The Game 11/12/2011
 
The coaches are on the field; my son, the quarterback, is on the ground. That last play was a doozy! A player from the opposing team knocked the wind out of Tre’ as he was attempting a pass. He was down before the whistle blew and a hush fell across the crowd. I don’t know when I stopped breathing but ....
5 Comments
 
 
Wow, it has been four years almost to the day since God allowed me to open up my life to encourage others. I had no idea then where He was leading me but after years of doing things on my own, I knew the time had come for me to surrender myself to Him. I am a different woman today because of the lessons that I have learned. They haven’t always been fun;
14 Comments
 
Baptism 08/15/2011
 
George, “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Those words were like music to my ears. I, along with the angels above, rejoiced yesterday as my son was baptized. George, “Tre” has been raised in the church. He was dedicated as a baby, has served on the youth usher board for the past few years, and volunteers annually for the Angel Tree ministry but ...
7 Comments
 
Perception 08/09/2011
 
One day while in church I looked over at my daughter who was feverishly plucking at the keys on her phone. I thought to myself that she had gone stark raving mad! Was she really texting in church? I had to calm myself because if I didn’t, I knew that I would cause a scene and disrupt the service. I patiently gave her an evil eye, told her to give me the phone, and let her know that I would deal with her later! How dare she be disrespectful in God’s house! I was furious and knew the exact words that would be coming out ...
5 Comments
 
Shopping Trip 08/02/2011
 
I had approximately one hour to spare before one of my favorite shows was scheduled. I had a short grocery list so I figured I would run to the market before the show. The store that I normally shop at was about twenty minutes away so I figured I’d go to a closer store that I don’t frequent often to give myself more than enough time to run my errand and get back home before show time. Five minutes later, I walked into the store only to find that the breakfast burritos and yogurt were
Add Comment
 
Salad 07/26/2011
 
Last night, I made two salads of unequal portions for today’s lunch. I prepared the larger salad for my husband and a smaller one for myself. I put them in different containers and advised my husband which container was prepared for him. He nodded in agreement; however, today I opened the refrigerator to find that he took the wrong salad. He eats larger portions than I do so unfortunately because he took something that wasn’t prepared for him, he won’t be full. I, on the other hand have more than enough. I’m sure it was accidental; he didn’t mean to covet what was intended for me….

4 Comments
 
 
Perhaps one of the hardest things that one ever does is to take an honest assessment of self. And not just any assessment but the one that is just between you and God. I have been on a journey of self assessment for some time now. Since there are no perfect people, I know that I will spend the rest of my days learning, changing, and growing but for today God has directed that I share what I’ve learned with you (side bar: God I thought this was just supposed to be between me and you) :

  1. If “your” truth and the truth don’t match then you are lying to yourself....
11 Comments
 
Free Zone 07/12/2011
 
A few days ago, my son invited me to watch a movie with him in the “man cave.” As I approached the top step ready to join him, he said, wait, “mom, this is a free zone.” I was puzzled by his statement so I asked him to explain. He said, you can come...
4 Comments
 
 
The essence of friendship is a sweet kiss from God above.  It is found in the fun times spent together doing nothing at all. It fills a room with its loving presence.  It is strengthened through the honest talks that help each other. It seeks not to offend but offers apologies when it does.  It is soothing when life throws curveballs. It challenges when it sees you’re standing in your own way. It holds your hand when a loved one passes or a relationship ends.  It is honest and authentic. It doesn’t always agree but ...
4 Comments
 
The Wiz - Part 2 06/21/2011
 
The Wiz is a tale of four characters (Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, & Lion) who are each in search of something they are lacking. Dorothy desperately wants to go home, the scarecrow needs a brain, the tin man needs a heart, and the lion needs courage. They take a path that eventually leads them to the wizard who is unable to grant their wishes. The movie ends when they each realize that they already possess what they felt they lacked.

Last week, I shared the first five points that I took away from the movie:

1 – Man cannot validate you. It is not his job and we must learn to trust in God to supply our needs. 

2 – If you feel that you are lacking something, look within. God has equipped us for the journey. We may need a little help discovering our strengths and talents but trust Him; He has already made provisions for you.

3 – As you travel through this life, remember that God has placed people in your life that you may have companionship. Each will bring with them something unique. Don’t paint them all with the same brush; celebrate who they are and what they mean to you.

4 – Challenges are par for the course. The easy way won’t always be the best choice for you. I love the part of the movie when Dorothy tries to catch a cab to Oz only to find that the cab is “Off Duty.” She didn’t just wait for another cab; she walked; and 

5 – Things aren’t always as they appear. The Wizard appeared as a great person capable of providing the desires of one’s heart. In reality, he was little more than a person who was afraid of the witch and used his perceived power to manipulate people.

As promised, this week’s motivation is a continuation...
1 Comment