Is Your Life an Open Book?

Mar11

Picture if you will a big thick book laying on the coffee table. Although the book has not been opened or read, a story lives within the pages. Words carefully placed on the pages by the author to create an exciting, informative, and intense read and I am certain the author is oh so proud of his masterpiece.

Did you know you my friend your life is like a book and between the covers is the most touching and tender story. Your heavenly Father began writing your story before you were even born. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” Jeremiah 1:5

Wow…How cool is that? He began writing your story before you were even born. He knows the number of hairs on your head. He penned your life within the covers of His book. He is the divine author who has described you with the most vibrant adjectives. As He wrote your story, He laughed, He cried, and He felt intense passion. You are His Masterpiece and He is so incredibly proud of you!

For some the ending of the story remains a mystery but for those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior the ending is already crystal clear because in-fact there is no ending….they will live on forever in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Your story can sit over there on that coffee table collecting dust or you can open it and share the fabulous pages of your life with others.  The Author of your life is incredibly proud of it and would love to hear you read it out loud to others!!!

I ask you my friend…

Is your life an open book? 

Love Lee ♥

What’s Your Attitude?

Mar10
This morning as I reflect on my calling in life and why God has placed me where I am…my first thought was I am humbled. Then I began to think…Do I even understand the meaning of humble?
 
The Dictionary defines humble as:
1: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive
2: reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission <a humble apology>

Then gives synonyms and antonyms which helps paint an even clearer picture of humble…

Synonyms: demure, down-to-earth, lowly, meek, modest, unassuming, unpretentious

Antonyms: arrogant, bumptious, chesty, conceited, egotistic (or egotistical), fastuous, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-handed, high-hat, hoity-toity, huffish, huffy, imperious, lordly, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, self-asserting, self-assertive, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity

In this day and age whether climbing the corporate ladder, advancing your business, or networking, only the outgoing, strong, and most boisterous  tend to “move up” in the life. So when one hears humble it is often equated with being weak. Unfortunately the humble spirit almost always grates on the nerves of those who are not… 

Paul urges us to “walk in a manner Worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility, and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).  Yep, that means we must love those that portray all the antonyms of humble; which I might add is in itself not an easy task!

1 Peter 5:5 reminds us, “… Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  Now I don’t know about you but I certainly do not want to be in opposition with God…I want to bathe in His grace!

Psalm 25:9 encourages us saying, “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.”

Yes, I think it is very accurate to say I am humbled and I am so blessed by God! However, for me to remain humble and show love around those people who exhibit all the antonyms above….that is the true test! Am I humble enough…NO WAY!!! So I pray God will help me grow more humble daily!!!

What’s Your Attitude???

Love Lee ♥

Two Wrongs Don’t Make It Right

Mar9

Have you been wronged? Someone hurt you so deeply that you feel you will never be able to forgive?

No matter what has been done to you or how you have been treated allowing God to avenge those wrongs can provide so much freedom. Think about it…by taking matters in your own hands to avenge the wrong which has been done against you then you are no better than the person who hurt you.

I am sure you have heard the saying…

“Two Wrongs Don’t Make It Right”

May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 1 Samuel 24:12

To harbor ill feelings, want to do harm, or speak negatively about the person who has hurt you is counter productive to healing and wholeness…Your healing and wholeness!

Really, do you think they are affected??? Absolutely not!!! They will not lay awake at night replaying the hurtful words or deed, they will not have a knot in the pit of their stomach, and they most likely will not even consider apologizing…

They most often believe they are right and may not even realize how their words or deeds have affected you.

Let go…Let go…LET GO and LET GOD!!!

Love Lee ♥

Moaning or Growing

Mar8

Frequently you hear people complaining…In the grocery store when it takes longer than expected to get through the checkout, at the gas pumps over the price of gas, at the dinner table when the meal is not to their liking…Gripe… Gripe…Gripe!!!

Constant Belly Aching and Moaning…Reminds me of the Israelites when they fled Egypt and were in the wilderness. God was with them but it seemed no matter what He did they were never satisfied. In-fact…one minute they were praising God and the next minute they were complaining!!! Talk about short-term memory!!!

Aren’t we like that? God does something awesome for us and then at the first sign of adversity we are back to our Belly Aching and Moaning…totally forgetting all He has done for us?

God wants to grow us and build our faith in Him…How can we possibly grow without a challenge? It is through our challenges He is able to reveal Himself to us. It is through these challenges we are so dependent on Him. But rather than complaining we should allow Him to shine like a beacon in our lives!

”Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4(NIV)

Are You Moaning or Growing?

Love Lee ♥

Come Out With Your Hands Up

Mar7

“Come out with your hands up”…is a phrase frequently heard when the policed are in the process of capturing a criminal.  When the criminal makes the decision to surrender, he or she comes out with hands in the air as an act of surrender to the authorities. While they could cry out “I surrender” the police would not recognize the surrender until they see hands in the air…

I am of the belief actions speak louder than words and for me this is especially true in worship…I am frequently moved to lift my hands to demonstrate my cry for mercy, show of affection and act of surrender, relinquishing control and drinking in His anointing allowing my focus to turn completely to Him. For some this act of worship is not customary or even comfortable but it is a Biblically correct act of worship and is acceptable in the sanctuary!

Cry for Mercy: Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Psalms 28:2

Show of Affection: I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalms 63:4

Focus on Him: I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees. Psalms 119:48

Act of Worship: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. Psalms 134:2

I know…I know…You are thinking to yourself, “But it just isn’t comfortable” or “I just feel weird” or even “I don’t want people looking at me”…

My response to that is…

Get OVER YOURSELF and Get INTO JESUS!!! 

“It is You” by the News Boys says it best!

Come Out With Your Hands Up…

Love Lee ♥

An Infectious Laugh

Mar4

On occasion I find a person I really enjoy being around. I find their energy exhilarating, they smile frequently and they laugh a lot. Unfortunately, we don’t tell those people in our lives how much they impact our lives. In-fact, we often take them for granted.

Today, I am reminded of such a person. My Baby Sister…I am so blessed to call her my Sister and my Friend. She makes me laugh, cry, remember, and relax. I enjoy her company so much; especially when I hear her infectious laugh!!!

Happy Birthday Sandra Pierce!!!

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Love Lee ♥

At Peace With Who You Are

Mar3

Redirect Your Focus To Who You Are Rather Than Who You Are Not…  

You are strong…. when you take your grief and teach it to smile.

You are brave… when you overcome your fear and help others to do the same.

You are happy… when you see a flower and are thankful for the blessing.

You love… when your own pain does not blind you to the pain of others.

You are wise… when you know the limits of your wisdom.

You are true… when you admit there are times you fool yourself.

You are alive… when tomorrow’s hope means more to you than yesterday’s mistake.

You are growing… when you know that you are but not what you are becoming.

You are free… when you are in control of yourself but do not wish to control others.

You are honorable… when you find your honor is to honor others.

You are generous… when you can give as sweetly as you take.

You are humble… when you do not know how humble you are.

You are beautiful… when you don’t need a mirror to tell you.

You are rich… when you never need more than you have.

You are you… when you are at peace with who you are not.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14

Love Lee ♥

We Could Change the World

Mar2

Life is hard, relationships are a challenge, and times are tough but, if we could only…

1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day.
“Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
“He who guards his lips guards his soul.” Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!…
For what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
“Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…” Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up !!…
To the Lord. “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up !!…
For something higher.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up !!…
Your Prayers. “Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.” Philippians 4:6

We Could Change The World

Love Lee ♥

How To Be Happy

Mar1

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” Anne Frank

Yesterday’s post was “How to Be Unhappy” Take a few minutes to read it first.

Today, it is about Happiness…how do you define happiness? The dictionary defines happiness as…

Happiness: Enjoying, showing, or marked by pleasure, or satisfaction.

What an awesome definition…It leaves the canvas wide open for you to paint your own picture of happiness…

So today we paint…

Supplies:

  • A cup of coffee, glass of ice tea or a glass of water 
  • Comfortable chair or cushion to sit in and relax
  • An open mind

Location:

Preferably outdoors in a quiet serene setting

 Prepare to Paint:

  • Sit quietly allow your mind to empty of all negativity
  • Take in a deep cleansing breath and then blow it out
  • Ask God to guide your heart and mind as you paint this picture

Begin to Paint:

With your eyes closed, envision a blank canvas. Mentally pick up a paint brush and load it with the color of paint that brings you pleasure. Now begin to add the content of your painting with all the things that bring you pleasure…

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Nature
  • Travel
  • Smiles
  • Flavors
  • Sounds
  • Hugs

As you are painting this picture, begin to thank God for allowing you to have experienced these things. Without experiencing all the wonderful blessings God has given, you would not have the ability to paint such an incredible picture.

Now, as you go inside, find a place to hang your picture. Each time you pass that spot in your home you will remember your painting of pleasure and it will serve as a mental reminder to Praise God for all the rich blessings He has given you…

It is the presence of memories, people, experiences,  a touch or a look, a taste or a smell, a song or a sound…

Happiness is What Brings you Pleasure…

Love Lee ♥

How To Be Unhappy

Feb28

Having trouble finding “Happiness”? Can’t find the magic combination?  Perhaps one should study the art of  how to be “Unhappy” in order to figure it out?

How to Be Unhappy

Make little things bother you.
Don’t just let them, MAKE them.

Lose your perspective on things and keep it lost:
don’t put first things first.

Get yourself a good worry,
one about which you cannot do anything.

Be a perfectionist, which means not that you
work hard to do your best, but that you condemn
yourself and others for not achieving perfection.

Be right. Be always right. Be the only one who
is always right, and be rigid in your rightness.

Don’t trust or believe people, or accept them
at anything but their worst and weakest.

Be suspicious.
Insist that others always have hidden motives.

Always compare yourself unfavorably to others.
This guarantees instant misery.

Take personally everything that happens to you.

Don’t give yourself whole-heartily
to anyone or anything.

YEP, THAT OUGHTA DO IT!

Love Lee ♥