Just curious

Have you ever had those days or weeks where you were angry or sad deep down inside but you just did not know the reason? I have been in a funk for no reason. I just am angry or sad but I don't know the why or there where. I wonder in those times what the deep seated reasoning is for that and if ever I will know why. I have no reason to be angry or unhappy other than the normal everyday ups and downs. But there it is, I am. Oh to be more like Him. I strive to have that inner strength that was written down for us to use as our daily example. I want to be more like Him...one day at a time. I seem to be writing that a lot. Hmmmmm

Christianity 101

Another good one from Scott Self from Honolulu cofC

There are times when we tend to lose our focus on what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Our attention gets diverted to things we think are important, and away from things our Master said are important.

If there is one central characteristic or quality of a disciple of Jesus described in the New Testament, it is the quality of love. One cannot begin to understand God's desire and will until one spends a lifetime looking into this most important of virtues.

When Paul addresses the church in 1 Corinthians, there seems to be a dispute as to which gift of the Spirit is most important. Some are able to speak in languages, others are able to speak in prophecy. But Paul would have the church understand that there is "a more excellent way." He calls the church to pursue the most precious gift of the Holy Spirit - the gift of love. Absence of love leaves any other gift useless and benign.

Jesus Himself, at the Sermon on the Mount, challenges His disciples to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect. What quality is Jesus talking about when He mentions perfection? Love for one's enemies. Loving others (specifically enemies) is the very definition of God's perfection.

John is inspired to instruct the church in SEVERAL of his writings that we have been given a new and central commandment - "That you love one another, even as I (Jesus) have loved you." John would remind us that God is love, and that those who do not love have no part with God.

It seems so obvious - so shouldn't it be easy? It's not. Love demands that we make some of the most difficult choices at some of the most challenging times. Thinks of Jesus asking for forgiveness for those who have murdered Him at the cross. It might be a challenge to love people who are crucifying you. It might also be a challenge to love people in your life who oppress, hurt, or say harmful things to or about you.

And it's very easy for us to assume that there should be "limits" on our love. After all, we can only love so much, right? This is where a healthy does of Gospel becomes very important - "While we were still enemies, at the right time Christ died for us." God showed His unending love for us when He offered His only unique Son. This demonstrates that there are NO limits in God's love, and we should strive to be people of limitless love as well.

Another great one

I don't know who to give the credit to for this one but, I have loved this everytime I have read it and wanted to share it here....

PRIORITIES

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. Patience is a byproduct
of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from
worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No. You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy in life.
God said No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as God loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead tell your storm how big your GOD is.

Cute and touching

Last night I had the pleasure of keeping the grand kids over night so that Jaci could continue fighting this flu bug that has her down. After getting Julie asleep in my bedroom in the playpen, I took James out to the couch and laid down with him. He is a cuddle bug. Once he fell asleep I pushed the love seat over to the couch to give him extra space and make sure he did not fall off the sofa. At 1 am I heard a thump and a grunt and got up to investigate. I was looking for James but did not see him when I spotted two little feet waving. His head had gone between the sofa and loveseat but the rest of his body was help in place. I guess when I pushed the loveseat over I didn't get it flush up at the top. So, we cuddled some more and while we were cuddling his little hand came into mine and it was such a joy and rush for me. In the dark it seemed so tiny and so filled with love. I was just overtaken with emotion. I love getting those times with them and worry about when they leave that I will miss them dearly. I am so thankful for the times I get with them and those memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. Thank you Jaci and Jarred for two beautiful grand babies and giving me time. I love you all.

Testing...

The past week or so has been a real test for me. I have never grasped the idea of not worrying. We found out that our lease will go month to month in May. We don't want to go month to month we wanted at least another six month lease. So, the hunt is on. I should not worry I know that God will provide but, I am back to not sleeping well, and going through the days in blurs.

The route has been stressful to say the least. Last night we found out that our drop dead time to get the box to the airport is 7 PM now. LOL...I can't tell you the last time we got there by 7. It just doesn't work in the time frame of things. Only if we yell at the clinics and tell them to have it ready could it possibly work. But, if an accident happens or traffic is heavier than the normal heavy forget it.

Okay, now that I have put two of the many issues in my life down maybe I can unfog a little and get on with life. Then again...Pray for us.

Attitude

This is from Charles Swindoll:

"The longer I live, the more I realize

the impact of attitude on life,

Attitude to me, is more important

than facts.

It is more important than the past,

than education, than money,

than circumstances, than failures,

than successes, than what other people

think or say or do.

It is more important than appearance,

giftedness or skill.

It will make or break a company...

a church...

a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a

choice

every day regarding the attitude

we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past...

we cannot change the fact that people

will act in a certain way.

We cannot

change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do

is play on the one string we have,

and that is our attitude...

I am convinced that life is

10% what happens to me

and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you...

we are in charge of our attitudes."