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Archive for the ‘Life Experiences’ Category

Not in a Store

Posted in Biblical, Christian, Life Experiences on April 21, 2013| 1 Comment »

I was talking to a sales clerk over the phone. As a church secretary, I had called to see if they carried some supplies we needed.  At the end of the conversation the clerk replied, “Boy, it was sure nice to talk to someone from a church who is decent.”

WHAT??? I sucked in my breath. Are not all people who are associated with churches decent? Scripture tell us to treat everyone with love, kindness and dignity. I mean, isn’t that Christianity 101?

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:8

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????The clerk told me it is a standard joke when venting to each other in the break room over a rude customer. Let me guess, they were from a church, right?

He told me the rudest, most demanding people are ministers and their staff. They treat clerks like low-life and demand they get breaks, freebies and special treatment because they are non-profit and /or represent God.  One lady before my call had come in to the store with a “Jesus Loves You” T-shirt on, and used abusive language to a clerk. She was loud and derogatory enough for the whole store to hear, she belittled the poor employee saying they were all idiots, nothing but thieves who try to trick you into spending your hard-earned money, and she’d pray for them because they were all going to hell. All the guy had asked for was her store discount card so he could verify if she qualified for a rebate offer.

I asked a friend of mine who is in retail about this and they just nodded. Yep,  they get the same treatment. Church representatives are the most “un-Christian” people they encounter on a daily basis.

No wonder non believers call us hypocrites!

Are you as shocked as I am?

Then re-blog this and tell your friends.

Dear brothers and sisters, who are we representing to the world?  The next time you walk in or call a store and you are representing a ministry, act the way Jesus would.  Please!

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Saved a Place

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on April 18, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Fifty years later, it still crawls into the back of my emotions and stings me. Memories loom into my brain of being the last person to be picked on the team, or being shunned from the cafeteria table of giggling girls to eat alone. Being the brunt of cruel jokes in  junior high because I was smart, and the subject of gossip in the college dorm because I was a Christian who wouldn’t sleep around or drink. Never fitting in.

I was at a women’s conference manning a table for Women at Risk- the  missionaries for women rescued from human trafficking (see Help a Woman Find God tab). We were in a large meeting hall where rounds tables had been set for lunch. Everyone flowed in form the meeting, chatting and laughing. As I helped a few ladies buy jewelry and handbags made by the rescued women, I saw the tables were filling up. Women came up to them and said, “Come on. I saved you a place.”  They each scurried off giggling, showing their friends what they had purchased.  I was fully prepared to grab a plate and eat behind my booth – alone again.

Then, a  lady I hadn’t seen in a while came up. “We have saved you a place. Won’t you please sit with us?”  Those old feelings dispelled like a popped water balloon. When I got to the table, it was all smiles and “so good to see you”,”glad you joined us” responses.

Jesus told His disciples, and He tells us today, that He is preparing a place for us in Heaven. Each believer who confesses His name is accepted at the table of The Lamb.  One day we will all be allowed to feast on His presence for eternity.

dining togetherAt that meeting, I saw a glimpse of how glorious that will be. As a woman of God, I am accepted by my sisters in Christ. So are you. We are all foreigners in a strange land bound by a love the world cannot understand. There is a place for you right here beside us. Won’t you come join us?

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Worn Out Asking

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , on April 15, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Are you tired of praying?  Do you feel as if your  heart-felt requests are hitting the ceiling and shattering–tinkling back down upon you like millions of shimmery shards of crystal?

Listen to this awesome testimony behind Tenth Avenue North’s song, “I’m Worn”. Then hear the song.

GOD is there. He wants to give you rest if you would just trust…. find Him today right where He has always been–a breath away.

It is not so much that God is deaf to our requests, but that we are deaf to His answers.

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Kickin’ It for Jesus

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on April 7, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Today was our church’s annual Kick Ball Sunday. After church services,  young and old gathered on two teams – The Apostles and the Disciples – for some fun. It was not your average game. The ages ranged from 5 to 75.kickball_clipart_169213952_std

Both teams rooted each other on and applauded plays that were well done. They also consoled players who were struck out or missed a catch.

Adults slooowwwed down as little legs puttered as fast as they could to get to the base in time,  and then shook their hands or gave them a pat on the back for the effort.

Teens were more than understanding and kind to the senior players.

I’m not sure who won- wait! Yes,  I am. Everyone did.

The object was fellowship and sportsmanship, not who could beat who. It was all laughter and fun  with mild horsing around.  Sure, there was some competition and, for the most part, the rules of the game were not bent too out of shape. But all in all, everyone came away with heads held high.

Should that not be an example for the church in general? When it comes to our talents, we all are on the winning team. Each should be applauded for their efforts and consoled when they slip a bit or miss the ball. We are there to fellowship and bolster each other, and have a bit of laughs and fun as well. Yes, we should strive for excellence. But, there is enough hey-look at-me, whose-the-king- of-the-mountain competition out in the world. Let’s not bring it through the church doors. We are all precious in His sight.

It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Philippians 3:12 God’s Word

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Hand-le with Prayer

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , on April 4, 2013| Leave a Comment »

You probably learned this the prayer idea in Sunday School- but it is a good reminder how to pray.

You don’t have to look far and wide for this formula. It is right there in your two hands  clasped together.Praying hands_

 

Start with the Thumb. It is nearest to you so pray for those who are closest to you. CS Lewis said that praying for those we love is a “sweet duty”. Pray for not only illnesses but their spiritual growth, thank God for their blessings and for brining them into your life.

Then the pointing finger. Pray for all who teach and heal. Pray for teachers, doctors, nurses, EMT and ministers. Pray that they will have the discernment and wisdom in their practices, and that all they do will help to point people to Jesus.

Next, your middle finger- the tallest one.  Pray for our leaders- whether you voted for them or not!  Pray for your boss and for your church leaders as well.

 

Then the ring finger. Did you know it was the weakest of all our fingers? Pray for those who are in sorrow, trouble or pain that God may give them comfort and strength.

 

Finally, the pinkie finger. The smallest finger is for us. End your prayers with your own thanksgivings and needs.

 

Then give God the glory who created your hands. Pray you will be His hands on earth.

 

 

for more on praying- consider my book: P.R.A.Y.I.N.G: Bringing Power and Purpose to your Prayers. Just click on the writings tab and then the book.

 

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Were You There?

Posted in Christian, Devotional, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , on March 27, 2013| Leave a Comment »

When I was growing up there were a series of children’s books called You Are There – years later a few became TV movies. They took kids back to historic events and embedded them in the moment.

The next four days of Holy Week are often overshadowed by the preparations for Easter.  But without them, there would be no reason to celebrate Easter, would there?  There is an old hymn –Were You There? that brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it.

This week – will you go there?

Thursday – Will you sit in the Upper Room and be shocked when Jesus bathes your feet, and then claims the bread and wine are Him? Will you shake your head in disbelief when Judas leaves the table.

Will you stay awake one hour and pray Thursday night into Friday morning as your Lord requested in the Garden?

Friday– will you picture yourself in the crowd as they shout for Barabbas to be spared. Will you weep silent tears when you see the crown of thorns trickle blood down His brow and watch as He skins his knees on the rocks carrying the cross? Will you see His muscles ripple under sting of the Roman whip?

Will you hold Mary as she watches her son die the most excruciating death possible and sink to your knees when Jesus asks God to forgive us all. Will you smell the sweat and blood mingled with the bitter vinegar on the sponge, and then hear the clank of the ivory lots as the soldiers gamble for his robe and sneer at him?

Saturday – as you rush around getting the last ingredients you need for the Easter meal, iron the Easter dress, mow the grass for the Easter Egg Hunt, or clean and decorate the church and plant the flowers…

will you take a moment to remember the disciples as they huddled in sorrow, fear  and disbelief in the Upper Room too bewildered and ashamed to pray, waiting for the soldiers to come, drag them away and crucify them as well?

Then come Easter morning, you may be even more ready to rejoice and proclaim the greatest miracle of all –

HALELLUJAH- THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED!

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In the Middle of a Cross

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on March 25, 2013| Leave a Comment »

It stands silently overlooking a city in the Texas Hill Country. A simple symbol of faith for any who want to make the trek up the cedar and mesquite faced mound to pray in the meditative garden at the base. Some come with hope, others with curiosity. Some with faith clasped inside, others seeking it.

kerrville cross

Come, walk or drive up the hill and watch this massive “Empty Cross” grow in dimension. Stand inside of it and realize how big God is and how tiny your worries, doubts and anxieties are once surrounded by His towering, loving presence.

Many have been showered with mysterious sparkling dust, others have received healing here, or have seen and photographed the bizarre lights that seem to bounce in and penetrate the garden.

Located off I10 in Kerrville, this 77 foot sculpture is chilling to witness.

Even if you a cannot pilgrim here, the power of this testimony to Christ can still impact you.Close your eyes and picture yourself in the middle at the base, surrounded by God’s power, love and strength.  Be shletered in the shadow of His mercy. Feel His warmth in the rays that penetrate the steel, sense His Holy Spirit in the breeze that kisses your cheeks, and plant your feet on His sure foundation.

www.thecomingkingfoundation.org .

At His crucifixion,they cried, “Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” (Mark 15:32)

But, instead Jesus conquered the cross on which He hung, then defeated death and rose again. To Thomas and to each of us He says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed .” (John 20:29)

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Without the G

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , on March 19, 2013| 2 Comments »

She was driving down the road, saw this sign and could barely hold her cell phone still long enough to take the picture while she roared with laughter. She texted me- “Why would I rent sin? I don’t even want to borrow it!”

sin for rent

My fellow Christian writer from Canada sent this to me and I asked her permission to use it.  Evidently someone didn’t know how to spell. They left out the “g” in  the word sign.

What happens when we leave out the “g”?  Same thing.  If we do not have God in the cetner of our lives, the “i” takes over and we resort back to our sinful nature. But with the G in the middle, we become a sign for all who are seeking something more.

Oh, and the rent part? Well, are we not really His– as is all creation? We are just the caretakers while on this earth.

Signs are supposed to point to something. When people look at you today as they go about their busi-ness, will they see the “g” in the middle, or not?

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The Sun on The Cross

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , on March 3, 2013| Leave a Comment »

This is an amazing sunset captured by a legally blind photographer in England named Steve Rebus. It is where he found God that day- and often- at the end of his camera lens. To God be the glory.

 

see more fabulous photos and prayers on his blog: iChristian 

 

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

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Tale of Two Kitties

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , , on February 27, 2013| Leave a Comment »

I have two cats, as different as night and day.

The black cat is fairly independent. The vet believes he was on his own for almost a year before we took him in, fed him regularly and gave him his toy mice and favorite blanket. He still has a tendency to fend for himself. He is a loner, who only meows when it is more than a half hour after his mealtime, and even then it is a simple syllable mew.  Only occasionally does he hop up and feel the need to snuggle and be close. Most of the time he is content to just be in the same vicinity and purrs happily if you happen to come by and pat his head.

The striped gray one – he is the eldest and the most needy. For all twelve years of this kitty’s life so far, as my son claims, we have had to “re-adopt him” every morning, and then at least six more times during the day. He has to be within an arms reach of me when I am home. He is always in my face demanding that he be my only attention. Yet, he is also snuggly and sweet.

Which of these cats describes you when it comes to your relationship with God? Do you treat Him as a distant provider and only occasionally go to Him 0r are you always tugging on His robe like an incessant toddler, whining for His attention?

Most of us are somewhere in between the two extremes.  Just as most of us are a bit like Martha and a bit like Mary.  In our walk on this earth, may we all come to be balanced in our trust that He will meet our needs and yet willing to rush into His arms and lean on His strength and wisdom.

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