To see doesn’t always mean you notice..

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between seeing and noticing? Seeing is what we do everyday; our brains process what we see, it registers and then a thought or judgement is formed etc. Noticing however, is on a different level of the spectrum. To notice means to carefully see details or realize things; favorable attention or special attention. To notice means careful consideration and thought has taken place and our brains remember more of what we notice than what we see. There are things in life that the Holy Spirit not only allows us to see something, but to truly notice.

True compassion compels us to do things we normally don’t do. Compassion causes us to cross the street to help our neighbor, bring food to a family in despair or during the loss of a loved one, compassion compels us to give a little more than we normally will during the time of crisis or emergency. Compassion is what Christ had for us along with mercy and grace, while hanging on the cross. Make no mistake, compassion is a wonderful thing but talk to anyone and they’ll tell you, it comes with a cost. Most people who have true compassion go against the world and their view of what compassion might be. Sometimes it may cost us stepping out of our comfort zone to help someone, maybe it’s giving a little more even when you don’t have any to give. We must understand, compassion is not a career or lifestyle, but an authentic following of God and His word. Understanding that God had great compassion on us so that we may have compassion on others. Look at what God has to say about compassion:

Psalm 103:13 (Whole Chapter)
The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

Luke 6:36 (Whole Chapter)
You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

Romans 9:16 (MSG)

Compassion doesn’t originate in our bleeding hearts or moral sweat, but in God’s mercy.

Ephesians 4:32 (MSG)

Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

Philippians 2:1 (Whole Chapter)
[ Have the Attitude of Christ ] Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

1 John 3:17 (Whole Chapter)
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister [Greek sees his brother.] in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

Wow. Doesn’t that last verse cut to the heart of the matter? If we’re not compassionate towards others, how can God’s love be in you or me?

2 Timothy 1:7:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and a sound mind.”

If we’re going to fulfill the purpose God has for our lives, we have to be prepared to take risks. See, God wants us to take paths or create paths where no one has gone before. Is it scary? Of course it’s scary, unsure at first and most if not all of the time, out of our comfort zone. We have to remember that we are God’s workmanship created in Christ to do good works. We weren’t created to live like everyone else or the world, but we’re created to do good works being created in Christ. We’re saved by grace through faith; we can’t do anything on our own. We can’t “work” our way to heaven, we can’t do enough good things to make it and we sure can’t pray our way into heaven; we MUST be born again, ask Christ into our heart and believe He died for us and rose again on the third day.  So nothing we can do, say or combination of the two, can get us saved..

So my question to you tonight is: What are you noticing about your life that needs to change or be altered? Are you walking through this life just “seeing” everything or are you truly noticing things in your life? It’s a big difference-the two. We can see our life spiraling out of control, we can see our habits controlling our life, we can see divorce and money issues coming our way but until we truly notice through God’s eyes, they’ll never improve. What do you need to notice in your life and maybe make a change? I know I’m working on a few things because I’m tired of just seeing things; I want to notice things in my life..

 

Random thoughts..with a purpose of course..

Ok so, I’m always posting sermon type messages and sometimes I forget to just be real with my audience and myself. This blog is entitled, random thoughts with a purpose..Odd don’t you think? Random thoughts which have a purpose can actually be pretty helpful..and destructive..it just depends on the topic at hand..

For my first thought, have you ever felt like you’re alone even though you’re surrounded by people? Specifically-have you been thrilled to be with your family but everyone else just ticks you off? Sad part is, there’s not apparent reason?? Ughghg.. Isn’t that one of the worst feelings in the world? It’s not like you can pinpoint where the feeling has started or where you obtained it.. It’s just…there.. Then you snap at everyone, your quiet and just plain boring-almost in a depressed state of mind. However, when you look at the overall picture of things, your happy with everything around you.. but then again, it angers you because you can’t figure out what’s wrong.. That’s me.. As of right now, people irritate me, get on my nerves and tick me off! They can’t say too many things which I can agree with or if I do, I’m just agreeing to agree.. It’s like you’re in a dark hole, you see a light but no matter how hard you try-you never get close enough to reach it.. It’s always out of reach and becomes very frustrating.. For me, it’s frustrating because I don’t like being this way and it’s no fair to my family or my friends.. It’s not right so then I become angry because I can’t figure it out and if you know me, it upsets me not to be able to at least pinpoint something.. This attitude and feeling I have, is not giving me ANY understanding or clarity what so ever.. I look around and everyone is in a clique except me; when I try to get in one, there’s little reciprocation.. It’s almost like I don’t even exist in the world around me except with my family but it’s no fair I feel like this. I just want to lock myself away, listen to as much music as I can, scream and relieve the frustration that’s built up inside and move on with my life.. Who knows, I’m on a mission to figure it out so…if you’ve been here before, I’d love some advice..

Thought #2: Teachers are real people too. It’s what we do as a lifestyle, NOT a job. We struggle like everyone else and the difference-most of the time, between us and everyone else, we’re “certified and took some classes.” We’re not super hero’s, we juggle so many hats so many times, we don’t even know our own hat at home when we place it on our head! Yes it’s a profession/lifestyle we chose and we knew the implications-or at least most of them, when we started. Some parents do not understand their children, the work they’re required to do and what we’re required to teach. Of course if the parents would help us stand up for our rights and what we do, education would do a paradigm shift in a positive direction. However, with the lack of…ummm… guts should I say, we’ve allowed the education system to crumble and not have a leg to stand on anymore. There’s little support for our administrators which in turn, hurt the support from our administrators to our teachers. There’s little support from the “higher powers of educaiton-Central Office or the State Education Dept.” to the teachers which in turn, decreases morale and good teachers-no GREAT teachers end up leaving the system. In other words, we don’t work as a cohesive unit anymore and it’s tied our hands behind our backs in a precarious spot. Our teachers are on the front line, get to work early, stay late, PTA meetings, SST, RTI meetings, Lesson Preparation, extracurricular activities, meetings for the meetings we’re going to have etc. etc.. No I’m not griping or grumbling because this is the “profession” I chose but what I’m saying is this: We’ve taken the education out of education. We’re teaching our kids skills instead of educating them in the skills.. Big difference.. Anyone can teach something with the right tools for the job but educating them..they in turn become the teacher and they are now educating others.. We need our teachers back to educating our kids, manners, discipline, what to say-when to say it, the basics of life and a little bit of character education would be tremendous! Our hands are tied in most cases and we lack the support we need because the support needed, isn’t there from the top.

(Not saying all schools, admin etc. are like this, I’m speaking in general terms and in NO WAY am I referring to any particular or specific person, individual, school, school system and any likeness is pure speculation and heresay. The view reflective here is opinionated and have no foundational basis linking to any school or school system!)

Random #3:  Things are what they are because we’ve allowed them to be that way. We’ve sat by and allowed things to come into our homes, lives, marriages, relationships, schools, jobs etc. just so we could be politically correct.. Yet why is it politically correct all of a sudden?? Why have the different cultures never been bothered by Merry Christmas yet now, we can’t say it because it may “offend someone.” Well, this is America, the land of the FREE-home of the BRAVE.. We all have rights and if we’re offended, we just have to deal with it-that’s the American way right?? No, we’re not BORN that way either.. When we use that excuse we’re saying God created us that way and if that’s so, wouldn’t it be against His word to allow a killer to be birthed yet God commands us “Thou shalt not kill?” We all have a CHOICE in our life..Some more than others, some growing up do not I understand and empathize but..don’t use excuses to justify your choices in life.. No one was born a certain way except a sinner, lost from God…That’s the way you were born and through your life, you make choices which shape and define you for who and what you are and become. You have a choice not to live in the past, not to dwell and make excuses..you can move forward in your life it’s just are you willing and able to face the truth?? Are you willing to put it down and allow God to control it?? There’s a lot of people who’ve overcame many things in their life to become successful and peaceful at what they are doing today.. Why are they any different from you? They aren’t, they just put it down..

Random #4:  Have you ever wondered why there is “extra strength” of any thing? I mean, you have Tylenol-gentle, then Tylenol-full strength-finally, Tylenol Extra Strength! If your lucky-they’ll come out with Tylenol-Pure Strength! I know I’m not the only one who thinks about this stuff?? I mean, we have Dr. Pepper, D.Dr. Pepper, D.Caff. Free Dr. Pepper…just call it what it is?? Kinda pepper with a watered down taste with no calories or strength!

Ok, so I really don’t have a random #4 but I figured I had to leave it on a good note..

Sickness-Pride

One of the biggest problems or issues we face.. Whether we believe it or not, pride is everywhere and in everything. You know, the “proud” feeling when we do, say or get something..What follows is the puffed out chest, internal feeling of ‘it’s mine’ or even ‘I did it myself’ can even creep up. Pride is so diverse and broad in it’s range, often times we don’t realize when it begins to take over. If we think about it and pay attention to what we’re doing while we do it, we begin to see a few signs. Look at what God says in the following few verses:

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Proverbs 16:18

“The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

Proverbs 16:5

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5

God speaks very candidly and plain on being “proud or what Pride” does in our life.

The most clear one we struggle with is “I can handle it by myself” pride. You know, the one where we think we can handle an issue w/o God’s help yet we don’t say that but… Or the times we try to handle our marriage, finances or parenting “our” way yet miss the mark on what God desires for us. What about the verbal or physical abuse you still carry around, the spousal abuse you still have on your back, the bad marriage, bad choices or even the things you’ve allowed to build up in your life. You think you can handle them, you want to hang on to it or else you would let it go. That’s pride.. You have to let the past go, quit trying to handle things yourself because that’s pride sinking its teeth into your life. It directs your life, your choices and everything in it if you think about it.

Another one we struggle with is the “I’m better than you.” Some of us struggle with that more than others but even in the smallest degree, it can show up.  You know, the time someone walks by, struggles with something you know about and you think-”I’ve beaten that before, it’s not that hard.. Why are you still struggling with that??” It’s the little things.. The little thought in the back of your mind when you compare your issue/problem/blessing/struggle with someone else’s only to place yourself, a little “higher on the todem pole.” We’ve all done it, we just may minimize it or justify the reasoning. It is however, pride sneaking in and taking a hold of your mind and creating a prideful heart.

The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evildoers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 

Luke 18:11-12

What can I do if I feel these things popping up or sneaking into my heart and life? You must pray and turn as close as you can to God. God is the only one who can help you remove this pride from your life, mind and your heart at that time. You can’t do it on your own-you’ve tried and failed so why are you still trying?? Isn’t it time to try something new?

Know this, the more you have pride in your heart and life, the farther away from God you will fall.. There’s no room for your pride and God in the same realm.. You have to allow God to take over when that “feeling” comes into the moment so that pride can not have a way into your life.

Let’s face it, the closer you are to God, the less pride you have- the more humble you become and the more broken you are.. God loves you but He can’t help you if you not willing to become broken for Him. Don’t wait until you’re broken before you move, move before you become broken.. Let go of those problems and issues in your life-let them go. Stop trying to take on your problems on your own knowing you are not successful. Stop trying to rid yourself of the past when the past is already gone yet you’re the one keeping it around! Stop complaining about the trash overflowing, the smell unbearable when you yourself haven’t taken it out; you’ve only complained about it.. You get it now? Do you like living in the past, do you like allowing the things of the past ruin your life and your paths? Are you not tired of missing the blessings of God because you can’t put down the problems He’s already taken out of your life-only for you to bring them back??

My prayer tonight is for all of us to lay this sickness called pride down at the feet of Jesus. To prevent it from infecting our lives and allow satan a foothold. If we continue to allow pride to be a part of our life, we will struggle with getting closer to God, we will struggle with becoming humble and the less broken you become. Without being broken, it’ll be hard for God to help you with the walk we so desire with Him. We will always feel like something is missing, a void. God is the only one that can fill that void so stop trying to place things in it which won’t work. What’s your choice-what are you going to do? What’s the desire of your heart and do you truly want the right kind of relationship with God? I know I want the right type of relationship but first….I have to get out of the way..

MEN! You are created to be a warrior..

Have you ever thought about that? We “fight” in football, UFC, baseball, football and other sports and in life. Yet, when it comes to Christ, we seem to take a different approach; more subtle if you will. However, did you know that within each of us men, we were created to be a warrior.

I did not come to bring peace, but a sword…and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:34; 38

The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.  
Exodus 15:3

Now how did we miss that?? Wow, so does that go against everything you’ve learned or know? It shouldn’t. The Lord has battled through many adversities and overcome many obstacles, and He gives us the strength to do the same. We have to “fight” our way through this life but it’s gonna take being a warrior for Christ. Jesus will give you the strength you need and all the protection you will ever want. We have to remember, that doesn’t mean this life won’t rough us up, beat us down and try to keep us down. That means when things like this happens, we have to take on a persona of a warrior, fight our way back up and continue on to the task at hand. One thing about a warrior is they are aggressive, sometimes even pro-active yet never passive. They will not wait or stand still, they must be engaged. Christ tells us the same thing:

I know… you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm…I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 

Revelation 3:15-16

You can’t be passive one minute and engaged the next men. We have to stand up for our beliefs, morals and most of all, our wives and family. Stop allowing things and people to come into your life and take pieces away. You wouldn’t allow anyone to come into your house, grab something and walk away?! You would stop them especially if it threatened your family and spouse. So why aren’t you stopping the habits that invade your life? Why aren’t you stopping the flirtation between you and the co-worker-because “we’re just friends or just playing around.” Why aren’t you stopping the time you spend away from your family and spouse because you need some “me” time?? All of these things and many more are destroying your marriage and family little by little. Now I’m not saying  “me” time should be done away, but every weekend? When you spend more time with your “friends” or your hobbies than your family?? That’s too much!

So men. Stop being a wimp and become a warrior-not in yourself but in Christ! Step up and protect your wife,  family and yourself from the habits and hang-ups this life can bring. Satan is out to Kill-Steal and destroy everything you have within your life: your marriage, wife, children-everything.. So are you going to stand by men and watch your family, life, marriage and children be attacked or are you going to be a warrior for God? Are you going to be a Godly man or a worldly man? I know which one I want to be-trying to be.. are you??

Breaking the habit.. (Pt. 2)

So yesterday we looked at a few ways to begin the journey of breaking a “habit” in your life. We start off by admitting the habit. admitting the habit allows our mind and our heart to bring it to the light. Bringing things to light allows one to deal with the issue correctly and in the right manner. We move from admitting to the honesty stage. We have to be honest with ourself and to God. We have to lay all the cards, hiding nothing, out on the table of forgiveness and forgetfulness. Last and definitely not least, we have to let go. We have to let go of the habit and move to the next few steps we’re going to address. The first one is

Prayer:  Christ tells us in Phillipians 4:6, (My favorite verse..)

“Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

You truly have to read this verse slowly and allow God to work in your life in the way of your habit. Christ tells us not worry about it, but to pray and petition with thanksgiving and present it to God. (This also applies to other areas in your life but for tonight, we’re referencing to the topic of “habit.”) We have to understand and know that pray is nothing more than speaking/talking to God. There is no magical prayer or prayer you must say in order for things to happen or come true. There is the Lord’s Prayer but pray is communicating to God; it’s your way of being honest to God. You speak with God as if you were speaking to your best friend; because He is your best friend.

Persevere:  You must be persistent in completing this task, defeating this habit. You can’t look back as it slows you from moving forward. Moving forward is the only way you can leave the past behind as it will bring you down and cause you to loose focus. In James 1:4;

“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

See, you must persevere in the work you are doing, rather it’s defeating a habit, reading your Bible, trusting in God above and beyond, loving and spending time with your family-whatever the case maybe, perseverance must finish its work so we can be mature, complete and lacking nothing in Christ. In defeating a habit, you must-must be persistent in getting rid of the habit in any and all ways possible. If that means changing your habits, changing your friends or even worse, changing you… The habit must not control you anymore, you must re-gain control of your life and break the chains that hold you back. Christ has a great work to do in you and through you but He can’t have full control if He doesn’t have full control.

So I ask you, what habit(s) do you need to break? What habit have you been hiding in the darkness of your heart and life? Aren’t you tired of that habit ruling or controlling your life, ruining your decisions and your life?? How much more is going to take before you break the habit? How much more damage are you willing to do to your life, your marriage, finances or even children before you decide enough is enough?? That’s a question only you can answer and I hope you find your peace soon. Once it’s dealt with, it’s so much better-take it from someone who knows…

If I hide it, it will go away…

Wouldn’t that be nice? If we did or said something wrong, we hide it and it goes away? What about all those things you did wrong or thought were wrong, such as looking at something on the computer you shouldn’t be? If you hide it, it’ll go away right? Unfortunately, it will not but it will give satan an open door to your life. I like to think of it like this: If you place furniture in a room and turn off the light-does that mean the furniture disappears? Of course not right, and if you walk inside you’ll find out that it’s still there. There’s a lot of pain involved when running into something without being able to see it. That’s the same way with sin, it’s dark-you can’t see it and it will slowly eat away your morals, values and ethics. It makes you feel guilty and in most cases, it’s shameful.

no shame: buwsh (boosh); to be ashamed; to be disappointed, to be confused, to become dry.

Satan knows your weakness and he will use it as much as he can to cause you to stumble. He will cause you to judge others based on what YOU do and how YOU act, he will cause you to justify YOUR actions against theirs-judging again and it will make you compare YOUR life and what YOU do/say, to what they are doing or saying wrong. Do you see a pattern here? YOU. You have to take yourself out of it but satan will drag you all the way through it.

SATAN’S SHAME GAME

You experience something deeply painful or sinful.

You connect what happened with who you are.

You believe the only way to be safe is to hide.

Satan works overtime to make sure you “hide” what you have going on in your life. You have to bring it to the light, and that light is Jesus. You don’t have to run all over the place telling everyone what you’ve done wrong but you can tell God and ask for His forgiveness. He will give you mercy and grace to cover those things you’ve done/said and you can start new; fresh. Look at what Christ says in II Corinthians:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

It doesn’t matter where you’ve gone, what you’ve done, what you’ve said or how bad your past was, it is just that-come find healing and peace with Christ. He’s waiting for you to come to Him so He can wrap you up in His arms and walk with you through the healing process. Just because you’ve hid it from those around you, doesn’t mean you hid it from God. He wants you to tell Him, He wants you to turn on the “light” in your life so that all things can become ‘new.’ What are you waiting for? Where are you with Christ today and be honest: On a scale from 1-10, 10 being walking with God and 1 being I need to walk towards God, where are you? That’s a question you’ll have to decide to answer on your own and it’s between you and God. Don’t hide it, bring it to the light.

 

Emptiness..Happiness..Loneliness..Where does it all come from??

Have you ever wondered why you feel “empty” at times? You know, those times you just “can’t put your finger on it” kinda days. Sometimes it continues for months and even years yet others live their whole life feeling that way. They walk this earth with little to no purpose that is clear, trying to search and look for anything/everything to fill their heart.  I wonder when we’re going to understand GOD is THE ONLY one who can fill that void. God created us FOR Him and we’re to bring Him glory, honor and worship; that void is HIS void.

A good friend and I were discussing those who had bright futures, everything they wanted, everything they could ask for or hope for yet they were empty on the inside. They were longing for things to fill that void but nothing seemed to work, yet we’re no different. We get caught up in sports, job, our toys, hobbies, money and many other things which take up our “time” from the things most important.  Think about it, what would our relationship look like or be like if we spent the same amount of time with God as we do our hobbies, job or activities in our life? How would life be different and how would our perspective change on God, people and even each other? EXAMPLE: Do this, think about the one activity-just one-which takes up a large amount of time which is NOT a necessity.. (Job is a necessity but we’re talking about hunting, fishing, job after hours to make more money..you get the picture?) Now, what if you spent that amount of time with God everyday as you do with your activity or hobby? What do you think your relationship with God would look like, or relationship with people, problems, issues etc?? I think our perspective would be radically changed and I’m the first to admit, I don’t spend NEAR enough time with God like I should but with my blogs and research, I’m working on it..Let’s take a look at one of the most famous clips in our generation when it comes to happiness and a change of heart. To set up the clip, Scrooge as we know, was very very tight, frugal and almost down-right mean to his employees and those around him. After the visit from the 3 ghost, he became a new man running all over town spreading happiness.

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Obviously some of us may struggle with small things in our life, some with larger things and others struggle all together. What we can say is emptiness is NOT of God.  Check out what Jesus says to the woman at the well in John 4:7-13 about what His water will give..

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.t)

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

11 ”Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus is telling her, His water will always be filling and she will never thirst again. When we’re following Jesus, trusting, believing and having faith in Him, we’ll never yearn for anything; in other words, we will not be empty.

Proverbs 15:13 NIV

• A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:12 (NIV)

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

So if we’re unhappy, how can we be doing or following the guidelines of Christ? As Jesse Duplantis use to say, “Everyone who’s a Christian says you should be happy but the ones I know are depressed, sad and unhappy.” True isn’t it? Our happiness depends too much on the things around us, the people we are in contact with and our circumstances. Don’t allow those things to take your joy and happiness so your happy heart makes your face cheerful..

• Matthew 28:20 NIV
  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

• Jeremiah 1:19 NIV

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the lord.

To be lonely is not what God has intended for our life and more importantly, He told us He would be with us until the very end of the age-what more can you ask for?? God is standing by waiting on you, patiently with arms outstretched ready for us to run like a child, into His arms. To wrap our arms around Him, squeeze and allow Him to take off our coats of problems, issues, life etc. and to walk away with a peace unlike ALL and ANY understanding.. I don’t know about you, but I like to have that kind of peace..

I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but God does and He’s waiting on you. He loves you no matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been and what things you’ve said or thought. Trust in Him, believe and have faith to understanding one simple fact: God Loves You!! We often forget this very important point in our lives so wherever you are right now, stop and say this to your heart and mind: GOD LOVES ME JUST LIKE I AM. GOD LOVES MY FAULTS, MY HEART, MY MIND, MY SOUL AND ALL THE THINGS I AM BECAUSE IT IS GOD WHO CREATED ME. In other words, just admit and realize God loves you my friend, just love Him back.. So where does emptiness, happiness and loneliness come from? Does it come from us or from God?? It’s up to you to make that decision based on your perception and understanding of God but I know for a fact when I’m empty, unhappy or lonely, it’s at my own decision or fault..

Insight to our family

Amy’s surgery went well with no surprises as the doctor stated.  Surgery took a little longer due to the 3 cancer cells being on a blood vessel. Taking the part for analysis to see what kind of chemo she needs. Continue to pray for her and Lee as she awakes to find her port. She’s alive and God worked wonders during this time. She’s in a lot of pain right now but looks like Thursday she’ll be able to go home. We will know in a week when her chemo and what type of chemo she will have. She’s been wonderful throughout this whole process and her spirits are high. She’s been through a lot to be such a young age but God is doing some amazing things in her life whether she realizes it or not. A lot of time it’s what God does in the storms of our life which help us get through the rest of our life. Sometimes God brings others in our life which we can share our experience and help them through the same storms.

1972-73, my parents began the adoption process. (I wasn’t born until 75 so go figure) They were told child-bearing wasn’t possible so they turned to adoption. (Glad they did by the way!) 3 case workers later and fast forward to 1975-76, the 4th case worker decided to keep the records as they were and began the adoption process. Meanwhile, my paternal grandmother signed all rights and privileges over to the State of Alabama and hence, I met up with-”The Goswick’s.” Still told they were unable to bear children, Amanda J. Goswick was born 6 years later on May 21, 1981; God wasn’t finished showing up yet..

I wasn’t the best brother in the world and I’ve asked for repentance for that many times and now, it’s in God’s hands. I can always pick up now and be the best brother I can from here on out. Amy was a wonderful sister and friend, who got a long with everyone and was special from birth. As she grew, she remained special and so friendly, free and smiled all the time. She flipped a car around 15 years of age, minimal damage to her but major to the car. Lol. She flipped again around 97 into a creek upside down, almost died but back problems would be the only thing she had to show. Couple of years later she was hit in Lee’s mom’s car and if it wasn’t for it being an SUV, she may have been critically hurt. Then, at 27 years of age, diagnosed with Colon/Rectal cancer. Through Chemo, prayers and perserverance, the doctors were able to get rid of it and that’s where it’s remained. However, a couple of weeks, we received the call it was back, in the same place but three places this time.

Today, Amy had surgery yet again-cut from belly button down to remove the ugly stuff again. Needless to say, Amy has been through so much for her age but I know God wants to do something through this. I believe God is going to show up in a huge way and I’m fixed on that fact-whether positive or negative. Lee her husband, finds out Thursday he’s loosing his job in 60 days or so; but they both have smiles. Deep down inside I’m sure they’re hurting and wondering what to do but they’ve been through so much already, I totally believe it’s for something God is getting ready, preparing or currently doing in her/their life. That’s the way God shows up and works; He takes the impossible-possible.

Trials are evident in our life and unavoidable. However, there’s comfort in knowing God is with you and walking through the stuff or even carrying you along the way. What “stuff” are you fighting in your life? Maybe it’s financial, marriage, friendship or maybe it’s your children giving you a hard time…even more, maybe it’s the fight we have internally about doing the right thing, being the person I’m suppose to be according to God or joining in the world’s way of doing things? Maybe it’s cancer, MS or leukemia-whatever the disease, status, or issue in your life, God is ready to help you if you just believe and ask. God doesn’t care where you’ve been, how bad your past maybe-SURPRISE!! He knows-because He’s God! Nothing is hidden from Him and He wants you to want Him. We just get caught up in ourselves, held captive by our own limitations rather than believing-not knowing, but believing what God is capable of in our lives. Don’t limit God, just believe.. I promise you won’t be disappointed..

Giants in your life, what next?

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We all have GIANTS that we face in our life and sometimes they’re bigger than we think we can handle. God has given assurance (1) He is with us always and (2) there’s nothing He places upon us which is not common to man. Even though the mountains we face are bigger than we can handle, that’s perfect.. See, God wants us to “not” handle the situation and turn it over to Him; to trust Him and give Him faith and honor. That’s so easier said than done and in our society today, it’s taboo.. Matter of fact, in our society it says that we are victims, we are “owed” something and we have our “rights” to do what we do; justification. It’s difficult to be a “VICTOR” and have VICTORY when we are in fact, the victim. It’s difficult to give away our love, forgiveness and our heart when we have nothing to give.. It’s difficult to have the “right” when in fact, it’s God which owns our rights as we turned them over when we gave our life to Him.

God is so much bigger than the giants we put in front of our self.. Yes, I did say we place in front of our self because if we truly reflect, our giants should be given to God before they reach they reach…giant-hood.. Lol. I mean, a lot of times we hold on to our issues, hang ups and hurts and when it gets so big we can’t handle it, then it’s a giant in our life. I would much rather fight a fire confined in the living room than I would with the roof ablaze, caved in and all rooms consumed. We have to take our giants and give them away. The hurt you experienced “back then” and “when I was young” can never be taken away but it sure can be given away if you choose. Given to God that is and allow Him to bring healing, grace and peace into your life. No matter how deep the wound goes, God will bring healing and peace to your life if you let Him. Key: You MUST let Him.. Stop holding on to the past hurts, hang-ups, habits and give it to God.. Abused? Hand it over..Hurt? Give it away..Pornography or infidelity? Stop it and allow God to renew your heart, mind and soul.. He can do it, just give it a try, I challenge you..

As seen in this clip from “Facing The Giants,” we too many times praise God when we win but when we loose, we question Him. If it wasn’t for the mountains, there would be no valleys so you have to accept both with a thankful and greatful heart. Easy? Of course not and it’s not the most famous thing to do either. What the coach was stressing is if we praise God only in the good times, we miss the whole point of the bad; the lessons in which we could learn are lost. We loose the message in the mess and we loose our testimony amidst the test in our life. God knows what you’re going through and we must have faith and trust in Him. Praise Him and ask Him “What’ are you trying to teach me, “How” should I respond and then wait.. Yes, wait..  “While I’m waiting, I will serve you, while I’m waiting, I will love you.” I promise you, if you do that, you’ll have not only a head change and see a difference, but your perspective and heart will change as well.

 

“All In Your Mind”-Attitude Check

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… Philippians 2:5

phroneo (fron-eh’-o); to exercise the mind, to have a strong opinion; to be (mentally) decided.

There are several areas in which your attitude plays a major role and the first one is Personal. Personal attitude can ruin, make or break what you do in your life. It will help you get a job or get fired from a job, be victorious or be a victim.. Let’s face it, we look at ourself and we always say: “I’m not good enough, I can’t, If only I could.. We must take those thoughts from us and do as God tells us, “crucify those thoughts and give your trials and struggles to Him who is the Comforter.” Our attitude makes a huge difference when it concerns the mind and from the mouth comes overflow from the heart. What’s in our hearts become embedded in our mind which soon comes out of our month pointed at someone else. How can we do it? Through God’s strength is the only way. The attitude of “That’s just the way I am and I can’t change or or I can change but it would be too difficult etc.” Justified excuses which God wants no part of. When we say “we” can’t, (1) we’re not including God and (2) we’re saying God is what we are and He can’t change either.

Another attitude struggle we have is personal. Along with personal comes emotional which in turn, affects your spirit. Look at what God says about all of this.

For as he thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7 NAS. Wow, so whatever you THINK you are, that’s what you’ll become.. Now, going back to one of my favorite Proverbs, “life and death is held in your tongue” this verse speaks very loudly.

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

You were taught…to put off your old self…to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

Now, these next few statements will be difficult to swallow and hard for some while others will totally get it and start ridding themselves of everything. Lol. Let’s find out HOW we can change our attitude..

• I WILL NOT HANG OUT WITH NEGATIVE PEOPLE.

Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33.

This one is probably the hardest for me not because I love negative people but because I look over the faults they have..Now, couple that with someone draining the life out of you or always negative, sooner or later you’ll become what they are. A pastor once said sin is at the bottom of the stairs. The reason? Because it’s a lot easier to get wrapped up in sin, justify it and ask for forgiveness than do the right thing and take criticism. It’s a lot easier to be pulled DOWN stairs than it is to pull someone else up. When you have that sinful person, they’re going to bring you down if you let your guard down or allow them too.

• I WILL NOT DWELL ON NEGATIVE THOUGHTS.

… we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

Wow, how difficult is this?? I mean, what about the guy/girl who abused me when I was little, the spouse which ran out on me, the friends who stabbed me in the back all this time and filled me full of lies?? It’s a lot easier to “pray” for them in the wrong sense than it is to love them, walk with them and help them. When we hear stories like this and more, we always end up asking about the “why” instead of the what or how.. Instead of saying why is it happening, maybe we should focus on what can we do God or what are you trying to show me, or how should I handle this situation God. Our questions are always questioning God’s ability and power when in reality, we should be thankful for what He’s doing, (yes, even in the storms of life) and find out what He wants us to learn during the storm.

• I WILL REPLACE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS WITH GOD’S THOUGHTS.

…the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true… noble… right… pure… lovely… admirable -if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:7-8

This verse speaks for itself.. Peace of God will transcend ALL understandings..We’re not suppose to know or understand what is going on because that is showing lack of faith. Faith is believing when you’re not seeing, persevere when everyone around you has quit but you’re looking ahead for the BIG picture/eternal picture. Faith is saying I don’t know how we can tithe and give extra when we barely make the bills, I don’t know how we can go on a $3,000 mission trip because we’re broke but God if that’s what you want for my life, I’m gonna be obedient and go. Obviously you can’t sit on your butt and “wait” for Him to give it to you but you continue to work, be obedient and believe what He’s going to do in your life.

So, what attitude characteristic do you have to work on? What things can you change to glorify God instead of embarassing Him or mocking Him? What can you do daily to help keep your attitude in check each and every day? Only you can answer that but I do know one thing, you want to change-I mean really want to change, ask God to do it and He will rock your world!