Humility is Sometimes a Tough Row to Hoe

Speaking in planting-a-garden terms, cultivating the soil, which can be rocky, dry and, if by hand is a wearisome task. Then planting the seeds, keeping a watch out for critters that like to eat the new sprouts before they even mature, pulling the weeds that choke out the plant and harvest those taters, carrots, onions, beans, cucumbers and tomatoes. That list is what we planted in our Oklahoma garden.

I'm thinking that God is cultivating our soil, rather, cultivating our spirits to become all He's destined us to be. He has us in a sort of holy test tube to see whether we will become bitter or better during this planting and harvesting season of our lives. I believe that His goal is to humble us from our self-sufficient ways to depend and trust in Him and His ways.

During these strange, ominous and strained times, we may think that no one understands all we're doing to survive. How we’re coping. How we’re juggling what to do next for the young ones in our homes to keep them occupied. Maybe thinking that 24/7 together isn’t what we bargained for when we married. And then the frontliners who have given their all may think that not too many even recognize their efforts. But, here is the message that I sense God has for all of us today. He sees. He has a plan.

Remember the children of Israel murmuring and complaining in the desert? We thought we had it bad. They were toting their little ones, rustling their livestock, trying to come up with a new meal plan instead of another day of manna. They didn’t have a decent bed to sleep on. But God had an ulterior motive. To remove pride from them, He had to let them go through stuff to humble them. It was crucial that God prepare them to trust Him as they stepped from the desert into their destined Promised Land. “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.” (Deuteronomy 8:2) YIKES! Is that what God is doing to us -- testing us so that we trust Him?

We are all struggling with pride which is the opposite of trust in God. Pride begs us to believe it all depends on us. Trusting God requires us to place our dependence on Him. And the row to hoe or the road to travel that leads us away from pride and into a place of truly trusting God is paved with humility.

What if God is using these humbling times to get us to a place of deep and unshakable trust in Him? If God sees big things ahead for us, and I believe He does, then He must get the “Round-Up” weed-killer out to get rid of all the weeds of pride. I believe God is giving us "insider” information. First of all, for us to remember He is our provider. Number two -- God’s provision for us doesn’t always look like we want it to look. Ugh! Who wants manna day after day? But God knew that was the nourishment they needed. And He knows what we need, too! Number three -- man-made bread AND man-made success will never fulfill us. Only God and His Word can seep into the places of our souls to make us fully alive and deeply satisfied.

So, maybe we need to look at what we’ve been planting. How’s our crop looking? How’s our pride level and how’s our trusting-God-level? I pray that our eyes open to how God isn’t trying to break us but rather He is making us ready for the harvest time up ahead. Dear Lord, help us to surrender our wills, our pride, our weaknesses to You and your perfect plans for our lives. We submit to being a humble vessel of honor that gives all praise and glory to You! Amen.

“The meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)
“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)

Humility Sure Looks Good on You

It's time for a self-examination of conscience and attitude during these times. I say that based on the scripture that seems to come up daily in someone’s blog or post: “If MY people who are called by MY name, would HUMBLE themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways….” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Many of us get on the bandwagon and put in our two cents worth about how we should be handling “Black lives matter” and other national topics of debate. If we’d do this or if we’d do that or if we’d stop doing that, peace would reign supreme again. But, 2 cents worth and beyond -- came directly from God in that scripture.

I live in a safe and comfortable community, so it’s easy to be in an overly confident mode. I’d like to think that someone said to me: “Humility sure looks good on you!” But, Lord knows, I have had moments of being over-confident and self-assured. But, then, God reins me in if that turns to conceit or arrogance. I have been brought down several notches when I have come across less-than-humble. I have eaten many slices of Humble Pie. It’s not all that tasty, but it's always good for me.

This blog was prompted when I read this email from an online ministry: “Only a fool would become complacent in the midst of danger. Stay alert and be watchful. Refuse to allow yourself to be overly confident or self-assured. Humility is a good look for you. The enemy is seeking whom he may devour, so "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

I have been thanking God for such good health during these C-virus times. Maybe, even a little bit prideful about it. Then, on Thursday, after a shingles shot the day before and, unlike the first one I received, this one had a very negative reaction to it. First, my arm hurt so much that I couldn’t lift it. Then I started having flu-like symptoms, achy all over, felt like I had fever, and started thinking “Is this from the shot or do I have the C-virus?" Seriously! Oh, how the enemy attacks our minds! I self-prayed for me, took two pain reliever tablets and thanks be to God, the next morning, I was walking on sunshine, in sunshine and taking pictures of sunshine again. Oh, happy day!

To be humble is to gratefully recognize our dependence on the Lord -- to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our health, our abilities, our blessings are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous. Jesus is our greatest example of humility. While on this earth, He repeated that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: “I can of mine own self do nothing. I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father Who has sent me” John 5:30.

We're being reminded to keep a watch out for those times when pride sneaks up on us and we get full of ourselves. God is awesome in the ways He brings us back to taste some Humble Pie. Okay, I've confessed and I’ve asked God to please let me know BEFORE He has to pull out the "Humble Pie". I think I'll do my best to avoid that dessert and keep my eyes and heart open, in case God needs to offer me another slice!

Since He's All-Sufficient, I Don't Have to Be

As an independent gal for almost ten years now, I like to call myself self-sufficient, self-supporting, self-reliant, self-sustaining. But, even as I type those words, they sound very “self”-minded! Lord knows – I want to be others minded – NOT self-minded. For example, when offered help out of my son’s big duly Ford F-350, I have been known to say “not yet” – as I slowly maneuver that 3 feet down out of the back seat by myself.

But, I did take hold of my grandson's hand when we were traversing the canyons and caverns of Reimer's Park. I'm no dummy! I really do know when I need to humble-up and admit when I need help. But, I loved it when I saw a tree branch that we could turn into a great walking stick to help me scale those boulders. Back to my independent self again! Oh, I get it! I, undoubtedly, will relent from my self-reliance the more mature I get. I'm already doing that when I get up in the morning and move slower than I once did. That's why I quickly get to my morning walk to get these body-parts moving and grooving.

I’m revisiting the times when my sweet mama had to depend on us more as she “matured”. She was super independent and only after she fell at age 94, did she submit. Then there’s my dear 97-year-old mother-in-law, who had been independent for years after dad passed away, but is now extremely dependent on her kids and her walker and even sometimes, her wheelchair. It came with great difficulty to relinquish her independence, but now she gladly allows us to help her out.

Funny how, in this independent mindset that we hold on to for so long, we become almost too good at being self-sufficient. I’m guilty as charged. Fortunately, there have been very few things that I couldn’t do myself, especially in this age of being able to google just about anything. DIY is my go-to in most instances and thank God for the internet that has been my bestie in so many occasions. In fact, last night I used Google to figure out how to fix the loose stitching on my sewing machine. And, whoa-la, it worked. Stitch – fixed!

Self-sufficiency might be an admirable quality to strive for, but now I'm thinking I need to guard myself against becoming too good at it. I’ll admit it – asking for help humbles me. Perhaps I need humbling – because this self-sufficiency almost crosses the line of being selfish in accepting the kindness of others and may even keep them from being blessed.

And, perhaps, our self-sufficiency keeps us from an intimate, close relationship with our Lord Who is the ALL-Sufficient One, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9.8).

The All-Sufficiency of God means He is a God of infinite riches of wisdom, goodness, and power. And His “all-sufficiency” is available to His kids as a treasure chest of blessings. That means we can let go of our self-sufficiency and receive the all-encompassing sufficiency of our God.

Our Heavenly Father longs to have that close relationship with us. He wants us to ask Him for help. He wants to save us from a lot of the mistakes we'll make without His wisdom. It’s easy to rely on our own strength, our own ability, and our own wisdom — so much so that we no longer reach out to our Father and let Him in to help us. It’s so easy to start to leave Him out of our daily life, decisions and activities, and only run to Him when there’s a big crisis. Even in the thick of our daily challenges and struggles, God is right there to lay His gentle hand on our shoulder to say “Let Me help you with that.” He’s hoping we will let Him help. He never stops loving us or wanting that relationship with us, even when we feel like we should have it all together by now. I don’t like calling out for help to anyone, but I’m seeing that there are times when I must. In the same way, God is a mere call away when we call upon Him.

Psalm 91:15 “Call on me and I will answer you. I will be with you in trouble. I will deliver you and honor you.

I Want to be a Pointer

Okay. I’ll admit it. Some days I struggle with humility. I get so fixated on who commented or liked or loved my blog, that I fail to remember it is HE Who deserves all the honor and praise. Less of me, more of Him. That I might decrease and He increase.

We’ve been talking about John the Baptist a lot lately and, WOW, did he ever exude humility! Those two boys – Jesus and John – were cousins with intimately close mamas – so intimate that when Mary showed up at Elizabeth’s home, Elizabeth’s baby boy, John, leapt in her womb. They were quite a foursome. I suspect those boys had many play-times together. They were more than cousins – they were “soul and spirit” brothers.

Just think how John could have been jealous of Jesus, but He continued to say things like: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) And, I agree with John. I want that, too! I really do desire that when others see me, they see Jesus. I want any attention I get to deflect off me and land right to He Who is worthy of all praise. He must increase, but I must decrease.

I suppose this is a common struggle in the world we’re living in today. In this “survival of the fittest” to gain the most followers or take the best “touched-up” selfie, or profile our amazing “bestie” friends, it is easy to allow the self-praise desires to cloud the path to Christ. This is why I know I am inspired by the humility of St John the Baptist. When given the opportunity to claim personal fame, he deflects the attention to Christ.

I wonder how much of what we do proclaims to the world, “more of you, God"! In the midst of racking up those likes and loves, are our efforts leading others to Christ, or are they fattening up the number of followers in the popularity score we’re keeping for ourselves? Lord, please help us show You off and be a pointer to You as an example of true humility. And when the world seeks to capture our attention with promises of glory or fame or accolades of any kind, may we point to the One who deserves all our praise. Less of me, more of You, God!

A Spilled Cup of Coffee Brings Hope for the Holidays

This blog and photo comes from the analogy of a cup spilling because someone bumped into the holder of the cup. I've heard it twice in the last month. Maybe you have, too! Frankly, I was getting ready to roll my eyes if I saw another social media post on it. And, here I am blogging about it today. Hold on! I have a great encouragement for you for the holidays!

"You are holding a cup of coffee and someone bumps into you, making you spill your coffee everywhere. Why did you spill the coffee? "Because someone bumped into me!!!" Wrong answer. You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup. Had there been tea in the cup, you would have spilled tea. Whatever is inside the cup is what will spill out.

The same thing goes with life. When life comes along and bumps you (which it will), whatever is inside you will come out. *So we have to ask ourselves... “What's in my cup?"* When life gets tough, what spills over? Anger, bitterness, harsh words and reactions? Or, joy, gratefulness, peace and humility? Life provides the cup, YOU choose how to fill it.

Great teaching story, and then last Monday night happened. My car was side-swiped. And, the way it happened, neither of us knew who was at fault. It was a "he says; she says". I had the right-of-way because he had the stop sign, but he pulled out as I made my turn. Now, we are both dealing with crazy $$ repair bills.

But, what came out of me? Not the normal caffeinated version of anxiety, stress, and worry. Peace flowed. Lips worshipped. Eyes stayed fixed on the promise-keeping Savior who was sovereign over my little storm. I want to savor this lesson and remember it. Let it live inside me for the rest of my life. Here's what I know about having a heart filled with Jesus. Make no mistake. I take no credit. It is all God. Nothing but the Spirit. Only Jesus. Here’s the truth worth savoring: a heart full of Jesus doesn’t get broken when it gets bumped.

My dear friends -- I don’t know what’s in your cup right now but if you’re any version of normal, there’s a lot of "stuff" -- you've been shaken with the winds and the waves caused by the storm in your life and if that's not the case, then quite possibly during the start of the holiday season -- there's the usual holiday stress. That’s the nature of the season.

Not only are the demands overwhelming, the ending of a year brings on reflection that points out all the ways this year didn’t measure up to our expectations. We’re going to be in close spaces with family members who maybe don’t agree and there still may be some unresolved issues lurking. For others, you might be missing loved ones who are no longer here.

It’s a recipe for a big ‘ole batch of hot-tempered, stressed-heart, cold-soul eggnog. And if we get bumped, what is going to come out? Can I invite you to fill your cup with Jesus? His words, His promises, His nature. Focus your eyes on the Savior Who loved you enough to leave heaven and endure earth so that you could one day leave earth and enjoy heaven. No doubt, you'll get bumped this holiday season. Count on it. Let what overflows reflect a heart full of Jesus. Not only will it steady your peace and keep you from sinking, it will testify to a Jesus who is STILL the answer to every storm and the reason for any season.

Be Sure to Wear Your Little Black Dress

I was amused when my daughter told me she was invited to a dinner with several women and the tagline was: "Be sure to wear your little black dress." Staci said, "I don't have a little black dress but I'll make it happen!" And, she did!

I remember last year when my granddaughter was trying to decide what to wear for her Junior Prom and she just wasn't "feeling it" with the semi-formals other girls were wearing so she chose a "little black dress" (pictured here). I loved the look and she owned it.

The fact is, we usually clothe ourselves according to the occasion. A t-shirt and shorts may mean a comfortable afternoon at home. A sportscoat and tie for guys and a silky chiffon dress for gals might mean a special night out. An athletic shirt and tights might mean we're headed to the gym. That's what I had on yesterday when I was headed to my daughter's after she called to ask me to come over and see their new "Cinderella" room (that's a blog topic for another day).

In Colossians 3:12, God’s people are encouraged to clothe themselves with five attributes of Christ. Not just for a special occasion, but for every occasion of every day. So when we're asked to "come as you are" or "wear your little black dress or suit" -- we can wear these clothes described in this scripture that really matter regardless how we're stylin' or what "threads" we have on:

~ Clothe yourselves with compassion. Compassion is a way of living that reaches others with the hands and feet of Christ in very practical and loving ways. I love that in my work at the hospital or consoling ministry.

~ Clothe yourselves with kindness. Kindness can be an encouraging word to a friend or a gesture that says, "I see you. You matter.” Kindness is a way of living that finds such great pleasure in making others feel cared about.

~ Clothe yourselves with humility. Humility is the epitome of selflessness. It's a way of living that looks to others first because they genuinely care.

~ Clothe yourselves with gentleness. Gentleness is a way of living that expresses quiet, peaceful and calmness in our approach with others.

~ Clothe yourselves with patience. Patience a calm, peaceful endurance. It is a way of living that accepts God's timing as perfect timing, trusting Him Who holds all things in His hands.

Just a little reminder today that when we go to our clothes closet to choose that "perfect" outfit for the occasion, let's remember to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience each and every day, then we'll always be dressed for success and blessed for being the best!

Heaven Sent and Heaven's Scent

I have several friends who have recently welcomed new babies into their homes Oh, how they must relate to the Baby Boy born in Bethlehem at this time of the year. I sure did, when my baby girl was born on December 8th. I’ve told each of those friends how much I want to get my hands on their angels. Most of all – to smell their “heaven’s scent”. Don’t you love that smell? After all, that's where those precious little angels came from, so of course, they still carry the scent of heaven on them. And, how I love kissing those "heavenly" little faces. I just can't help myself. There is something indescribable in the face of a baby -- that subconscious awareness of the heart and face of God.

Don’t you know how astounded Mary must have been to hold her newborn baby and when it came to “heaven’s scent” – that was an understatement. Mark Lowery’s song, “Mary Did You Know” asked the question “Mary did you know that when you kissed your little baby, you kissed the face of God?”

Morgan Weistling, the artist of this amazing painting of Mary and Baby Jesus said: “I started to contemplate the awesome privilege that Mary was given, being able to hold God in her arms, but also keeping in mind that He was still her baby. This cute little child whom she bore was also God in the flesh. And yet, she cuddled and kissed Him, just as all mothers do with their babies. This thought propelled me right into this painting which I wanted to be a very human representation of divinity. My prayer is that the viewer will be struck, as I am, with the amazing way that God chose to send His Son into this world — in pure humility.”

As precious as little babies are, especially Baby Jesus, anyone who carries God's light within them, also has the "face of God", and especially those who let that LIGHT shine through them to others. Nothing explains that better than when I saw the incredible volunteers at Operation Care’s Birthday Party for Jesus on December 15th.

Anyone who stops to give a hug or a loving touch to someone that is hurting has the face of God. I believe it's in the one who serves at a food pantry or homeless shelter or hospital or nursery worker, church leader and caregivers of every kind -- anyone who volunteers their time and reaches out and touches someone less fortunate. Those are the ones who are obviously the face of God in our world. Mother Teresa had more wrinkles than anyone I've ever seen, but she had more love in her, and had the most beautiful face of God, giving His love as she touched so many.

Especially at this special time of year, isn't it time, we put on our "Game Face" -- our "God Face" that others see Him in us? They recognize "God's Face" on us. Isn't it time we lived on purpose to be "His face" to a dying, hurting world and show them LOVE in ACTION -- after all, we were all made in HIS IMAGE -- and that image is what this world needs so much? Indeed, "To love others, is to see the FACE OF GOD".

Pilgrimage Day 5 -- Arriverderci Roma -- It's time for us to part

Aw! Italy! Bellissimo! The beauty of Italy on an early morning drive through the fields and mountains, the lush green groves of olive trees, sheep grazing, vineyards -- all seen as we made our way to Assisi (about 3 hours drive on a motorcoach), the birth and burial place of St. Francis of Assisi who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208. Francis was born into wealth and means, but abandoned all for a life devoted to Christianity after having a dream to rebuild the church of God. He thought God meant a physical structure but soon realized he was to build God's church through building God's people He was a simple, humble man, known for his peaceful and loving presona, helping and giving to the poor and downcast, and who had a love for God's creation in nature and animals. No wonder Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was named the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, chose Pope "Francis" as his title.

We couldn't take photos inside the Basilica of St. Francis, but there was no doubt the presence of God was there as we saw the enormous fresco paintings that told the story of St. Francis' life and ministry. We were humbled to see the tomb where he was buried. Tradition tells that Francis, in humility, wanted to be buried in a common criminal burial place, and so he was. But later, as a saint, his body was moved and placed inside a column for protection because relics were a big business and they were afraid his body would be stolen.

I've continued to be on the look-out for daily messages from God on this pilgrimage. Humility was a powerful word from yesterday's journey to Assisi. St. Francis' prayer resonated within me: If only we all would daily pray this prayer, perhaps we too could become instruments of God's peace, like St. Francis.

"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.

O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

A photo below is Rev. Paul Felix by one of the beautiful olive trees. Father Paul has been the host of our pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Lands. I never knew him before, but I'm so pleased to say I do now. He is such a humble, kind and endearing man, and his strong faith and servitude to God's people speaks volumes about him. Though he has physical issues and often requires a wheelchair for getting through crowds, you'll never hear him complain. I've seen him walk for miles with us using his cane for support, and climb what seemed to be hundreds of stairs in ancient holy places of worship, climb the many steps of the Colleseum and other rocky and unlevel paths and hilly locations. Along the way, we've encountered a few inconveniences and if someone had a personal issue of concern, he'd reply "Offer it up"! He has a special gift of imparting his spiritual wisdom in a way that only the best spiritual leaders can. What he means is, rather than complain, offer up a praise or thanksgiving, or prayers for someone in worse situations (There's always someone worse off than you!). His humility and words of wisdom are leading us to these holy places that draws us all in a closer walk with our Father.

Yesterday, I heard, loud and clear, from a saint and a priest through their on example of humility: James 4:10 "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Stay tuned.....this morning we fly to Tel Aviv.....embarking on our Holy Lands pilgrimage. No doubt....God is with us, leading the way!!

Eating Humble Pie a Slice at a Time

Yesterday was a big day for Lexi and I as we were flying to Orlando to meet up with her Mom, Dad and Payton who had been in Charlotte, NC for the weekend. On the way to the airport, we were boasting about being such seasoned travelers – that to fly in an airplane was as common to us as riding in a car. Me, being a private pilot, as well as both Lexi and I having flown commercial so many times that we’ve lost count, we talked about how some of our friends are so nervous about flying that they work themselves into a frenzy just at the notion of flying. So, of course, we knew the ropes….right? Wrong!

We were delighted that we were approved for the TSA Pre-Check line so we knew that we didn’t have to take our shoes off, jackets off or even my computer out of my bag. When we sent our bags through security to be scanned, Lexi realized she had left her boarding pass in the bin. The TSA agent said, “Sorry, then I’m going to have to get you to take your shoes off and put them through the scanner, and you’ll have to go through the x-ray scanner. At the other end, the TSA agent stopped her because her purse was held for inspection. She had left her water bottle in her purse, and when they swabbed her purse out, the scanner read out “explosives detected”! Oh me! And if that weren’t enough, she had a large size sun screen bottle in her carry-on bag that had to be thrown away, which meant her suitcase had to then be swabbed. At this point, the female agent did a full pat-down on her from head to toe.

And, even with TSA Pre-Check, they held up my bag because I left the computer in the bag. Oh, indeed, we were highly sophisticated, experienced travelers. Apparently, NOT! Twenty minutes later, we were finally through the security check. Oh, but it doesn’t end there. We boarded a 767 that was full to overflowing and we walked through in the middle of the crowd only to walk too far to the back. Of course, seats 13 A & B were toward the front of the aircraft, not after row 20, so then we had to swim upstream to get back to our seats. And to make matters worse, our bags were too large for the bins, but alas, a sweet flight attendant saved the day for these two “seasoned” travelers.

Both Lexi and I agreed, God was giving us a gentle lesson in humility that tasted just like Humble Pie. We got the message, loud and clear, because we never want why or what we do, to bring praise to ourselves, but to THE ONE who deserves ALL PRAISE.

To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord -- to understand that we have constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that our talents and abilities are gifts from God. It is not a sign of weakness, timidity, or fear; it is an indication that we know where our true strength lies. We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous. Jesus is our greatest example of humility. While on this earth, He always acknowledged that His strength came because of His dependence on His Father. He said: “I can of mine own self do nothing. … I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father Who has sent me” John 5:30. James taught: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up” James 4:6,10.

The reminder is to keep a watch out for those times when pride sneaks up on us and we get full of ourselves. How awesome is God in the ways He brings us back to the reality of the taste of Humble Pie. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” 1 Peter 5:5-7.

Okay, I've confessed, and now I've finished my "Humble Pie". I think I'll avoid that dessert from now on, and I'll keep my eyes and heart open, in case it looks like God needs to offer me another slice!

Got Your Clothes On Yet?

Now that's a loaded question. The answer could be "yes", even if you've got your jammies on, your swimsuit on or a 3-piece suit on.

The fact is, we usually clothe ourselves according to the occasion.

A t-shirt and shorts may mean a comfortable afternoon at home. A silky chiffon dress might mean a special night out. An athletic shirt and tights might mean you're headed to the gym.

In Colossians 3:12, God’s people are encouraged to clothe themselves with five distinct attributes of Christ. Not for a special occasion, but for every day. So when we're asked "Got your clothes on yet?" -- these are the clothes that really matter regardless how we're stylin' or what "threads" we have on:

~ Clothes yourselves with compassion. Compassion is a way of living that reaches others with the hands and feet of Christ in very practical and loving ways.

~ Clothes yourselves with kindness. Kindness can be an encouraging word to a friend or a gesture that says, "I see you. You matter.” Kindness is a way of living that finds such great pleasure in making others feel cared about.

~ Clothes yourselves with humility. Humility is the epitome of selflessness. It's a way of living that looks to others first, because they genuinely care.

~ Clothes yourselves with gentleness. Gentleness is a way of living that expresses quiet, peaceful and calmness in our approach with others.

~ Clothes yourselves with patience. Patience a calm, peaceful endurance. It is a way of living that accepts God's timing as perfect timing, trusting Him Who holds all things in His hands.

As God’s dearly loved children, that before we put on our daily clothing attire, may we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience . . . each and every day, then we'll answer that question, "I've got my best outfit on today!"

I Love ME!

Day 22 in this Month of Love -- I LOVE ME!

My post, today, was inspired by this photo on my Weight Watchers Magazine. (Yes, I'm a 30+ year veteran of WW!) The girl is hugging a heart full of red balloons and she's declaring "LOVE, ME!" Before I read the sub heading, I knew what it meant -- loving ourselves enough to take care of ourselves. But, if it weren't on a Weight Watchers magazine, those words "I love me" could just seem quite selfish and egotistical.

How many of us love ourselves? I mean truly, honestly love ourselves? As a teenager, I remember saying "She sure loves herself" and that was meant as a criticism. SHE was one who pranced herself around in a boastful and arrogant way, always making others feel so much less than her. But there's a difference in THAT girl or guy, and the one that Jesus talked about when He said, "Love your neighbor, as you love yourself." Mark 12:31

I hear life coaches say "Look in the mirror and say to yourself....'I love you'! I agree with that philosophy, because, how can we truly love others if we don't love ourselves. But, it’s just not that easy to love ourselves sometimes, especially, as Christians, when we're taught the importance of humility. But, the fact is, only those who feel good about who they are, can really express humility. It takes someone who truly loves him/herself to acknowledge that they don’t have all the answers, that they may be wrong about something, or that they are not the greatest or best at everything. We can love ourself, and come across as loving, sincere, authentic and real, AND be humble. Rick Warren says "Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” It doesn't mean we don’t care for ourself, but it does mean we think of others AS MUCH as we think of ourself.

humil

So, if loving others as much as we love ourselves is so important, I'm recommending that we start expressing how much we love ourselves so that we can elevate the love we have for others. I love getting compliments, but maybe I shouldn't desire that from others as much as I give them to myself. What do I most want to hear? Maybe you and I can start a love fest with ourselves and start by putting up some post it notes on our mirror that helps us out with the compliments: "I love YOU"......."I trust you"......"I am so proud of you"......"You are beautiful"....."I appreciate you"....."You are so strong"......"God loves you"....."You light up my life"......"Wow! You lost weight!"....."I love that color on you!"

Oh, by the way, your hair looks AWESOME!

So let's go ahead and love ourselves. We've been been given permission.

How About a Slice of Humble Pie?

When I saw this program at the Advent by Candlelight event last Monday, I noticed, right away, the word "HUMBLE" above my name.  Actually, it was the title of a song that was sung before I spoke, but I thought "God are you trying to tell me something?"

Just a few minutes later, I felt my knit skirt....and there was a hole in the side (I'm thinking a moth's work of art).  I asked my friend to go with me to the ladies room so we could see if the hole would show while I was on stage.  Thankfully, I had a longer top on, so it didn't.   When I got to the stage to speak, I told the ladies that I was going to take a "selfie" of me with them in the background, but when I saw "HUMBLE" above my name....I figured God was whispering "Gotta' work on the humility, Girl Friend!"  LOL!  Yes, they laughed.

The next day, I looked at the photos taken that night.....and if God needed to speak the word "HUMBLE" to me again, I saw that I had on a navy blue skirt instead of the black one that I planned to wear.   (Maybe they loved my humor and heart so much, they didn't notice.)  OH ME and LOL!

So, I'm getting the message, and I think I'm eating some "Humble Pie", because I never want what I do, and why I do it, to bring praise to myself, but to THE ONE who deserves ALL PRAISE.  Seriously, when I think about how unlikely that I would be so blessed to be so passionate and relentless about spreading the GOOD NEWS, I MUST raise my hand and point to THE ONE Who is worthy of ALL PRAISE!

I know that when I purposely live in an attitude of humility, it will be HIS Light shining through me, and NOT my own.  And, oh, that's what I want.  I don't ever want to get in His way.   St. Peter put it so well....."All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7).

The simple discovery of humility and servitude is where some of my greatest joys have been found. Applause isn't the reward.  The reward is being able to serve, and seeing others have "aha" moments when they see HIM instead of me.  It's HIS LIGHT I want them to see in me.  

Okay, I've confessed, and now I've finished my "Humble Pie".  I think I'll avoid that dessert from now on, and I'll keep my eyes and heart open, in case it looks like God needs to offer me another slice!
#HumblePie #RewardInServing #HumbleYourselves