I Think I am Van Gogh…

20180323_112854-1 — *Flower creds to the true artist, Lori Beane. Thank you for making my painting beautiful!*

Amongst the many spiritual gifts God has granted me, I am also quite an extraordinary painter. (Just ask me or Muscle Mom and we will tell you it’s true! Ha!) A favorite sister in Christ hosts painting workshops at her café. I attended one last night. I love everything about it. I love the easy conversation that takes pace. I love how everyone walks around and admires the talent of each unique rendering, I love the laughter. And I love the fact that the talented hostess has assisted me with every canvas, correcting, embellishing and putting her true gift into my mediocre attempt. I also love that my husband awaits my arrival home and graciously gushes over my canvas too, And that he has never complained when I deck our walls with original pieces, especially during the holidays!

I left the workshop last night feeling so refreshed. I met some neat new women. I enjoyed quality time with one of my best friends, who painted with me. And I was struck, once again, with how each participant can gaze at the same canvas; yet, leave with their own interpretation of it. Each one unique. Each one beautiful.

Looking around the workshop last night, the beauty and wonder of each face was remarkable: straight hair, freckles, brown eyes, dimples, laugh lines, pink cheeks. Each uniquely designed in the image of our Father, the original canvas. And each given her own eyes to look through, her own personality to pull from and her own unique perspective in which she takes in the original canvas. From that perspective flowed each brush stroke, each color chosen and each variation of the original art.

And it all took place under the watchful eye of the hostess, the original artist. If asked, she would offer advice or her own touch on your canvas. Her perspective came from love, care and a true desire for each one of us to succeed.

We were made be the Master Creator to be creative. He expresses His creativity through us in so many ways. He does it through His design. He does it through the gifts that He entrusts to each of us. Different talents that He wants us to use successfully. He stays close by, ready to offer advice through His Word and prayer. And with His love and care, we will see His handprints all over our lives and He will be glorified!

Okay, so I don’t really think that I am Van Gough. But, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And you are too, And I do love to tap into my creative side whenever given the chance, with a little help from my friends. And a lot of Hope in my Father!

Be joyful….and be creative!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 NIV

Stand By Me…

DSC_0013_(2) — *Photo taken by my beautiful daughter.*

I was reminded of how important human interaction is after teaching my group exercise class this morning. There is just something about going through a strenuous workout (and a few dozen burpees) with a group of women. It can break down barriers, allow endorphins to heighten and leave us vulnerable and open to intimacy.

One of my sweet gym friends recently lost her father, very unexpectedly. She is now dealing with the aftermath of grief, one day feeling as close to normal as possible and the next day finding it difficult to leave her house. She showed up in class this morning and lingered after the cool down song, “Better Than a Hallelujah” by Amy Grant.

We hugged and she teared up when I asked how she was doing. She said that she was really glad that she came to class. You see today was one of those days where she didn’t really feel like leaving her house. But, her husband nudged her to go to the gym and she said that she felt better. We talked about how positive endorphins can help with our emotions and that human interaction can be the best medicine. I also reminded her that God was walking with her during this difficult time and that He was big enough for her grief. I assured her that she was a good mother, a good person and stronger than she realized.

I think the devil likes to keep us isolated, especially when we are going through difficult times. He likes to capitalize on the loneliness of grief. And our human nature likes to pull us into our own thoughts, grief, and anxiety; leaving us thinking that no one would understand. Or better yet that we shouldn’t burden others with our pain.

But, God knows the power of friendship, church and community. He knows how important it is for us to have brothers and sisters in Christ to hold our hands through a good cry; hug our necks when our heart is breaking; and give us hope when we feel like all hope is lost. It is in fellowship with one another that Christ can shine and hope can be restored.

So, thank you Father for my sweet gym friend’s vulnerability this morning and the strength she showed in opening up to me. It resonated with me today and I found myself beyond thankful for so many sisters in Christ that God has given to me. Visualizing the beauty of these faces fills me with such joy. You know who you are ladies!

Jesus indeed stood up for each of us. And because of Jesus, we can stand up for one another. Cherish your friendships.

Be joyful!

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10 NIV

The Old Sleeping Bag…

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The little old man found his old sleeping bag over the weekend. (If you would like to know the back story on the little old man, please read my previous post entitled, “The Little Old Man”.) I came into his room to give him his breakfast and found him zipped into this very worn sleeping bag, which he had laid on top off his bed. I must have looked puzzled because a very sleepy, little old man said, “Look, I found my old sleeping bag.” “I see,” I replied, “was there something wrong with your bed?” To which he responded, “Well, I used this sleeping bag for thirty six years.” So, I said “okay” and gave him his breakfast and left the room.

But, it really wasn’t okay with me if I am honest. In fact, I found it strange and a bit annoying, especially because I wasn’t sure how many years it had been since the old sleeping bag had been cleaned. Yet, each time I went back into his room, the little old man was tucked tightly into his old friend, the sleeping bag. I even overheard the little old man ask the angel dog if he liked the old sleeping bag. Hmmm…why was this getting on my nerves?

I brought the sleeping bag issue to my husband’s attention and shared that I found it odd and was afraid that it might be a stinky, old sleeping bag. My husband thought that it was indeed odd. But, this was not the first odd encounter that we had experienced with the little old man. He encouraged me to let this one go and let the little old man enjoy his new found treasure. Hmmm…boy do I hate it when my husband plays the part of the Holy Spirit.

I spent Sunday afternoon, cleaning the little old man’s room. I washed all of his linens and I cleaned the old sleeping bag. I made his bed back up and then laid the old sleeping bag on top. I know exactly what you are thinking, why is this such a big deal? But, if we are honest, how many times does someone show up with an “old sleeping bag” and disrupt our normal routine? How often do we allow our need for control to create huge mountains out of life’s tiny mole hills? Better yet, how often do we push our old sleeping bag, routines or habits onto God and expect Him to fit in? And how often do we try and control our own lives, when the easier thing would be to let go and let God take control?

You see, sometimes, we need to bring out the old sleeping bag and lay it down before our Father; let Him freshen it up, clean it off and spruce it up. He is the master of making old things new. In fact, it is one of His specialties!

Hmmm….the old sleeping bag…..who knew?

Be Joyful!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

A Game of Fetch…

roscoebeach — Photo creds to my beautiful daughter!

My daughter and I took the angel dog to the beach Wednesday afternoon. He loves to go to the beach for so many reasons. He loves to ride in the truck. He loves to dig for shells. And he loves to play a good game of fetch with any size driftwood we find on the shore.

Wednesday was no exception. My daughter found a great piece of wood and launched it down the beach. Angel dog would go running for it, ears flopping and tail curled up. He brought it back to his mom every time. His “sister” would grab it and launch it again and again. Each time angel dog would find his way back to me. You see the angel dog likes to stay close to his mom.

My daughter finally plopped down next to me too and we chatted while watching two huge pelicans catch and eat fish. I could remember my own mom and I spending many an afternoon, in Florida where I grew up, soaking up the sun at the beach and talking about life.

There is just something about the ease and beauty of the beach: waves crashing, sea gulls calling, and the blissful feeling of the sun warming your body. Life is good at the beach. As I watched my daughter and the angel dog play, I thought about how small they seemed nestled next to the vastness of the ocean. And how I loved having them both close to me.

Our Father who art in heaven filled the vastness between Him and us with a Cross, which allows us to plop down next to Him and take in the beauty of His creation, while chatting about life. His Son warms our bodies and He fills our hearts with His Holy Spirit. He loves to watch us play along the shore and delights when we seek Him out, especially after life takes us on a run. And just like me, He loves to have His children close, under His mighty protection.

Take time this weekend to spend some time with your Father, soak up His Son and let His Holy Spirit move you. And don’t forget that after a good game of fetch, it is always best to return to Him. Stay close, for He is a good, good Father.

Be joyful!

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

Nothing Compares….

It is Spring Break here in southern Texas and my Facebook is flooded with friends on fun adventures, taking vacations and lots of pictures of sunny beaches. Happiness exudes in every shot. Kids are perfectly entertained, food looks like it is straight from a five star restaurant, and bodies look trim and fit.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison game in today’s world of social media, isn’t it? It’s the same thing that can happen when flipping through a magazine or even watching television. You know exactly what I am talking about; you begin to make sweeping assumptions and comparisons. You find yourself thinking that EVERYONE else is taking a Spring Break vacation. That EVERYONE else skates through life without a care in the world. That EVERYONE else has the picture perfect life, body, relationship, house, kids….you fill in the blank.

We forget that social media is like watching the game highlight reel. It leaves out so much about real life. Beth Moore, in her Bible study the Quest, describes social media as a way for for us to live our lives in exclamation points. Every post, every photo, every “snap” is placed out in a bold, exciting way and arranged perfectly.

John 10:10 reminds us that, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” I truly believe that the thief is doing just that within our social media outlets. The problem isn’t social media; rather, it is how we allow it to invade our thoughts and draw us to unhealthy conclusions and comparisons. And the thief, well he loves it! Because he successfully pulls us into his seductive world of jealousy, envy and lust.

But, God quickly reminds us also in John 10:10, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Here is the thing, comparison steals our joy and pulls us out of a rich and satisfying life. However, our amazing God allows us to shift focus and put things back into perspective. God allows us to enjoy the moments of our friend’s lives, remembering that their lives are abundantly more than the image on social media. He also reminds us that relationships sometimes require more than a “like” or “comment”. That nothing compares to human interaction, a listening ear, a phone call, a much needed hug or a prayer.

And, NOTHING compares to our God, who is the only one who adds richness and satisfaction in abundant measure. Did you hear me? NOTHING conpares to Him!

Be joyful!

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:1‭-‬2 MSG)

Forgiveness…

cross I have been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately. In fact, I truly believe that God has been laying this powerful word on my heart to ponder for about two weeks now. My teenage daughter has a hard time admitting when she is wrong. (She gets this solely from her father. Ha!) She also has a hard time saying that she is sorry. I have tried to point out to her many times that forgiveness has to do with her own heart. And that it is often one of the most freeing, uplifting things that we can do. It’s funny how your own words can come back to haunt you.

We recently had an argument within our family. I wish I could tell you that we handled it calmly, with complete understanding, calm heads and voices, and resolved it in a Biblical manner. But, I am trying to practice transparency and honesty with this blog. It was quite the opposite. Harsh words were exchanged, doors were slammed and resolution was left for another day.

I think God often uses family relationships to teach, refine and refocus. This has truly been the case for me since this unfortunate incident. What I realized is that the right and wrong of the situation at the end of the day really doesn’t matter. But, what does matter are the hearts involved, starting with mine. You see, I have been harboring unforgiveness. I have been justifying my own thoughts and feelings, replaying the fiasco over and over again. Then, I started to realize that I felt horrible inside. And that the more I justified, the more I felt God pressing in on me to repent and to allow Him to handle the situation. And not only was God asking for me to repent; but He was asking me to extend grace; regardless of whether that grace was deserved. He put songs on the radio, scriptures, words in my Bible study, messages from the pulpit, all whispering the same thing to me….it is time to forgive and be forgiven.

So, I did. I gave it all to my Father and asked Him to renew a right spirit within me. And just like that, I felt free, uplifted and my conscience was clear. Grace and love became easier to extend too, imagine that! Why did it take me so long?”

Jesus said, ‘Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.'” (Luke 23:24 NLT) Our Savior pleaded for our forgiveness from the cross. He demonstrated from that excruciating vantage point the importance of forgiving one another. He then gave up His own life for my sins and yours. For my stubbornness and yours. For my pride, and yours. For all of my short comings and yours. He conquered the cross, so that we could stand before our Father, forgiven and redeemed.

I want to be more like Jesus. I want to extend His grace, love and forgiveness more. He placed me here, within this generation to do His work. He wants me to shine bright for Him. Sometimes, we have to get our “self” out of the way.

And sometimes the first step is forgiveness.

Be joyful!

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NLT)

A Texas Sunset…

sargentsunset — **Photo captured by my beautiful friend, Tammie Kennedy–Sargent, Texas**

I must admit that watching the sun set in Texas is inspiring! I have lived in some beautiful places: Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia and North Carolina. But, there is just something about a Texas sunset….can I get an amen? God has really been showing off in my neck of the woods the last few days: crisp cool air, no humidity, beautiful blue skies and lots of sunshine. And the sunsets have been extraordinary.

I was driving to our youth group meeting at our church on Wednesday night. The sun was going down and God’s majesty spilled across the sky. The thing that is so remarkable about the sunset here is that we live in a flat part of Texas, which means that God’s handiwork literally spreads for miles. And it was breath taking Wednesday night. The hues of pinks, golds and blues were just incredible. I am blessed to be able to tune into a phenomenal Christian radio station and God seems to provide the perfect musical accompaniment most days for me. Wednesday night was no exception. I found myself giggling in delight at this moment I was sharing with my Father, the Creator.

What a mighty God we serve! He imagined last night’s sunset: picked each color, shaded the landscape and mastered the sun. He then orchestrated this unique, glorious display with His capable hands. Art dancing across the big, Texas sky. His Glory on full display.

This same glorious God designed you. He selected your eye color, hair color, body type, the hue of your skin and crafted your personality. He made your heart beat and your lungs capable of His very breath. He breathes out and we breath in. You are also his mighty masterpiece. And He has big plans for your life. As big as the Texas sky.

“He says, ‘be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'” (Psalm 46:10). I marveled at God’s glory Wednesday night and exalted His wonder, power and grace. I encourage you to slow down, look around and marvel this weekend. God is worthy to be praised!

Thank you, Father, for the most exquisite sunset Wednesday night. Thank you for this amazing life. And thank you for the big ‘ole Texas sky!

Be joyful!

“Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:9

The Back Scratcher…

20180306_171414 Monday nights have become one of my favorite nights. First, I get to spend time with my Sisters in Christ in Bible Study. Then, a new tradition has formed in our home. My man, daughter and angel dog pile on our bed and we watch the television program, Kids Baking Championship. Now before you all conjure up false impressions of my man; this is not his show of choice. He is a fishing, hunting, rough and tough, Texas man…you make no mistake! I truly believe that the main reason he succumbs to this ritual has everything to do with the back scratcher.

Honestly, my man is obsessed with the back scratcher. He received an upgraded “model” in his stocking at Christmas. It extends to different lengths, is shaped like a metal hand and has a nice cushiony grip. What I have observed about the back scratcher is that it can be used to scratch lovingly or it can be used to annoy. And usually the rule of thumb is that you get exactly what you give, which typically ends poorly for me. For some reason, try as I might, I can’t resist using the back scratcher to annoy more than love when it is my turn. I have also observed that my daughter keeps track of the amount of time that angel dog gets scratched. And, God forbid, that she is given any less time! My man gets the most time with the back scratcher and we are amazed that he doesn’t sustain flesh wounds on his back from the intensity of his scratching.

Aren’t we lucky to have a God who doesn’t give based on what He receives? “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV) We continually sin and fall short; yet His grace and forgiveness is extended again and again. His love is more than abundant!

Aren’t we lucky that we are never beyond God’s reach? Psalms 138:7 reminds us, “Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies, You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.” His reach is deep and wide and He has the ability to forgive and forget our sins, as far as the east is from the west.

Aren’t we lucky that God loves us all equally? He extends the same love, hope, forgiveness, and grace to each and every one of us. He doesn’t play favorites! “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)

God is the ultimate back scratcher! I will never look at our Monday night ritual the same again.

Be joyful!

The Number on the Scale….

scale Yep, I had to face it this weekend. I landed at urgent care with a raging sore throat and terrible cough. I had successfully put it off; but now the moment had arrived. I had to face the number on the scale. This hate relationship with the scale started early for me. If I am brutally honest, I have avoided trips to the doctor many times because I simply didn’t want to face it. Please don’t judge me too harshly. The number on the scale has way too much control. I readily admit it. That number can dictate how I feel for the day. It can bring shame, guilt and embarrassment by the droves. It can also bring enormous amounts of relief, success and short lived happiness. However, what it never has provided is freedom.

This particular doctor’s visit confirmed many things for me. It confirmed a major throat infection (no strep, thank God) and bronchitis (“ain’t nobody got time for that”). What I have dwelt on since the doctor’s visit has not been concern for my own health. Nope. I have been consumed with the fact that the number on the scale is up. You see, I have been struggling with my weight my entire life. The last couple of years, hormones and menopause has made it more difficult for me to maintain my weight, let alone lose. For the last few months, I haven’t felt like fighting it. And the number on the scale shows it.

Why do we allow this number to have so much control over us? I know that I am not the only one. I work in the fitness industry (I laugh that God has made this part of my story given my serious issues with self esteem associated with my weight). I have witnessed the look of complete devastation on a client’s face after facing the number on the scale. It is heart breaking.

I remember when my current boss (who is a fabulous, fit, God-fearing woman) suggested that I consider becoming a certified Personal Trainer. My thoughts went something like this, ‘Are you kidding me? I don’t look the part. The struggle is beyond real. I am living proof that you can’t out exercise poor eating habits. Who would ever look to me for advice on getting in shape. You must be seriously delusional.’ Why do we allow the number on the scale to dictate what we are worthy to do? Or not to do?

I have lived 45 years allowing the number on the scale to dictate so many things: whether I will be in the picture, whether I will go to the beach or pool, whether I will feel attractive that day, whether I will enjoy lunch with my family, whether I should wear that outfit or not, whether I am worthy to be loved. In fact, while I am being honest, I can probably tell you what the number on the scale was during each season, vacation, happy or sad time of my life. And it played an unnecessary role in each one of these occasions. (Yikes! Lord, please help me not be the only one.)

I have been leading an amazing Bible Study for women by Kelly Minter, entitled, “No Other Gods”. What I am realizing is that this number on the scale is a false idol for me. It has sold me a lie about who I am. I have allowed the number on the scale to take up way too much space in my life, mentally and emotionally. And I am so tired of it. It is beyond time to lay this one down. It is beyond time to replace this idol with my Lord and Savior Jesus and let His truth reign in my life.

I am so much more than that number on the scale. I am made in the image of my Father in heaven. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT) Now, my friends, this one scripture is some solid truth that I should sink my teeth into instead of the number on the scale.

Are there struggles or idols that you have allowed too much attention in your life? Lay them down. Let them go. They are nothing more than stumbling blocks that keep you from serving and pursuing the only, One True God. Let’s get on with living boldly for Him.

He is the only number on the scale that matters. He is my number One!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Be joyful!

He Knows Your Name…

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My daughter turned eight shortly after my husband and I got married. I was very fortunate in that she was truly longing for a mom. She made the transition very smoothly. One of my own regrets with my second father was that I never made the transition to calling him dad. I wanted to give my daughter the opportunity to call me mom pretty quickly. So, Memorial Day weekend, about six months after we were married, I asked her if she would like to try calling me mom. I told her that it might feel strange at first; but that eventually it would get easier. She eagerly agreed to give it a go! And a go she did!

I vividly remember that we went to the beach that weekend as a family. My daughter is a lover of the water, sand and anything slimy. So, she never lacks for energy at the beach. I truly believe that she called me mom 1000 times in the span of 2-3 hours. Mom, look at this cool shell. Mom watch me swim. Mom, check out this sand castle. Mom, look at me. Mom! Mom! Mom! It came so naturally to her. But, my learning curve was longer.

We went to Walmart that same weekend, jus the two of us this time. And I remember standing on an aisle and hearing a child asking her mom a question, over and over again, saying mom every time. This mom was apparently distracted. I thought to myself, ‘for goodness sake, answer that poor child so she will quit saying your name’. It was then that I realized that I was the mom. And my daughter was the child asking me the question. Oh my goodness, I was the mom.

Isn’t it reassuring to know that our Father knows our name? Better yet, isn’t awesome to think that He hears us every time we call him by His name? He delights in relationship with us. He wants to see the sand castle. He wants to watch us twirl on the beach. He longs to see us play in the waves. The Creator of the Universe knew you before He put you in your mother’s womb. He knows every hair on your head, He delights in every step you take and He collects every tear that you cry.

Thanks to Jesus, your name will appear in the Book of Life if you make Him your Lord and Savior. You will inherit eternal life. We are redeemed, children of God. Isn’t it amazing to think that the Enemy sees your Father’s name written on your forehead? (Revelation 12:4) You are sealed by the blood of Christ and the enemy has lost.

Yes, indeed, your Father knows your name. And my daughter knows mine! But more importantly, she knows the powerful name of Jesus! And I pray that she calls on that name over and over again. You too, my friends!

Be joyful!

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28 NIV