How do you pick & choose to whom in your life you will be kindhearted? How do you decide which of your family members is worthy of your respect & devotion? What is your method in determining which of your friends will be your "best" friends? How can you so easily turn your back on the ones who have loved you, provided for you, and made the most difficult sacrifices for you?
Luke 6:32-33 "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."
If we, as Christians, are only nice to those who are nice to us, then we are no better than all the unbelievers in the world! How will the "not nice" people ever learn to be nice?
If I only reached out in love to those who have shown love to me, what a small world I would live in! I guess with the life experiences I've had, I can be gruff and a bit untrusting(?) at times. But in my defense, I've trusted to the point that I've been hurt deeply many, many times, and those hurts all happened before I had the love of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He has shown me (mostly through His Word) that I can love and I can trust, and most of all that HE loves me even if no one else on earth does!
I love so many people who don't return that love. Some of them know who they are, and others don't even realize (or care about) the hurt they cause my heart. Yet I choose to keep on loving them, even though I don't particularly like them sometimes or don't always agree with the way they choose to behave. I don't expect them to love me back, because we are not to expect anything in return. My reward will be in heaven, when the Father looks at how well I loved others, even the ones who are difficult to love.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Do Unto Others - Part I
How do you pick & choose to whom in your life you will be kindhearted? How do you decide which of your family members is worthy of your respect & devotion? What is your method in determining which of your friends will be your "best" friends? How can you so easily turn your back on the ones who have loved you, provided for you, and made the most difficult sacrifices for you?
Most people have the attitude that "If they're nice to me, I'll be nice to them;" this is the world's view. But the Bible says in Luke 6:31 (and it's a direct quote from Jesus) "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." In other words, "Treat others as you would like to be treated."
How many of us actually practice this? I believe it's easier to be kind to strangers than to those who are closest to us. Perhaps this is because there is so little at stake. One can bestow kindness upon a stranger - be it food, or money, or assistance - and be gone. Nothing more is required, right? WRONG! What most of us fail to do is follow up. Oh, it's great to say you did something nice for someone, but how did your action(s) change their life? Do you ever follow up to see if their needs are still being met, or if they have other needs? If the person(s) involved is not a believer, did you share the Gospel of Christ with them? Did you invite them to your Sunday School class or to church? Did you pray with/for them? Can you even remember their name(s)?
It's less obvious to see the needs of those who are closer to us, those with whom we interact on a daily or weekly basis. What acts of service do you do for your loved ones? We take for granted that the struggles we see are a normal part of life, and think there is nothing we can do to help. Truth is, if we paid more attention to those in our own household (i.e., our family members) we could find numerous ways to help them. The most obvious thing to do is pray. Intercessory prayer (praying on behalf of others) is a privilege, and should be a part of our daily prayer life. Asking God's strength for the person who is struggling or hurting is asking his blessing on them. Stepping in to help without being asked can be an incredible burden lifter. Think before opening your mouth to ask "favors" or make demands. Take into account what they may be facing that day (things you may not know about). In short, be a little unselfish with your time.
It would be great if everyone performed random acts of kindness ("See a need, fill a need"), but the reality is that while many hear the call to help a brother or sister in need, very few individuals actually heed the call and take action. Make a conscious effort to be kind to someone - whether it be a stranger, and acquaintance, or a loved one - every day for a month. Keep a log so you can remember to pray for each one daily. Then review it at the end of the month to see how you did. You'll be surprised at how much - or how little - gets accomplished!
Most people have the attitude that "If they're nice to me, I'll be nice to them;" this is the world's view. But the Bible says in Luke 6:31 (and it's a direct quote from Jesus) "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise." In other words, "Treat others as you would like to be treated."
How many of us actually practice this? I believe it's easier to be kind to strangers than to those who are closest to us. Perhaps this is because there is so little at stake. One can bestow kindness upon a stranger - be it food, or money, or assistance - and be gone. Nothing more is required, right? WRONG! What most of us fail to do is follow up. Oh, it's great to say you did something nice for someone, but how did your action(s) change their life? Do you ever follow up to see if their needs are still being met, or if they have other needs? If the person(s) involved is not a believer, did you share the Gospel of Christ with them? Did you invite them to your Sunday School class or to church? Did you pray with/for them? Can you even remember their name(s)?
It's less obvious to see the needs of those who are closer to us, those with whom we interact on a daily or weekly basis. What acts of service do you do for your loved ones? We take for granted that the struggles we see are a normal part of life, and think there is nothing we can do to help. Truth is, if we paid more attention to those in our own household (i.e., our family members) we could find numerous ways to help them. The most obvious thing to do is pray. Intercessory prayer (praying on behalf of others) is a privilege, and should be a part of our daily prayer life. Asking God's strength for the person who is struggling or hurting is asking his blessing on them. Stepping in to help without being asked can be an incredible burden lifter. Think before opening your mouth to ask "favors" or make demands. Take into account what they may be facing that day (things you may not know about). In short, be a little unselfish with your time.
It would be great if everyone performed random acts of kindness ("See a need, fill a need"), but the reality is that while many hear the call to help a brother or sister in need, very few individuals actually heed the call and take action. Make a conscious effort to be kind to someone - whether it be a stranger, and acquaintance, or a loved one - every day for a month. Keep a log so you can remember to pray for each one daily. Then review it at the end of the month to see how you did. You'll be surprised at how much - or how little - gets accomplished!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Bring On The Wrinkles!
Now I'm not sure how old "Mamaw" Gladys Pierce is, but she's led a very full life. She always had a kind word, and was quick with witty comebacks to everyone's kidding around. The love of God was written all over her face. I sat in front of her and her daughter, Sue, at church for several months. I looked forward each service to her hugs - good, strong, "I mean it!" hugs - before, during & after church. Right around Thanksgiving (I think), she became ill & was having trouble with her heart. She was in & out of the hospital, and Sue was having to deal with working while her mother was ill.
Well, as often happens, meaning to get over to see her never happened. Then AC & I moved to GA, and our weekend visits home left little time to go see her. So when Phyllis asked if I'd like to go, I jumped at the opportunity. Let me tell you, I wouldn't have traded those 40 minutes for a visit with anyone else on earth! I don't think she knew who we were, but the joy in her face at having visitors was evident. We kidded around, hugged, talked about the Lord, and prayed, and we even got her playing some memory exercises for a bit. Phyllis is a name freak, so she asked Gladys what her mother's name was. Gladys' answer? "Guess." So we guessed, asking for the first letter of the name, and as we got closer, she would tell us so.
I marvelled out loud at how soft her hands were while I held one in my hand & rubbed it against my cheek. She said, "Want to know what makes them so soft?" Of course, I said, "Yes." "Wrinkles!", she replied, with a sly little grin. What a hoot!
We asked what she had eaten, and after telling us, she said what she'd really like is some pinto beans & cornbread, and some milk. We said we'd check into getting some for her, and she said she wouldn't be there to eat it. When we asked why, she pointed toward heaven & said, "I'll be up there." I laughed & cried at the same time, telling her I was jealous that she was going to the banquet table!
As it came time for us to go, she asked if we could finish our errands later. (Breaks the heart, doesn't it?) I said that if we stayed, I'd have to crawl up there beside her & snuggle up, to which she replied, "Why don't you?" So I did, for just a moment.
Don't miss out on moments like this! Go out of your way, make time to visit somebody, spend time you think you don't have to make someone smile. You'll not only make them feel better, but you will, too! Life's too short to be so busy that you miss out on life's little moments.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Truths to Set You Free!
From the book, "Lies Young Women Believe". My response/reaction in italics . . .
When I feel ugly and fat - God created me a masterpiece (Ps. 139:14) I have to remind myself of this daily, due to a lifetime of listening to the world view of beauty. That world view is vanity, which is itself a sin.
When I feel rejected - God accepts me through Christ (Eph. 1:4–6) God’s acceptance is the only one that matters!
When I feel anxious about my circumstances - God can be trusted (Ps. 37:5) I have no fear of what the future holds, because I know that God is in control of my life. He does what he must to refine me like silver.
When I feel like I can’t handle a problem I’m facing - God’s grace is enough for me (2 Cor. 12:9) Again, God is in control! I don’t have to like what’s happening, but I know He has a purpose.
When I feel like my potential is limited by my past - My past does not have to control my future (2 Cor. 5:17) My past is exactly that - the past. It is not who I am now, nor what I will become. I have learned from my mistakes and am determined not to make them again. {I Corinthians 15:10(a)But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain . . .", Luke 7:47}
When I want to blame others for my responses - I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices (Ezek. 18:20) Playing the blame game is not for Christians. We all must choose, and thus suffer the consequences, but praise God! He is willing to forgive once we confess & repent. {Psalm 86:5, I John 1:9}
When I feel that submitting to an authority will steal my freedom - The greatest freedom I can experience is found by submitting to God-ordained authority (Titus 3:1) Submission does not mean being a slave or doormat or punching bag for someone. Submission is part of obedience. Once we put aside our fear of domination and the arrogance of pride, submission comes easily.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love all my girls - those to whom my body gave life, those who were born of the man I love, and others who I have come to know over time, no matter your age. You ALL have value; you are ALL precious, not only to God but to me. I would give my life for any of you, if I knew it would bring you into God’s arms. I’ve been down the rough road of life, living without Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But now I have the power that comes from relying on the Almighty God, my Creator, my Protector, my Healer, my Deliverer, which enables me to greet each new day with a smile, regardless of circumstance. I know He is by my side all through the day, ready to help me face whatever obstacles come my way.
You can have that, too! If you are too ashamed to ask me or anyone else how, just talk to Him! You don’t have to pray a formal prayer; just talk to Him and ask forgiveness. Let Him lead you. It’s easier than you think.
<3
Truths to Set You Free!
(more to be found in the book, which I haven’t bought yet!~B~)
When I feel far from God and am tempted to feel He doesn’t love me - God loves me and wants me to have His best (Rom. 8:38–39) I am reminded daily of His love for me when I read his Word each morning. (more to be found in the book, which I haven’t bought yet!~B~)
When I feel ugly and fat - God created me a masterpiece (Ps. 139:14) I have to remind myself of this daily, due to a lifetime of listening to the world view of beauty. That world view is vanity, which is itself a sin.
When I feel rejected - God accepts me through Christ (Eph. 1:4–6) God’s acceptance is the only one that matters!
When I feel anxious about my circumstances - God can be trusted (Ps. 37:5) I have no fear of what the future holds, because I know that God is in control of my life. He does what he must to refine me like silver.
When I feel like I can’t handle a problem I’m facing - God’s grace is enough for me (2 Cor. 12:9) Again, God is in control! I don’t have to like what’s happening, but I know He has a purpose.
When I feel like my potential is limited by my past - My past does not have to control my future (2 Cor. 5:17) My past is exactly that - the past. It is not who I am now, nor what I will become. I have learned from my mistakes and am determined not to make them again. {I Corinthians 15:10(a)But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain . . .", Luke 7:47}
When I want to blame others for my responses - I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices (Ezek. 18:20) Playing the blame game is not for Christians. We all must choose, and thus suffer the consequences, but praise God! He is willing to forgive once we confess & repent. {Psalm 86:5, I John 1:9}
When I feel that submitting to an authority will steal my freedom - The greatest freedom I can experience is found by submitting to God-ordained authority (Titus 3:1) Submission does not mean being a slave or doormat or punching bag for someone. Submission is part of obedience. Once we put aside our fear of domination and the arrogance of pride, submission comes easily.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love all my girls - those to whom my body gave life, those who were born of the man I love, and others who I have come to know over time, no matter your age. You ALL have value; you are ALL precious, not only to God but to me. I would give my life for any of you, if I knew it would bring you into God’s arms. I’ve been down the rough road of life, living without Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But now I have the power that comes from relying on the Almighty God, my Creator, my Protector, my Healer, my Deliverer, which enables me to greet each new day with a smile, regardless of circumstance. I know He is by my side all through the day, ready to help me face whatever obstacles come my way.
You can have that, too! If you are too ashamed to ask me or anyone else how, just talk to Him! You don’t have to pray a formal prayer; just talk to Him and ask forgiveness. Let Him lead you. It’s easier than you think.
<3
Monday, March 24, 2008
Devotion, Part II
I don't know what was better - watching Megan & AC fishing or watching our dog, Chloe, follow AC around the pond. Chloe is an overweight daschund, and for that reason instead of caller her a wiener dog, we call her a sausage.
Her devotion to AC is such that she cries pitifully when le leaves for work, church, or even to go outside. She absolutely MUST know where he is, or she is distressed. Her excitement upon his return is comical, complete with high-pitched squeals and a tail that looks like it will wag right off her rear-end.
Just as amazing (but not as surprising) is AC's devotion to his younger daughter Megan. They have a bond that is different from any other father/daughter combo I know. As she struggles for independence like any normal teenager, he tries to give her a certain measure of fr3eedom while maintaining his parental responsibility to look after her best interests. The trials they have been through over the past few years - both before and after I came on to the scene - have been an exercise in strengthening their bond. This comes through faith & trust in God as well as one another. Little things like fishing or playing guitars & singing make memories neither of them will soon forget.
Her devotion to AC is such that she cries pitifully when le leaves for work, church, or even to go outside. She absolutely MUST know where he is, or she is distressed. Her excitement upon his return is comical, complete with high-pitched squeals and a tail that looks like it will wag right off her rear-end.
Just as amazing (but not as surprising) is AC's devotion to his younger daughter Megan. They have a bond that is different from any other father/daughter combo I know. As she struggles for independence like any normal teenager, he tries to give her a certain measure of fr3eedom while maintaining his parental responsibility to look after her best interests. The trials they have been through over the past few years - both before and after I came on to the scene - have been an exercise in strengthening their bond. This comes through faith & trust in God as well as one another. Little things like fishing or playing guitars & singing make memories neither of them will soon forget.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
I got in trouble!
I have two myspace accounts - one for personal use & one for networking with my fellow MV independent distributors. Today, after posting a bulletin about the product being on the news, along with a link to the video, I received an email from corporate advising me that my networking page was out of the boundaries of company compliance. In reviewing my site, I only found one reference to the product name, and one picture with the name, along with a link to our company provided (& personally paid for) replicated website. I am therefore deleting the page in order to avoid having to forfeit our distributorship. Anyone who wishes to remain on my friend list can find me at www.myspace.com/ackaty.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)