BEE HAPPY

Proverbs 3:13 KJV
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Dearest Sisters,

HAPPY THURSDAY!!!

Get happy!

Stay happy!

Be happy!

Don't let anyone or anything steal your happiness!

Spread happiness! It's contagious. Smile!

Please join me for a brief word of prayer.

Father in Heaven, we thank You for the glorious, wonderful flowers and greenery of Spring. We thank You for longer days and warmer weather. Lord, we are grateful for Spring showers and storms that water gardens and replenish scorched soil and souls alike. Storms can be both melodic and refreshing. Thank You Lord for the beautiful, buzzing pollinators that prance from flower to flower in their quests to make kids giggle, make honey, or make more flowers. Dear God, we are grateful for the lovely chirping birds that welcome the rising sun, tickle our ears, and make our hearts dance. We are grateful for butterfly kisses. We rejoice for the splendid chorus of crickets and grasshoppers. Father, we are grateful for Spring.

Lord Jesus, we pray for healing for those among us that are adversely affected by the springiness of Spring. Some among us have allergies and sensitivities that are aggravated by the fluctuating weather and increased pollen of Spring. Others have compromised immune systems that are antagonized by seasonal changes and year round "bugs" and "germs" alike. Dearest God in Heaven, there are several sick among us; please touch and heal their bodies. Father, grant all that are sick with speedy and smooth recoveries. We pray for the healing of temporary coughs, sneezes, aches, and pains and also the healing of ongoing, chronic pain and health complications. We are grateful Lord Jesus for Your atoning death and resurrection. Thank You, God, for the blood of Jesus that heals and delivers us from all hurt, harm, and disease. May all in our group be healed and delivered from any and all health maladies. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Love and blessings chickadees

Hugs

RISE ABOVE THE STORM

Isaiah 40:31 KJV
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I once read, "Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience."

Without fail, it seems that someone comes along or something happens that attempts to destroy a beautiful mood or moment. When this happens, resist the urge to be overcome. When storms brew, resist the temptation to be caught in the whirlwind or to "ride it out." Instead, rise above it! We were not designed to be the target of others' madness. Practice rising above the storm's of life. Eagles fly above storms! Practice, practice, practice! A little progress each day adds up to big results!

When Satan unleashes his vice in order to "steal, kill, or destroy" something in you or around you, remember "no weapon formed against you shall prosper."

Some battles are best fought by facing them head on and other challenges are best fought by getting away from them very, very fast. Discern the storms that blow into your life. Choose the BEST strategy. Regardless of the storm, it's always wise to keep the storm from getting into you. You have to be storm-proof. 

Eagles are majestic, regal birds. They are fascinating to watch. A dear friend once forwarded me a link to an Eagle Cam. The camera, positioned right above an eagle's nest, provided live, 24/7 footage of an eagle and her eaglets. The moment by moment recording of the eagles was fascinating.

One intriguing fact about eagles is their ability to fly above storms. Some birds cease flying until a storm passes. But, eagles can uniquely detect a storm and fly away from it or even over it. Airline pilots adopt their life-preserving tactics of flight from the eagle (READ: from God). Storms don't disrupt eagles and storms don't disrupt the airline industry. With practice, we can learn to be undisrupted by storms.

The Lord likens us to eagles. In Isaiah 40:31, we learn that God will renew and strengthen us as an eagle. If we live and fight in our own strength then we will fail. But, if we wait on God and operate in His power then we are revived, increased, and restored. Ultimately, the Lord will carry us above all difficulties. The same God that mounts up eagles and allows them to soar over storms is the same God that holds us in His hands and allows us to transcend storms (READ: toxic people and situations).

When storms threaten to overtake us, let's choose to rise above them. Some storms God will still and others He will allow to pass over us. Whether we're above the storm or under it, God is sovereign and just. He is faithful and loyal to us. Our protection is in Him. 

Jews in Egyptian captivity were once protected from death by applying lambs' blood to the door posts of their homes. Since then, Jesus' blood has been applied to our hearts; death, destruction, and countless storms can and will continue to pass over us in the mighty name of Jesus. AMEN!

Love and blessings

Hugs

ARISE AND SHINE

Isaiah 60:1 KJV
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

We're imperfect. We can dismiss the invisible signs but the physical marks of our imperfections are captivating.

Our breasts sag after breastfeeding.

Our skin has been stretched in some areas and wrinkled in others.

Our hairs are graying.

Our thoughts are fraying. We walk into a room and forget what we were looking for or we mix up the children and their names.

Our bladders aren't quite Ziplock seal tight after labor and delivery. A hearty laugh can cause an "accident."

Our backs ache from years of holding babies on our hips.

Our arms are flabby yet worn from lugging around heavy purses, ridiculously huge diaper bags, and later book bags.

Our hands are often unmanicured and blistered from housework, yard work, and all-things-child rearing.

No one can really loves us for who we are. We are constantly changing. We are constantly bruised, blistered, and banged up. Life and living is all about change and transformation.

Those that really love us can only love us for who we are in Christ. The glory of the Lord is upon us. Our perfect Lord covers our blemishes and imperfections and makes us lovable. The Christ who ransomed us and daily perfects us makes us worthy; worthy of love. We are a work in progress. Anyone that loves us must love us through the lenses of Christ who covers us in His love.

We aren't really loveable 24/7. We are hardworking and underpaid (smile!). We don't always do things worthy of love. But, we were made to give and receive love. We are worthy of love because of Christ. We are capable (and commanded) to give, and recieve, love because of Christ.

Life doesn't always turn out the way we plan. But, the Master's plan is never thwarted. Never settle for a life without love.

God doesn't give us the stories of our lives in one bound book. Instead, He gives us settings, and times. Characters, choices, and challenges. And, one timeless, classic theme: love. Love authored our stories. Love ransomed us. Christ's love covers our imperfections and makes us worthy of God's love and the love of others.

Fight on! Love on!

Fight forward! Love hard: love and be loved!

Love and blessings

Hugs

HANG TOUGH

Dearest Sisters,

HAPPY MONDAY! 

I pray that you and yours are well.

Are you heavy hearted and downtrodden? Are you weak and weary? Are you doubtful and faint? There are times when we all fight battles that seem to never end. We battle sin and temptation. We battle bills, debt, and money management. We battle loneliness and the loss or lack of intimacy. We battle sickness and health complications. We battle "impossible" people and difficult relationships. We battle creating plans and having them fall through. We battle pain, abuse, and wreckage from unhealthy relationships. We battle the unknown and insecurities. Sometimes we wonder or question when it all will end. Take heart sisters, a better day is coming. 

Fight on! Fight forward! Christ has won the war that will give you victory despite the many battles that you endure. Hang tough! 

On Palm Sunday, we celebrated Jesus' triumphant albeit last entry into Jerusalem. Jesus' life and ministry had to come to an end in order for our earthly misery and mire to come to an end.

As we observe Jesus' last week of life and ministry, let's rejoice that our Savior's battles ended when He uttered, "It is finished." The Lord experienced many battles during His last week of life, but He overcame them ALL. Because Jesus died for us, we are assured that our battles won't wage on forever; most importantly, they won't defeat us. Christ is DAILY making intercession for us. 

Christ will make certain that the world doesn't overcome us and that we will never be plucked from God's hand. Battles ensue and rage on but we are more than conquerors in Christ. Stand strong in the Lord! Ultimately, He is fighting your battles.

BE ENCOURAGED!!!!!

Love and blessings

Hugs

OUR SCARS

John 20:26-28 KJV
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

Our Scars

Why do we hide our scars? Why do we neglect our wounds? Why do we cover our pain? Shame, guilt, and fear are often the culprits.

Unexposed scars dismiss our testimony and robs God of glory. Unexposed wounds can never properly heal. Unexposed pain is never resolved.

When Jesus was resurrected, He immediately found His disciples. Without shame, guilt, or fear, He exposed His scars. By His scars, His disciples identified Him and believed on Him. By His scars, God was glorified. Jesus bare and exposed His scars; he was met with the love and adoration of His disciples. 

Can you imagine how much different history would look if Christ covered His scars? If he never sought His disciples and let them touch his scarred side, hands, and feet? What if the Lord immediately ascended into Heaven without allowing His dearly beloved "family of friends" to explore His scars, witness His transformation, and ascertain His love.

The disciples' privilege and ability to touch Christ's scars was pivotal in their faith, their growth, and the spread of Christianity. 

It's so tempting to bury away the ugly things that happen to us. It's often easier to slap a smile and some Maybelliene on our faces in an effort to distract others from our weary hearts and restless souls. It's oh so convenient to rationalize away the injury to our minds and bodies. Is there a group of friends or a friend that can be trusted with our scars, for our mutual benefit?

Dearest Ladies, scars have a purpose. Scars attest that we are a work in progress. Scars are bearers of memories and stories. Scars are symbols of our testimonies. Scars are testaments to our survivorship and most importantly, God's provision, grace, and mercy.

Dearest Sisters, someone may need to see our scars in order to believe. Someone may need to hear our testimony to deepen their faith in God. Someone of us may need to bear our scars in our final blow to longtime battles with shame. Scars are important parts of our life's resumes. It's important to remind ourselves and others of ALL that God has brought us through and also of the glorious future that awaits us. 

While on safari in Eastern Africa, my traveling buddies and I felt comfortable and safe with our scarred safari guide. His big, glaring scars assured us that he has fought and won countless battles with predators in the African bush. His scars spoke of his experience, wisdom, bravery, strength, courage, and resilience. As we lay at night, under a vast starry sky, we often felt small and insignificant. We heard all manner of growls, groans, and shrieks. However, we felt confident that our guide had conquered all that lurked in the dark and he was able to protect and defend us, if necessary.

Sisters, Jesus is far more capable of protecting and defending us. Our scars are but proof that God is our strong tower and defense. Our scars proclaim that God is a faithful, righteous, redeeming, restoring, and renewing Heavenly Father. 

Take joy in celebrating, this weekend, our Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Take joy in partaking in history's greatest story. Take joy in celebrating the King of Kings. Have a happy Palm Sunday.

Love and blessings

Hugs

HOPE IS EVERYTHING

Dearest Sisters,

HAPPY THURSDAY!!!!

Did you realize that hope in a better future keeps us moving forward, even when the present seems unbearable?

No warrior fights on if filled with doubt. A mighty warrior may fall several times. But, each time gets up because of a strong hope in victory.

HOPE is so important!!!!!

Christ bolstered his disciples' hope by forewarning them of his betrayal, death, and resurrection.

Christ continues to bolster our hope by reminding us, DAILY, of His love and care that are directing our course and destiny.

Our Savior is a Lord of hope.

The Bible is a book of hope.

Our faith is a bastion of hope.

Our hearts and minds were designed to hold BIG hope.

Hope keeps us refreshed, renewed, and refueled.

Cultivate hope. Surround yourself with hopeful people. Tenaciously fight to protect your hope.

It's an awesome privilege and honor to celebrate the Lord's resurrection EVERY YEAR. In observing Christ's ascension into Heaven, we are reminded and encouraged to presevere towards our better future in Christ. Remember, the Lord has gone to prepare heavenly homes for us. One day He will return to take us home. Because we know that God holds tomorrow, and that He promised a better, brighter future, we can confidently endure the burdens of today. 

Hope is everything! Who among us could have endured the traumatizing experiences of separation and divorce without hope? Who could have endured immense pain, torment, and agony without hope? Who could withstand abuse, misuse, rejection, abandonment, and neglect without hope? Who could navigate any storm of life without hope that the sun would shine again?

Many, many years ago Hope walked the streets of Jerusalem, infusing hopeless people with hope. Now, Hope is seated at the right hand of the Father making daily intercession for us. Hope also sent Hope to comfort and guide us. Hope lives within us. We have full access, 24/7 to the Hope of God. Glory hallelujah!

Have a hopeful day!

Love and blessings

Hugs

LOVE NEVER FAILS

1 Peter 4:8 KJV
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

My mother used to work with renown social worker, Bryan Post. She learned and shared with me many of Post's teachings, theories, and interventions. I recall Bryan discussing his experiences working with adopted children and their families. He spoke of the post-traumatic triggers that aroused fear and/or shame and how they could be overcome with unconditional love. 

We all are adopted into the kingdom of God. Because of Jesus' atoning death and resurrection, we are grafted into the family of God. We are joint heirs with Christ to the throne of righteousness. Sometimes, in spite of our new heritage and legacy, we experience things that trigger fear and shame from our lives before Christ (and sometimes after).

As spiritual orphans, we all picked up some "baggage." Our early encounters with hurt, suffering, pain, neglect, or disappointment left us void, perhaps fearful or shameful of what we experienced and our inability to get our needs met or our inability to prevent harm again. Unresolved pain of yesteryears can complicate and lengthen post-separation or post-divorce healing. Likely childhood or young adulthood "baggage" bled into our marriages. Although, our relationships have failed, love still wins. Love is still a mighty conqueror. There is no better time than now to ascertain our freedom in Christ Jesus.

Fear and shame are very powerful feelings. They can dictate a person's life for years, perpetually forever. It's only when we are able to brave the vulnerability of exposing our wounds that we can move past fear and be made whole in the love of God. 

Fear and shame causes us to erect walls in our hearts and minds. Surely, walls keep out first time and serial offenders and perpetrators but, they also block love and the loved ones and friends that are extensions of God's love. As we prepare to observe Easter/ Resurrection Sunday, let's proverbially nail some of (ALL would great, but a little progress everyday adds up to BIG results) our hurts and hang ups on the cross with Christ. His blood covers all of our sins. His blood covers all of our hurts and headaches. 

Pick your emotional or mental assailant and imagine yourself nailing it on the cross. Leave it there. Let it die there. You don't need ongoing fear and shame; none of us do. None of us need antagonizing worry, anxiety, or doubt; these are silent killers. 

One physician remarked, "Americans have exchanged infectious diseases for chronic diseases." Once upon a time, our nation was plagued by microbial bacterial and viral diseases. Now, the citizenry is plagued by psychosomatic issues that manifest in compromised physical health. 

Living in a constant state of fear and/ or shame has harsh effects on the body. Let's lay our sins and suffering at the foot of the cross. Let it all die with our crucified Lord. As he arose from the grave with all power in Heaven and Earth, we too can be resurrected to life anew. The Lord died and rose again that we might have life abundantly. He has conquered death in every form and fashion. The Lord's unconditional love covers ALL of our sin, suffering, secrets, shame, and fear. Go forth and LIVE!!! Live out loud!!!! L-I-V-E!! You were created to LIVE abundantly!!!! You were designed for abundant life!!!! Live free, live whole. Just live! Just do it!

Love and blessings

Hugs