Monthly Archive

We got word this week that my youngest has been accepted to the school of her choice, University of West Florida. She’s real excited. So am I, about everything except the cost. Oh-uh. I think another grey hair popped out.

As much as I’d like to worry, and as much as I will, God will find a way for her to go. He’s always provided for us, and He will in this instance also. He has a way of making things happen if it’s His will.

You might think God isn’t listening to what it is you need, but God hears you. The problem might be that what you think is a “need”, is really a “want”. Maybe God doesn’t see it as being that important right now. In Matthew 6:31-32, it reads: So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them.

Be patient. If it’s something God wants you to have, he’ll see to it you get it. I’m sure we’ll find a way to pay for college. In the meantime, I’m just glad I know Ms. Clairol by her first name.

How often do you hear God speak to you? He might be telling you to do something you don’t want to do. Maybe he wants you to tell someone about Jesus. To some, that takes us way out of our comfort zone. We come up with all types of excuses not to do what God wants us to do. “I’m too tired,” “I don’t know how,” “I’m afraid I’ll look like a fool,” “I’ll miss Judge Judy”. Okay, that last one might just be me.

You’re not alone in making excuses. Moses didn’t want to do God’s bidding either. He came up with several excuses. Exodus 4:1: Moses said, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me …” God had Moses throw his staff on the ground and God turned it into a snake. He told Moses to use miracles to get them to listen. Moses then said in Exodus 4:10: “… I am slow of speech and tongue”. God told him he would teach him what to say. Even after all this, Moses continued to whine. Exodus 4:13: But Moses said “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”

It can be scary to step out of our comfort zone. We’re all afraid of failure. But with God’s help, if He’s telling you to do it, He’ll give the means to complete the task. He’ll put the words in your mouth, or the voice to the song.

Next time you decide to complain about what God is asking you to do, think of Moses. He eventually led his people out of Egypt. I’m not saying you’ll lead a large group of people to freedom, but one or two is an awesome feeling.

So keep the complaints to a minimal and remember God will help you with whatever He asks you to do. Of course, if it makes you feel better, do a bit a grumbling. Just remember to have some cheese available to go with your whine.

I was in a store the other day and a young boy was crying because he wanted a candy bar, and his mother wouldn’t get him one. (It probably didn’t help that I grabbed a Snickers. What? I’m entitled. It’s not like I was going to eat it in front of the kid.) While he caterwauled, his sister sat there, not saying a word, watching him have a conniption fit. Eventually the mother asked him why he couldn’t be quiet like his sister.

How many of you remember being compared to a sibling? “Why can’t you be good like Billy?” “Why can’t you get good grades like Suzie?” “Why can’t you fly to the moon like your brother Neil?”

When you’re compared to others, in a negative way, you feel unloved. It leads to feelings of insecurity and imperfection. We’re all different and nobody’s perfect. No matter what the computer generated pictures on the front of magazines want us to believe.

God loves us no matter the circumstances. He wants us to feel secure in his love, that’s why he sent His Son to die for us. You don’t have to become a doctor or go to college to get God’s love. He gives it freely.

When you feel down, like you’re not worth it, go to him for strength and that God-loving feeling. (Psalms 16:1) Preserve me, God, for in you do I take refuge. He’ll listen. No voicemail here. And if you open your ears you might hear Him tell you how much He really loves you.

And remember, things could be worse. Imagine Jesus being your brother.

There are different types of hugs people give. A child’s hug is unconditional. A friend’s hug tells you they care. A spouse’s hug is one of love. Almost any hug shows some sort of affection. Even the hug I give to my dog.

Some days we just need to feel someone’s arms around us. We need to know that we are loved and cared for. That’s where a God hug comes in.

Matthew 11:28 states: Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. That’s the power of a God hug. It gives you a break from your troubles, and a God hug comforts and gives your strength to perserve.

What? You’ve never been hugged by God. Well today’s your lucky day. Make sure you have plenty of room. After all, God has long arms. First, reach your arms out to the side. Next cross your right arm over your left side and your left arm over your right side. Close your eyes. Tighten your arms around your body. Imagine God walking up behind you and placing his arms over yours. He pulls you to Him. Squeeze.

How many of you smiled? That’s because it made you feel loved. Those of you who turned your head to one side have something heavy on your mind, and you just needed someone’s shoulder to lean on. You chose God’s.

Anytime you feel you need a hug, give yourself a God hug. You can’t beat them.

I love God hugs. Since my kids have grown, the hugs have gotten less and less, and my dog can’t hug back. I think it’s has something to do with that opposable thumb thing.

The New Year is here. It’s a time for reflection on the past and looking forward to those wonderful resolutions of the future. The same ones we do for about four days, then wonder exactly how much Weight Watcher’s ice cream you can eat before you have to watch your weight.

I realized I needed to make getting into shape one of my resolutions. I was getting ready for bed the other night and was changing into my PJ’s when I caught a glimpse of my backside in the mirror. I looked surprisingly good in that thong. Then it dawned on me, I wasn’t wearing one. Of course, I should have figured it out the day before when the dog saw me naked and started laughing.

It’s hard for me to stick to a regiment for longer than five minutes. The devil works against me. One time he made a Snickers call out to me.  Then there was the time a piece of pie ended up on a plate in front of me. I was never sure how it happened, but I just knew I had to eat it. After all, there’s starving kids in India.

It’s times like that when we need to turn to God for that inner strength. Philippians 4:13 reads: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. God knows what you need to keep going. He’ll give you the power to persevere. Whether it be to lose weight, get out of debt, or to quit smoking.

We just have to keep reminding ourselves that God will get us through. He’ll make that slice of pie disappear.

I’m sure it was Him, because I know I couldn’t have eaten it. I would have been too full from the Snickers.