Worthless Christianity

Tonight I had a message from someone which cost me my job twenty years ago. He was deceitful, hurting and treated me very wrong. This person wants to get together to "catch up on old times". What's to catch up? I am wondering what the real motive he has is for me. I don't want to see him, hear from him or find out anything about him. But, now my Christianity is really being tested. I want to blow him off; but would Jesus do that? I doubt it.

Perhaps after all these years this person wants to apologize. I don't know. My challenge now is to live my faith. Jesus would want dignity, graciousness and compassion. I will be in prayer. I don't want to see this man: but being a Christian holds a higher standard. If that standard is to meet this man- I hope I do the right thing. I will be praying about it. Because Christianity that does not do the right thing, is worthless.

Grace for Today

"You seem to want to fight- so I thought I would start the fight this time!", I shouted out. Moving. What a pain, and it brings out the worst in many people. My husband and I were at it today. Tonight we are peaceful and back on planet earth.

The difference? We have learned to not take our moves personal. Yes, we do blow it and yes we say stupid things. But in the end we still know we love each other and that it is the pressure of the move that has us going- not the person.

I have learned this shopping also. Sometimes I need to be patient with my "rude" fellow human beans. Does someone cut me off? Take my place or have I hit an extra slow checker? Maybe he too is just over worked, too tired and feeling like blowing up. Grace, looks past the situation; and seeks to see the best in others.

Today, may I have grace for others and remember that maybe someone else has had grace with me when I did not deserve it.

God always shows grace, and that is my goal: to be gracious as he is.

Bowling With My Friends

Last night a group of friends went out bowling. We had lots of fun. I am so thankful for friendship. It is a gift from God. Many times I have been in churches and not had friends. Oh, I do have the friends at church but no one takes the time to invite me over. No phone calls, no fellowship.

I realize that they are busy, and hold no grudges. But, in today's busy world friendship often gets lost. It occurred to me that when the bible tells us to be hospitable this extends to making friends with those in the church. Maybe we need to do more than greet each other in church. We need to open our homes, share our smiles and meals.

It is a lonely world today. And one phone call, one visit, one letter can change a person.

God bless my wonderful friends. May I be the one reaching out with friendship.

How Do I Live the Chritian Life

How do I live the Christian life?

I believe the first thing is to remember: this is a journey. There will be ups and downs. Keep your relationship with Jesus. Stay in fellowship and find a church that welcomes you, keep your mind renewed by bible study and prayer. Work to develop friends with other Christians.

And be careful, Satan will work hard to take you away from your new faith. These things come in the form of disappointments with church, or misunderstands of what being a Christian means. You will have a fuller life; but it often comes with the purification of difficulties. Let the difficulties come and move you deeper to Christ as you seek him to take you through them.

About Me

Here, we want to start an online mentoring program. I will be trying to answer your questions from a Christian woman's perspective.

About me: I have been a teacher and worked with children over 20 years. I am a mom and wife. I have two children and have been married 27 years. I have been a Christian all of my memorable life. I am 53. We hope that my life experience can be tapped to answer your questions. I am not a professional counselor. Just a Christian woman wanting to help other Christian's male or female that may have "life questions", and want advice from someone with Christian experience living the Christian life.

So please feel free to ask your questions. Linda

Mentoring Program

I am reading a book about men needing role models. The author points out that many men no longer have fathers; and don't know what being a "man" really means. They stumble along trying to do manly things: but in reality, don't know what being a man really means.

I realize that today we have a generation of orphans: men and women. Divorce, over work, lack of interest on parents and absence takes away the parents from the children. And many children arrive as adults without skills to parent, run a home or be a marriage partner.

I approached our leadership and discussed the real need for a mentor to the adults which have grown up without the support of parents. And we are looking into an on line question answer mentoring program.

Give Thanks

Do you ever think of your leadership as human? Do you see them getting angry, frustrated; bitter or lonely? They do.

I was a Christian teacher for years. I have been a missionary four years, and served in many "outreach" services. I have experienced all of these feelings. I am human, and so are your Pastors; teachers and leadership teams.

I believe that often the leadership also is hit the hardest with Satanic force. Satan wants to take out the leaders: to break up those which are faithful.

Today, pray for your leadership. Give them a proverbial cup of water. They too get thirsty. They thirst for friendship, patience and love. Often they give and give and give; and a kind word: friendly smile, and acknowledgement of them does wonders.

Thanks to all which support me, and thanks to the Christian leadership I get to share ministry with. THANK YOU CHAD, RANDY, BRUCE, Mary and other staff which work so hard. God bless all of you! You are appreciated!

No More

Looking around me there are lots of sad people now. How sweet heaven will be: no more sadness, sickness and pain. Thank you Jesus.

Balanced Lives

I am so tired now. I have been working to clean up two houses for rent. We have been putting in long hours, and sometimes I really worry for my husband. He looks worn out, and I worry about his health. He goes to work and comes home to clean up rentals.

Sometimes I think it can be the same way when we live the Christian life. We can become worn out. We are so busy, we do not get our priorities straight. I believe that sometimes we forget that Jesus rested. I am so thankful that in the bible we have a model of a Jesus that went away to rest and pray. This gives me an example. There may be times my godly duty is to just go away and rest.

Soon, our house will be rented and I am going to just rest. God wants balanced lives.

Hacked

Yesterday someone tried to take money from my bank account. Fortunately, the hacker did not get in and my account was OK. Satan is a hacker too. He wants to take away my values, my dreams and my goodwill. Often he is there taking from me what he wants: because I do not guard my own mind. It is like leaving the door open to my bank account; when I put my mind in places of easy access. T.V. that is not up lifting, places not appropriate; or even conversation that spins around the faults of others while blind to my own faults.

Personally I have a choice. I can protect myself or leave myself wide open. My heart and mind have more value than a bank account; yet, I am extremely careless at times. Off with sin, and on with my relationship with God. My goal for a clean heart, clear mind and goodwill.

Carrying Christ Name

Today I am filling out lots of paper work. I have to screen tenants to see if they qualify to rent. I will be checking to see if they have good references, pay their bills, and are not doing crimes. It is so much work just to see that a person is honest and reputable.

I think as Christian's any screenings should show we are people of great integrity. We pay our bills, we don't do crimes and we realize that when we use the name Christian it says a lot. Unfortunately my husband and I have found that sometimes those which carry God's name; dishonor it by being poor credit risks, untruthful and disrespectful.

Christ was a man of honor, and dignity. I believe he paid his bills, did what he said and treated all people with honor. Shouldn't my records say the same about me, if I am going to carry his name?

It's Sure Was Easier

Yesterday as I was with my grand child I was really busy. Taking time to "enjoy" my grand daughter was difficult. I felt I just did not have the time, and I was restless. I was supposed to be getting a house ready to rent- but that is difficult with a 10 month old child.

"God I have so much to do; but I also know this child will be grown soon. And she needs to have a grandmother that cares about her. Give my patience and help me to rest and trust that you will work this out." I took her to the park and I prayed also that God would help me to focus on her, and let him work out the details. She pet a near by dog and discovered a twig she loved and crawled in the grass. I rested and enjoyed the cool breeze. It was a time of refreshment. By the end of the day I had met my goals on my rental, and still had time for my grand daughter.

Putting things in God's hands sure can be easier, and wiser.

Junk

Junk, junk, junk. I can't believe we can own so much JUNK! My dear and wonderful husband hoards. For three days he has been carrying just junk. Our garage is bursting as is our side yard. I on the other hand am a thrower. I have been throwing away more stuff. My purging and his hording always is a source of fighting.

Maybe it is that way with God and our selves. We hoard things not good for us; worthless, and just cluttering our growth. We, on the other hand; scream, pout and tantrum when God tries to remove those things we need to have removed.

God wants a pure clean heart; for my benefit. I wish I could learn to let go sooner, and stop adding to my pile of junk. God, please keep pull until I am willing to stop collecting.

That's Just the Kind of God We Serve

As I try and get my rental ready to rent, wow: it is a lot of work. The house was in pretty good condition, yet there was painting: the contractor to come...on and on the list goes. For a week my husband and I have been working on a house which really was in pretty good condition, but the mess of life adds up. Soon the house will look clean and sharp. I was thinking about Jesus making us a home in heaven.

I can't wait. I will have a house filled with sunlight, and many water features. I love animals,so I imagine God has placed them all around. I can't imagine what God has in store; and that is the best part. God has so much more for me I can't imagine it! And that is the kind of God we serve.

Up The Stool

Yesterday I went up and down my little stool painting. It was so hot, and I was kicking myself. Why hadn't I done this earlier in the day; when it was cool. Because I was procrastinating. I hate painting, and have done so much of it in my life. So I filled my day up with things that were not really priorities, and ended up painting when it was too hot.

Sometimes my spiritual life suffers as well. Instead of putting God front and center I put other "projects". What happens? I end the day and giving God the tail end; when I am too tired or just frustrated.

When I put God in where he needs to be my day seems to flow better.

Serving as Jesus Does

In church we had testimonies. They are an old school things, and don't come around much. But on this day two women stood and shared how much they appreciated the support of the congregation in their struggles with addiction. One woman pointed to my husband and I. She glowed, and shared what support we had given her.

I cringed inside, thankful she could not read my heart. The truth was that many times I had judged her as weak willed; and though my actions had supported her, my heart had not. God had to do some real talking to me in that service. It is my business to love, but God's to judge. I hope that the next time my husband and I are recognized for our service to others; I can deserve it. I want not to judge people by my standards, but by Gods. He always saw things through eyes of total commitment and love. His vision is one which sees the potential and loves the sinner as is. While it breaks his heart to have us struggle in sin; His hands always reach out in compassion.

Today: may I see others through Jesus view, and serve my fellow human in love and commitment.

A True Friend

My friend leaned across her desk and said, "I like having you as a friend. You listen without judging me." I was surprised by this comment. I am very opinionated, and actually give her lots of feed back. We both are strong women, and other times she has commented how much she appreciates my honesty with her. She is a powerful women in the community, and because she is so strong she has few true friends. Either they are her friends for business or are intimidated by her because of her position.

I think Jesus would have been a true friend. He would be honest, and a good listener. I appreciate good friends. They are true gifts from God. Today, may I appreciate those God puts in my path, loving them as Jesus would do: with honesty, and a true caring heart: knowing when to speak and when to be silent.

What a Day

I had committed my day and its agenda to God. During that day I discovered a can of paint tipped over in my closet, now dried. My bank lost a payment and I did not know where my receipt was and my realtor told me my property I was trying to sell had dropped by half in its value. Well, normally I would be moaning and groaning about my poor life. But this day I just let God take care of the problems.

The paint, well, it was in my closet, easy to replace a short piece of fabric. The payment, the bank found. And my property, I am just waiting to see what God has in store for it.

Through this journey, I was pleased because different than normal I was a peace through it all. And this shows growth in myself and beliefs. I hope that each day I can turn to God and trust him as I did that day.

Poor Husband

Yesterday I could have won an award for "Nasty Wife". My poor husband just seemed to be on every nerve I had. I would vow to not say something ugly,but then out would pop some sarcastic remark. By the time I went to bed I felt ashamed and frustrated.

The problem was not my husband. I was too tired. We have been trying to move about two weeks. To me it seems like two centuries. I was worn out. Today, I expected him to have me working all day on the house. Instead he let me rest. Finally,after the morning off, and a long nap; I woke up and was ready to work.

How thankful I am for a husband which is kind, wise and compassionate. A godly mate is a gift to treasure.

The Perfect Towels

I think sometimes God must smile at us, and loves to surprise us when we are the most frustrated.

I have moved and have been unable to find towels I liked for my new house. The bathroom is not a color I really like so finding "the right" towels has been hard-simply because of my own bias against the color. But today as I was cleaning out the other house I found a bag and wondered what I had stuck in it. There inside was a set of towels-and they are exactly what I want. I bought those towels two years ago, but forgot all about them. Then they were a gift for my mother, but I have decided on a different gift for my mom. Now when I just could not find what I needed- God placed them in my hands.

And that is the fun, of believing a loving God.

Spoiled Brat

I was on the bed face down, angry and praying. I should have been happy- but instead I was worse than the children of Israel. I was complaining, and complaining and complaining.

"I wanted to paint this house before we moved in..... I can't fit things in where I need to....My neighbors are too snoopy".

God wants us to praise him, and I think he is very disappointed when we complain instead of give thanks. Yesterday I went to God in prayer, "God my attitude stinks. I am ugly in my actions and just plain mad. I am too tired and frustrated. I can't seem to get a focus, and sure don't feel like praising anything....I am sorry. Please put a spirit of joy in me and let me stay in praise."

God did answer my prayer. It was not right away. I did battle with frustration but by the end of the day I was in joy.

I hope that next time I am being a spoiled brat; I will be on my bed sooner. Because God should be praised in good or bad. It is joy I need to focus on in my life.

Off With T.V.

Did you know that people in torture camps become numb to the plight of those they share the suffering. The reason is because they see suffering so often it becomes common place.

The other day I turned on the T.V.. I don't watch a lot of T.V. and was surprised by the amount of plain filth. I heard profanity. I saw lots of sexual implications and when I turned off the T.V. I felt morally polluted. Our society has become indifferent to things. This concerns me. I see a spiral of degeneracy of our society. Have we become numb to anything of value? I wonder.


Jesus warned us to keep our minds on things that were pure, holy and upright. It was for our good. I long for more purity, and hope I do not become indifferent to my own values. My goal is to invest my time into things that will lift me up- not down.

So for today, off with T.V. which does not support values that honor Jesus.

Tribute to my Father's

On Sunday will be Father's Day. I was thinking about my Dad. There are many things which makes him an excellent candidate for a great father- but two things stand out for me. The first is my father's generous spirit. My dad was never a person which gave out hand outs. But he had a very generous spirit to anyone which was trying to improve themselves. If he heard that someone needed a job; and was trying but simply could not find a job, mysteriously my dad would always need that person's services.

The other quality my father had was commitment to his family. I saw my father go to work many, many times when he was very sick with a migraine. Today, over thirty years still I remember him pulling himself to work so sick that his face would be white and eyes swollen from pain of a migraine. He never complained, just went and did his job.

Some people say how we see our father's is how we will see God. I believe my dad was an excellent example of generosity and sacrifice. God the father had these qualities also. He sacrificed his son, and generously gave us heritage in his family.

God Did it in Seven

I have been painting for two days, and all I have accomplished is three rooms partially finished. It seems impossible that it could take so long; but it has. That just made me smile. God made a whole world in seven days- and I can't even paint more than three rooms in two days? God must smile at us sometimes. He is so big; and we so little. Yet, he loves us anyway.

Today I am Worry Free

Matthew 13 describes things which take away our relationship with God. I was surprised to see that one of the things which takes it away is worry. Matthew 13:22.

Recently I have been worrying a lot. And as I was worrying and praying; it occurred to me that my worry was a sin against God. I do not believe all worry is a sin. We do have real concerns; but obsessive and consistent worry indicates that our worries have more power over us than God does. When I could not read my bible for many days, because I could not concentrate- my life was out of balance. I saw that the king of the throne of my mind were these constant concerns. I saw I had an addictive idol of anxiety.

In humbleness I took this issue to God. I told him I was sorry for my deep concerns and asked him to remove my idol; that I could not. And I have not worried since that time of prayer. I still have the same issues; but am at peace.

I am not saying I will never have concerns and worries again- I may. But for today, I am worry free: and I thank and praise God for that.

Hurray for My Garden

Hurray for my garden. My green thumb is not green, black maybe but not green. I am sure that most plants scream in fear when I adopt them; as I am not good at gardening. But, to my absolute amazement this year I have a crop which is growing. It shocked me. I was so fascinated at how fast my lettuce is grown right now. How did it get so big so fast I wondered. It was almost as if I jumped two inches without me looking.

My lettuce reminded me of my faith. Sometimes I feel as if I am not growing. But God is the gardener, and he looks with satisfaction on those which put their lives in his hands. He has the job of growing us into mature Christian's. And as long as we submit to His wise plan- we grow.

What a nice thought.

Standing Firm

Recently I have been in a dark and frightening place. I have been in my mind. I have mental illness; and sometimes when stress is too much: my mind takes the hit. At that time I become overwhelmed with fear. My body gets very sick. Sometimes that means throwing up, sometimes it means going blind. Sometimes it means planning my own death. I have fought this illness for several years. And in the past few weeks, my mental illness has beaten me up.

So, why am I sharing this? Well, I think Jesus suffered too. Sometimes he was bowed down with stress. We see him in the garden prostrate, bleeding from stress. But, he did not give up. He saw his mission and kept going. A "christian lie" which is often told, is that life as a Christian will always be easy- but that is not biblical. There are times we must stand firm; regardless of how we feel. Jesus walked to his own death, in faith. It was not easy; mentally, or physically. But trusting God the father, he moved forward.

Today, I, as a Christian have a choice. I can move forward, or run in fear. May I stand firm and know God is in control. Faith took Jesus to the cross. And faith delivered Jesus from the grave.

Welcome Home

I am in the process of moving. In some ways I love my new home. It has lots of sunlight and I like that. But as I settle in there are things I don't like either. My kitchen is a mess; the cupboards just don't make sense. Too deep, or narrow. Trying to put things away is a nightmare.

I am reminded that when Jesus comes, he has a special planned home for each of us. God's fine detail will be in each home, just for us. And everywhere we look will be those details- only God will have know were special to us.

I look forward to the day God opens my home and says; "Welcome home."

Sin of Doubt

I was fighting with God the other day. "Why does life have to be so difficult I whined." And then I saw that the problem was basic. Lack of trust. I just have a hard time trusting God at times. God never asks us to take the problems of another day on our shoulders. But, today is the only day he asks us to put in our agenda.

I see, for me, this on going lack of trust that God: is a sin. I am not saying that we can not have concerns, Jesus bled under stress. But, when we continually obsess over things- it shows that our God is no longer first on the throne, our worries are.

So, I am praying now that I will be able to trust God more; and turn all the worries of my life to a God that is in control. My prayer is that I can trust He is in control.

Moving

I am moving. If you look at my house it is in total disorganization. I am working so hard to pack up things and get ready for the move. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. How am I going to get all of this done I think. But, I know that I need to just keep picking up boxes and keep working. If I continue what I am doing I will make my goal.

As a Christian, I need to remember that also. There are times I don't feel as if I am making any progress in my Christian life. But, is that true? No. When I put my trust in God, he just keeps me walking. And the more I walk, the more I gain.

Today: keep walking.

475

I watched a program on T.V. and the woman was a fitness expert: put beside a man which made his career in how much he could eat and how fast. The woman was in wonderful health, while the man weighed in at 475. Both trained to get where they were. He was training to see how fast he could eat, and she was training to stay healthy.

I think of this in my life. Are the choices I make ones which would honor God, or are they choices that can bring me down. Every day I have a choice. I hope that today I will make my choice to be all that God wants from me.

Non-stop Worry

I went to a "Woman's Retreat". In the retreat the speaker spoke to us about faith and trusting God in his leading no matter what happened to us. I listened and felt a total connection with the speaker. It was almost as if she was sharing my life experience. I really connected with everything she had to say. When I left the meeting I felt a new joy and satisfaction knowing that God is in control.

But, today: two days later here I go again living in fear. God does not want us living in fear he wants us to cast our cares on him. Sometimes I wonder how do I cast my cares on him. I have done it in the past- but then up comes something now and I worry non-stop.

Today- may I put my trust in God, and trust. Pray for me as I journey in this battle of fear.