When You’re a Hugger AND Encourager

That’s me. I come from a family of huggers. So, throw me into a world of social distancing and stay-at-home orders and I’m really uncomfortable. Actually, my heart aches for our world that needs a good dose of love, compassion, understanding and HUGS. Let’s get the truth out there. God, the greatest of all lovers everywhere, didn’t cause this world to be locked up. Not our God Who “reached out and touched” the untouchable and loved the unlovable. It was our Lord’s mode of operation that He modeled for us from the feet of His disciples as He washed them as the greatest Servant of all. Our Lord was the One that crowds thronged around Him. He was the One Who called the little children to Him. He was the One who fed the thousands in a crowded situation. So, who is responsible?

It is the enemy of our souls – the greatest hater of all – the one who locks us up to keep us from loving, the one who would rather kill, steal and destroy our peace, our joy, our hope and our love. He is the one who tried to take our Lord out, once and for all, by crucifying him. He failed. It is he that has us locked up and away from others. But, he will not win. He is a loser in every way because we have read the end of The Book, the Bible, AND, we win!

A friend of mine posted on Facebook: “I hate Facebook”. I commented: “Oh please don’t hate it. It’s my mission field. We just have to let our little lights shine brighter so the darkness gets lit up with God’s love. I’ve learned to avoid the negative in every way. You have too many blessings to not share them. Love you so much sweet girl.” The truth is if we’re not the light and the encouragers, who will be? Sure I might need to stave off my hugging for the time being, but I can still encourage in word through social media, email, and when I am at church (yes, my church is following the 50% rule – sitting in every other pew and 6 feet apart). I can wave and blow kisses through my facemask. Encouragers just have to encourage.

Country Living magazine came out with more scriptures. I posted their encouragement in uncertain times' scriptures a few weeks ago). Now they posted scriptures about encouraging others to brighten their day. I love this so much and I’m passing on excerpts from their article and scripture verses for you to use to encourage yourself and others.

“Encouragement is something we all need to keep us motivated, loved, and feeling confident in ourselves and what we do. It’s something that is important for our mental and overall health and it truly can give us just the same amount of joy to give it to others as it is to receive it. Because God created us and knows this about our personalities, he has provided countless verses in the Bible to not only encourage us but also to teach us the importance of lifting up those around us. Imagine how your community could change for the better with a little more encouragement between neighbors instead of community message boards filled with complaints. Or how strong your team at work could become if each person talked up their teammates' work instead of their own accomplishments in order to get ahead. What a world that could be!”

** Hebrews 10:24-25 -- "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..”
** Psalm 31:24 -- "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
** Psalm 121:1-2 -- "I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** John 16:33 -- "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
** 1 Corinthians 16:13 -- "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
** Romans 8:31 -- "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
** 1 Thessalonians 5:11 -- "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
** Romans 15:5 -- "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."
** Romans 15:2 -- "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
** 1 Timothy 4:12 -- "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
** Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
** Joshua 1:9 -- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
** 2 Timothy 1:7 -- "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
** John 14:27 -- "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
** Philippians 1:6 -- "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
** John 15:13 -- "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
** 1 Corinthians 10:13 -- "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
** Galatians 6:2 -- "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Thank you, Country Living magazine, for giving us exactly what we need to be encouraged and be encouragers!

Holy Tuesday aka Temple Tuesday

Temple: a place regarded as the dwelling place of God; house of God, house of worship, shrine, sanctuary, church, cathedral.

Tuesday of Holy Week could be called "Temple Tuesday," because in Matthew 21 we read how Jesus spent most of the day in the Temple -- teaching and using parables to make His points. According to Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus had returned to Jerusalem to go to the Temple. As I mentioned in my post, yesterday, Jesus knew this was His last week leading up to His death, so I suspect He was determined to leave an unforgettable “last impression”. He was constantly confronted by religious leaders who challenged his authority to teach the people, and lambasted him with unreasonable theological questions. He answered them so successfully that "no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions". Matthew 22:46

Jesus was the master of story-telling using illustrations (parables) to make His point. He used parables on this day: the parable of the vineyard (Matt. 21:33-46); the parable of the wedding banquet, (Matt. 22:1); the teaching on paying taxes (Matt 22:15) and the rebuke of the Sadducees who denied the resurrection (Matt. 22:23). Then Jesus and His disciples left the Temple and went to the Mount of Olives where He delivered the prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem if the inhabitants would not come to faith in Him. He warned that not one stone will be left on another (Matt. 24). Jesus always "packed a punch" in delivering a message with authority and truth.

Sunday night my Frisco family and I went to see “Paul, an Apostle of Christ”. I don't like movies that leave you hanging, or have a disappointing ending. I LOVE the happy ending ones! Though the tragic state of Rome and the plight of Christians is portrayed in shocking reality, Paul dictates a letter to Luke to pass on to the followers of Christ that gives them hope. You and I were included in those writings. I felt it as I watched this compelling movie that in the worst of conditions and circumstances, our foremost responsibility is to LOVE. That’s what Jesus did for us.

As we continue to journey toward the ending of Jesus' life on this earth...on Thursday, we'll remember the Passover, Last Supper, and Jesus washing his disciples feet and then on to Good Friday, when He was tortured, suffered and died. As despicable as it was....we can still REJOICE. It is really good news! We know the end of the "movie". Our Champion, Jesus Christ wins on Easter Sunday aka Resurrection Sunday……so, we win!

Right now, life may be tough for you. You might have health issues or experienced the recent loss of a loved one. There may be strife in your marriage. You might not have enough money to make ends meet. But, DON"T lose hope! Just when you think the "movie" could get no worse, our Champion will be there because HE LIVES! And in the end, we win in a big way. There will be no more tears. No more mourning, or pain or even death, but life eternal. Everlasting. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah destroys the enemy once and for all. Just hang on. The end of the "movie" -- the last chapter recorded for all to read is such a "and they lived happily ever after" ending. No, actually, it is THE BEGINNING! God wins and those who love and believe in Him will live with Him forevermore! Oh Happy Day!

It’s Super Bowl Sunday! We Win – No Matter What!

My word(s) of the day is/are SUPER BOWL -- the National Football League’s championship game, played annually in the United States between the two best professional football teams: the National and the American Football Conferences.

I’m one of those “fair weather” football fans. If one of MY teams are playing (Dallas Cowboys or Seattle Seahawks), I’m watching the game. If they’re not or they're out, then I’m only watching the big finale – the SUPER BOWL.

I was on a fact finding mission as I created today’s blog post. Today, February 4, 2018, Super Bowl 52 will be played at 5:30 pm at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN with the two BEST teams competing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy made by Tiffany & Co. that cost $50,000.

The prize for Super Bowl players isn't shabby. It’s worth it for each player to give their all for a few hours to be paid $107,000 on the winning team and $53,000 each on the losing team. For most of the top players, this bonus is more about bragging rights because because they already have lucrative professional contracts with their respective teams. New England Patriots average squad salary is around $2.3 million a year which goes to show the Super Bowl bonus is peanuts for them.

To see the big game in person, as of yesterday, the average price of a ticket was $4,000. You can get a bargain 50-yard ticket, 3rd row for $16,887 and an end zone seat at $5,557.

The Patriots are favored to win, but there are those who are declaring the Eagles will crush the Patriots. I understand how the Patriots are favored because Tom Brady has led the Patriots in winning five Super Bowls in his career with them. If winning, Tom Brady will become the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl (40 years, 186 days). Philadelphia Eagles have never won a Super Bowl and haven’t been to one since 2005.

Will Tom Brady prevail again or will backup quarterback Nick Foles lead the Eagles to Philadelphia's first Super Bowl win? In either case, let's hope for a game that's at least as entertaining as the commercials (currently at $5 million for 30-seconds). Super Bowl Sunday is a legend and I’ll be watching for the best team to win.

No matter what....whether you are a SUPER BOWL fan or not…..this day will be just another day in things that matter most. This day will pass away, and in the light of eternity -- it won't matter. BUT, being on the WINNING TEAM is really what matters. I'm not talking about football, baseball or dominoes. Patrick Henry, a REAL Patriot during the American Revolution said, "United, we stand. Divided, we fall." It won't be just Tom Brady or Nick Noles that will win in this game today. It is being united with their team that will seal the deal. United is what we pray for those of us who desire strength and unity in our homes, our country and our faith.

Isn't it time for OUR team to be the one that says "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?" (Joshua 24:15). The winning team is God's team of fully devoted followers. I've read the Play Book (the Bible) and I’ve read the back of the book.....and this TEAM that REALLY matters -- the one that will defeat the enemy once and for all.....WINS big time. In fact, we’ve already won!

Psalm 108:13 “With God on our side we will win; he will defeat our enemies.”

We WIN!

You and I are VIPs today -- that's because we are voters.. Some of you have already cast your ballot. Good for you! Franklin Roosevelt was right: "Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."

Remember that every election is decided by the people who show up. So let's pray, seek God's wisdom, and vote.

Chances are that tomorrow, November 9th, half of the country will be happy and half will be sad. So regardless of our political affiliation and no matter which candidate wins today, we don't have to know how the story of our country ends. We don’t even need to know how tomorrow will end. We only need to do the next right thing.

Regardless of today's outcome, our calling as Christ-followers is to lead with a humble heart and point men and women, boys and girls to the One who lives and reigns forever.

Consider William Wilberforce, the man who saw slavery abolished in England mere months before his death in 1833. He had been fighting toward this end for nearly five decades, one of the few in Parliament who lived out the Christian faith in all areas of his life. Oh that his spirit of perseverance be demonstrated in our current culture. We could all benefit from his example of relentless tenacity

Sometimes it feels easier to retreat and hide at home, school, or church than to be a Christian. Wilberforce told us to follow the words of John Newton who said, “It is hoped and believed the Lord has raised you up for the good of His church and for the good of the nation.” Whether your candidate wins or loses today, our work as Christ-followers continues. We must press on and be a light in the darkness as we share the promise of the Good News with others.

No matter what we face personally or nationally, nothing comes as a surprise to God. He is still sovereign over all. He is good, loving, and faithful through the best and the worst of times.

Because of that, we will continue on our journeys of faith -- knowing that it's not by chance that we are here, during this time, to be difference makers in the world around us. We do that best when we let the Light of Christ shine brightly through us. We believe God directs our paths. So today and everyday, we pray for our country, our leaders and our world. No matter what -- God is the real Winner and with knowing that....we will live this day with the joy of knowing WE WIN!

And They Lived Happily Ever After

I don't like movies that leave you hanging, or have a disappointing ending. I LOVE the happy ending ones! I'm quite sure that the movie my Life Group and I are going to see tonight will have a happy, encouraging and uplifting ending. We're going to see "Miracles From Heaven". I'll give you a movie review tomorrow!

Speaking of endings…..this is Tuesday of Holy Week aka Passion Week – when we journey toward the ending of Jesus' life on this earth. We're moving toward Holy Thursday (the Passover, Last Supper, Jesus washing his disciples feet) and then on to Good Friday, when He was tortured, suffered and died). As despicable as it was……we can still REJOICE. It's really good news! We know the end of the "movie". Our Champion, Jesus Christ wins on Resurrection Sunday aka Easter……so, we win!

Right now, life may be tough for you. You might have some health issues, or experienced the recent loss of a loved one. There may be strife in your marriage. You might not have enough money to make ends meet. But, DON"T lose hope! Just when you think the "movie" could get no worse, our Champion will be there because HE LIVES!

And in the end, we win in a big way. There will be no more tears. No more mourning, or pain or even death, but life eternal. Everlasting. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah destroys the enemy once and for all. Just hang on. The end of the "movie" -- the last chapter recorded for all to read is such a "and they lived happily ever after" ending. No, actually, it is THE BEGINNING! God wins and those who love and believe in Him will live with Him forevermore! Oh Happy Day!

He Arose! It's Resurrection Sunday -- Easter!

Day 94 of Photo Inspirations – HE AROSE!  It’s Resurrection Sunday – Easter!  
Think about it – it seemed all hope was gone.  Jesus was dead. He was laid to rest. His body was anointed and wrapped in clean linens, then was laid in a tomb. The stone was rolled over the entrance and it surely seemed to be the end.  But a lot can happen in three days!

Up to this point, death was final. But while those He lived with, laughed with, and cried with, were in their deepest sorrow – the GREATEST of all MIRACLES was taking place. Jesus was conquering death, hell and the grave, and this tomb they thought held Him, became empty.   And that crown of thorns he wore became the crown of royalty He deserved.  I love this.  Dumb devil!  He thought he had won. And, from that point to today.....we continue to give that dumb devil the reminder that "We know the rest of the story, and the end of the BOOK, and WE WIN!"

True HOPE was made official by the resurrection.  It wasn't just some hocus-pocus magic trick or exercise in wishful thinking.   If it were, then the whole thing would have fizzled out, but here we are 2,000+ years later celebrating that incredible day of all days.  The resurrection of Christ is so big that it's the answer to everything!!!   I can vouch for it – THAT day and the ONE whose grave could not hold Him, is MY EVERYTHING. I just can’t hold it in – I’m overjoyed about this day because it represents my hope, my joy, my peace, my comfort, my freedom, my liberty, my great expectation for this day and my tomorrows. His resurrection represents my resurrection.

He Who created LIGHT is our LIGHT that ever shines so brightly.   It's not just about another sunrise.  It's about the rising of the LIGHT of all LIGHTS, and that LIGHT brings with Him mercies and hope and love EVERY morning – not just Easter morning!

Is there a "tomb" in your life that holds broken dreams, dead relationships, hopeless situations?  Perhaps it's time to allow Him who is the answer to EVERYTHING, to roll your stone away......and make ALL THINGS new!

So how BIG is Easter? Oh, it's only the answer to EVERYTHING!

#HeArose #Resurrection #Easter

I'm Not Gonna Shortchange Myself

Okay -- I really get inspired by some wacky things. Yesterday, I was hanging with my two youngest grandsons on the cruise. We were watching Monsters vs. Aliens. BTW -- cute movie! Best part was the encouragement Susan gave to her fellow monsters. Susan was a giant because a meteor hit her. Her self esteem, previously, had been built on the fact that her fiancé was a handsome newscaster, but he left her because of her size. Here's how it went.

Susan Murphy: Yes. All that talk about us - "I'm so proud of us", "Us just got a job in Fresno" - There was no us, it was just Derek. Why did I have to get hit by a meteor to see that? I was such an idiot. Why did I ever think life with Derek would be so great anyway? I mean, look at all I've done without him. Fighting a alien robot -- that was me, not him! And it was amazing! Meeting you guys... amazing. Dr. Cockroach, you can climb walls, and build a super-computer out of a pizza box, 2 cans of hairspray...

Dr. Cockroach Ph.D.: And a paper clip!

Susan Murphy: Amazing! And you. Missing Link -- You hardly need an introduction; you're the Missing Link! You personally carried off 250 co-eds off Cocoa Beach, and still had the strength to fight off the National Guard!

The Missing Link: And the Coast Guard. And also the Life Guard.

Susan Murphy: Amazing! And, B.O.B! Who else could fall from unimaginable heights and end up without a single scratch?

B.O.B.: Link?

Susan Murphy: You.

B.O.B.: Amazing!

The Missing Link: Good point, Insecto! Susan, don't shortchange yourself.

Susan Murphy: Oh, I'm not gonna shortchange myself. Ever again!

And I'm saying to myself....and YOU....today, don't EVER shortchange yourself. We are the masterpieces of the MASTER Creator and we have everything we need to be successful, to be winners in every circumstance and to overcome every tactic of the enemy (the ALIEN ROBOTS -- LOL!). Yes, we've read the back of THE BOOK -- and we WIN!! Blessings to all today from Cozumel, Mexico!