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Well Shut My Mouth

Oct27

Oh My Gosh…Today in my morning Bible study my eye was drawn to scriptures about wholesome conversation…Of course I really didn’t want to go there so my first instinct was to skip over these scriptures and find a feel good scripture so I didn’t have to deal with my conscience. God would not let me out of this one so I had to deal with my junk…

Here it is … “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” 2 Timothy 2:16

OUCH!!!

Been there done that just yesterday at work…Out of frustration I began to vent to a co-worker and let me just say when venting negativity God is not in it! Without even realizing what I was doing, I allowed myself to go there and it only took a few minutes to arrive. Ughhhh I hate it when that happens! Can anyone relate?

I am not perfect…never have been…never will be…but I do know the one that is and I thank God He reveals to me the sin in my life  because I do not want to become more and more ungodly!!!

Nothing like starting my morning with a spiritual bath and being washed clean by His mercy and grace! 

Love Lee ♥

WoooHooo…Claiming My Inheritance

Oct26

My grandfather was a pharmacist and my grandmother was a registered nurse. As a young child I always knew my grandparents had a lot of money.    They owned most of Clute, TX ,  owned 2 drug stores, had a second home in Tennessee, and drove nice cars.  I also knew one of these days my Dad and Uncle would inherit it all and felt I would receive a portion later in life….NOT!!!

Both my Dad and my Uncle who were born with silver spoons in their mouth did not gain the business knowledge from their parents so they both quickly spent their inheritance. It didn’t take long to realize there was nothing left and all my Grandparents worked so hard for was gone and I would not have an inheritance…

NOT…I got my inheritance and It IS BEYOND MY WILDEST IMAGINATION!!!

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father”. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” Galations 4:4-7

Do you get it…Because I am a born again Christian making Jesus the Lord of my life…I am a child of God!!!

God my Heavenly Father has put me in His divine will.  

So, here is just a few things I have inherited so far…My salvation, joy unspeakable and full of Glory, peace that passes understanding, a beautiful family, wonderful friends, a comfortable home, my health, a strong will, creative imagination, non judgemental attitude, a loving heart, and a fun-loving spirit.  Does He give it to me all at once?

NO… He knows I would not appreciate it all and could not comprehend it all. It would be overwhelming to me. He gives me a little at a time…so I am able to recognize what He has given me. In addition to what I am receiving on earth He also has an awesome inheritance for us in heaven. “…an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” I Peter 1:4

While it is a travesty all that my Grandparents worked for is gone, it has been an incredible lesson to me. Primarily I have learned, my inheritance comes only from God and earthly treasures can not be taken with us when we die… 

So I ask you…

Are you receiving your inheritance?

Love Lee ♥

Who Are You Trying To Please

Oct25
 Often times we spend so much of our energy doing what is expected by others, bend over backwards to try to please them, and work so desperately to gain their approval. Have you ever asked yourself, “Why?’.
 
Early in life children learn by doing as “expected” they gain the approval and praise of their parents. 
 
It happens every day…children seek the approval and blessing of their parents and learn by acting, performing, reacting, or believing a certain they get that approval. They also learn that approval is withheld if those expectations are not met. Then as the child grows older and attend school or become more social it is not just the parents placing these expectations on a child but also their teachers and friends. In time this leads to those children that are “over achievers”. Their only focus is gaining approval of others…
 
Growing up I was one of those kids…Always felt I had to perform to everyone else’s expectations. Then one day while reading my Bible I read a scripture that changed my life…
 
“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
 
WOW… What a revelation!

SUDDENLY I AM FREE!!!

Free from the burden of trying to please the world…Fee from trying to gain approval of others…Free to please my Father!

Today, I live to please Him, I walk in His love and acceptance, and I KNOW I AM LOVED!!!

I ask you…WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO PLEASE??? 

Love Lee ♥

The Best Is Yet To Come

Oct22

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things ‘in order,’ she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. 

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. 

Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. 

‘There’s one more thing,’ she said excitedly… 

‘What’s that?’ came the Pastor’s reply. 

‘This is very important,’ the young woman continued. ‘I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.’ 

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. 

That surprises you, doesn’t it?’ the young woman asked.. 

‘Well, to be honest, I’m puzzled by the request,’ said the Pastor. 

The young woman explained. ‘My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming…like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!’ 

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder ‘What’s with the fork?’ Then I want you to tell them: ‘Keep your fork  ….the best is yet to come.’ 

The Pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming. 

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman’s casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand… Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, ‘What’s with the fork?’ And over and over he smiled. 

During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. 

He was right.. So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the BEST IS YET TO COME!!!  

So…KEEP YOUR FORK!

 

Love Lee  ♥

 “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men…..”   Galatians 6:9-10a

Getting Rid Of The Clutter

Oct21

It is difficult to see the beauty of a garden when it is taken over by unsightly weeds. In much the same way it is difficult to see all the beautiful treasures in your  home when there is clutter. Clutter is easy to accumulate but can be difficult to clean up.

Clutter, is not only distracting but it adds chaos to the home and for everyone in it! Clutter can literally suck the life out of you without you even knowing it! I have heard people say but I function best in clutter. To that I say Hog Wash! I believe people often use that excuse so they don’t have to deal with their junk!

Because we are created in God’s image we love the things he loves and because God is a God of order we too thrive in order! Think about it…even when He created, He did it in an organized fashion. Think about it…how silly would it have been for him to create the animals prior to creating the heavens and the earth. Sometimes it just makes common sense…right? I would like to encourage you to read

Genesis chapter 1&2 to fully appreciate God’s sense of order.

When  God created the garden of Eden He meant it to be an orderly, beautiful, and serene place for Adam and Eve. They too had a problems with clutter. Their clutter was in the form of sin. When they cluttered the Garden of Eden with sin the weeds began to grow and  it became known as the Garden of Weed’n…and God created work!

So thanks to Adam and Eve to take control of our surroundings and create a haven for our ourselves and our family is gonna take some work! Removing cluttering can be an overwhelming task especially if everything has emotional or sentimental attachment for you. Or, perhaps you are afraid to remove something from your home because you might need it again. If this describe you then perhaps you might want to begin your endeavor to declutter with a word of prayer asking God to give you the strength, wisdom, and courage to detach emotionally and to trust that He will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory.

When it comes to housework, my husband often says if you will tell me what needs to be done  I will help. This is such a foreign thought to me…I tell him, “It is really easy. Just stand back and survey the room. Look at the hard surfaces? If it doesn’t go there….Do something about it.” Items displayed that do not contribute to the beauty of the room just need to go away!!! So, store it, donate it, or just throw it away!

So with that said…let’s get started. Below are the steps that have helped me in this area. I encourage you to do what best works for you unless it means not doing it!

  • Grab 3 large tubs or cardboard boxes and label them
    • Store: For items you absolutely do not want to part with or can not replace
    • Donate: For items still in good condition but you will not use
    • Toss: For items which no longer have a use and must be thrown away
  • Focus on one room at a time to reduce feeling of being overwhelmed
  •  Begin on the far side of the room and work your way to the door so when you leave the room it is finished and you have a sense of accomplishment
  • Touch each thing only once by making a one time decision to put it away, throw it away, or store it. If you choose to toss it or store it then put the item in the appropriate box as indicated. This prevents re-work
  • Do not remove items  once the item is assigned to a box! Let go…this is where you must deal with the emotions attached to your “JUNK”.

    If you do not have the strength or in-sight to be able to perform the steps above, perhaps bringing in a friend to help will provide the encouragement you need.

 While getting the clutter out is not easy, you will be amazed at the difference a sense of order can add to your life! 

 

I Encourage You To… DEAL WITH YOUR JUNK!!!

Love Lee ♥

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It’s Contagious…Stop The Spread!!!

Oct20
Have you ever noticed how someone can walk into the room and the entire atmosphere can change?
I remember one instance when this occurred…Huge Lesson Learned!!!
 
I was working in an ICU unit and every bed held a patient. Although we were full, the day was pleasant and was without much drama or crisis. The phone rang and I was asked to help with a special procedure that was being performed in a different department. So, because everything was “calm” and “under control”, I told my co-worker I was going to help with a procedure and I would be right back. I left the unit and assisted with the procedure which took all of 15 minutes.
 
When I returned to the ICU what I found was UNBELIEVABLE!!! Total chaos had taken over the ICU…Call bells going off, family members at the nurses station, and the noise level was off the chart. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw my co-worker running around frantically in a panic.
 
Suddenly I realized what happened…Because I was being pulled away from the unit, my co-worker went into a complete panic and her panic had permeated the entire ICU unit…
 
I walked over to her. Told her to take a deep breath, grab a Coke and leave the unit for a break. Once she left the ICU, I took a deep breath and said a very brief prayer and made my way through the unit room by room…Tucking patients in speaking words of peace and calm over the patients with a pleasant and assuring smile. Within about 10 minutes a hush fell over the place.
 
My co-worker returned and was totally amazed at the transformation which had taken place in her absence. She asked me what had happened. I took the opportunity show her how her panic had permeated the entire ICU in the 15 minutes I was gone.  I also was able to teach her how to reign in her emotions, take control of situations, and promote peace over her patients and thus the entire ICU.
 
There have been other times I have witnessed this occur…sitting in meetings where everyone is smiling, making contributions to solutions to issues, and interacting in a healthy and professional manner. Then, an individual having a rough day can walk into the room and squelch all team productivity and change the entire tone of the meeting. 
 
Have you noticed this in your home. A family member comes in after a hard, emotional, or trying day? They can walk in the door and the entire atmosphere changes. What do you do? 
  • Recognize what is going on
  • Hold on to your peace and do you allow your peace to be disturbed or your attitude to take a downward trend
  • Pray over your home and ask God’s protection over your home
  • Pray for the person struggling

Emotions are contagious, negativity, anxiety, and discord in your home can be prevented with prayer, education, and persistence. Finally…

DO NOT EXPOSE YOURSELF TO THE CONTAGIOUS NEGATIVE EMOTIONS OF OTHERS…

Think about it…why do you want to surround yourself with negativity? IT IS CONTAGIOUS!!! Evaluate the people you choose to surround yourself with. Choose your friends wisely or encourage them to change their attitude.

I remember when a nurse in the ER came in one day and I told her “Good Morning”. Her response was “What’s so good about it?”. I took the opportunity to tell her I had made the decision to remove negative people from my life. I also said, “You know, I like you and really want to be your friend so you are going to have to be a more positive person if you want to be my friend”. Suddenly, the decision was hers. From that day forward, she has never said another negative phrase or word to me.

Let your peace radiate into the world. Then the world becomes a more peaceful place one person at a time.

TAKE CONTROL AND PROTECT YOURSELF!!!

 
Love Lee ♥

Do You Love Yourself?

Oct18

Growing up I never learned to like or love myself. Most of my life I’ve been over weight and was on some form of a diet. I felt in order to be worthy of love and acceptance from others I had to lose weight. I was never taught to have a healthy love for myself. In fact, it was quiet the opposite. I was taught to feel good about myself was to be conceited. So, even when I did lose weight I never felt better about me.

Then one day I came to the realization, that in order to love others I must love me first. In fact, God’s word says “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18  

It is God’s divine plan for us to love. Love Him, Love Ourselves, and Love Others and in exactly that order. Wow…that is so opposite of what I have been taught all my life. Now, this is not a selfish conceited love but a healthy love for self. It is not a love that says “what about me…what about me…what about me…” but instead it is a love that recognizes we are created in His likeness “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

David recognized this and said in Psalms “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:14

How about you. Have you come to a place where you can love yourself? In order to love others you must come to a place where you can love and accept yourself. You are His very own unique and beautiful creation. He is proud of His work and you should be too!!!

Love Lee ♥

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Because I Said So…

Oct13

I am sure as you were growing up you heard your Mom say…”Because I said so”. It is such a popular saying they even made a movie with that title. That is what a parent says when they said it, meant it, and do not want to discuss it… 

In much the same way our Heavenly Father says it, means it, and does not want to discuss it. One of those subjects is Love. He told us to “Love one Another and So fulfil the law of Christ. Never but never is there an exception!

Jesus reiterated his Father’s instructions when He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34. This is one time “Please and Thank You” was not used…He commanded it! Now, I don’t know about you but when my parents told me to do something, I did as I was told because I loved them so much and desperately wanted to please them. Hmmm I ask, “Are we obedient in following His command?”

How to Love Others

Have you ever thought about how to extend love to others; those you know as well as those you don’t? Well, it is quite easy if you see others through the eyes of their Father. God so adores us and He loves us despite our behaviors. Think about the person you love most in this world. Now, I ask why do you love them? It is because you know them. There is a bond there because there are commonalities in your lives. So, to learn to love those you don’t know Take the time to get to know them.

  1. Learn their likes and dislikes
  2. Accept their uniqueness  
  3. Listen to their hearts when they speak
  4. Welcome them into your circle of friends
  5. Ask about their passions
  6. Allow them to talk freely

 How to Express Love

Dr. Gary Chapman does an excellent job of teaching us how to love in his book “The Five Love Languages”. By learning a person’s love language you can more easily obey His command. Below is a summary of “The Five Love Languages”

Words of Affirmation

Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service

Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Physical Touch

This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

By learning characteristics of each of the above Five Love Languages you will be  able to discern other’s Love Language and in turn how best to demonstrate love towards them. I challenge you to open your heart, make people your priority, and learn to love…To learn your Love Language take the  The Love Language Test.

The PERFECT example of love…For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Love Lee ♥

Say Thank You

Oct11

 

Saying “Thank You”  is so important especially when you are living in a thankless world. Do you receive those kind words, subtle niceties, or random acts of kindness with an attitude of gratitude or do you take them for granted?

It’s All About Manners 

We loved it when Richard’s grandmother, Gramma came to visit. She enjoyed playing games and one she played with our girls was “Please and Thank You” . It was a twist on “Go Fish”. When asking for a card you must say “Please” or you lose your turn. Then if you received the card you requested by saying “Please” but forgot to say “Thank You” you had to hand them back not only the card that was just handed to you but also the ones in your hand that matched that card. A great way to teach children manners. But, what about the kids or for that matter adults who did not have a Gramma to play  “Please and Thank You” with? Is it too late to develop an attitude of gratitude? I say it is never too late!

Recognize the Gift

It is important to recognize we must say, “Thank You” not only for those things we ask for but for those things which are given to us as a gift. But first we must recognize the gift and it is not always easy!

Several years ago, I was at work one day and my dear friend and neighbor came over to my house and mowed my yard. I was so surprised to find a perfectly manicured yard when I returned home. Immediately I knew who had done it. I walked over to her house and thanked her profusely for mowing for me…She stopped me right in the middle of my “Thank You” and said, “The gift was not a yard mowing. It was a gift of time. I wanted you take the time it would have taken you to mow your yard and apply it to the time you spend with Richard which is what you enjoy the most.” Suddenly the gift became even more valuable in my eyes.

A gift can come in many forms; a smile, a nod, a note or email, flowers…etc. The list could go on forever and that is why it is not always easy to recognize exactly what the gift might be. So, I challenge you to look for the hidden meanings as well as the obvious!

Acknowledge the Gift

Now that you have recognized a gift how did you acknowledge it? There are many ways to say “Thank You” …

For the casual gifts such as a smile, kind word, or deed a casual “Thank You” will work. Casual meaning an email, phone call, an e-card or even a Facebook post. But for those special gifts a formal “Thank You” is in order. Gifts given for a special occasion such as graduation, wedding, birth of a baby, or birthday warrant a more formal “Thank You” such as a “Thank You” card. When sending a “Thank You” it is important to remember…

  1. Avoid pre-printed “Thank You” cards but instead send one that is blank with an added personal hand written note. 
  2. Timing is everything so send the card within a week of the event or receipt of the gift.
  3. Content should be short with reference to the gift that was given.

America Has Lost Its Manners…We can begin now to teach the next generation how to be thankful…

Perhaps you could start by playing a game of “Please and Thank You”

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Love Lee ♥

Plan For A Successful Day

Oct9

I truly believe no one wakes up and says to themselves, “I wonder how I can screw up this day”. I am of the belief everyone wants to have a great day and contribute value to the society in which they live.

Perhaps when things go a wry it is not because we planned to fail but rather we failed to plan…Plan for Success that is.

There is a natural progression when planning for success. While you may have heard the term ‘an overnight success” it seldom happens in life. Over night successes always happens to someone else. So, for those of us who were not born with a silver spoon in our mouths or have ever been handed one in life, we must develop a plan and stick to it!

 The Goal

So I ask, what defines success for you; is it money, fame, career, or simply a productive day? Before you can achieve success it must be defined. You need to know where you want to end up. Think about it…how can one run a race without knowing where the finish line’s at? The finish line is where the prize (goal) is at. It is also important to recognize that in a race there is more than one runner and while not all will finish first; they all have the desire to be first. So, think about it the starter gun goes of and the runners are off…What needs to happen next  is for you to run that race as if your life depends on it and don’t look back!!!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1Corinthians 9:24.

The Plan

Well, you have a goal but what’s the plan? How are you gonna get to the goal? I am sure you’ve heard about the best way to eat an elephant…one bite at a time of course. And, that is how you will reach your goal. Think about it you are going to run the race…a 10 mile marathon. Do you wake up one morning and say, “Hey, I think I will run a 10 mile marathon today”? No, you start a training routine; you start small and add a little each day. So I ask, after reading this article do you think you are going to set all your goals now and when you wake up tomorrow you will achieve them all??? No, you have to plan for success. Break the big goal down into small short-term achievable goals making sure they are measurable. I am going to do (the goal) by (date/time).

The Celebration

Yeah…you bit off part of that elephant, its gone, and you are looking at the next bite. Wait…before you take another bite you need to celebrate your success. By celebrating your successes you are rejuvenated to move forward. How you celebrate is entirely up to you. Only you know what pushes your  buttons. It does not need to cost anything, take a lot of time, or involve others. Perhaps it is as simple as a bubble bath, a walk on the beach, or a bowl of popcorn and a movie. Don’t count on others to give you recognition for you successes…You need to celebrate YOU!!! 

Start Simple…Add Sub-goals Daily…Celebrate Sucesses…and you can have A Successful Day!

Love Lee ♥