Family Reunion September 2014

Family Reunion September 2014

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

"Trey Tuesday" - October 31, 2017

Who Cares?

Did you ever feel like the waves crashing around you are too big to conquer?
Do you feel like all the "theys" around you are stronger and smarter than you are?
Did you ever feel like giving up?
Who would care anyway?

Wild weather (and circumstances) are all around us!  Yet life marches right on...even for the animals.  Deer and squirrels, flies and fish, all continue to eat and run, and tiny birds flap and fly despite the circumstances:

"They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them."

They know Who cares!  :)  Do you believe that?  Literally....Do you believe that God will feed your every need?  Somehow?  Someway?  To sustain you in even in the darkest hour?  The waves will peak and thrash, yet God will always be near to you. 

"How much more valuable you are than birds!"  Luke 12:24

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Tuesday, October 24, 2017

"Trey Tuesday" - October 24, 2017

Pure Joy

What brings you joy?  Pure joy.  Innocent joy.  Free.  Timeless.

This world is filled with issues, difficult people, tragedies, hardships, injustices, sorrows, sickness, loss, and much, much more.  These experiences are inevitable.  We don't choose most of them, yet God allows them.

Even if you don't feel like it, sometimes it is best to just choose joy.  You can't wait to experience it.  You need to look for it.  Find it.  See it.  Accept it.

So go ahead and laugh!  Eat chocolate!  - before dinner!  Buy a puppy. (!)  Dance!
Sleep!  Paint!  Sing with the windows wise open!  Stay up for the entire ballgame or movie!  Yes, wear that fancy - or silly - outfit!  For an ordinary day!  

Choose joy!

"Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."  Isaiah 35:11



Tuesday, October 17, 2017

"Trey Tuesday" - October 17, 2017

You Too?

There is a lot of hurt in the world today.  A  lot of painful experiences and a lot of painful judgments.  Human nature causes a fight or flight instinct in us.  BUT>>>>Good News!  Jesus Christ offers us Super Natural power to rise above the norm!  :)

I've had opportunities to minister to people from around the world.  One group in particular was a group of women from Africa.  They didn't even speak English, yet I was to help meet their needs?!?  What could I do?  Panic?  Fear?  Dread?  Yep!  Of course, all my human instincts came to the top first.  Then...I asked God for His perspective.  My eyes cleared.  What did I then see?  Women.  Mothers.  Moms - like me - who wanted to provide for and nurture their children.  We had so much in common, the differences faded away!

Trey had cancer.  Yucky, nasty cancer.  However, cancer didn't define Trey.  Trey was a typical charming, sweet, lovable, adorable little boy!  Just like your son/grandson/nephew/neighbor/friend/etc.

Next time you are tempted to judge, take a deep breath and find something in common with your competitor.  Put on the lens of love.  Ask God for His point of view.

"All of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind."  I Peter 3:8

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

"Trey Tuesday" - October 10, 2017

An Exciting Blessing

A precious friend was just told that she has cancer.  Such devastating news to this beautiful young mom and her family.  A few days later I heard her explain her journey to some friends, "We have been blessed to be chosen for this journey.  We're excited to see what God is going to do!"  Blessed?!!?  Exciting!?!?  Not my first choice of words.......but Wow!  What faith!  What grace!  What hope!  :)

Faith
Grace
Hope

Such common words, yet they can bring huge comfort to each of us.  And an eternal perspective that helps to dispel some of today's heartache, pressure, and stress.  When you can't emotionally see the next step in front of you, look to faith, grace, and hope as only God can give!

Faith = Forsaking All I Trust Him
Grace = God's Riches At Christ's Expense
Hope = Hanging On Promises Everyday

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

"Trey Tuesday" - October 3, 2017

Shadows!

Scary stories always include a dark shadow looming....!
Tree branches and windy nights cast shadows which stir a vivid imagination.....!
And a sleepless child frightens by the shadow of familiar objects in skewed lighting!

Shadows - dark areas produced by obstruction of light

Texas
Florida
Puerto Rico
Las Vegas
cancer
divorce
evil
poverty
abuse
loneliness
bitterness
fear

Each of these areas may be considered "in the shadows"....seemingly dark areas missing out on the light of God and all things good.  But please do not despair.  Things may seem dark for a little while, but trust and know that the shadow is actually God's protective hand surrounding you, causing His shadow to fall on your precious life.  You are not alone in your pain....God is providing His shadow over you to protect you, guide you, lead you and show you His love.   

"In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me"  Isaiah 49:2
"The LORD is your shade on your right hand."  Psalm 121:5
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4