With Renewed Hope and Patience!

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14 NIV

Taking Paul’s words to the church at Colosse literally makes a difference in how we need to approach this time in which we live. We must believe that prayers have and will continue to go forth on our behalf as the world watches the chaos in the WH that embroils our lives on a daily basis. Our hope must continually be in God and in the wisdom He will pour out on all who are willing to receive and accept it. For that reason, many of us are praying that Bob Mueller is willing to receive God’s wisdom and act upon accordingly. America deserves much better than what we are experiencing as a nation with a fake leader in the Oval Office.

Though some may have thought with my posts lately that I’ve given up on our God, nothing could be further from the truth. My hope–is continually in He who inspires and encourages my daily walk. I look to Him to keep my tongue from going to far and my fingers from tapping out words that can be erased or retrieved before impacting those who see them. It’s been an extremely difficult week for me to relinquish my thoughts and fingers to Holy Spirit. It is only because of Him that I have not unleashed a tirade so great that would make the devil blush. It is because of Him who I strive to please that I have not been totally “unpolitically correct.”

Does my awareness of how words can negatively impact perception and perspective as to who I am matter? Of course it does! Words matter–whether coming from me or anyone else and unfortunately, that concept hasn’t been able to breach the brains of the moron-in-chief. I’m not the only one who questions the WH idiot’s ability to do anything other than bully and bluster his way around people.

He demonstrated his total ineptness at being empathic and a consoler-in-chief, but highlighted his insensitivity to others on a much greater scale than I thought possible. And to top off the week of foolishness and stupidity, he alludes to starting a war with North Korea after throwing Rex Tillerson under the bus. Reading a number of articles released by those in the media who are close to those in the White House, it was not surprising to hear that more than one of cabinet members have called him a moron because he has no knowledge of what he’s supposed to be doing and resents anyone trying to guide him. For if–for any reason–he chose to be grateful to those who are at least trying to guide him, he’d have to admit he doesn’t have a great brain, he doesn’t have the best words, and he certainly doesn’t have an IQ of 203 which he apparently tried to convince staffers that he has. If his IQ was 23, that would be a surprise.

But I digress. It is through reading The Word and being reminded of God’s great love for us that renews my hope on a daily basis, and when I think I’ve reached the end of my rope, The Word helps me to make the knot bigger so I will have the patience I need to keep holding on–for the rescue I believe is coming in the revelation of truth provided by Special Counsel Bob Mueller. For every time the moron opens his mouth, a knot forms in my stomach, but I’m moving the knot from my stomach to the rope of hope from which we’re all dangling since we never know what might come next. Pretty soon, the knot will be wide enough to hold a multitude of people and our hope–strengthens the rope–with each new knot. In our patience–holding onto the rope, resting on the knot–we possess our souls and we will not surrender our souls to the evil that abounds from the White House and the GOP or any other demonic influence.

While I wait for the hope of truth setting us all free to be Americans again–I’m still planning a bid for the White House and I pray, that those who review the information on my Face Book page, will find the evidence needed to prove, I am ready and willing to serve all Everyday Americans.

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Self-Control!

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self–control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32 NIV

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self–control. Proverbs 25:28 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.Galatians 5:22-24NIV

Having the ability to control one’s environment establishes a pathway to peace and order and success. Before a person can control their environment, they must begin with exercising self-control in all things at all times. This is a measure of Holy Spirit living within.

Starting with the first verse of scripture reference–let’s look at disciplined warriors. A patient person takes the time to think beyond the moment and establishes strategies to reach a goal, with contingencies for the unexpected, and they complete each step determined needed in order for their strategy to be successful.

An undisciplined warrior–one who is prone to make more noise about what they want to do, but never stops ranting long enough to create a proven strategy to accomplish anything, creates havoc along the way because they don’t anticipate the unexpected.

The second scriptural reference points out that the person who lacks self-control is like a person who breaks through the city walls–huffing and puffing–but has no idea what to do once they get through the wall. The person who exercises self-control has studied the situation and determined what’s on the other side of the wall, before making attempts to get through it so they’ll be ready for any event they encounter.

Now, the evidence–the benchmark or standard–of a person being filled with Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide in all things is self-control. When we allow Holy Spirit to guide us–and not depend on our own “great brains,” those who are watching us see that we belong to Jesus because we do not allow our flesh to dictate what we do. We do not rant and rave over insignificant events, we do not allow our egos to get in the way of doing anything, we do not provoke others with half-truths and innuendo that attempt to make us look superior to others. This is the evidence of belonging to Jesus Christ. And if we say we belong to Jesus and are not capable of exhibiting the evidence of being filled with Holy Spirit–we lie. If we lie–we reveal Satan is our father.

I’ve always thought it interesting that the evidence–the fruit of having Holy Spirit within–always starts with love and ends with self-control. Everything else–joy, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and goodness–becomes a part of who we are and how we treat others.

So, if we want people to know where we are in Christ–we must allow Holy Spirit to guide us in all things as learn how to love and act with self-control. We don’t need to tell people to whom we belong, our actions speak much louder than words.

About The Children’s Children!

A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:22,24 NIV

God–in His infinite Wisdom–addressed every situation we would encounter in life–being a parent and a grandparent. This is why we should–not just read The Word, but study it so living life won’t frustrate us.

I’m veering a little today to discuss parenting, children and grandchildren–seeking to reflect upon what I’ve done and what I should do. I’m in one of those unique situations in which I’m a grandparent, raising my grandson–doing the “grand parenting” thing so many of us do.

First of all, the one thing that most parents discover–if they have more than one child–is that parenting is a special task–that eludes instructions–from all, but God. And when a parent doesn’t have a relationship with God, they miss the mark and parent by trial and error. What most realize is that no two children (not even twins, triplets, or more) are exactly alike. They develop their own personalities and defy any logic to make them “fit” any mold. So, parenting with its many obstacles becomes a great training ground for many of us–learning things we never thought we’d have to do.

And if we thought parenting was fun–grand parenting–is a riot! Not only do we discover what we missed while parenting, we get to complete the cycle all over again–without the benefit of spoiling the kid and then sending them home. Now–if the grandchild is living with us–we have to discipline as well as spoil. It’s truly a balancing act–especially going through the teenage cycle, again.

The bottom line–in this short reflection–is that raising a grandchild can be a blessing or a nightmare. It is a blessing when the child in question understands the magnitude of the role the grand parent is in and a nightmare when they don’t. At this point in time–I’m trying to find a middle ground so I can continue to enjoy being a grandmother and yet raise a responsible, respectful young man–who can stay focused on goals to make sure his life is worthwhile.

Here’s what I’ve discovered–we must–at all costs–raise children as God has said–no matter how much we love them, we must stand firm in our resolve when we mete out discipline and love ’em at the same time. The benefit for us–a chance to mold a child’s future–again. The benefit for them–an opportunity to receive the inheritance many of us have planned for our children’s children.

Of course–if the grandchild chooses not to be the responsible, respectful young person God desires for us to have in our presence, then the child gets the reward they deserve–the consequences of their behavior.

Loving living this life to the fullest–and still learning what I almost learned fifty years ago–praying my way through to its end.

 

When The Vision Is Revealed!

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the LORD replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:1-3 NIV

Be encouraged! When God gives us a vision–even when we don’t understand how it will all play out in our lives, we simply need to write it down–keeping it before us–until it comes to pass.

What is the vision given to you?

Some have been given visions of traveling to faraway places to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Write it down and plan the journey even when the resources are not known–keep it in front of you and remain stedfast in faith that God will bring it to pass. He is faithful to complete everything He starts in us.

Some have been given visions to start non-profit organizations to help those who have been unfortunate in life–to keep them from giving up hope and to promote their well-being–providing them the means to be self-sufficient in life.

Some have been given visions to start for-profit businesses that will be valuable in the kingdom as the Gospel is promoted within and without these businesses.

Some have been given visions to serve in government positions to keep those in leadership mindful of their purposes–according to God’s plans.

Some have been given visions to teach--educate others both in secular environments and within The Body of Christ–so growth, character, and integrity remain a vital part of our society.

Some have been given visions to write–all that Holy Spirit inspires them to write and publish so all will access to what God is speaking to the hearts of all who are willing to listen.

Whatever God has shown us–through visions–we should write it down and prepare to receive all that He has planned for us–and when the plans are complete–we wait for Him to implement each step of the way so we’ll get His results and not our own.

As a result of seeing the vision He has for me–I’m in the process of developing another site designed to discuss my books and those I review for others. I’m excited and receptive to hearing what others think as I begin this new phase and would appreciate whatever insight and feedback others are willing to give. Here’s the link http://www.mhrlifewriter.com/

May God continue to give you vision and desire to see it through until the end. Write the vision, prepare to see it, and then wait for it!

Patience and Power!

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.Proverbs 16:32 NIV

Patience–having the ability and desire to calmly wait–for a number of things does much for our maturity as Believers and in establishing a model for others.

It is through patience that we preserve our souls from the tricks of the enemy who would have us to react–spontaneously–to everything that happens rather than calmly think things through–exercising wisdom in every decision.

Patience provides us with the persistence to teach others, allowing them time to learn and grow–especially in the ways of God. We do not or should not deter others from learning of God  and doing things His way by expecting them to have attained the wisdom that took us time to attain.

We have within our reach the blueprint for living–a life of peace and prosperity and consideration for others, but we miss it when we don’t pay attention to the written Word–especially in Proverbs.

Is it because we lack the patience to explore and mediate and practice what is there? Or is it that we think we can bully our way through life–attempting to force our positions and thoughts onto others without push-back?

Unfortunately, we know that in a capitalistic society as well as others–those who hold the wealth hold the power to influence those in position to pave the roads with laws that are often unjust and vilify those who do not have spokespersons.

True power is held in the hearts of those who believe God and live according to His Word. It is with patience that we learn this infallible truth, not bullying others. The more we patiently learn of God and deliberately choose to live His way, the greater our power becomes because we develop the stamina to withstand the tricks of the enemy.

Let’s commit to developing patience through meditating upon The Word of God and allowing it to guide us in all things–illuminating its power in all we say and do.

Why Patience Is Needed!

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  Titus 1:1-5 NIV

Patience is mentioned 34 times in the New Testament and patient mentioned 9 times in the Bible (once in Old Testament in Ecclesiastes). I’ve concluded–speculatively–that patience was not a strong character trait in many before Christ made an appearance. I base this speculation on the fact that the Children of Israel were so impatient with God, that they moved away from His guidance in an effort to more like other nations (needing a king,etc).

Here–in Paul’s instructions to Titus--we see a reason for patience and that reason is to teach others how to walk in the light of God’s love. If we really want to others to learn something well, we must be willing to patiently teach them–expecting them to make mistakes, but will be quick to hear correction.

This then may explain why some people are not good teachers–spiritually or naturally. If we get angry or frustrated with those we attempt to teach–we actually inhibit their desire to learn. One of the reasons we tend to get impatient with people is because we forget the road we traveled to get where we are. Someone had to have patience with us in order for us to know what we know. Even if much of what we know was through an inquisitive nature where we sought information on our own, we still had to exercise patience with ourselves.

Not to long ago, a person who observed my teaching a class told me that I had the patience of job with my students. I was amazed at her assessment because I do not always think I’m very patient with students when I’ve repeated myself–ad nauseum. At any rate, I realized that she was referring to my ability to give them time to think about a question before providing them with an answer. In fact, I seldom provide answers to questions when reviewing information–I simply wait until someone comes up with the right answer and I confirm. Teaching is not about trying to pour information into someone’s head, but about giving them the tools they can use to draw conclusions on their own.

Think about it! How long did it take us to realize that the answers we needed were found in Jesus Christ.  Questions about life and direction–found in Jesus. The voids we felt in our lives–filled with Jesus. And with me–He was very patient until I honed in what life really meant.

So, with patience–with self and others–will we move forward in teaching others about how to live the life God wants for us.

 

Twelve Days of Kindness-Day 10!

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14 NKJV

Chosen by God, specifically–anointed to do His Will, living a life of holiness and loved, we are to exhibit mercy, kindness, humility (not overblown pride in self), meekness (not seeking the limelight), patience with all and putting up with all of us–God’s children. When a sister or brother-in-Christ has anything to say about us–if we need to forgive them; then let’s forgive them as Christ forgave us for the wrongs we did when we didn’t know any better.

But more than anything else–love–our love for one another should be the glue that cements our relationship with one another, perfecting our walk with one another and with God.

If we have not love–for the children of God–what do we really have? Absolutely nothing! For love is the key that opens the door for other being receptive to the Word of God. Love is demonstrated in our service to one another. Love forgives and brings with it–no shame. If we cannot love the family, how will we ever be able to go to others and convince them of love?

One of the simplest ways we can show kindness to others is by our ability to love–even the unlovable. This does not mean we allow others to misuse and abuse us or to take advantage of our kindness. It means we love them from afar–never seeking to do them any harm or allowing others to harm them, always praying for them, and doing nothing that will make them feel unworthy.

When people take our kindness for weakness, we don’t argue with them or attempt to get back at them, we simply move forward–without the baggage that comes with those who manipulate for self-gain, rather than doing what is best for all. We love them enough to tell them the truth, but shake the dust off our feet when they choose not to hear us.

On this tenth day of showing kindness, someone may need to know they are loved and forgiven–of whatever offense they may have committed–and now is the time to set them free as well as ourselves. This is the perfect opening to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in explaining how great His love for us is and how He has forgiven us. Love someone enough to share the Gospel with them–with the demonstration of kindness.

With Patience Do We Wait!

Talking about patience is a lot easier than “doing” patience!

Here am I, waiting for the return of my computer, and at first–I convinced myself to be patient. “In your souls possess you possess your patience!” Well, I guess my soul is getting a little restless or anxious because my patience is running a little thin.

Sure, I can use my little tablet for some things, but it’s not the same as using a full size keyboard and having a full size monitor on which I can actually see what I’m typing (I hope people can read this–I can barely see it).

At least I know once I receive the recovery disk, it won’t be long. I was just informed yesterday that the disc had been shipped. I’m practice deep breathing to keep me from losing it. I am so dependent upon my computer!

As a writer, who does not use “pen and paper” I am lost without my computer. And the bad thing is since the hard drive crashed, I have to start everything over from scratch if they cannot recover my documents and pictures–oh! What a mess!

Okay, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way (or out of my system), I think I can wait. And while I’m waiting, guess what I’m doing? A little of this, a little of that. I’ve walked over five miles already this week, tended the little garden planted, working on doing some housework (which I hate, but someone has to do it). Oh! I’ve actually finished two books!

Yeah, we can learn to wait with patience or at least learn to patiently wait, doing other things. If there’s a difference–let me know!

Trying to be a little humorous today so I won’t become despondent and cry over the fact that my computer has deserted me and I feel so alone and abandoned! (sniff, sniff)

God bless your day as you laugh at the antics of an older woman with vision issues and fingers that are too big and heavy for this little keyboard. Luv2luvU!

This Too Shall Pass!

The last 24 hours have been grueling and challenging. I’m sure you all know the feeling–the day when Murphy’s Law reigns.

I had just completed a story for a competition and in my excitement–forgot to save the revised draft (I have the original), and in the process of exiting the program, lost the entire Office 2013 program. I mean it literally disappeared–and could not be found on my computer anywhere. I checked installed programs–gone; I restored system, twice–nothing. I even restored items sitting in my recycle bin–nothing could be found.

Eventually, I contacted Microsoft and after 7 1/2 hours today, was finally able to resume use of my Office documents. The technician had to do quite a bit–uninstall and re-install the program from their side, scan the computer for threats and found 696 of them, clean up the mess and then run diagnostics to make sure everything was running right. I did not get a chance to do much of what I needed to do, but I did get a chance to do some other things while waiting for the process to run its course. And you know, it’s all good!

So, I missed posting early, but I did not forget anyone.  Be encouraged! And when you have one of those days, like I just had, remember–this too shall pass; especially when we know that no weapon formed against us will ever prosper! With Jesus on our side–things will work out right!

Dead or Alive!

“He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:10 NIV)

With the promise of the second coming of the Lord and all of the speculation as to when that will happen, we who have a relationship with Him and understand His Word, know when He comes is of no great consequence. Whether we are alive or dead–when He comes–we are assured of our living with Him for all eternity.

We have heard that Jesus is coming back for hundreds of years and He has not made it yet. The delay in His return should not be our concern. If we know we have received Him as our Lord and Savior and we are obedient to His Word, whenever He comes back, He will receive us unto Himself. This delay (or at least this seeming delay) has given the scoffers fuel to add to their derision of our faith. The delay has also caused some–who claim to know the Savior–to err in their need to proclaim exact dates as to when He will return. One group of people has said in their doctrine that He has already returned (my response to them was since I had not seen any dead people walking around, I’ll keep waiting).

What the speculators and scoffers have missed is understanding of The Word. In this passage of scripture we see that the Lord will return as a thief in the night. Not many thieves will “announce” their coming in advance. Jesus has said that “But about that day no man knows the day or hour, not the angels in heaven, and not even the Son,only The Father” (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) And my personal favorite  is this one–“With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day” (2 Peter 3:8).

So, take comfort with this final thought. Jesus will return, whether we are asleep in the grave or alive, and it will not matter to Him because “the dead shall rise and those who are living will be caught up in the clouds and meet Him in the air, to be with Him forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV).

Lord Jesus, whenever You return, we await that day with great expectations of living for all eternity with You.