren’t answered.” And I contend that they were answered. He was healed. Maybe that wasn’t what we had believed for, but God’s ways are so much higher than our ways. We believed. Others believed with us from around the world. At the end of the day – no one can say “You didn’t have enough faith!” Oh, we did and look at me, now! I’m stronger in faith than I ever was before. My sweetheart is still alive so big in my heart and helping me help others to believe, to trust God, to live for Him and to serve Him with all their hearts.

And, I say to you, my dear, dear friends – know the prayers you’ve prayed – those gut-wrenching, heartfelt prayers for your children, grandchildren, and loved ones, are still on God’s heart too. Don’t give up! That faith “stand” that you’re taking? Don’t stop standing! I pray that you are filled with the Abraham kind-of-faith that will be accounted to you for righteousness, too! Let your faith vision be one of prayers answered, children coming home, families reunited, and many joy-filled times of celebration! After all – that’s what STARS do – they brighten the sky with the wonders of God’s infinite love and grace.

“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

This is Your Life! What Does it Look Like?

At the Bible Study I attend, a gal said, “I wonder if God videos our lives and one day, when we get to heaven, we’ll see the video and then be able to thank all those who influenced and encouraged us? Another gal, said “And what about the video that you’ll be in of someone you encouraged and helped?”

That resonated with me. Every day we cross paths with many people and there may very well be playbacks in heaven of those we walked past, or were so busy on our phones – we didn’t notice them. On the other hand, we’ll get to see the ones we took the time to befriend; those we took meals to; those we may have encouraged and invited them to go to church with us.

My Mom didn’t have to have a video tape played of those she helped. It played out LIVE for her on her 70th birthday when we surprised her with a “This is Your Life” birthday party. “This is Your Life” was a “Reality” TV Show back in the 50s to the 70s. It was originally hosted by its creator and producer, Ralph Edwards. In the program, the host would surprise guests and then take them through a retrospective of their lives in front of an audience, with "surprise" appearances by friends, and family. The idea for "This Is Your Life" arose while Edwards was working on "Truth or Consequences". He had been asked by the U.S. Army to "do something" for paraplegic soldiers at an Army rehabilitation hospital. Edwards chose a "particularly despondent young soldier and hit on the idea of presenting his life on the air, in order to integrate the wreckage of the present with his happier past and the promise of a hopeful future. The show was always a feel-good, tear-jerker because we witnessed people helping people.

Back to my Mom and her 70th – we invited friends and family from all over the U.S. to come to the celebration, but she thought that only local friends from church and her community would be there. What she didn’t know, however, were the long-distance friends and family that we had hidden in another room. My husband was the emcee of the night. He’d share sweet stories from his relationship with her and other people were giving their own stories about how Mom exuded God's love to them. But, then the BIG SURPRISE! Mom would hear a voice over the loud speaker saying “Edna, you and Roscoe (my dad), saved my life and marriage when you came to the bars and took me home. You showed me the love of Jesus.” My Mom, shocked, said “Is that you David?” Indeed it was and he and his wife came out and hugged Mom who was elated to see them. Another said, “Edna, you were my best friend and you always encouraged me.” She would come out and they would embrace. Many family members and friends came great distances to express how Mom had changed their life.

In a world that often seems so self-serving, isn't it a breath of fresh air to be around those who have hearts of service -- who seemingly live to give. I pray that this post today encourages us to keep our eyes and hearts wide open to the little nudges that someone needs today. Another gal at the Bible Study said to another gal “You influenced me to come to this Bible Study and I’m so glad you did. It is just what I needed” Another gal, with tears in her eyes, looked at another gal and said, “Thank you for the time you give to my daughter. You have changed her life.”

The video tape is recording. What will we see at the end of the day? One of the greatest things about becoming a Christian is the heart-change we have about wanting to be a difference maker in other people’s iives. We give others what we have been given: hope, comfort, peace, love and compassion. We become a mentor to someone who needs extra help in following after God. What better way to mentor than to be the example of caring for others. Lord, please make us to be "Doers of the Word, and not just Hearers, only!" (James 1:22)

God's Kaleidoscope of Colors

I haven’t seen one of those fun toys in a long time, but I saw one yesterday and I remembered the awe and wonder I had as a child peeking through the hole in the end and turning the cylinder to see the vivid colors and shapes change dramatically. Isn’t that like our lives with its vivid colors and changes that alter the way things look in our lives from one season to another?

Yesterday, Staci, Denise, Alexia and myself met up with dear friends that we hadn’t seen for well over 20 years. The kaleidoscope of our lives has changed a lot. Marnie, Pat and Denise were a part of Staci’s Bible Study group (before she was married) that met in our home weekly. Staci was teaching young people to live as fully devoted followers of Christ as she taught her Pledge for Purity to them. Pat was a “motorcycle gal” who gave her heart to the Lord at that Bible Study, and now lives in South Dakota on beautiful property where she enjoys her singleness and her relationship with God. Marnie Freeman who was Staci’s graphic artist for her Cinderella Ministries and did the graphics for her newsletters as well as the CDs she recorded and published. Marnie's life was transformed also at the Bible Study. She was also a part of our missions team that went to South Africa to minister there. We talked about how she came out of her comfort zone as she prayed with so many people on that trip. Sne married Kevin, and have two beautiful daughters and are very active in politics. Marnie, an award-winning Artist of Liberty, recently accepted a public commission to paint a picture that will be presented to President Trump and Vice President Pence.

Then there are the changes in our own lives -- my husband and I who opened our home to those young people in those early Bible Study days and Staci, marrying Larry who was one of the attendees of that Bible Study. We have encountered so many kaleidoscope changes in our lives also. Ron, my husband, who went to heaven almost seven years ago, Staci and Larry going on to help establish churches, continue with our family’s hearts for missions, and being world changers through active ministry and business opportunities. We talked more about those kids from that Bible Study and how each and every one of them are serving God passionately in their families, homes, businesses and ministries.

I recognized the kaleidoscope colors: White – the Pledge for Purity that was the model for those young people to establish their own measure of rule for purity. The white dress Staci wore as she told the story of Cinderella over and over to young girls across the country of how there is only one pair of shoes that God made for each of them and the Prince of Peace came to help them understand there is nothing impossible as they trust in Him.

I thought about the color pink as I looked at Marnie’s two beautiful girls, and next to me, my Alexia, who God treasures and loves so much. I heard how God is using each of them in music, dance and public speeches.

I was thinking about the color silver as Marnie and Staci shared they’d been married 18 and 20 years respectively, each being blessed with such Godly, beautiful men.

I thought about the color gray as Pat has let her hair grow natural – she was proud to say she was turning 66 this year – she was in her 40s when Staci led the Bible Study. I thought about my silver hair that is hidden quite nicely with the color only my hairdresser knows for sure. LOL!

And I thought about here and now and how each of us has had to muster up a lot of courage over the years to press through tough times. That would be the color green that I’m noticing as the trees’ leaves are turning beautiful green everywhere.

And, lastly I thought about the vibrancy of red – fire engine red—blazing and bold because we’ve learned that trusting in God has been our life support, our anchor in the good and not so good times. Each gal that sat around this table yesterday, are women of character and honor, who are determined to be flexible to change, to be a cylinder of colors that reflect the ONE who looked at this world and, while He could have made it all black and white, said, “Nah, I can do better than that!” So he came up with the brilliant genius of making a world that daily gives us a kaleidoscope of beauty!

By Their Fruit, You Will Know Them

Day 335 of Photo Inspirations -- By Their Fruit, You Will Know Them
This photo inspiration is a lovely, thoughtful token of appreciation from this precious group of women (two were missing from the photo) for my leading them in an 8-week Bible Study that started in early October.

When I was praying for wisdom on what the study should be about, I started thinking about the time of the year we were entering into -- the hustle, the bustle, the busy-ness that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays present us.  In addition, I thought about all the opportunities we would be having to take the "higher road" when it comes to family get-togethers when a mis-spoken word or careless statement or a disappointing situation could surface.   Having love for some unlovable folks, finding peace in the midst of chaos, experiencing joy when folks may be getting on our last nerve -- can be quite a feat any time, but most certainly, the holidays can stir up all kinds of opportunities to decide -- love, peace, joy or anger, bitterness, crankiness. Remembering the scripture "What the heart is full of....the mouth speaks"  (Luke 6:45)-- certainly gives pause for giving ourselves a heart check up!

Then, just in the nick of time,  I remembered.....when we opened the door of our hearts to God....He walked through the door with a treasure chest full of everything we would need to overcome and be successful in every area of our life.  I had been watching some of the political debates and interviews and I started inspecting the candidates' "fruit" and I'll be honest with you, I was disappointed in how some of them were handling themselves.  It was difficult for me to recognize them as statesmen and political leaders that represented that "treasure chest" of sweet fruit.   But, then I clearly got the message "I'm not asking you to be their Fruit Inspector.  I'm asking you to inspect your own fruit."  That's when I knew God was telling me to speak about the Fruit of the Spirit and how we need to amp up that fruit in our own lives -- to be sure that what our hearts are full of, bears the Fruit of the Spirit qualities:  Galations 5:22,23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control."

The Fruit of the Spirit in us is either flourishing or languishing.   If all these qualities are growing, then we'll be bearing sweet, tasty fruit in our lives.   As a fruit inspector, inspecting our own fruit, we know how we're doing.  Take, for instance, the Thanksgiving holidays, did you have times when you lost it (i.e., self-control, patience, kindness, gentleness).  I know I did. I had a melt down one day and had to find a quiet place, to regroup -- to get a grip -- to recognize which quality I needed to shore up.

What a joy it was to be with this little band of women over these 8 weeks.  They meet to share and care and pray and grow.  They stand in the gap for friends and loved ones who are hurting or going through tough times.  They celebrate each other's victories, and they unite as a force to be reckoned with in praying for each other. They have personal needs and personal pray requests, but they take all those Fruit of the Spirit qualities and walk out their faith. While I prepared and taught this study -- I was the recipient of God's Word that caused me to inspect what's in me.  Thank you, God, for your sweet way of leading us to green pastures, restoring our souls, and loving us enough to develop your character in us.  Now -- let's go prepare a tasty and sweet fruit salad that God's light shines brightly through us!

Try a Little Kindness

Day 304 of Photo Inspirations -- Try a Little Kindness
Remember Glen Campbell's song from the 70's --  "Try a Little Kindness"?
If you see your brother standing by the road,
With a heavy load from the seeds he sowed.
And if you see your sister falling by the way,
Just stop and say you're goin' the wrong way.
You've got to try a little kindness, yes, show a little kindness.
Yes, shine your light for everyone to see.
And if you'll try a little kindness, and you'll overlook the blindness,
Of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets.

I was reminded of that song yesterday when I walked into Wal-Mart and passed the Redbox kiosk with this $1.00 in a plastic baggie taped to it, with a note that said "Enjoy a movie.  Pay it forward!"  I loved it.  I stood back and saw several people check out the note and keep on moving.  I'm sure they were like me and figured -- "give it to someone who needs the dollar".

That's just a small example of kindness. It really seems that kindness and generosity have gone to a whole new level in our world. I love seeing the generosity of people who do random acts of kindness like those who pay for the meal of the car behind them in the drive through line, or who stop to help someone with a flat tire, or who leave a little "extra" tip for their waitress.

I'm still teaching a Bible Study on the Fruit of the Spirit and this last week's lesson was about the quality of Kindness -- so of course seeing this Redbox "kindness" reemphasized how it works.  When we genuinely care about people, we find ourselves paying attention to what might bless them.  We might even think about their circumstances and become concerned about their welfare.  We're willing to get involved in their lives.  As our love grows, the details of their lives become more and more important to us.  It begins to really matter to us if they are sad or discouraged, struggling or in pain, needy or lonely.  Caring about others sure does eliminate unfriendliness, a lack of compassion, and a judgmental spirit.  So we need to ask God to help us have greater love and compassion for others.

A sure sign that our concern for people is growing is when we find ourselves looking at people and thinking, “What would help her?  What would help him?  What does he need?  What does she need?”  We might even ask God, “How can I serve this person? How can I make his or her life easier?

Let's TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS today......perhaps our kindness might just be what someone needs to change their dark world to light and bright!

Ephesians 4:31-32 “ Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be KIND to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another..."

Patience is Waiting

Day 292 of Photo Inspirations -- Patience is WAITING
So this week, at our Bible Study, we're looking at the Fruit of the Spirit quality of PATIENCE.  Lord, please give me patience RIGHT NOW!  Patience is a word we seem to want to avoid talking about because when we start talking about it or asking for more of it, we get lots of reasons to NEED IT in abundance.

Yesterday, I walked outside and I breathed in my favorite time of year.  The freshness of the rains the day before and the cooler temperatures made me so aware of God's creation and the absolute precision He operates in.  I wanted it to be Fall several weeks ago.  I was ready for cooler temperatures.  I was ready to get out my cozy Fall clothes and boots.  But no.....God's precise way of doing things trumped my desires.  I'll be PATIENT!

Yes, Fall has been slow coming this year, but leaves are turning colors and the fallen ones crunch beneath my shoes. As I am surrounded by the beauty of the change of seasons, I lift my eyes to Him and I am reminded to be still and WAIT.  WAIT??? But God, I'm too busy to wait.  I've got this to do and that to do and don't you know my kids are coming in town next week and I've just got to have everything JUST RIGHT for them.  Doesn't that sound a lot like Martha and all she thought she had to get done for the Master?

I think God was assigning this Bible Study to me, and for me, to cultivate even more in me than the ladies I'm speaking to.  I'm hearing Him say.... "WAIT.  Be still and know I am God."  We all have different journeys in life and along the way there is going to be a time for waiting -- PATIENCE -- in the grocery line, the traffic light, in the pick-up line for the kids from school, at the doctor's office.   We live in a culture of FAST food, FAST oil change, FAST internet, FAST lane, FAST digital cameras  Waiting isn’t really on our minds. We ALL want what we want . . . NOW!  But there is a peace that can comes in the waiting. I have grown tremendously during those times of waiting.

Patience is such a great gift. It has taken me time to see it as a gift.  I'll be sharing that with our group. I have learned when my patience is tested, I must give it to God. I give Him my worries and frustrations and trust Him completely because I am called to walk by faith. I wait in hope because He surrounds me like a shield, He is my protection along the way and He will be my strength. Waiting and patience are part of His Master plan for me, so I might as well GET IT sooner than later because I sure don't want to have to go around this mountain another time.  I want to learn my lessons well the first time.....so I think I'll just sit right down here by these still waters and wait!

Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY

Day 281 of Photo Inspirations - Fear Not. I Bring You Good News of JOY
Yesterday, our Bible Study was about the second characteristic of the Fruit of the Spirit -- JOY! Though I had diligently prayed and prepared, there is nothing like stepping aside and watching how Holy Spirit trumps my pre-planned agenda.  His way is the best way.

The first part of the Bible Study was given to women sharing their praises and their prayer requests. The tone was more subdued as a couple of the ladies had some major challenges going on in their families and friends' lives.

Once the meeting was turned to me, I shared about a message I heard on Sunday.  Pastor Craig spoke about a woman at the airport that he saw and heard singing, who had the most beautiful voice. She was running a snack kiosk and was singing to travelers that passed her.  Shed sing out "It's a beautiful day!  You're gonna have a beautiful day.  You're wearing a beautiful dress.  You have on a nice shirt!"  And, on and on, she just kept singing and singing. When Pastor asked why she did that, she said, "The atmosphere of an airport can be so negative; so many people are stressed and unhappy and I just figure if I can help give them joy in their day, maybe their attitude will be turned around."  I love that.  There are two kinds of people:  those who become like the atmosphere they're in -- negative, angry, depressed, or sad, or there are those who are atmosphere changers. In her case...she turned the atmosphere to JOY.

I had the ladies turn to Luke 2:10, where the angel said to the shepherds "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great JOY which shall be to all people."  Immediately one of the ladies said, "OH, I remember when my granddaughter, Emma, said that scripture when she was 5 years old.  She said, "Fear not. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. And you will find a baby wrapped in cloths. Luke 2."  For 4 years this grandmother has carried that video on her phone and has continued to watch it. It brought her so much JOY. She showed us the video and it brought us JOY.

But, here's the best part -- that precious little, now 9-years old girl, when she was just born.....was left on the doorstep of this lady's daughter's home.  The little baby was abandoned, but a note was left with the baby...."Laura, I'm leaving my baby to you because I know you're Catholic."  Apparently, whoever the birth mother was (and they tried desperately to find her but never have), knew who Laura was.   Laura, an attorney, knew the legalities of this little baby's abandonment and she followed the laws of DHS, but Laura's heartstrings were tugged to do what she could to provide that little girl a loving family who would love her. By then, Laura and her husband and all 4 of her children loved this little "heaven sent" angel.  They kept her and adopted her.  As this precious grandmother spoke, the atmosphere in our room changed to utter joy, as she shared that Emma is the most delightful, joy-filled child that they can't even imagine not having her in their lives.  Indeed, Emma brought "good news of great joy" to their world.

Immediately, I understood Holy Spirit's word to us....."And, Emma is like us -- we were abandoned and unwanted and God adopted us into His royal family and now we have reasons for UNSPEAKABLE, INEXPRESSIBLE JOY!   Joy doesn't come from success, circumstances or a lack of adversity (we've ALL known adversity).  It's a gift that comes from spending time with the ONE who created it, the ONE whose grace and love gave us His JOY.    May you know that JOY that comes from KNOWING Him today!

The Fruit of the Spirit is......

Day 279 of Photo Inspirations -- The Fruit of the Spirit is.....
What a joy it is to be leading an 8-Week Bible Study for a group of women that come from various faith backgrounds.  As I prayed and prepared for this study, I was prompted to a study of the Fruit of the Spirit.  I had been around some folks who made me wonder about their "fruit" as they tended to be, by nature, a little cranky and cynical.  It's never a GREAT day.  It's typically a too cold, too hot, too rainy, too humid, too dry....DAY!   Their outlook on just about everything is often quite dismal.  And, that made me start checking out the fruit in my own life.  I know we shouldn't judge others.....lest we be judged.  But, I figured it's quite alright to inspect the fruit in my own life and be my own FRUIT INSPECTOR.

That's the message I kept getting. We ALL certainly know about fruit:
* The Food Pyramid states that 2 to 4 servings of FRUIT a day is essential to a healthy balanced diet.
* Body shapes are often described as FRUITS (i.e., pear, banana, apple)
* There is the “FRUIT of the Loom’s” FRUIT Guys – LOL!
* There’s those folks who are slightly spaced out that we’ve heard called “FRUIT Cakes”
* FRUITY is the word that describes the tastes or flavors of wines, colognes and room sprays

But, when I said that God is calling us to be FRUIT inspectors, that applies to Matthew 7:20 – “Therefore, by their FRUITS, you will know them.”   WOW – that’s how we’re recognized as devoted followers of Christ…OR NOT -- by our FRUITS.   So as FRUIT inspectors….first, we need to pass the test on the FRUITS we, ourselves, are bearing.

It really is the season for "Fruit Bearing”.  Galatians 5:22-23 ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’

As we grow in and experience the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, then those beautiful attributes and characteristics of the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit will thrive and flourish in our lives.  After all, as believers, we know Holy Spirit is in us so we already have the good soil, fertilizer, nutrients and everything else we need to be good FRUIT bearers.

With the approaching Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, it's perfect time to settle down from our potentially hectic schedules and responsibilities to draw us into that place of intimacy with God and inspect the good fruit or bad fruit we may be bearing.  Perhaps, by the time all the seasonal celebrations begin, we will be better equipped with the Fruit of the Spirit to make it the best, most blessed celebrations EVER!