Here We Go Again

Here we go again....

Well I was looking for a blog I had written, gone. Where did that thing go?I found it:but not where it was supposed to be. It had posted under another catagory and I sat frustrated realizing that my computer had loaded the wrong site. Oh well.... here we go again; heading out in with good plans, but ending up in the wrong place.

That reminds me of my Christian experience sometimes. My intentions are good; but I get side tracked and do something I know probably causes God to blush.

I am so thankful for a God of forgiveness. He is willing to patiently turn us around and get us back on track. And, it is a good reminder to me not to be critical of someone else on the path: maybe they too, are temporarly lost on the journey of life. I need to pray for them and nurture them, just as Jesus would do.

God's Laws

God's laws are often looked at as a burden. "Do I really have to do that?", people ask.

I am working on a budget now. Sometimes it feels like a mountain that simply can not be climbed. How could so much money pass our hands- yet things be so out of focus. Yet, I keep pushing on. I want the results. I know following budget in will change my life.

Recently I had money in my account for a bill. Before this bill would have caused me great stress. I would be frantically wondering how to cover the expense. I would not have had the money, if I was not working on my budget;but, this time I looked with satisfaction as I paid my bill with no stress. The money was in the account, and the job done.

For me, sometimes the "laws" of God take sacrifice: but the results of obeying bring so much satisfaction. His laws were designed to make us happy, and it is His love that shows us that path.

Someone Called Me

Someone called me today to thank me for writing an article. They told me how they had read the article several times; prayed over it, and then were able to change an action in their life.

Hum, interesting. I never feel like anyone reads anything I write. So, when I get a response it always amazes me. I appreciate the support; but really this is a God thing after all. I am just putting on paper what I feel God says to me. I don't see myself as especially gifted, talented or anything else special.

God uses all of us. Each of us has something so wonderful that we impact many lives. Never feel as if you are a nothing. You are God's and He can make you a witness without even knowing it. You have a ministry that no one else can do.

Drifting Snow

I am in a "melt down" lately; too tired, emotionally. My mother has been in the hospital and out and other things of life have worn me out. I am not really depressed; just tired. This morning I had a list of "to do's" and thought how I should push myself into these chores. They did not have to be done- but with my work-a-holic attitude I never could let myself take a day off.

Then it started to snow. The ground was already covered with snow, but flakes came drifting and I knew I would be staying inside. I just lifted up a prayer to God of thanks. I did not have to make my appointments: snowed in, I lit some candles and did house chores. My phone was unusually quiet also and that made it even nicer.

I think somehow today's snow and the phones being so quiet were God's kind way of saying, "Linda, I get it: you need a day off. Go and rest." Thank you Jesus.

An Honest Man

I have been reading a series of books lately written by a God fearing author: Larry Burkett. He educates on budgeting. But, what has really impressed me is not the work on budget but his total commitment to God. He brings not just finance to the table, but Godly ethics. It is refreshing.

I have been thinking a lot about what he is writing. His standards are high, and his standards are based on total integrity: honest, kindness and accountability for what God has given us. As I study I pray and think. Do my ethics show up in all areas of my life? Is my bank account looked at as my account or God's? Who has control of my life? Am I still on the throne or is God?

Larry Burkett has passed away, but I am thankful for his model. He lived a life of honesty and integrity, a high standard. I want to be like that.

Loyalty in God.

Ten years ago I listened to a woman give her testimony on Christian radio. God had totally changed her life: by adopting principles He taught in the bible. Today, I went to her web site. She has become very famous. In her blog I she describes her self and what she is doing. But, something is missing. She no longer gives God the glory.

On the other hand, God brought to mind a famous actor: that upon finding Christ walked away from his career. He never has turned his back on God. He gave up a lot in the world's eyes. Yet, he is still an on fire Christian today and active in ministry. These two people had a test. Where was their loyalty?

Today- where is my loyalty? In God. I pray I never forget the God that is providing for me.

Lonely for Jesus

I am so lonely. My daughter is planning on marring a boy that lives in another state. I feel as if she is moving to the moon. This same weekend my aunt told me she probably will never be back. She lives on the other side of the country. And, so I feel so sad. I feel as if I am losing two very important people, and I cried last night.

I feel lonely for God too. I want a better relationship with Him. Often I feel like my relationship is so off base. The fire I had before is a smoldering now. I feel lonely too, that it is taking him so long to come back. I want to go home. No more loneliness, no more sorrow, no more pain.

Lord, today- make me a real Christian that burns for you. And come soon Jesus. Thank you. Amen.

Give Up My Faith?

Once someone told me I would be much happier if I gave up my faith. I thought about it, maybe she was right. But, I did not give up my faith. I am glad I remained to my faith. Do I believe that all Christian's are good people? No. Do I believe all non-believers are bad people? No. But, I do believe in a God which loves man kind. I believe: that though I may not understand what happens in my life, I still have a God in control of things.

Now, many years later my faith in God has given me a life which- though not perfect; certainly is much better than what I see offered without God. I have a hope for my eternal future. I have a marriage which has lasted 26 years; due to our joined faith. I believe that I have a purpose.

Give up my faith? No. Why would I want any other life?

Viva Faith!

Yesterday I was really angry with God. I had asked him to help me with stress but I just kept getting more and more stressed. I felt as if God had not come to me as I needed. Finally at the end of the day, I did get peace. Where was God? I don't know. I went to bed angry with God.

But, in the night my whole body went to peace and my mind cleared. I woke up refreshed. And, after my night's rest I thought of things I need to do for continued peace.

I don't know where God was yesterday. Why does He seem not to answer some prayers? I don't know that either. But, I still believe in God. I still believe He is in control, and I still believe that He is with me just as he says He will be. I imagine many times the people in the bible said, "Where is God?" But it was faith that kept them going and that faith is what made the difference between nominal believers and Faith filled believers. Viva Faith!

God IS in Control!

I have a choice here. I am trying to post on the blog- where or where did my blog go? I could get really frustrated. Or I could try and stay focused.

Have you ever had those times you are so frustrated? Well, this could be one of those moments. I post one place- my blog does not show up: rrrrr! Somewhere else, "bad blog- you are not supposed to be here!". I work some more and find a link that is "new". It goes crazy. And we all have those moments. The harder we work, the more messed up things get! Well, it is life!

Recently I read that when problems come we should just smile and know God is in control. We don't have to know why thing don't go right. We just have to believe there is a purpose of life. We move forward in faith- knowing God is in control. That's good news, isn't it! God IS in Control! Thank you Jesus!

I am trying to change my life style. I am trying to eat differently and take care of my body. For a long time I have been convicted that God really would appreciate it if I would do better. When my body is not at a its best, how can I give my best service? If I am tired because I am carrying too much weight, or if I have a headache because I am missing the caffienne I love to drink. Will I be thinking of spiritual things?

But, my big problem is loving sin. For me, lack of temperance is sin. Because when I am not well, I don't appreciate spiritual things as much. Yet, my love of this sinful area of my life has been my "hidden sin". For years, my conviction has been one way- my obedience another way. Finally I gave God the situation. I started the journey to "recovery". I still fall a lot, but the difference since I agreed to work on this area of my life is spiritual.

It has been amazing to me to see how many areas of my life God is entering now. Spiritually I am growing again- after a long period of drought.

I guess is makes sense to me. If I charish an area of sin, why would God want to give me more light, if I don't use the light I have already? So I pray that today- I chose obediance; for me it means growth.

REST!

Today I took my time to just rest. REST! Resting is so hard for me to do. I have such a hard drive to keep busy. But, today I took action to take care of myself. And the results were amazing, I was able to really let go of so much. During my period of rest I was able to think clearer. I was able to go to God, and talk- no rush, no fear: just talk.

Rest in my life is something I don't do well at times. But, I need to remember that God puts rest for us. Isn't that a lovely part of God. He cares for us. I love having God love me. And, his love opens me to love him more.

Away to Rest

My aunt is visiting. I love my aunt, and I always see it as a great treat when she visits. But, her face frowned as she told me I needed to be taking better care of myself. As she looked at my "to do" list she frowned and told me to cut back on my chores, rest more and take care of myself.

I have always been good at over committing, and taking life easy is a skill I have not really perfected. It takes is toll too, I become depressed and frustrated with what I do. I am my worst task master. I was raised in a very strong family where work was not desired, it was required. We were to be productive people.

I am glad that my family embraced a strong work ethic, but at the same time sometimes we get out of balance. We find it hard to "relax", or kick back. I look with envy at people which can sit and relax without looking at their watches.

I love to think of Jesus. He was perfectly balanced. He worked hard, but he also took time to rest. I need to remember that balance is also Christian. There were times Jesus went away to rest, and that was important also.

Total Trust

I had my pencil out and was figuring the stats on my property purchase I had made. I was going to lose a lot of money. This investment was turning sour, very sour. But instead of worrying and becoming depressed; I just sat back and looked at the whole situation. Instead of looking at it as a total loss I rejoiced that I was not worrying.

Worry is my second nature. Somehow through it all, God had given me peace. I looked at this loss as a gain. Because I was at total peace, knowing God is in control. And to totally trust God, I knew was spiritual gain.

I can't say I always react that way. Often I worry myself into the grave; but when I have moments of total trust- I have moments of total peace. That is my goal in my Christian experience. I just want to totally trust God.

Spam Blocker

My spam blocker was pushing out information I really needed and it was bugging me a lot. What good was my computer if I could not access what I needed because it was locked away from me? Recently I accidentally rented a movie which had values that were crude and demeaning. The movie was supposed to be a comedy: but the content was not funny, just terrible crude.

I wonder when I put things like that in my mind; doesn't it work the same as my unwanted spam block? I am keeping the Holy Spirit out, as I allow things in which remove my spirituality.

No More Sorrow.

My mother is in the hospital for a knee replacement. When she came out of the operation she looked so tired, sad and in pain. My heart filled with compassion and just wanted to push away her pain. It makes me long for when we are in heaven. No more pain, sorrow, and tears. Just peace and love.

Home

We have been traveling. I enjoyed my trip, even though it was a work trip. But once I came home I sat at my computer and just let out a screem: "It is great to be home!"

There is no place like home, and I can't wait to be home with Jesus.