Words Start Wars!

Father, Thank You we are lifting up those close to us with our words; instead of tearing them down! Words are powerful; whereas, they can ignite conflict or compliment and value the good in others!

God, you alone, focus on “good” in ALL of us and know our hearts, so that all darkness will be exposed by Your light! Thank You!

Your endless love will transform anyone; so I pray that all of us who are tempted to lash out at a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, in anger, to look up to you in prayer so the right words are spoken to keep peace, unity and sobriety in the environment. In the midst of storms, if we look to the left or to the right (seeking others for advice) we will be consumed by the waves (The conflict will spiral out of control)! It's so import to be prayerful in ALL situations and let “You” God handle them!

“Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment, You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:16-17 NKJV)

Perpetual Spring!

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece. An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin. (Proverbs 16:27-29 TLB)

I can honestly say, I have never looked forward to retirement or being out of “something to do”! The past two years of being unemployed, has been an eye opener! To view so many (not all) people who have labored hard physically, mentally, and emotionally and then retire do “nothing”!

There are a few who do some things; but for most, their definition of retiring is to do whatever they want! What transpires is an unhealthy lifestyle; which is doing too much of one thing, and not enough of another - out of balance! 

I'm not speaking for all, but again, many live a routine life, some over eat, some have developed chronic illness, causing them to reside in assisted living facilities, and some have the money and time to travel, but do not! It's an unfulfilled life; without anything being said!  

Retirement should not be boring, unfulfilled or routine. It's like any foreseen change; you  prepare, with Gods' help - you do your part, and let Him do the rest!

If you are a Christian, we (I'm including myself) are to seek out the needy, the downtrodden, the poor, the widowed, and the hungry; everyday, whether retired or not! Opportunities arise hourly, daily, and weekly!

Retired Dentist Shows Students the Magic Behind Helping Others ...

Those who have families, parents, and neighbors have plenty to do! I'm not asking you to force yourselves or get involved in their affairs; however, many of us know who needs help, who needs food, and who needs a ride somewhere! You shouldn't have to be asked, but offer yourselves and your time!

Being in ministry, (which we are all called to do in some form or fashion) should not leave you tired, worn out, or fed up! If you come away with any of these emotions, then you are doing it in your own strength (grudgingly, with a hard heart, and judgmentally)!

When you are led by God to do anything, you are at peace, nothing deters you and you understand others pain and suffering without denying yourself of your needs! There will be people who we are not able to help no matter what - never overlook prayer! 

No one sets out to live a selfish life; however, many of us go down that path! All of us work hard at something; but what many do not realize is that when we replace working for God instead of man, then our thoughts and actions change! Never look forward to a selfish life of focusing totally on ourselves – if that is your idea of “a job well done”, then ask God for living water!

The woman was surprised that a Jew would ask a “despised Samaritan” for anything—usually they wouldn’t even speak to them!—and she remarked about this to Jesus. He replied, “If you only knew what a wonderful gift God has for you, and who I am, you would ask me for some living water!” “But you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this is a very deep well! Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob? How can you offer better water than this which he and his sons and cattle enjoyed?” Jesus replied that people soon became thirsty again after drinking this water.  “But the water I give them,” he said, “becomes a perpetual spring within them, watering them forever with eternal life.” (John 4:9-14 TLB)

Itr's the Simple Things!

You do not have to spend a fortune on your children to keep them happy and entertained! Yes I am a Mother and Grandmother and I have witnessed parents today who invest in things that truly do not hold their value, the child's interest very long; and severs the parent/child relationship. Purchasing expensive toys does not prove anything except raising a child who will soon become selfish, demanding and self-centered. Your child will not fall apart if you put your foot down and tell them "no"; and neither will you!

He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. (Proverbs 13:24 NKJV)

There are numerous things you can do at home with your child that is creative and fun. Children love a challenge and one of the most practical things to do at home (if space allows) is to set up a card table with a puzzle that is beyond their age level. When they come to you and say they are bored, steer them towards the puzzle and watch a very determined child, determined to figure out how to put that puzzle together (They will sit there for hours doing it also)!

Replace soda pop with a healthy Slushy! I remember one of my Great Aunts would put ice and 100% orange juice in a blender and make Orange Juice Slushies during hot summer days! We loved them! You can use fruit juices, water enhancers, etc. Again be creative! Create a scavenger hunt in the house using index cards with clues that are a combination of math and word definitions! Again, learning as well as having fun! I created a scavenger hunt, years ago, during Sunday school class. I had the class locate scripture in the bible; whereas, I didn't put what book the scripture was located; and used scripture as clues to locate specific leaves, stones, and flowers outside. They met the challenge and exceeded my expectations (I’m glad to know they were paying close attention in class), and wanted to do it again the next Sunday!

                                                                               Homemade watermelon slushy!

It's the simple things that intrigue a child! Winter is coming and the cold weather does not permit anyone to stay out for long hours and be adventurous; so think outside the box. If you do purchase a Wii or X Box, limit their time on it, so they can do other things that involve movement, and exercising the brain. 

Reading an appropriate book of interest is a very good exercise for the brain and comes highly recommended. Reading was mandatory for both of my children, at grade school level. They had one hour before bed to read a book or magazine to wind down. (Set aside a time that is good for your household) Have your child get in the habit of carrying a book with them when they know they are going somewhere with a long wait - such as the doctor's office too!

My son loved sports as a young child and still does, so my sister subscribed him to Children’s Sports Illustrated and he would read it from cover to cover. Even reading magazines broadened his vocabulary, as well as learning geography! Yes, he knew almost all of the 50 state capitals by associating them with the state of the ball team! Hey, he was reading, and often! My daughter loved to read and still does also; but she enjoys all types of books. 

Both of my children were and still are very intelligent; however, if they are inquisitive about something they do not know, I remind them to go to the library – and they do frequent it often. I'm saddened that many do not gravitate towards the library as often as they used to!

In addition, establish your own family traditions! I have adult children now in their thirties (with children), and they had chores, we created fun things to do, and we ate as a family at home except on Fridays. Friday was our day to dress up and go to a sit down restaurant so they could learn proper dinner etiquette.

Saving money is good, but building relationships with your children, teaching them how to create, challenge their intellect, and exercise the brain, develops a successful child! It’s an investment you will get a return on! 

                                           Math puzzle with answers!

Divided We Will Fall!

“You only have I known 
of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you 
for all your iniquities.

³ “Do two walk together,
    unless they have agreed to meet? (Amos 3:2-3 ESV)

I do not own the rights to this image

When any two are in agreement with anything; it can be anywhere from cleaning the kitchen, to paying the bills, you will succeed in it. 

So many relationships, even though this is speaking of our relationship with God and the sin between us that blocks His blessings, it does relate to marriage relationships on earth of those who cannot agree on anything, then nothing and the relationship will not work! Come to agreement on paying bills, disciplining the children, doing the laundry. It’s not up to one to sit back and dictate while the other one carries the burden of doing it all alone; but to work together and do it in agreement! For example: “If laundry will be your duty, the dishes will be mine”! And stick to the agreement; therefore, there will be peace and unity in the household! AND SPEAK IN LOVE (which is a tone you normally use when speaking to your friends) I see so many people treat their outside friends better than their spouse! In addition to speaking harsh, hard and sharp to them as if they are dirt under their feet!

The American Dream???

Is it really that much easier to give to your child all their wants just to keep the peace? Ask yourself this question again when your child is 38 years old and you are still giving! Do you have peace; are they learning to be independent of you and dependent on God? I can tell you the answer will be a resound, “NO”!

Very few children, who are constantly handed things, develop the mentality that everyone no matter, friend, enemy, or family need to continue this pattern of giving to them! And when things do not go their way, they do what they have always done as a two year old – they throw a temper tantrum! Why not, it’s always worked as child and guess what; it works as an adult ~ just with more destruction of self and others!

I personally did not hand my children everything they thought the wanted, nor did I allow a negative response from them when they did not get it! I’ve experienced so many Mothers say, “I just gave in just so they would shut up”! Giving in is not an option, nor is the behavior! Yes it takes consistency, determination, and God to raise your child as a true Christian; and yes, it does seem like you are failing miserably at times! But NEVER, EVER give up hope on God and the work He does in us as well as our children! Everything we do for Christ will last!

Our children appreciate us more and the things they thought they wanted more, when there is something they are required to do to get it! The major thing is sacrifices to experience in order to receive; we have to give; and not grudgingly either! Giving a less fortunate child a new toy you purchased from the money you earned cutting the neighbors grass, or helping care for a younger sibling while Mom works to save on money, doing the cleaning, cooking, and nurturing! All of this is growing you in many ways; in character, as well as in the Holy Spirit!  

Teaching your kids to give as they receive! As they work to get, they also are getting to give!

We do not have this type of lifestyles anymore; and I say this from witnessing how the students in school come in day after day with things that are not a need, but parents are comparing their lifestyle to others; or the old cliché”; “Keeping up with the Jones’”! Americans have become wreck less, selfish, egotistic, arrogant, ruthless, and blind to the deterioration it is producing! “The thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill and destroy”! (John 10:10) and he is doing a very good job of it, only because we as a people are ignorant to a better way; which is being a born again Christian! If you continue on the path of destruction, it will end in destruction! Our spirit has to depart somewhere when we leave this earth; that very few understand this and do not care; until that day comes and you are not able to change it!

No man or woman wants a 38 year old in body, but two years old in mind, character and spirit! Stop the giving, and begin the proper, God-fearing, and rearing of you and your children! God is more concerned about our character than our comfort!

¹⁹ There was a certain rich man who [habitually] clothed himself in purple and fine linen and reveled and feasted and made merry in splendor every day.

²⁰ And at his gate there was [carelessly] dropped down and left a certain utterly destitute man named Lazarus, [reduced to begging alms and] covered with [ulcerated] sores.

²¹ He [eagerly] desired to be satisfied with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover, the dogs even came and licked his sores.

²² And it occurred that the man [reduced to] begging died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

²³ And in Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom.

²⁴ And he cried out and said, Father Abraham, have pity and mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.

²⁵ But Abraham said, Child, remember that you in your lifetime fully received [what is due you in] comforts and delights, and Lazarus in like manner the discomforts and distresses; but now he is comforted here and you are in anguish.

²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who want to pass from this [place] to you may not be able, and no one may pass from there to us.

²⁷ And [the man] said, Then, father, I beseech you to send him to my father’s house—

²⁸ For I have five brothers—so that he may give [solemn] testimony and warn them, lest they too come into this place of torment.

²⁹ But Abraham said, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear and listen to them.

³⁰ But he answered, No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent (change their minds for the better and heartily amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins).

³¹ He said to him, If they do not hear and listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded and convinced and believe [even] if someone should rise from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31 AMP)

God's Will!

If you grew up poor, hungry, controlled, abused, with hatred, or rejected, we all transition physically; because your body grows from a child to an adult – but very few make the transition in the mind! It cannot be done in your own strength unless you surrender your thoughts and hearts to Jesus and let Him complete you in mind, body and spirit!  

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect". (Romans 12:2 NLT)

To keep from being deceived in your thoughts by Satan, read your bible daily to give your mind the proper nutrition it needs and stay deeply rooted in Love!

                                                                 

                                                                     When Someone you Love is abused!

¹ The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

² He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

³ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.

⁴ Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with ^[a]oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

⁶ Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. (Psalm 23 AMPC)

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 23:5 It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing and invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His “sheep” with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs—in heavenly fellowship with Him. (biblegateway.com)

Everyone has faced rejection in some form! It is a hurdle many have jumped! But for those who approach the hurdle afraid they will fall; you will because your fear is more powerful than your faith!