Some Words Go a Long Way

When I was a little girl my mom would always say "Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt you". I can't believe that my mom told such a horrific lie! The words that people say can bring you up or knock you down very quickly. This week God allowed my words to be used to comfort a confused student. I teach ESOL- English to Speakers of Other Languages. I got a new student straight from Mexico. He was placed in a 1st grade class where he had no clue what everyone was saying. I went to check on the student after lunch and his teacher said that he had been crying all day. I called him over and started to speak Spanish to him telling him that he was ok and that he would be alright. He engulfed me in the biggest hug I have ever gotten from a student. By the time I left he had the biggest smile on his face. I think that he blessed my heart as much as I blessed his. He was very excited to hear that someone spoke his language. How do you use your words? Do you use the to bless or to curse people? Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29.  So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do (or SAY), do it all for the glory of God. 1Corinthians 10:31.

Joyful Sadness

What is Joyful Sadness to you? I have experienced Joyful Sadness many times. It is definitely the worst sadness to have. It is the feeling that you have when you are leaving a mission trip. You are joyful to be going home but sad to be leaving something where God has changed your life. Joyful sadness is hard. It is very hard to be joyful in sad times. Even though you know things are for the best things are very tough. My saddest times are when people I love move far away. I know that God has called them to serve somewhere else, but when someone has made such an impact on your life it is hard to let them go. After a while the sadness goes away but you still think of and miss that person. I know that God has experienced joyful sadness as well. When He let his son (Jesus) die on the cross it had to be the hardest sadness anyone could have ever felt. I bet it was hard to be joyful in that situation. I know that God walks with me and helps me get through the ups and downs in life. I am glad that He is by me guiding me down the pathway we call life. Even in the sad times Rejoice always, pray without ceasing in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you! 1Thessalonians 5:16-18. But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:25. May God be with you even in Joyful Sadness!

The Road Less Traveled

Usually on Sunday I park in the back parking lot and walk to church along an unpaved path filled with dirt, rocks, and wood chips. Most of the time, I walk this path alone and it is hard to navigate this path with any type of church shoe. Today I noticed that now the path that was already hard to walk was even harder because it was starting to get grown up with weeds. Thankfully, today I had a friend walk the narrow path with me. This leads me to think about the path that I am on. Sometimes the path that we are on has difficult twists and turns and even some weeds.We have things of this world that we let tear us from our path (or focus on God). Things like negativity, complaining, arguing, and bitterness take us away from our direction and focus. We need people in our lives who can help us stay on the path that God has laid out for us. I try to plant flowers (good Christian friends) instead of weeds along my path. I also try to fill up others with encouragement to give them joy. I must remember that Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my Path Psalm 119:105 and 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 Path Proverbs 3:5-6. Along my path I will look to see that "Old Rugged Cross" and the blood that was shed for me and I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus Philippians 3:14!

Where are you going?

Over 200,000 people drive through Atlanta daily. Where are they going? What are they thinking about while they are sitting in traffic? They are multi-tasking by chatting, eating, or texting as they drive.  I was wondering about all of this today as I was driving through town. People in their busy lives are thinking about the million things that they have on their "to do" list. I wonder if spending time with God is on their "to do" list. What about yours? Where are they going? Do they really know where they are going? It might seem as if work and money are important but until your eternal future is planned, nothing in this world matters. I took this time to think about what God is trying to tell me. Where is he leading me? Am I doing well in following him or do I let things of this world take my attention off Him? I am trying my best to keep my eyes firmly planted on God and his purpose for me. While I sit in traffic I want to pray for others and gaze at the clouds and embrace the beauty that God has all around us! My mind turns to the old hymn: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. So remember 1 Corinthians 10:31- Therefore, whether you eat or drink, (or drive), or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!

Just Starting

I am thinking about starting this blog. We'll see what happens. I would really like to post things that God is revealing to me. God continually shows me things all the time. Let's see how well this works! :)