Help Each Other To See - We're not finished yet.

Sadly, each day's headlines seem to bring new levels of human misdeeds - crises in conscience and morality across the board. But, my friend, do not be discouraged for there is hope and you don't have to wait for the "light at the end of the tunnel," you can take courage today with gratitude and thanksgiving for a new era that starts today. You may not see it on a large scale at first, but the truth is....He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Isn't that amazing? No matter where you are today...He's not finished with you yet, and you are still on your way to coming into your own. So fret not - continue with each baby step toward the dream that keeps you awake at night - the success of your heart. And above all...Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor...Romans 12:10 Help another to see their potential, to realize that they, too are a work in progress.

Let's carry each other through...

Oh that it could be said of believers that we are of one mind, loving, caring, healing, and looking after the best interest of others. If we were doing our job as "the church" I believe we wouldn't be able to fit all of the people seeking refuge, love and kindness from the cruelties of this world. Alas, we can, as a handful, be those people - one at a time - one by one - bringing hope in a time of chaos if we stay connected through the Word. Wouldn't it be great to give a real present this Christmas - one of eternal significance and stay focused on that throughout the year?


Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:2–4

There is plenty of hurt and heartache should we care to look for it, but I submit that you will find it in the cubicle next to yours, the neighbor down the street or clerk at the store. They will tell you, if you listen, about the load they bare even now. Can you help shoulder the load?

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Loving and Caring for the hurting...

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

As we enter this holiday season, I know several who will be doing so for the first time without certain on their loved ones. Let's remember to pour forth an extra measure of love and kindness to our neighbors, friends, family and strangers. I'm hoping as I consciously do this, that it will become a habit that goes with me throughout the year. Won't you join me?

give thanks and engulf your sisters and brothers in love

Last evening on Nancy Grace I witnessed a man broken, crying out to God asking for faith in the midst of his devastating pain as he had learned that his 5 year old daughter's body had been found. He then cried out, "I know you walk with me. You never leave me." After another pause - he cried from his heart over and over "I love you Jesus." Anyone who knows me knows that my eyes were full of tears with news of his great pain, but to see his faith in the midst as he was held up by other believers - literally - was what took my breath away.

His witness was OUT LOUD for all of us to see - as was the witness of his fellow believers who held him and praised the Lord for His sacrifice for us. Oh to be in the midst of pain in soundly in His presence.... my beloved friends, let us.... Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19–20 In this way, when we feel lost, we are whole and loved and lifted by our true family.

Please sign in to the blog and give thanks with the amazing voice and cry of your heart.

Know the answer is near

Often of late, I've been in need of wisdom - for words, actions and direction. I know it is promised when we seek the Lord, but when referring to this promise, we are also called to have faith and do not doubt.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:5-8

The words of a wise man speaking on faith came to mind. He asked - what is the first thing you do when you walk into a dark room? We all answered pretty much in unison that it is to switch on the light so that you can see where you are going. He then showed us the faith we initiate when reaching for the switch and our expectation that the room will be illuminated. Certainly, we do exhibit faith every time we reach for a light switch. In fact, we are surprised if the light does not come on. It is with the same expectation that we should go before the throne with our request for wisdom...with the assurance that God will answer our prayer. Further, we should actually feel the relief as we know His answer is coming and He will reveal the way and illuminate our path. Certainly, God is not a switch to be turned or manipulated, but rather we should hold the faith we do when turning on a light switch in the One who Is and Was and Will be - the Alpha and Omega. He is so much more trustworthy than what we see with our eyes before us.

I hope today holds much light, wisdom and faith for you.

Please don't forget to sign in to the blog - I will be adding more soon. Meanwhile also enjoy this offering from the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdO2cRXVHII. Carol Cymbala wrote this song at one of her darkest hours - not knowing what was to come, but knowing her history with God.

Live with your light shining brightly

Live, breathe, smile, laugh and celebrate this day ON PURPOSE because….Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Start a new week with a new attitude of gratitude

There is a true story about a young lady with terminal cancer, who was a beautiful bride to her high school sweetheart. She was every bit the princess bride - utterly gorgeous. Five days later, she succumbed to her battle with cancer. Her joy was contagious - but it also stung as I am more often than extravagant in the way I may waste time or procrastinate. So, this week, I start anew to work as though it is my first day on the job, appreciate my family and friends as though it is my perhaps my last chance and to love without measure - sharing the love first shown me by my Creator.

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain” (Philippians 2:16).

A New Week - Encourage Another

Good Morning and Good New Week to you!

As the weather vacillates between summer and autumn – one day warm winds and another a cool chill in the air – we are able to stand strong with a few adaptations. We may require a jacket or to remove one as the wind stills and the sun shines upon us.

Often the wind blows in our lives and feel the need for safety, protection and “jacket” ourselves with a variety of things. Sometimes it is isolation, pushing away others; losing self in food, old movies or even shopping. None of those, however, will culminate in a new dawn of hope and determination.

“Jacket” yourself in the truth and at least one trusted friend. Often, in these times, we don’t see clearly without another to reflect back to us… even believing we “know” in our minds is often in error at those times…. We are hurt or afraid and need a hand not to push away others, but to embrace and be embraced.

Today – if someone has been treating you a bit differently or acting “out of sorts.” Extend your hand and a smile that welcomes… you may be the first to do so and it may be all they needed to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel or to renew hope and faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Lend a hand today, looking out from our busy-ness, my friend, and surely your time will be well spent.