Life in His Hand

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 I was just watching a Youtube video about the treasures a woman found for a fall party she was planning. She had a huge, fancy, glass drink dispenser, various table risers and serving pieces and stands all adorned with "bling" in perfect fall tones. She also had a set of new napkin rings. She was so excited! I thought it was a bit much, but she LOVED it. Okay, so who doesn't like to shop? Who doesn't like to find that perfect item? That treasure? I know I've been thrilled to go on a mission and actually find just what I was hoping for! (My shopping days have been suspended until further notice) I've always been on the thrifty side. Kinda had to be. And I am okay with that. For me, finding true bargains at discount and second-hand stores is about as exciting as it gets and then there is a feeling of pride for how little was spent, etc. Really, it's that bargain-hunting gene I...

While searching for direction; for guidance, I often claim the promise in James 1:5, which says--   If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. I actually believe God provides guidance when we are willing to align our lives with His will. In the past, I have made terrible choices, without praying; without seeking the Lord's wisdom. Mostly because I wasn't a Christian and didn't realize my need or opportunity. A lot of suffering has resulted from the thoughtless decisions I've made. And even in spite of them, a lot of blessings have also come my way. But the pain from those decisions has certainly caused me to become pretty gun shy. Not able to trust my own ability when it comes to making major life decisions. So I ask God for help a lot. He sees the bigger picture and has my best interests at heart. I honestly do want to follow His plan for my life. Since praying for God'...

Living our giftedness is all God wants us to do, in my opinion. It's so easy to get caught up in all the things that we could do or that people ask you to do for the church and God. Knowing who you are, recognizing your gifts and having them confirmed, praying about exactly what God wants you to do and using your time and abilities to do those things, is how it should work. The exciting thing is is that what God calls you to do, goes hand in hand with where your passion lies. Sometimes I agree to do something because I am asked and honestly, a little flattered. Sometimes I do things because I am asked and there isn't anyone else to do them. Then I struggle with - well does God want me to do this or just someone else? I think I'm learning s-l-o-w-l-y. So sometimes I quit something because I go whoa...this isn't for me. Or I've taken on too much and then have to go back and look at my priorities...again. What is awesome, though, is when God shows you what you shou...

Usually at the new year, I make several resolutions - there are so many areas I need to improve in. In the past, I had the enthusiasm to really try, but this year I didn't want to make the usual list...lose weight, spend more time with God, be a better mom, etc. This year I only wanted to take on one thing and that was to have a very simple family worship with the kids everyday. Dad was welcome, but not pressured. It would consist of reading a daily devotional and having prayer together. I've struggled with being consistent in this area for years and we had completely gotten away from doing it. God never let my mind rest though, and I was always thinking about it. So I decided that that would be our family resolution. It's been a little over a month now and I am seeing good results. The kids' minds are more drawn to God and they are thinking about their relationship with Him. I also teach their class at our small church and God has given me the wonderful opportunity o...

I am so inspired by people who help people. When I hear of it, read of it, see it, it makes me wish I could do more,  that I could do SOMETHING!! Today I drove by "The Jesus Center" and saw the homeless congregating on the steps, waiting for a meal. I saw a shopping cart full of blankets and sleeping bags parked out on the sidewalk. I had the reaction in my heart of wishing I could do something for these people, thinking maybe my junior/teen class at church could collect socks for them. Down the street a ways brought us to a man. Obviously homeless, walking numbly, with a black blanket wrapped around himself. Probably heading to "The Jesus Center" as well. These are the least of these. Jesus says whatever we do for them, we do for Him. And whatever we fail to do for them, we fail to do for Him. How special to His heart are the poor. Tonight I watched a movie and in it was a poor pastor whose mission it was to save the drug addicts and the homeless. He gave food...