“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?

“Having the Life-Force Sucked Right Out of You…”

I couldn’t help remembering the 1985 movie Cocoon, when aliens inhabited the earth to rescue cocoons that had accidentally come here. The swimming pool, at the house they were renting, was infused with “life force” to keep the cocoon viable until they returned home to outer space. When the residents of the retirement home next door learned of its ability to rejuvenate them back to their vibrant youth, they all jumped in the pool, draining it of its life force and effectiveness. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoon_(film)

There is also that 1982 classic movie E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. It too was based on an alien who appeared to be losing his life energy. At the point of death, his life energy is revived when other aliens come to return him back to their planet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.T._the_Extra-Terrestrial

I never experienced this until this new journey with MS. I recall my neurologist recommending I stay out of the heat of summer. He asked, “Are you heat-sensitive?” I emphatically said, “No. Never.” I have been to the Bahamas twice, in Nigeria West Africa, and several times to Phoenix AZ. No problem…

That is…until now…

One day, I was attempting to walk into my church for Mid-Day Bible Study. It was an extremely hot day, with temperatures at 92 degrees. I had parked under the canopy for quick access to the entrance. When I got out of my car, I felt like a bottle of water being poured out onto the ground or an electrical battery lowly being drained of its charge. With each step, I became weaker and weaker. Thank goodness, the church secretary saw me out of the office window, came outside and helped me into the church. It was embarrassing. Having my body do things that are out of my control was disturbing. Interesting still…as soon as I “cooled down,” I slowly revived and returned to my somewhat-mobile self.

Oftentimes, life can “drain you dry.” This can occur by stress or focus on pleasing others, i.e., our employer, friends, family, involvements and children’s schedules. This is similar to a plant that has not been watered. It begins wilting. When it is watered, it rises back to its optimum health. We must "water" ourselves by minimizing stress, living a healthy life style and setting appropriate boundaries. We would be better off if we diverted our focus toward pleasing God.

The Bible addresses ways to “revive:”

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV): Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 23:3 (NKJV): He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

James 4:8 (NKJV): Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Memorable Quotes:

“People inspire you or they drain you. Pick them wisely.” – unknown

“Be a fountain, not a drain.” – unknown

“Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles. It drains today of its strength.” – unknown

“Life is too short to spend with people who suck the happiness out of you.” – unknown

Life is precious and incredibly brief.

“Revive your light. Manifest your dreams. Realize your worth.” – unknown

“When We Don’t Trust The Answer…”

I often found this joke amusing yet sadly true:

The Fall

A man named Jack was walking along a steep cliff one day, when he accidentally got too close to the edge and fell. On the way down he grabbed a branch, which temporarily stopped his fall. He looked down and to his horror saw that the canyon fell straight down for more than a thousand feet.

He couldn't hang onto the branch forever, and there was no way for him to climb up the steep wall of the cliff. So Jack began yelling for help, hoping that someone passing by would hear him and lower a rope or something.

"HELP! HELP! Is anyone up there? "HELP!"

He yelled for a long time, but no one heard him. He was about to give up when he heard a voice. "Jack, Jack, can you hear me?"

"Yes, yes! I can hear you. I'm down here!"

"I can see you, Jack. Are you all right?"

"Yes, but who are you, and where are you?"

"I am the Lord, Jack. I'm everywhere."

"The Lord? You mean, GOD?"

"That's Me."

"God, please help me! I promise if you'll get me down from here, I'll stop sinning. I'll be a really good person. I'll serve You for the rest of my life."

"Easy on the promises,  Jack. Let's get you off from there; then we can talk. Now, here's what I want you to do. Listen carefully."

"I'll do anything, Lord. Just tell me what to do."

"Okay. Let go of the branch."

"What?"

"I said, let go of the branch. Just trust Me. Let go."

There was a long silence.

Finally Jack yelled, "HELP! HELP! IS ANYONE ELSE UP THERE?"

http://www.jokebuddha.com/Cliff/recent/4#ixzz39BRpOH5g

God ALWAYS hears us and answers our prayers. It’s often either not what we want to hear or its not “packaged” the way we want to receive it. We suffer from lack of trust and faith.

The Bible addresses these:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV): Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Matthew 17:20 (NKJV): So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 14:29-31 (NKJV): 29 …And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,[a] he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV): Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Powerful Quotes:

“God’s 3 Answers to Our Prayers: 1) Yes;  2) Not Yet; and 3) I have something better.”

“Don’t ask God to guide your steps; if you are not willing to move your feet.”

“You can worry or you can trust God. You cannot do both.”

“Let Go and Let GOD.”

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future with a known God.” 

We should strive to increase our faith and TRUST GOD…

“Light at the End of the Tunnel”

I recall when I lived in Delaware having to make the trek to Columbia MD for training sessions. This required going through Baltimore and the Ft. McHenry Tunnel. I hated this tunnel! Driving through it was the longest 60 seconds of my life! However, I truly learned to appreciate “the light at the end of the tunnel.”  I am somewhat driving through it right now.

I have been blessed that most of my 50 years of life have been in the light. Yes, I have dealt with my share of sorrow. I am reminded by some lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Gladys Knight titled You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me. A few of the lyrics are:

“I've had my share of life's ups and downs

But fate's been kind, the downs have been few

I guess, you could say that I've been lucky

Well, I guess you could say that it's all because of you…”

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gladysknight/yourethebestthingthateverhappenedtome.html

Being knocked down literally to my knees by the unexpected diagnosis of MS a few years ago sent me straight into darkness…sinking into the abyss…a depth that I have never known.

It was my minister, Dr. David Jones, Jr. that “threw me the life raft” when he explained to me that I was experiencing the “Stages of Grief.” I was grieving the “death of life as I had known it,” and experiencing Denial-Anger-Bargaining with God – Depression…striving to get to Acceptance and adapting a “new normal.” This was profound to me. I now had an explanation of what I was experiencing. I could now better wrap my arms around it to move forward.

During this time, my employer laid me off. I had a lot of time on my hand…most of which I spent in silence.

“It’s amazing how loud silence can be.” – Janette McGowen

The internal whisper in my spirit kept repeating itself over and over:

“Write.”  “Write.”  “Write.”

For once in my hard-headed, independent, control-freak life, I decided to be obedient. And the flood gates have burst open…

The journey continues to be a trying one. But I will keep moving…skinned knees…scars…bruises…fatigue…fear…until I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Wait?…do I see a speck of light?....

Hold on….now I see a glimmer….

Oh…now I see a single light beam….

There…There in the distance, I see more light….

I see it!  I see it!  Could it be?…….

#JustKeepMoving  #TooCloseToStopNow