Not Honored

I saw a movie today. It was a true story, and well written. But the movie included scenes that were for shock value, degrading humans senses. And the language was what would clearly have been deleted 10 years ago.

And what am I doing there....

Well, that is a valid question. I justified going by the fact it was "true". But doesn't the bible tell us to focus on pure, holy thinking- and where was that when I viewed a man hanging and thrashing? Did that make me a deeper, more sensitive Christian, or did I train my mind to blot out and justify wickedness, pain and suffering.

I love movies, but I don't think God was not honored by my choice. For it did not follow his guidelines;

Finally bretheren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever tings are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. PHL 4:8

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween, or Unhappy Halloween... as you may chose. I know that many Christians appose Halloween as they say the roots are witch craft and pagan. I respect those beliefs. I personally have not understood the position. But I don't chose to offend anyone.

I think Christians have a time to offend. If we are called to slander or lie: we need to offend as we stand for the right thing. But I think often Christians lose the forest for the trees. We become so absorbed with small things we miss the big.

My point is; we need to be tactful, kind and respectful. While, at the same time we need to focus on what really matters: loving like Jesus, knowing him personally and treating others with dignity and respect.

So if you are against Halloween. I respect your setting standards. If you celebrate Halloween, I am wish you a happy time. God bless you. Today's trick is being caught up in small things and missing the big things. The treat is having a God that loves all people and sharing his love. Trick or Treat?

God Works for Us

Sometimes I think how God works is strange, sometimes I don't get it but sometimes I think it is great.

Today I was praying. I have not been doing very well, emotionally. I have bipolar illness. The stress of my granddaughter being in foster care, the elections, and the economy have worn me down. So, this stress has caused me to run in circles. I am not getting much done. And I am shopping one day, returning everything the next day. I took myself into prayer about it. I felt no peace so I kept praying. Then it was as if God said, "You need rest."

I thought that crazy. I still have many things to do. To take rest would keep me from my projects. But as I kept thinking of what I believe God was telling me I realized God was right. I am so emotionally tired my illness is being pushed. God could see what I could not. So though I have lots to do- today I will take time to rest. I will trust God to take care of the other details.

I am thankful to have a God that cares enough to give me permission to care for myself. That is a God of love.

Simple Happy Life

It has been such a long time since I have had a "normal" day. Sometimes just having a basic day of chores is refreshing. It is a time to settle and enjoy life. Today was one of those days and I appreciated it.

I have a song that has a line about having coffee with God. Now isn't that the kind of friendship God really loves with us- just sitting together. So gather your coffee and enjoy some pictures of "the good life", simple happy moments. God bless you today.

Doing the Right Thing

I received a hateful email from a former friend. She accused me of things I never did. All evening I spent fuming about her email. What a waste of time. We don't need to take responsibility where it is not. I don't need to accept that things she accused me of, but I do need to do the right thing. I will be sending her a card with an apology that she is hurting. I will not be sending her an apology and accepting responsibility for things I never did.

Sometimes life can hurt us, we can rebel: refuse the joys life brings us and dwell on our problems. It hardens the heart.

That is what has happened to my friend. She has harbored anger, bitterness in life. Instead of sunshine, she sees rain. She is a very talented woman but she chooses to hold on to supposed injustices to her. It has made her angry and bitter.

Vengeance is mine, God says. He can right all injustices. So, today I will put my friend in his hands. Pray for her, and love her- as is. I chose to live by a standard that makes me a whole and better person. Bitterness, retaliation and held up anger, is not welcome here.

Give and Take Away

I am missing my granddaughter today. The Lord gives, and takes away. Each place is special: and we must appreciate what is in the day we are on.

Returning Home

Today my granddaughter returns to her mother. I am sad. I know it is the best for her, and I long to have her happy but I will miss her.

God be with her and her family.

Let It Rain

I have been thinking a lot about the elections. I have been praying a lot also. I feel sober and wonder what will happen to our culture and the world I will be leaving my children. As I was thinking; I realized that God does not come when things are going well but in the storm.
Is it because he is indifferent to us? No. I don't think so. I believe it is when the storms come we finally realize our need for him and ask him to come in our life. God is not a bully. He does not come where he is not wanted.

I think our country is in a mess. I see us as immoral, self centered and spun out of control. Perhaps storms will come regardless of candidates: but if troubles need to come for us to call on God, then let it rain. God will still be in control and he promises never to leave or forsake us: so he will be with us through it all.

Find the Joy

This is my daughter...isn't she pretty?

Well, our daughter has not had life turn out as I thought. In many ways things have not turned out for the better. She was in the top of her class an honor student: yet unable to find a job that pays much and is stuck in a no end job. She dated a lot, but not found a mate. And she has a degree but can't afford to live on her own.

Thinking about this, I asked her if she was happy. She said she was and that life did not turn out the way she thought but she was happy.

I think my daughter has learned an important lesson. Find joy where you are. Things have not been as she thought but she is happy.

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it". What a good view of life. Find the joy.

What Do I Believe

I sent my weekend in San Francisco. It was fun. I found it interesting though. I found very, very few posters, or bumper stickers advocating for either candidate. Why? I don't know. In my community signs are in the yards; bumper stickers are everywhere. I feel proud of a community that advocates for what it believes.

What do I believe? And what am I doing about it. I spent a lot of time yesterday praying and thinking. Do my actions match my belief system?

Elections

The elections soon will be here. I see signs in yards for the candidates, and I hear T.V. constantly in one side or the other. As I watch these things I am having to look myself in the face. I think many people are looking at what they can gain, not at what is best for the country. I think many things are decided from selfishness. Unfortunately, I fall in that category also. It's all about me at times. Then what is all about God?

A time of prayer and fasting might cleanse the soul. I need to elect new thinking that is centered on values of a true Christian: unselfish, and with purpose. I love my country and hope that I might serve God and country with honesty, compassion and unselfishness. God bless America.

Troubled Thinking

I was watching a documentary of a country that used their children by drugging them for the Olympics. Today those children are adults. Some have died early, some are crippled and all are changed for life.

I have been thinking about that. What causes people to be selfish enough to kill their own children, and what is it that may change our world to the point we don't care? I wonder also, am I as guilty? Do I do things that are changing my world for the worse, and don't care? What am I doing to change the world for the better? I think as a Christian my life should impact the world in a positive manor. I am unsatisfied with my contribution. These things trouble me.

Worthy of Copy

My little granddaughter has a black eye. It is not because she was hit, it is because she has been watching Mommy and Grandma put on makeup. She was so delighted to find makeup she applied herself.

Sometimes it is easy to think our actions are by themselves. But at all times what we do, changes someone else. As a Christian, I hope my actions will be worthy of being copied.

I Rejoice In Peace

I should be worried, or sad by many peoples definition. My retirement funds are going down the drain. But I feel no fear. I feel thankful. I believe Jesus is coming, and I know that no matter what happens, God is in control- money or not.

I am not saying I am always so carefree, but I am today. I rejoice in peace believing God is in control. For today: I trust.

Socks Waltz

An odd thing happened to me yesterday. I had a load of socks in the washer soaking. After a day of soaking I opened the washer and expected the socks to be all on the bottom. Instead they were in all parts of the washer and looked as if they were doing a waltz. I stood there looking and just enjoying the apparent freedom they were showing.

As our economy is falling apart and we are in times of trouble; some how I am rather peaceful. I know that things are bad, and we have lost a good deal of money yet inside I am doing the socks dance. I feel peaceful. I know God is in control and am just waiting to see what comes out of this. Will this the be the revival I have been praying for? Is it the time Jesus is coming? I don't know. I just am resting waiting for the next thing to happen.

Today, I am floating in peace also.

I Want to Cry

When my granddaughter is taken from her mother or I she cries. She longs to be with us. I think that is the kind of relationship I want from God. Tears not being with him.