God's Wisdom

I wonder. Do we really let God in?

I've been giving that a lot of thought and came to the conclusion that is the WISDOM we get when we need answers and for vision!

Knowledge comes from study, but wisdom comes from God. Everyone one of us needs more of God's wisdom, I think. Not to sound preachy, but James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to her. It's the destiny for our life!

Wisdom is the comprehensive, all inclusive insight into the ways and purposes of God.

My prayers, my love and may God bless all of you that read my blog with His wisdom today!

Live A Balanced Life

Balance is a learning process. We each have to learn to live in balance.

The beginning of what comes with learning is a recognition that we are triune beings-spirit, soul, and body.

The Spirit has a need for both taking in nourishment and giving out God's love.

The mind has a need for both tranquility and stimulation.

The body has a need for both rest and exercise. It took me a long time to learn this. I feel more balanced than I used to be. I hope your Saturday is just what you want and well balanced!

Apologize

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov. 16:18

Be willing to say, I'm sorry."

Why is it so hard for a person to say "I'm sorry?"

Pride.....

We make all sorts of excuses; "He never says he's sorry so why should I say it!" It doesn't matter what the other person says or doesn't say. Say "I'm sorry" a thousand times if you need to.

Take the high road and pursue peace. If you have wronged someone, please make it right. That's a super great way to ruin a friendship.

I Peter 3:11 "Seek peace and pursue it." It keeps your attitude in tune!!!!

Let Love Reign!!!!!

Woohooo......I received lots of comments (I'm sure glad my 'puter is up and running....regarding yesterday's post!) No matter how much disappointment you've been through or bad stuff because of things beyond your control, you still have to be honest or as I call it "Go with Plan B!" We go from honesty to Plan B to Love!

Most of all let love reign! Keep the home fires burning; communicate, love, just keep love and happiness right before the eyes!!!! God promises us His mercy and grace at just the time we need it.

Honesty

I'm reading a book called "Games People Play." I can remember in College we had to read this book and some forty years later....people are still playing the same games! It's called retro. And honesty, they have no clue they are playing a game! Nor, do they have a clue that the individual receiving the "game" knows what is happening! If nothing else, it is comical. I know wives will love my take on this!

Honestly tells me that my husband will communicate who tries to win his friendship without me?

Honesty tells me there are those from even thirty-seven years ago that would love to know our daily activities.

Honestly tells me to love my enemies and keep a close watch on actions.

I encourage you to just be honest. People that play games can get into chaos! As my Mom used to teach us - the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." In Christianity we call it "Reaping what you sow." I know I will get a lot of e-mails thanking me for this post, but my honesty and heart says "Write on Sista!!!" I love each one of you and thank God we still have the privilege of communicating!!!! Have a happy mid-weeker!!!!!

Be a part of true friendship and honesty.

Nourish Yourself

I call it "come to your senses."

Taking a bubble bath.......

Provides deep relaxation and space.

A lighted candle beside the tub, soothing background music, can all help to make us feel good.

This shows love to ourself.

Go ahead.

Nourish yourself TODAY!

Exceedingly Abundantly!!!!!

I'll spell out Ephesians 3:14-21 in a nutshell. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory through Christ throughout all ages, world without end!

In the face of overwhelming pressures, remember to keep up activities that make you feel extra good. Like regular exercises, keeping our home in order, cleaning the bathrooms (ugh) and keeping up with devotionals and prayer journal! The pressure is miraculously transformed into relaxation...helps us to go into a mode that makes us fully rely on God.

Rely fully on God!

As a last resort, I finally ask God to help me overcome any obstacles I may be facing and be creative to ask Him for help to be exceedingly abundantly MORE in my decision making to keep those yucky overwhelming pressures off!!!!

Life is good when you're up on that mountain, so goes the song! Happy Friday!

Best Chef Ever!!!!

....and that would be?????

ME!!!

As I cheerfully planned the candlelight grilled steak dinner, for my hubby last night; and then comes the great moment....answering question "Is it cooked to your satisfaction, tender, and perfect for how YOU like it?" He commented that I'm top ranked chef now!!!

Okay, I'll proudly wear that title! He had the most happy look on his face as he ate that sirloin steak; grilled to perfection from his lovely wife!!! (Hey, ladies, it's okay to brag on ourselves...especially when they reek with bright shiney eyes, and all those lucious comments)....so I can only say, I was so taken by his wonderful compliments, I forgot to light the candle!

Also, the peas, mushroom, creamed with this Chef's masterpiece creamed gravy...he rant and raved over! I won all the way around! He totally loved the baked potato and cucumbers. Did I sleep well? I would say so and of course my fingers automatically went to "hurry up and blog about it!!!"

Try being the "Best Chef Ever" - I rank way up there and accepted the award most excitedly!!! Even our dog, Pixie had the most relaxed look and happiness as she saw us carrying on!!!

Does the Lord care about something as insignificant as getting the steak to perfection? He surely does and it is such a blessing to experience His love (& my hubby's love) in large and small ways. Help me, Lord, to always give you the praise and thanksgiving for gently reminding me to have a "Best Chef Ever" night for these two lovebirds!!!! : )

Keeping Spirits Up

I've found there are at least two ways to keep my spirits up and my heart cheerful, even in the face of the worst pressures of daily life. First of all, I WILL myself to thinking positively. I deliberately choose to concentrate on those things that are uplifting, and I push the negatives right out of my consciousness. Second, to reinforce my individual efforts, I try to spend a fair amount of time in the company of those who think positively, those who encourage me to stay buoyant and hopeful, no matter how gloomy things may seem. Top it off with Proverbs 17:19-24 and your spirits WILL be up as well as mine!!!!!

Forgiveness

I've had to forgive a lot of people to move forward..but what would you do if someone angrily blames you for something you didn't do ......knowingly led you on and dropped you flat on your face and always made you feel something was wrong with you??? I think I'm opening up a can of worms to a lot of couples that, I'm sure, live that way day to day.

It makes your trust in people be severely damaged and you doubt if you could ever trust again, let alone forgive. Hello...... so why don't you forgive? And what is the process of forgiveness??? Someone asks me, how do you arrive at compatibility in marriage? The key - forgiveness. (even as God in Christ as forgiven.) Eph. 5:1,2 It would take me all day to explain what I mean. Maybe in a quick summation...after forgiveness, we are ever ready to believe the best of each other. Our hopes are fadeless under all circumstances; we endure everything...our love never fails...it never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end. Just begin loving ALL over again. .....after BOTH forgive!

Bring 'em on!!!!

Encouragement! Where does encouragement come from? Definitely the Word! And in real life, the e-mails I get from alive, marvelous "friends" who really are friends and more friends! Bring 'em on! Our son gave me so many encouraging words that I wanted and needed to hear regarding communication with people. I am definitely a people person and it feels great to hear there are those out there that would be a definite encouragement....after all, who encouragers the encourager? Now I'm hoping God will bring 'em on! And I pray and hope I hear from quite a few who mean so very much to me. Yea for encouraging kids and grandkids....couldn't do without them! They bring a joyful smile to my face that will not fade for a l--o---n--g time!

There are sooo many things I passionately long to do in my life and with my life and for the others in my life. I pray your week will be encouraged by the gratefulness I have for you being a part of my life! Thanks!

The Think Tank...............random thoughts

While I was getting over the (ugh) bug...24/hr., that is.....I developed in my mind a Think Tank. You know, the wonders of what if's????? I would advise not to stay too long on that, but at the same time, it was fun thinking this and thinking that...so while it lasted, it feels good to be back to normal, as I call it, and instead of thinking something is....knowing that it really isn't...but I can honestly say it was encouraging to say the least. I'm a person who has to spend some time thinking. Unfortunately I'm one of those people who can get over things quickly. In other words, I don't carry a grudge. I do know people that purposely withhold their friendship and just wait to see how long it is before I contact them. And I will contact them. It makes me feel like I'm tackling the BIGGER picture and why spend time on something so minor.

One friend contacted me yesterday that I haven't had contact with for quite a while (not because of me...I promise) so I will answer her e-mail. People - you are missed when you don't keep in touch. With all the tremendous decisions we have to make regarding our retirement, it is amazing to hear from friends we know and have. So, thanks for the fact that as I spent time on "thinking" about you, how you are really doing, and how your family is...I will just let go, bring you before the throne of prayer and get on with my daily Bible reading which today is Titus 2:3-5. I'll think about embracing the 10 principles I have found in this great scripture as my priorities. Then, I will plan them into all my tomorrows! Yea!!!!

Becoming Women of Wisdom

How do you and I become women of wisdom? One day at a time. By practicing God's timeless principles of wisdom one day at a time you and I cultivate a life marked by wisdom. So, let the application of what you've learned from this blog regarding God's priorities for your life begin today...and extend for a lifetime!

(Prov. 31:10-31). Follow your priority plan! ....and stick to it!

My Blog Dream Was Born of the Spirit!

When I asked our son to put me in a blog three years ago; it was perfect timing. It has brought more joy and happiness in my life. I am grateful for the prayers given for me as I daily think of encouragement posts to all who have subscribed.

We don't encounter God in fantasy; we encounter God in real life.

Let go of the soulish fantasies in your heart so there is room for the dreams of God.

God's dreams for you are birthed in the realm of the Spirit of God. They are planted in your heart by the Holy Spirit, and they are nourished by His ministry in your life! wooohoo!!!

Self-Acceptance

I find that women need self-acceptance, not self-esteem. When their self-esteem comes into focus they act "high and mighty" and arrogant. Our culture calls to us that what we need is self-esteem, that all would be well if we just felt better about ourselves.That is a lie. We live on a broken panet. It is a disappointing place. Things wre never supposed to be like this. Marriage was meant to heal wounds, not deepen them. Since Eden we have been disappointed with ourselves. Life on this earth is hard. What do we do with our disappointment?

I encourage you to bring whatever it is about yourself that disappoints you to our loving God and let Him love you as you are right now. When God extends grace to you, you are ready to extend joy to ohers. God's love teaches us how to forgive. Let's turn our hearts now to those who have wounded us, accept yourself, and ask God for the grace to extend forgiveness. It's always a joy to help women on this subject, self-acceptance. And one in which their husband will thank me endlessly for the help given!

Healthy Relationships Part II

Cut unhealthy relaionships out of your life!

Trust God to help you recognize when a relationship is becoming detrimental to your business, your ministry, or the health of your family life. Trust God to give you courage to end the relationship, and then trust Him to give you broad enough shoulders and thick enough skin to take the criticism that you may face for ending the relationship.

It takes emotional energy to end a relationship, and if you cut every healthy relationship out of your life at one time, you are likely to be overwhelmed by the loss.

Look for real character in a relationship. If you have to d----r----a----w a compliment out of someone, trust me, they are not interested in you; in my situtation I feel it's just to get closer to my husband and that has been a blessing being married to a Pastor, and, trust me, he notices it also, so it does not make for a healthy situation.

Neither one of us would loose our identity to be a "Dad" or "Mom" to those when we were in the Pastorate - the fact is I heard someone say that once and I cringed because neither one of us liked it, believe you me! We were their Pastor and Pastor's Wife and now we have retired together (I have deep respect for his decision) and it's so easy to notice those who have other motives. Do those who think that not realize we have a son and daughter, and trust me, we both fulfill that role extremely nicely!

Happy Birthday, daughter-in-law! This is YOUR day and have a blast! Celebrate your super day!!!! yea!!!! Live it up!

Healthy Relationships Part I

Never loose your identity for another person's sake.

A healthy relationship is one in which there is balance. There is give and take and there is much mutual appreciation.....

and a building up of each other.

It is one in which honest words of appreciation are exchanged without hint of manipulation.

I have a devout friend and we always write "Humongous Hugs" on e-mails. She truly watches out for "her favorite Pastor" (which is my hubby, of course) and me! It gives me goosebumps to think of how caring she is! And I'm sure, in fact, she stands alone! I cannot find enough words of appreciation!

Meet A Need

Strive to associate yourself with people who are troubled by the troubles of others and who move to help them. The day will come when you need a friend who will show mercy and compassion toward you. Strive to be a person of mercy and compassion. Meet the needs of others, I feel, will put you in a position to receive what God has for you.

If a person is standing in the rain, give her your umbrella. Two days ago, I had the joy of helping a lady who truthfully had come to the end of her rope. All chemotherapy was done on her and the doctors said, "That's all we can do." Even though hospice was called in, she has now opted to cancel them and go back to work! All she needed was someone to believe what she was saying, but she made the decision. It seems helping people never ends. She changed right before my eyes!

I am in much appreciation for the many many have literally gone out of their way to be there for us and I truly beleive it equals out in the fact that we helped them. God keeps the record, we keep a grateful heart, and joy makes us feel proud!

Pour It On!

I'm wired for love which is the most encouraging word in our vocabulary. I've seen where women "withhold" their love from their hubby and miss out on the BEST love! Bring it on, I say!!! My hubby and I are on the same page on that issue!!!! I am so grateful and appreciative!

Be real.

We both LOVE retirement; great decisions, powerful communication, remarkable talent, super top notch chef(s) when we both head for the kitchen to cook at EXACTLY the same time! Teens have nothing on us....we are cool with this retirement!

Let Me Remember. . . .

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

Closure begins by telling the truth about what I feel.

I am entitled to honor what I feel.

When one door closes, another door opens.

Whatever you repress will become stress.

Yesterday I was able to bring CLOSURE on a person who called just to find out information that I was not ready to share; perhaps maybe because of trust. So,
she found out from someone else who readily shares things with no thought or respect of us!

I'm enjoying retirement. I'm really seeing how loving people really are!