Are We Passing the Tests?

The other day I had a young student who was making bad choices, so as standard practice, I asked him to sit out and reflect on his choices while I continued working with the other students. I then approached his tantrum of kicking a padded post and crying. I asked if he understood what he had done wrong and he said yes and was able to explain. I encouraged him to ask Jesus who lives on the inside of him, to help him when he is tempted to make a bad choice. He said he had, but it didn't help. I had to smile at his innocence, but also thought of us adults. How easy it is to say I tried, but then the temptation was too great, so I did what I wanted because it was easier, I needed the money, everyone else was doing it etc..

God's word on the inside of us however, helps us to stand strong when we are tempted.
1 Corinthian's 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

 Just the other day I found out that a development where I had bought a lot has been foreclosed on and my lot is not able to be developed, because the infrastructure is not completed. That means I continue to be liable for an improvement bill on the property, that is no longer in business. Hmmm....In the natural that does not seem right and many other lot owners have stopped paying their taxes and fees feeling more than justified in doing so. As I contemplate this action myself, I reflect on what God's word says and what his spirit in me says. As much as I would like not to pay, I know that as God's child I have to take the high road, even when it costs me financially and is not fair in the natural.

How about you? Are you giving in to peer pressure, financial issues, or a selfish desire? When we pass the small tests, God is able to use us for something bigger. Throughout the bible it talks about the talents and multiplying those who were faithful in the small and being rewarded with more. He says that when we are faithful in the little, he can entrust us with more. Luke 16:10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."

Are you in the furnace of temptation right now, being shaped for God's work, passing the integrity tests?

In the bible it says that we are light in darkness. Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed. Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

I encourage you to stand strong and when in doubt ask, what would Jesus do? All to quickly the answer becomes crystal clear!

Godspeed today.....

All I Can Do Is Say Thank You!

While in India my husband went on a hike with our school group, using a local guide as a standard procedure. It was to be a long and final hike of the season, so he was anxious but excited at the same time. Being a seasoned hiker in the states and former park ranger, his favorite place is the great outdoors.

Being in rural India however brings on a whole new dimension to hiking, but off he goes with backpack in hand ready for what the day brings, our at least he thinks. As I putter around the house and have a lazy day off, I await his return with shared stories and pictures. Instead however, I received a phone call that evening saying the local guide got lost and everyone was still in the woods, though exactly where they were not sure, but not to worry they would do their best to find them.

Well with night setting in I knew it was unlikely they would be found until the next morning, so I did what most people do in times of uncertainty, I prayed. Novel I know. My confidence in God's protective hand and knowing my husband's survival skills, allowed me to settle in for the night with relative peace.

Before going to bed, knowing there was nothing I could do, I thought back to the times in my life where I could see God's handprint and his divine guidance through impossible situations. With that I said a final prayer and rested, thanking God for my warm blanket and prayed for their warmth and protection as well.

Upon waking in the morning with still no word, I decided to call  to get an update from those who were out looking. It was reported that they had indeed set up camp and built fires to keep warm and tried to sleep while waiting for daybreak to continue onward looking for a way back. Though it was unprecedented to stop, my husband had insisted to push on would not be safe for the kids, and advised that they needed to set up camp and build fires to keep warm with night setting in.With matches my husband just happened to have with him, they agreed to do so and stayed put, keeping everyone warm by the fires and trying to rest until they could see again at daybreak.

What they only learned later on was that there was a herd of elephants stampeding where they would have exited had they pushed on. In retrospect as stories were shared, they could see God's hand of protection in the midst of their storm. A calm and the right mix of people and resources too see them through their valley.

Have you ever experienced hardships, survived and was able to look back and say "WOW"
and been encouraged by God's divine provision! I pray we all have those moments of reflection that encourage us and others on our path to look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, even in the most remote places, like India.

Blessings on your journey.....

Is God Alive in You?

One of my favorite hobbies is clearing property and improving a landscape. Over time and neglect, vines and thorns will grow around the base of a tree, and before long the tress will be covered. I will usually wait until the winter to do most of my clearing, so that I have less vegetation based on the natural growing season. With just a hand held clipper, I am then able to clear a lot of property.

This reminds me of is how it is in our lives when we neglect regular pruning of discipline, self-control and integrity. Without these key ingredients, our lives will get overgrown with weeds, briars and the cares of this world. Then a new year comes around or Lent, and we set goals to improve, with a new determination to make better choices and get rid of the weeds, or "lay aside the weights that so easily beset us". Hebrews 12:1

My approach to clearing, is much like satan does with us. He doesn't approach us when we are strong in the word and daily seeking God's face, rather he waits until we are weak from neglect in God's word and then he attacks. Just like I cut the vine at the base, then pulling it from the trees is easy, because it has not strength in itself, so satan does with us when we are not connected to God daily through fellowship, reading and prayer.

Once we are separated from God whether for a day, a week or longer, we become vulnerable to Santa's attacks. Over time we are easy picking, because we have lost contact with our source of strength, much like my vines.

In order to stay strong in Christ we have to make a daily commitment to seek his will and his direction for our lives. Reading God's word helps us to withstand the wiles of the devil, keeping us fit and healthy. Remember when Jesus was in the desert and fasting, because he was rooted in God's word, he was able to withstand the temptations, because he knew and believed God's promises.

Let us be reminded this Lenten season to stay grounded in God's word daily, seeking to have a closer walk with him through our daily activities, by what we listen to, read and do. Then when satan attacks, we are well able to withstand the temptations, because God is alive on the inside of us, and is fighting our battles for us! Exodus 14:14 "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace".

Song: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FMF12FNU

40 Days On Purpose, One Step at a Time....

I remember when I first started teaching in an Episcopal School, during the Lenten season they would give 5 minutes of silence every morning after chapel to reflect, quietly or in writing. I chose at that time to journal, and now almost 20 years later I have developed that simple lesson into what is now my blog, and I have taught and led in a Christian school in India! Wow, go God!

These next 40 days I hope to continue that exercise, reflecting on how I am spending my talents, and what I want to accomplish in the next 20 years, Lord willing.

How about you? Are you willing to take those small seemingly insignificant steps to accomplish what is in your heart? Sometimes big dreams can seem overwhelming, but when we break them down into small steps, with God leading, they can accomplish great things over time.

Are you dreaming big, stepping out in faith to accomplish what God has laid on your heart? Are you willing to get started, today, going in that direction, trusting God to enlighten your path as you grow in him?

I challenge you to take the next 5 mins for 40 days and set aside that quiet time to reflect and think about God, and see the plans he has for you! Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".  Step out in faith today and see if God won't take you places you never even dreamed of!  Godspeed.....

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeLCuB8rU2Y

Show Me Thy Way

As the Lenten season is upon us and we are being a bit more reflective, the question that comes to mind is what am I going to do different or better this year through all my various roles as a Christian, parent, spouse, friend, etc..? We all wear many hats and have many contacts throughout the day where our response, answers or lack of, makes an impact on ourselves and those around us.

As we look back and take encouragement from where we have been and where we we are now, may we also look ahead with continued hope and enthusiasm for what God has in store for us this year.

Our only question then is will we be too comfortable in our present circumstances, or comfort zones, to say yes, or too fearful of the unknown and feeling the need to have all the answers before letting go of the known, to embrace what God has planned for each of us?

My encouragement in 2015 is to "Let Go"of the need to control every step and "Let God" open and close the doors where he would have you go. Our role is to simply say yes Lord, not my will, but yours be done.

May this be our song....."No Compromise" http://youtube.com/watch?v=GC2vvncga4U

Song: "Unto Thee Oh Lord" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYc1sLnsHLY

Lead Me To The Cross

Christ died that we might live and have eternal life! The ultimate gift of God's love to you! As we close this celebratory season of love and celebrating with friends and loved ones, help us to remember Christ's love for us, his children. His word says that he died for us so that we would have eternal life! John 3:16.



Have you accepted his unconditional gift of love and eternal life? If today was your last, where would you spend eternity? Would you have regrets for things not done or days wasted? Are you sharing the good news to those around you?



Lord, may our lives overflow with your love to all who are in our path, that they may come to know and trust you as their personal Savior! Let us live a life of irresistible influence to all we meet!

May we never forget the price that was paid for us all. Our righteousness is as filthy rags. Grace poured out unconditionally, sacrificially, not of works, least any man should boast.

May our lives reflect humble appreciation and gratitude for all Christ has done for us, as we in turn show that love to those around us, as we allow Christ to work in and through us.

Song by Hillsongs.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq9Q8wJdjc

Come As You Are!

Having grown up in the "South", I learned through watching, that people rarely said what they really mean. You always had to look for those hidden cues, to understand what they were really saying. Indirectly I think I picked up on the need to always put on a false front as well. Never let them see you sweat! While that has its' place in the business world and on the playing field, it rarely bodes well for close relationships. How many of you can relate to perfect people, or people who think they are perfect? What makes lasting friendships and close relationships is going beneath the facade of being perfect, and accepting each other as they are.

When teaching young people, I encourage them to try new things, make mistakes and be okay with it. I explain it is a journey of learning. When you fall, get back up and keep trying. Eventually you will get better and fall less, but one of my class rules is no laughing! This allows the class to be emotionally safe to take risks and try new things, even at the risk of looking silly! My ability to connect, hinges on my willingness to be vulnerable, and share my own failures and ultimate success as encouragement for them to keep trying.

I love the chorus to this song, "There's no such thing as perfect people." How true that is. No matter how hard we try, we all need God's forgiving grace. Even if I could keep it all together on the outside, there are always those times where if I said what I really felt like, I would definitely be in trouble! Yet God sees my heart and thankfully my whispered prayers are heard. "Lord help me, I can't do this on my own". He is quicker and better than any cleaning agent on the market. He cleans up the inside, when my best is not good enough, nor ever will be. He died while we were yet sinners, and continues to forgive us as we walk in his grace and love, so that our lives are a living testament to Christ who lives in us.

Be encouraged today that God loves you just like you are, and he knows your weaknesses and strengths. He wants to use you just as you are, to reach others through your imperfections and resulting empathy as you point to him. If we remember the verse in the Lord's Prayer, "Forgive our sins, as we forgive others". Come as you are!

Song. "Perfect People"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRG9BSYng0A