Rubber-Stamping "God” on it…

Oftentimes, we have the mentality of food manufacturers. They label their food “All Natural,” or “Pure” to give the perception that it is healthy.

Just because you rubber-stamp or slap “God’s name” on everything does not make it holy or pleasing to Him. This is becoming more prevalent in media, society, even in worship.

I hear people at times saying, “I would cuss you out, but I’m saved.” I find it quite ironic. We cannot simply think what we want to think, say what we want to say, do what we want to do and act how we want to act…throw God’s name around …and believe that we are O.K.

God is only glorified when we are obedient to what HE authorizes. I am reminded of a message I heard many years ago:

A man had contracted with some workers to simply paint his house. They had agreed upon $1,000 to do this. The man left for the day to run errands. When he returned, he was in awe! Not only had the men painted his house, they had installed a new roof, cleared unsightly debris and had done some amazing landscaping of his front and back yards. His home had been transformed to something out of Better Homes & Gardens Magazine.

The manager for the workers went to the homeowner with an invoice for $10,000. The home owner returned it to the manager and gave him the original work order and a check for $1,000. The manager asked, “I can’t believe that you don’t like the amazing transformation we have made to your home! Surely, you can see that it is worth this increase.” The home owner humbly replied, “Yes…it is fantastic! You and your workers did an outstanding job. But, I didn't AUTHORIZE this.”

We often add into and subtract from worship things that WE decide are not as entertaining or meaningful as we would like. Even though 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NKJV) says Let all things be done decently and in order, we still feel that we should shake things up a bit...be more modern and contemporary. We believe we can behave as we want…and as long as the outcome looks great and we “rubber-stamp” God across it, it should be O.K. But, the God we serve does not work like that. In Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV), it says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

The acronym for the BIBLE is: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It can be a challenging “manual” to adhere to. 

We can continue rationalizing and justifying our actions all we want. Things like: “That was 2,000 years ago.” Or even in the words of my beloved President, “I have evolved or altered my way of thing about that issue.” We human beings may evolve…but GOD doesn’t.

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

We may want to stop “rubber-stamping God” on everything, humble ourselves and remain obedient.  ijs… (I’m just saying…)

“Who Do Men Say That I Am?”

After experiencing a beautiful weekend celebrating the marriage of my nephew to his best friend and love, it caused me to reflect on a few things. Every person who spoke of my nephew described him in a definitive, positive and loving way, as they did the same of my new niece.

The Question that came to my mind:

“How do others describe me? Is it clear, definitive, positive and consistent?”

Jesus Christ was travelling with His disciples one day. He felt compelled to ask them a question:  Mark 8:27 (NKJV): Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?”

I know people who are frustrated. Some because they are single, others because they are in a bad relationship, job, etc. Yet…one minute they are in church; the next minute, they are not. Sometimes they drink; sometimes they don’t. One minute, they are extremely articulate; the next minute, their speech is hard-core profanity. One moment they are in a good mood…the next minute, they are harsh and “have an attitude.” Their walk does not match their talk.

They are consumed with trying to be what they want others to think about them instead of remaining steadfast and consistently who they are. Others simply don’t know who you are.

People don’t know who to like or dislike, because you are so inconsistently and inauthentically you.

In the words of Shakespeare, “To Thine Own Self Be True.”

I recall watching the last season on the ABC TV show The Bachelorette. She is an Assistant District Attorney in Atlanta, GA. She went on a hometown visit with one of the final contestants. He was a very successful farmer from Iowa. He had an enormous farm and hoped to have his new wife be a homemaker, and future family make a home in the small town community. Although he was extremely handsome with a wonderful, kind personality, the Bachelorette could not see herself living there. I could not help but admire them both for remaining true to who they are. http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette/episode-guide/season-10/09-hometown-dates

Quotes to Consider:

“I am not what has happened to me. I am who I choose to become.” – Carl Jung

“Who you are; who you were; and who you will become are three different people.” – unknown

“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who to be.” – unknown

“Be careful who you pretend to be. You might forget who you are.” – unknown

“Care about being precisely who you are than what other people think of you.” – unknown

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton

“It’s now who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not.” – unknown

The ultimate answer will not be to the question, “Who do men say I am?” : 

I should be more concerned about, “Who does GOD say I am?”

“When it Rains, It Pours…”

When everything seems to be going wrong in your life, there's one expression that you're likely to hear from friends and family: When it rains, it pours. It's that expression that allows us to say something when there's really nothing else to say. It helps us make sense of a string of bad luck. https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=when+it+rains+it+pours

Dictionary.com defines it as: “When something good or bad occurs, it usually occurs more than once and often within a short period of time:” 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/when+it+rains,+it+pours

Example: You are running late for work; you get a speeding ticket; you stub your toe as you run into your office building; and your boss needs three reports due by 12 noon.

It may help if we think of this phrase in a positive way. 

It could be:  You met all GREEN traffic lights on your way to work; your favorite song is playing on the radio; a co-worker brought in your favorite donuts for the office; and your Manager announces that due to record profits, everyone is getting a profit-sharing bonus. 

We tend to think of rain as a negative thing. Actually it is necessary to replenish the Earth.  It should be something we embrace and eagerly anticipate.

The Bible helps us:

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV): Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 55:22 (NKJV): Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV): Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV): Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV):  Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Powerful Quotes:

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – unknown

“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” – Bob Marley

“Life has many ways of testing a person's will....either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.” – Paulo Coehlo

“Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” – Gilbert Chesterton

“Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be coming together.” – unknown

“Heavy rain showers remind me of challenges in life, Don't ask for a lighter rain. Instead pray for a better umbrella.” – unknown

“If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” - unknown

“When Life gives you more than you can stand, kneel.” – unknown

“This too shall pass…” - unknown

Remember: ”It’s not the fact that it’s raining; it’s how you choose to experience it. Choose to Embrace and Enjoy it.”  - Janette McGowen

 “No Longer MIKEY…”

As a Late Baby Boomer, I remember the Life Cereal commercial:

The iconic commercial centers on three brothers eating breakfast. Lying before them sits a heaping bowl of Life breakfast cereal. Two of the brothers question each other about the cereal, prodding each other to try it. Noting that it is supposed to be healthy, neither wants to try it ("I'm not gonna try it—you try it!"), so they get their brother Mikey to try it ("Let's get Mikey"), noting, "he hates everything." Mikey briefly stares at the bowl. After moments of contemplation, Mikey begins to vigorously consume the cereal before him, resulting in his brothers excitedly exclaiming, "He likes it! Hey, Mikey!" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Mikey

I have to admit, my ego loved me being consider the “Go-To Girl.” It was often said, “If you want it done professionally and done right, call on Janette McGowen.” My life was consumed with living up to that reputation.

I didn’t mind being  a “Mikey.” My fearlessness and natural curiosity are good attributes for this.

However, as I grow in age and wisdom, I noticed that people always wanted things from me…my time, commitment, resources, favors, energy, listening ear or generous heart. When I finally stopped and assessed, I realized that it was rarely reciprocated.

It is part of my DNA to seek to do GOOD.

The Bible even underscores this:

Luke 6:33-35 (NKJV):  “33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”

Memorable Quotes:

“Don’t make people a priority when all you are to them is an option.” – unknown

“What you allow is what will continue.” – unknown

“You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop and what you reinforce.” – unknown

 “Don’t let someone change who you are to become what they need.” – Brene’ Brown

“A life filled with mistakes, error and regret is much better than a ‘perfect’ one where others make choices for you.” – Brene’ Brown

“Be willing to let go of who you think you should be, in order to be who you are.” – Brene’ Brown

Bottom-line:

Minimize your need to be a “Mikey” and Just Be YOU.

“GIVE, but don’t allow yourself to be used.  LOVE, but don’t allow your heart to be abused. TRUST, but don’t be naïve. LISTEN, to others, but don’t lose your own voice.” – Brene’ Brown

“… And Justice for All…”

Most of us grew up having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. We stood, put our right hand across our hearts, and recited:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance

Justice is defined as: “the process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals; the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments” http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice

I believe that we all just fundamentally want to live under a process that is consistent and fair. However, when those who are entrusted to make sure this process is consist and fair are not transparent and appear biased, faith and trust are compromised and weakened.

We all can have perspective and opinions, but none of us know what we will do until something directly affects you.

The Bible helps us maintain clarity in issues like this. It says:

Psalm 140:12 (NKJV): “I know that the Lord will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor.”

Romans 12:19 (NKJV): Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Matthew 7:12 (NKJV): (Often called The Golden Rule) - Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

I found a graphic on Pinterest that said, “Equality Doesn’t Mean Justice.” I had always wondered what the distinction was.  This is a very profound definition.

Our current nation has become one in which the old “sense of unity” is rapidly being replaced with an “All About Me”, independent mentality.

Memorable Quotes:

“If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we all belong to each other.”

“When we know ourselves to be connected to all others, acting compassionately is the natural thing to do.” - R.N. Remen

“We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Namaste’ – “I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor he place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, we are one.”

I pray for the day when we can realize that we are one and live our days on this Earth in Unity…

Our Holy “DNA”

“Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a molecule that encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses. DNA contains the genetic information that allows all modern living things to function, grow and reproduce.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA

“Your DNA is what makes you uniquely you. It's that double helix that your genes are made of. Your DNA accounts for why you resemble your parents and it distinguishes you from your pet frog and from everybody else.” http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/DNA

We are connected through DNA with our parents, children and relatives. It is part of our genetic make-up, the blueprint that defines who we are.

Oftentimes, we do things for others “because they are family” or our “blood relatives.” We find ourselves hurt and confused that they can say, do or act in a derogatory way with us. “Aren’t we kin?”

We may want to consider making our priority the Holy “DNA” we received from God. This is our connection to our Creator.

The Bible states:

Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Colossians 1:16-17 (NKJV): “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

Genesis 1:26 (NKJV): “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV): “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV): “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.”

Psalm 139:14 (NKJV): “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

Quotes to Consider:

 “Life is not about finding yourself. It’s about discovering who God created you to be.” – unknown

“We are not ‘accidents’ of nature. We are creations of God’s hand.” – unknown

Although I love family and consider them very important, they should never take #1 priority…that place is reserved for GOD.

“Just Wave…Now What?”

(continued from earlier post)

In my earlier post, I discussed a ministerial challenge regarding the relevancy of his sermon to the audience. He said, “If this message is driving down your street, just wave…” J

Remember: The message is meant to“comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comforted.”

I could not help but to smile and wave! Yes…the message was applicable to me. Yes…it did make me realize that I can do better, live better and be better. My conscience was “afflicted.”

The question now becomes, “Now that you have admitted that it is relevant and applicable to you, what do you do with this new insight?”

The Bible says:

Matthew 7:21(NKJV): “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

James 2:14-17 (NKJV) - Faith Without Works Is Dead -  14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV): “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Memorable Quotes:

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan

“When you know better, you do better.” – Maya Angelou

 “Faith without works doesn't work! Faith without works is like a boat without oars. It gets you nowhere.” – unknown

“Don’t just talk about it, be about it.” – unknown

“Get on your knees and pray, then get on your feet and work.” – unknown

“Do not ask God guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.” – unknown

“I have never seen GPS give turn-by-turn signals to a parked car. It must be in motion. God cannot order the steps you don’t take. You must make moves.” - Hart Ramsey.

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing.  Knowing is not enough: WE MUST APPLY. Being willing is not enough: WE MUST DO.” – Leonardo da Vinc

“God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.” – unknown

The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Now that we have “waved”…it’s time to get to work…

Shall We?

“Just Wave…”

As a “southern girl,” it is customary to wave at anyone passing down the street while you are sitting on the front porch. We call it “Southern Hospitality.”

During one sermon, my minister told the audience, “If what I am sharing with you drives down your street, just wave.” J

Growing up in the church, I am used to ministers saying that their messages may just “step on some toes.” Basically, they are saying the message may be uncomfortable for some.

The gospel is intended to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted.” This means it is to comfort those in need of comforting, and challenge those who have gotten complacent or too comfortable.

Afflicted, as a verb, is defined as “to distress with mental or bodily pain; trouble greatly or grievously:” http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/afflicted

The Bible says:

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV): “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV): “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV): “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Matthew 5:4 (NIV): “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Matthew 5:6 (NIV): “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 5:10 (NIV): “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

John 11:35 (NIV): “Jesus wept.”

Being a Christian is not about being comfortable. You will suffer persecution. It is about having faith in God and trusting Him to keep his promises.

The message is meant to “shake us out of our comfort zones and better trust and serve God.

So, if this message happens to be driving down your street…smile and Just Wave…” J

P.S.  I’m Waving…Are You??

(to be continued…)

“You Are Welcome…”

While driving on the interstate, en route to worship service on Sunday, I allowed 18-wheeler trucks to merge in front of me, as they had their turn signals on. I flashed my lights twice to indicate that I was allowing them to merge. Oftentimes, they would blink twice at me to indicate “Thank You.” I always find myself smiling and whispering “You are welcome.”

Other times, I may allow other vehicles to do the same. They do not blink their intentions, nor indicate any appreciation for the kind gesture I have just extended.  I find that I sadly shake my head and still whisper, “You are welcome” for a “Thank You” I never received.

This led me to reflect on how Jesus must feel. He died a horrific, agonizing death on the cross for us. Yet, we appear not to even be grateful. We don’t say “Thank You” for his allowing us to wake up and experience the blessings we enjoy each day.

We are often like the inconsiderate drivers. We just merge into life...no turn signal…no consideration for other traffic…no patience… no kindness…no gratitude.

Why do we expect the Lord to be patient with us, yet we have little to no patience for each other?

The Bible says:

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering (patient) toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Colossians 3:12 (NKJV): “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering (patience);”

Galatians 5:22 (NKJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

Memorable Quotes:

“Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind.” -  David G. Allen

Patience is not the ability to wait but how you act while you wait.” – unknown

“Never Expect, Never Assume, Never Ask, Never Demand. Just Let it be. Because if it is meant to happen, it will…” – unknown

“A moment of patience in a moment of anger saves you a hundred moments of regret.” – unknown

“Before you act, listen; Before you react, think…” – Ernest Hemingway

“When you’re tempted to lose patience with someone, think how patient God has been with you all the time.” – unknown

“Be kind to unkind people – they need it most.” – unknown

Just remember: In this journey called LIFE, every single day you wake up, the Lord is quietly whispering, “You Are Welcome...”

There Will Always Be Something…

My former role as an Education Advisor often required me to do presentations to prospective students who may be interested in going back to school. The demographic was primarily employees and adults 35+ years old.

I always ended with this:

“I’d like to leave you with these two thoughts to consider:

FIRST:  There will ALWAYS be something you can use as an excuse not to pursue your dreams. We often say:

After the baby is born

After my child starts Pre-School…Kindergarten… Elementary School… Middle School… High School

After my child graduates college

After Basketball season…Baseball season…Soccer Season...Football season

After my Work Conference

In the Spring…Summer…Fall…Winter

After the 1^st of the Year

After Thanksgiving…Christmas…Memorial Day…July 4^th

After my vacation
After my knee surgery

When my aging parent’s health improves

When my health improves

When I can find the time..

…And the excuses continue.

What’s interesting is…We FIND the time to do whatever is really important to us. And when you completely, firmly make up your mind to do something…everything and everybody in your life unconsciously aligns with it.

Example:  Kids to each other: “You know we have to be make dinner on Thursday Nights…that’s Mom’s study time.”

Please stop putting your dreams on hold, waiting for the perfect time. The “perfect time” is NOW.

SECONDLY:  Whenever I need to make a decision about something that I am unsure about, I recall this story:

“A woman had just celebrated her 50^th Birthday. She shared with a friend, “Now that the kids are off to college, I guess it is time for me.”

The friend: “What would you like to do?”

“I have always had a passion and desire to be an attorney.”

The friend: “That is great! You should go for it.

“Are you kidding? Law School and then passing the Bar exam take approximately 4 years. Heck, I would be 54 years old by then.”

The friend: “How old will you be if you don’t go?”  (pause)

“You can either be a 54 year old ATTORNEY, living your dream…or you can be a 54 year old woman still dreaming about it. You decide…”

The calendar nor the clock care what you do with your time. We all have the same allotment of time: 24 hours; 1,440 minutes; 86,400 seconds to use daily.

Quotes to Consider:

“The trouble is, you think you have time.” – Buddha

“Life has no remote – get up and change it yourself.” – unknown

“Time is Precious, Handle with Grace. Time is one thing you cannot Replace.” – unknown

“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.” - Mark 13:33 (NKJV)

“Time is Free, but it is Priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you have lost it, you can never get it back.” – Harvey Mackay

“It’s not about having time; it’s about making time.” - unknown

The time is NOW.

What Are You Waiting On?