482 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ
*A wink across the line*
Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Proverbs 3:3
I always tell my friend Karla I'm always a better writer when I'm feeling down. That's the Challenge of being a writer! Laughing here. I have actually been feeling so joyful lately that my depth for writing has declined. Kinda strange how that works but I'm sure you as my audience are okay with some light hearted joyful news from time to time.
So many things are starting to blossom in my life and I am so very excited about the future. Gods promise is true when you take the time to plant the healthy seeds a heaping harvest will flow eventually.
Some of the things I'm seeing are relationships mending. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom with some to begin to rebuild and discover if you even want to rebuild. One of my best friends is very liberal and I am very very conservative in my values. Yesterday we peacefully agreed to disagree and wink at each other across the line from time to time. We both realize we are fighting for separate causes but we are both really really trying in this life! Through this continued friendship we will continue to grow and learn how to love unconditionally and love without the looming political division.
The Challenge:
You may NOT be fighting for the same cause as another but the good news is this! Jesus never said we have to agree in order to love, be kind and show respect.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Friday, January 20, 2017
481 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ
*The Light*
Let light shine out of darkness. 2 Corinthians 4:6
It's Inauguration Day today. A very special day but protesters are making the light of hope dim.
I was driving today and noticed a tree. The tree was not upright. It very slanted. The other side was a dark corner and fence. The tree was working hard to move away from the dark corner and toward the light to get its proper nourishment.
This is exactly what we as people must do. We must go away from the darkness and into the light in order to gain a clearer healthier more nourished perspective. We will never see clearly or be fed properly in the dark.
Martin Luther King said is best when he said this; "Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that."
The Challenge:
Emulate Martin! Always seek the light in all that you do and you will in return be nourished!
*The Light*
Let light shine out of darkness. 2 Corinthians 4:6
It's Inauguration Day today. A very special day but protesters are making the light of hope dim.
I was driving today and noticed a tree. The tree was not upright. It very slanted. The other side was a dark corner and fence. The tree was working hard to move away from the dark corner and toward the light to get its proper nourishment.
This is exactly what we as people must do. We must go away from the darkness and into the light in order to gain a clearer healthier more nourished perspective. We will never see clearly or be fed properly in the dark.
Martin Luther King said is best when he said this; "Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that."
The Challenge:
Emulate Martin! Always seek the light in all that you do and you will in return be nourished!
Thursday, January 19, 2017
480 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ
*Purple Cross Mission*
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:2
It has been an emotional few days. May be the winter blues, may be that I'm having anxiety that my book that I poured my heart and soul into for year and a half is now in publication status which is a very freaky feeling.
Life is a bit at stand still right now more than likely the calm before the storm. Praying a good storm. So as restless as I've been feeling the Lord is in fact keeping me busy with our Purple Cross Mission.
We made up these little valentines gifts with the Purple Cross attached. We went around our neighborhood and today I learned that God has work for us all and it's right next door!
We have an older neighbor named Rich. Very sweet man and always watching over our home in a protective father like way. As he opened the gift I did not expect what was about to happen. I truly did not. He took one look at the cute stuffed animal with our cross and then looked up at me very intensely. He said I have not been well." I said, "I'm so sorry but luckily for us there is no pain in heaven." He then said, "Oh, I won't make it there I have a rocky past." I quickly perked up realizing the Holy Spirit brought me straight to this man for this very purpose on this very day! "I said Rich, you know the second you ask God for forgiveness your forgiven immediately?" He then said, "Oh no I'm atheist I don't believe in that supernatural stuff." The Lord guided me to say a few more quick things but the most important thing he led me to do was to tell this hopeless hurting man simply, I Love you. I gave him a squeeze on the arm and said I'm here to talk about God if you ever want to.
I left the encounter shedding tears and knowing I'll be praying for him. The power of this Purple Cross and the way it opens up conversation about Jesus is truly remarkable!
The Challenge:
Share our simple cross with your neighbor. We don't have to go so far to share the gospel. God put you right in the path of your neighbors to share about his glorious favor. Believe me when I say God opens up the conversation you don't even have to feel that awkward feeling of what do I do or what do I say! It all flows with the Purple Cross! 💜
*Purple Cross Mission*
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:2
It has been an emotional few days. May be the winter blues, may be that I'm having anxiety that my book that I poured my heart and soul into for year and a half is now in publication status which is a very freaky feeling.
Life is a bit at stand still right now more than likely the calm before the storm. Praying a good storm. So as restless as I've been feeling the Lord is in fact keeping me busy with our Purple Cross Mission.
We made up these little valentines gifts with the Purple Cross attached. We went around our neighborhood and today I learned that God has work for us all and it's right next door!
We have an older neighbor named Rich. Very sweet man and always watching over our home in a protective father like way. As he opened the gift I did not expect what was about to happen. I truly did not. He took one look at the cute stuffed animal with our cross and then looked up at me very intensely. He said I have not been well." I said, "I'm so sorry but luckily for us there is no pain in heaven." He then said, "Oh, I won't make it there I have a rocky past." I quickly perked up realizing the Holy Spirit brought me straight to this man for this very purpose on this very day! "I said Rich, you know the second you ask God for forgiveness your forgiven immediately?" He then said, "Oh no I'm atheist I don't believe in that supernatural stuff." The Lord guided me to say a few more quick things but the most important thing he led me to do was to tell this hopeless hurting man simply, I Love you. I gave him a squeeze on the arm and said I'm here to talk about God if you ever want to.
I left the encounter shedding tears and knowing I'll be praying for him. The power of this Purple Cross and the way it opens up conversation about Jesus is truly remarkable!
The Challenge:
Share our simple cross with your neighbor. We don't have to go so far to share the gospel. God put you right in the path of your neighbors to share about his glorious favor. Believe me when I say God opens up the conversation you don't even have to feel that awkward feeling of what do I do or what do I say! It all flows with the Purple Cross! 💜
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
479 Days Saved - A Walk With Christ
*Influence*
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:12
There is a saying that a man can be judged based upon the friends that he keeps. This is definitely a tricky subject for many reasons. One reason is we know Jesus did not judge but befriended all kinds of different people to offer his loving influence. We also know the above bible verse which warns of being influenced by the wrong crowd.
This got me thinking about this word influence. Influence means to have an effect on the character development or behavior of someone or something.
As humans (of the flesh) it's important to know we are both influencers and being influenced. Sometimes we want to be a good influence on someone but in return we are actually influenced by foolish behavior.
Example 1:
I watched a show where the boyfriend was working to be a good influence on his drug addict girl friend. In return she was influencing him and he soon joined her in her destructive ways.
Example 2:
I see people on social media promote the value of external beauty. Pictures such as nearly nude girls in sexual looking stances does not work to influence our society of women or men positively.
I had to make a decision to unfollow several this year because I was finding myself thinking foolishly. Thinking I needed to tuck this, tan that, lift there on the external to be beautiful. This is the worlds demented ideas of beauty; NOT Gods!
The Challenge:
Think about the company you keep. Are you the influencer? Are you being influenced? Are you being a good influence? Are they being a good influence on you? Great things to think upon as you continue your walk with Christ.
*Influence*
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:12
There is a saying that a man can be judged based upon the friends that he keeps. This is definitely a tricky subject for many reasons. One reason is we know Jesus did not judge but befriended all kinds of different people to offer his loving influence. We also know the above bible verse which warns of being influenced by the wrong crowd.
This got me thinking about this word influence. Influence means to have an effect on the character development or behavior of someone or something.
As humans (of the flesh) it's important to know we are both influencers and being influenced. Sometimes we want to be a good influence on someone but in return we are actually influenced by foolish behavior.
Example 1:
I watched a show where the boyfriend was working to be a good influence on his drug addict girl friend. In return she was influencing him and he soon joined her in her destructive ways.
Example 2:
I see people on social media promote the value of external beauty. Pictures such as nearly nude girls in sexual looking stances does not work to influence our society of women or men positively.
I had to make a decision to unfollow several this year because I was finding myself thinking foolishly. Thinking I needed to tuck this, tan that, lift there on the external to be beautiful. This is the worlds demented ideas of beauty; NOT Gods!
The Challenge:
Think about the company you keep. Are you the influencer? Are you being influenced? Are you being a good influence? Are they being a good influence on you? Great things to think upon as you continue your walk with Christ.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
478 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ
*Our Defender*
Satan may roar but my defender is the Lion of Judah and he will fight for me.... I need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
It is very true what they say. We are born into this world with a purpose. God had a specific mission granted to each and everyone of us. The key to this life is knowing who's voice you are listening to. It's knowing how to identify our Shepard's voice from the enemy's.
When the Lord made you he feared you would choose to listen to the enemy's voice. The enemies voice is the one that keeps you distracted, confused, lost, bored and desperate. These were not the characteristics our father instilled personally deep within your soul but characteristics this world has webbed all around us.
The Lord knows what your purpose here is and he is rooting for you to hear the right voice. His voice is the one that shows you the way, offers strength, adventure and a divine plan. A plan that in fact leads the way to your brilliant eternal destiny which lies on the other side of those heavenly gates.
The Challenge:
Ever feel scared, held back or confused? Satan is absolutely terrified of you learning the truth of whom you are and to whom you truly belong. Satan will desperately cling to you and tear you down in order to hold you back from hearing our Shepard's voice. Satan knows once we learn to follow Jesus he loses all momentum here on earth. Do NOT let satan gain momentum in your life but instead turn your head back and say, "Get behind me Satan," as you then proceed with disticntive internal courage moving only toward the light!
*Our Defender*
Satan may roar but my defender is the Lion of Judah and he will fight for me.... I need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
It is very true what they say. We are born into this world with a purpose. God had a specific mission granted to each and everyone of us. The key to this life is knowing who's voice you are listening to. It's knowing how to identify our Shepard's voice from the enemy's.
When the Lord made you he feared you would choose to listen to the enemy's voice. The enemies voice is the one that keeps you distracted, confused, lost, bored and desperate. These were not the characteristics our father instilled personally deep within your soul but characteristics this world has webbed all around us.
The Lord knows what your purpose here is and he is rooting for you to hear the right voice. His voice is the one that shows you the way, offers strength, adventure and a divine plan. A plan that in fact leads the way to your brilliant eternal destiny which lies on the other side of those heavenly gates.
The Challenge:
Ever feel scared, held back or confused? Satan is absolutely terrified of you learning the truth of whom you are and to whom you truly belong. Satan will desperately cling to you and tear you down in order to hold you back from hearing our Shepard's voice. Satan knows once we learn to follow Jesus he loses all momentum here on earth. Do NOT let satan gain momentum in your life but instead turn your head back and say, "Get behind me Satan," as you then proceed with disticntive internal courage moving only toward the light!
Saturday, January 14, 2017
477 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ
*Feeling Lead*
So that your giving will be in secret; And your father who sees what you have done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:4
Yesterday was a very very full day of feeling the Holy Spirit lead me. In fact today I'm in bed because my soul is exhausted. We handed out several Purple Crosses while out and about on our daily errands. One story struck me.
I was driving around downtown and I was a bit lost. As I turned down the street I saw this man sitting by this garage. I passed him by. I continued on to do some errands but then accidentally ended up on the same road. I kept thinking about that man so I said, "Lord if you want me to stop and share our cross then have him still be there." Sure enough the man was still sitting by the garage. I did have my kids with me and I could have been nervous but I wasn't. The Holy Spirit filled me with courage.
As I handed him the Purple Cross I said, "I am not sure why but the Lord specifically wanted me to share this with you today." I also gave him some candy. He was delighted and very very thankful. He was also not intimidating at all but actually a young very nice man! He said, "Thank you Flower child." 😊
As I looked over another man was tapping on my window. I got nervous but rolled my window down. That man wanted a business card for our party planning business.
Gods sweet reward?
The Challenge:
Do you keep thinking about a person or you hear others saying their name around you very often? That's the Holy Spirit saying it's time to reach out!
*Feeling Lead*
So that your giving will be in secret; And your father who sees what you have done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:4
Yesterday was a very very full day of feeling the Holy Spirit lead me. In fact today I'm in bed because my soul is exhausted. We handed out several Purple Crosses while out and about on our daily errands. One story struck me.
I was driving around downtown and I was a bit lost. As I turned down the street I saw this man sitting by this garage. I passed him by. I continued on to do some errands but then accidentally ended up on the same road. I kept thinking about that man so I said, "Lord if you want me to stop and share our cross then have him still be there." Sure enough the man was still sitting by the garage. I did have my kids with me and I could have been nervous but I wasn't. The Holy Spirit filled me with courage.
As I handed him the Purple Cross I said, "I am not sure why but the Lord specifically wanted me to share this with you today." I also gave him some candy. He was delighted and very very thankful. He was also not intimidating at all but actually a young very nice man! He said, "Thank you Flower child." 😊
As I looked over another man was tapping on my window. I got nervous but rolled my window down. That man wanted a business card for our party planning business.
Gods sweet reward?
The Challenge:
Do you keep thinking about a person or you hear others saying their name around you very often? That's the Holy Spirit saying it's time to reach out!
476 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ
💜Purple Cross Mission💜
When you've done everything you can do, that's when God will step in and do what you can't do. 2 Corinthians 12:10
I went to pick up my medicine tonight. I literally just loaded up my purse pockets fresh with 30 new Purple Crosses to share.
Tonight as I was at the counter getting my medicine I felt the pharmacist energy a little low. The Holy Spirit nudged me and said, Do it..." "Give her one." For some reason I was reluctant. I decided to listen and as I gathered up my items I set a Purple Cross on the counter and said, "This is for you. Jesus loves you." For some reason I felt nervous to look up and when I did she reluctantly said thank you with a slight eye roll.
So here's the thing we must all remember about our Lord. He wants us to share the seedling of hope so he can begin to work hearts and do what we can not do. Sometimes it take a thousand little seedlings for someone to understand this guy named Jesus but I do know one thing! Even if it takes a 1000 seedlings, from all around the world, the Lord will be so proud of you for sharing that one tiny seedling, on that one special day when the Holy Spirit whispered, "Do It."
The Challenge:
Share a seedling (maybe a Purple Cross) and be the one seedling amongst thousands that gifts HOPE to a single soul!
💜Purple Cross Mission💜
When you've done everything you can do, that's when God will step in and do what you can't do. 2 Corinthians 12:10
I went to pick up my medicine tonight. I literally just loaded up my purse pockets fresh with 30 new Purple Crosses to share.
Tonight as I was at the counter getting my medicine I felt the pharmacist energy a little low. The Holy Spirit nudged me and said, Do it..." "Give her one." For some reason I was reluctant. I decided to listen and as I gathered up my items I set a Purple Cross on the counter and said, "This is for you. Jesus loves you." For some reason I felt nervous to look up and when I did she reluctantly said thank you with a slight eye roll.
So here's the thing we must all remember about our Lord. He wants us to share the seedling of hope so he can begin to work hearts and do what we can not do. Sometimes it take a thousand little seedlings for someone to understand this guy named Jesus but I do know one thing! Even if it takes a 1000 seedlings, from all around the world, the Lord will be so proud of you for sharing that one tiny seedling, on that one special day when the Holy Spirit whispered, "Do It."
The Challenge:
Share a seedling (maybe a Purple Cross) and be the one seedling amongst thousands that gifts HOPE to a single soul!
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