Be A Fruit Cake

Dec8

I find it interesting how everyone thinks everything is about them. People jockeying for the closest parking spot, pushing and shoving to catch a sale, cutting people off in traffic, oh and let’s not forget the one finger salute…We have turned into such selfish people! The world would be such a better place if we would all just turn into fruit cakes!!!

The best fruit is essential to an excellent fruit cake. Only the finest fruit will do and it must be ripened to perfection! It is not the kind of fruit you can find at your local grocery…Oh no, it is specially cultivated. Then it is candied and sugary sweet…

It is the Fruit of the Spirit!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Wow…interesting concept! If we all waited our turn, smiled, spoke to each other politely, stood up for each other, and didn’t demand our own way can you imagine what our world would be like?

So next time the line is moving slow at the grocery store and you reach the cashier you could offer him/her some words of encouragement, a smile, or a piece of gum.

Could today be the day you help that mom with 3 children load her groceries into her car or you offer to put her basket in the rack across the parking lot.

Perhaps today you could randomly choose to pick up the tab for someone’s lunch.

It doesn’t have to be huge…the simple gestures are often the most appreciated. You can make a difference in this world. So…

Get Out There and Be a Fruit Cake This Holiday Season!!!

Love Lee ♥

Get A Grip

Dec7

The Holiday Season is upon us and everyone is so busy getting ready. What to cook, what to buy, so much to do…so little time…so little money. Then you have the Christmas cards and gift wrapping…It is a literal battle to get everything accomplished!!!

Does any of this sound familiar to you?

If so, there is help…

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13

Wow…Perhaps We Just Need Reach Out and Take His Hand or in other words…

GET A GRIP!

Love Lee ♥

I Love It When She Laughs

Dec6

On Saturday, I took a road trip to Houston with my daughter and friend for a little shopping on Harwin Street. At one point Brandi realized she had made a wrong turn. She saw a break in the traffic and did a very quick u-turn in the middle of the road. It wasn’t until I was able to upright myself from the other side of the car, did I realize what had happened. When my head popped up Brandi burst into laughter saying my eyes were as big as saucers and the look of shock on my face was priceless. It was all worth it to hear my daughter belly laugh herself into tears.

I was reminded of this when I read my Bible this morning. the scripture was…

A cheerful heart is good like a medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful person laughs often. In fact you will seldom find a cheerful person who walks around like they have been sucking on lemons. I love surrounding myself with happy people…

Victor Borge, the comic classical pianist, once said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” But laughter does more than help us bond. It’s been shown to have a positive effect on physical and mental health. Laughter is a cardiac workout, causing a reduction in blood pressure and blood sugar, and brings six times more oxygen to the brain. Laughter is affordable, it energizes and is undeniably enjoyable.

Laughter stimulates the release of endorphins which results in:

Pain Reduction
Stress Reduction
Anti-Depressant
Enhances Your Immunity
Cardiovascular Workout

Laughter is a part of the full range of positive emotions including hope, love, faith, strong will to live, and determination and purpose…

Have you had your daily dose of laughter today?

Click here for a free laugh

Love Lee ♥

The Best Seat In The House

Dec5

My Husband and I enjoy theatrical performances, ballet, musicals, orchestra, opera, and choral concerts. We try to choose our seating to ensure we are able to see and hear as much as possible. We want the best seats in the house although they are not always within our reach financially so we feel comfortable and safe (I don’t care for heights).

There is one seat I am guaranteed in life. It is always available and I never have to make reservations. It is comfortable and very safe. It is in the Hand Of God…

In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10

How awesome is that? In His hand we are held. In His hand I am comfortable, protected, and alive.

We Are Never More Than an Arms Length Away Sitting in the Hand Of God!

And it is with His hands He draws us to Himself embracing us and holding us near to His heart.

I Have the Best Seat In the House! Come Join Me…

Love Lee ♥

Being Content

Dec3

This morning I watched a show called “Cash in the Attic” and found it interesting how the family on the show sells the “stuff” that has accumulated in their attic in order to buy more stuff. Interesting concept…it caused me to think back on the different phases of my life.

When Richard and I were first married our first home was an apartment in Angleton. It wasn’t long after that we realized apartment living was not for us so we purchased a trailer house. We loved it and was perfect for the two of us but it wasn’t long after that we were three. So, we purchased a 1200 sq ft brick home in Angleton. This little place was great while my girls were at my feet but once they were at my shoulders we found ourselves a little cramped so we moved into a 3800 sq ft home. Once Richard decided to attend Seminary we sold our home and moved into a little place next door to my grandparents which was 600 sq ft.

I share the history to say… It was not the size of the house or the possession the house contained which defined me; it was my attitude. We have had some really tough financial times and we have had some plentiful times but during those times I relied on the scripture Philipians 4:12-13.

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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Did I feel like things were futile? At times…Yes! But it is during those lean times I learned to be content and focus on what I do have rather than dwell on what I didn’t have.

Remember…Life is about relationships and people; not about “Things”.

Love Lee ♥

My Hiding Place

Dec2

Where is she? We looked for what seemed like thirty minutes to find her. My mom was demonstrating how to hide in the event an intruder broke into our home. My sisters and I looked everywhere but we couldn’t find her anywhere. To our amazement she was right in front of us the whole time but we never saw her. Tucked under a pile of laundry on the sofa…Who would have thought to look in the clean laundry?

Do you ever have days when intruders break into your life and you wish you could just go away and hide from that negative personality, defeated behavior, or the one that sucks the life right out of you. Did you know you can hide while you are right in plain view?

You Can Hide in Him!!!

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalms 32:7-8

When bombarded with trouble or negativity you can mentally go to your hiding place which found in God by mentally saying a prayer, quoting scriptures, and praying all while you are hearing the negative blah blah blah.

You do not have to live in your negative circumstances…He surrounds you with songs of deliverance!!!

I love the songs He Sings over me!!!

I love this song by Israel Houghton & Cindy Ratcliff called “Sing Over Me”

Sing Over Me

Once again I’m drawing near to worship as
you’re drawing me
Once again You lift my head
and lift my heart to heights unseen

In a moment I am in your presence
everything is clear
As I hear Heaven’s melody (oh ho)

As you begin to Sing,Over me
Songs of Deliverance
Lord cover me with your Mighty Hand
Sing over me, God of the Second Chance
Sing over me Once Again
(Oh oh ho…once again Lord)

Once again I’m drawing near to worship as
you’re drawing me
Once again You lift my head
and lift my heart to heights unseen
In a moment I am in your presence
everything is clear
As I hear Heaven’s melody

As you begin to Sing,Over me
Songs of Deliverance
Lord cover me with your Mighty Hand
Sing over me, God of the Second Chance
Sing over me Once Again.

Can You Hear Him Singing Over YOU…He is Your Hiding Place!

Love Lee ♥

The Room With a View

Nov30

Being a true Southern Gal, I’ve always dreamed of having a huge colonial home with the enormous white columns out front, the rear of the home overlooking a river, and huge oak trees in the yard. All, viewed through a wall of solid windows across the back of the house while sitting in my favorite overstuffed chair.

My current home is large and does have white columns but they are far from enormous. And, while I do have huge oak trees in my yard, our home is not situated on a river. I never met the person that designed the house plans for this 1960’s ranch style home but I know it had to be a man!

There are many windows in our home but there is only one where I can sit and look out the window…The location is quiet, cozy, and secluded. While seated, it is through this small window I can see the tops of the oaks in the yard, the beautiful skies and the shrubs with purple flowers. The purple flowers that attract some of the most beautiful butterflies I have ever seen. On occasion I have the pleasure of watching the squirels playing chase in the trees. It is from this room I have some of my most intimate conversations with God and even spend time in His word. It is a place where I hear God Whisper and where I can whisper back and He hears me.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6

I don’t have a closet large enough to sit in but I do have my room with a view. While you may not have a view you have this room you can go to also the room where you can talk with God…

It is the Bathroom!

You can improve your prayer life if you will make it a point to talk with your Heavenly Father each time you enter the bathroom.

So, have you been to the bathroom today?

Love Lee ♥

God Whispers

Nov29

I love the saying “Make time for the quiet moments for God whispers and the world is loud” so much so I have it framed and hanging in my kitchen as a reminder.

Have you ever thought to yourself or verbalized, “If God would just tell me what to do…”? One thing I know is God is the same yesterday, today and forever! His character does not change; He is a kind and loving God who will guide and direct your path. And yes, He will even speak to you!

But, “how does He speak?” you ask. Well, there are several ways in which God speaks.

Through His word: Do you want to hear God’s voice? Then read the Bible. Find a good daily reading plan, and stick to it.“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Through Prayer: Most conversations are a two-way street. Do you just stand in front of someone and wait for them to talk to you? NO…you typically introduce yourself, or initiate the conversation. It is no different when you want to talk with God. Not only does he listen but he also answers. So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. (Ezra 8:23)
Through the council of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the way we hear God’s voice!“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17).

Think about it when you are carrying on multiple conversations at once or you are talking to someone while listening to another conversation are you communicating effectively…I think NOT!

God is near and wants to communicate with you but like any other intimate conversation you must shut out your surroundings and focus on the person speaking and engage in one conversation at a time.

Listen to that still small voice that sits in the middle of your gut. The one that says “you ought to do this” or “you ought not do that”. I call it your sense of oughtness. When you have that sense about you, there is no confusion about what you ought to do because “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (I Corinthians 14:33)

Is there something you feel you ought to do…

Find a quiet moment and allow God to speak!

Love Lee ♥

Don’t Envy Her…

Nov27

While standing in line at a checkout counter in a department store, I am reminded of times when people would have their shopping carts overflowing with merchandise and I would think to myself, “Wow, I wish I had that kind of money”…”Some people have all the luck”… or even “it is just not fair”.

Black Friday has come and gone and I am reminded of those who are less fortunate and are not able to express their affections by giving gifts. While Christmas is not just about gifts it is important to remember Gifts is one of The Five Love Languages as is Words of Affirmation, Acts of Kindness, Touch, or Quality Time.

So receiving gifts is very important to those whose love language is Gifts; even when we don’t have the finances to make purchases. But should the desire to make those purchases push us to the point of being envious of what someone else has? I think not…

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

So rather than be envyous…You should get creative by thinking outside the box for that one of a kind gift that will forever remain a memory in the heart and mind of the person receiving the gift. The gift you put yourself into for that special someone.

When Richard and I were first married we had very little if any extra money. Any extra we did have, we used it to ensure our girls had a good Christmas. I however also felt it was necessary to give gifts to all the family members so I had to get really creative.

Necessity, who is the mother of invention. Plato

With that in mind, I remember the year I took a tuna fish can, washed it, painted it with a decorative motif , filled it with pillow stuffing, then covered it with a cross stitch design held in place by a pretty ribbon, and placed dress pins in it. That year…a pin cushion was all I had to give.

While Richard was attending seminary we were especially stretched financially. I remember gathering all the fabric remnants left over from the outfits I had made for the girls when they were little and used them to make a quilt for Brandi. It was the talk of the campus and each day the neighbor boys would come by to check on its progress. A lot of wonderful conversations took place during the making of that quilt. To this day she has that quilt displayed in her home.

As I have gotten older, I no longer feel an obligation to gift family and friends; now it is a choice. If I see something which reminds me of someone I will gift them with it or if we know of someone in need we pray about how we can help meet that need.

For years now our Christmas gift to our family and friends has been to open up our home; providing a place for everyone to come together to make memories that will last a lifetime.

For the 32 years Richard and I have been married we have never exchanged a Christmas gift. We couldn’t afford gifts when we were first married and today we choose not to gift each other because gifts are not our love language. He gives me a hug (touch is my love language) and I tell him what a wonderful man and husband he is (words of affirmation is his love language) and we are set!

So, this Christmas I encourage you to think about the following:

Jesus is the Reason for the Season
Purchased Gifts are not Always the Best Gifts
Know your loved one’s Love Language
Memories will last a lifetime so make some great ones

And, when you see people’s shopping carts full…

Protect your bones…Don’t Not Envy Them

Love Lee ♥

Keeping Your Promises

Nov23

Who out there has said, “I will…” but knew deep down “You Wouldn’t? Often people commit to things or people without giving any thought to the implications or consequences. Then when the time arrives to follow through with the commitment they realize it was never their intention to carry out what was promised so the excuses begin to flow.

Parents do this frequently. They tell the child whatever it takes to pacify them at the time. Then when it is time to deliver what was promised the parent is no longer quite so eager to please.

Before making a commitment or promise to someone you might want to consider the following:

Do you intend to you keep your word and follow through?
Is the commitment something you can realistically carry out?
Did you write down the commitment you made?
Do you know why you are making the promise?
Do you know what you hope to gain from the promise and the consequences of failure?

Keeping promises demonstrates our “True Inner Self.” It shows whether or not we have corruptible or incorruptible morals inside of us. Integrity, Honor, Self-respect and Honesty means everything to man and to the Lord! A broken promise means a broken trust and relationship. Trust and respect as well as one’s honor is the basis of our relationship with our Lord. He expects us to keep promises to others as well!

…The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Psalms 145:13. Your Heavenly Father is the greatest promise keeper ever. His word is chalked full of promises for His children. He provides the perfect example to us His kids teaching us the importance of keeping those promises. We should strive to follow His example.

So, what promises have you made?