What If There Is Not Another Side

Oct28

Recently we spent a couple of weeks at Quintana Park on the beach and to travel back and forth to work , I had to cross a couple of really high bridges. Now for those who do not know me very well may not realize I have dealt with the fear of driving over bridges all my life. It begins at the base of the bridge and as I begin to ascend I begin to hyperventilate, my heart begins to pound, my palms get sweaty and as I approach the top of the bridge my teeth are clenched so tightly my head begins to hurt. Then this thought goes through my mind…

“What if there is not another side”

I was on my way to work one morning and I began to ascend the monster bridge over the Brazos River it was like fireworks went off in my mind…Just as I would ask myself “what if there is not another side”, I realized I continue to drive over that bridge because I have to believe it is going to be there. Common sense, Right?….WRONG!!! It is FAITH!

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

I had faith the other side of the bridge was going to be there.

Have you ever wondered, “What if there is not another side” meaning heaven? Well, let me ask you …WHAT IF THERE IS? Are you prepared?

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

There you have it…you just have to believe in him…just like you have to believe there is going to be another side of the bridge!!!  He loves you, He cares for you, He wants to rescue you!!!

HE IS THE BRIDGE TO THE OTHER SIDE!!!

I am now able to drive over the bridge without hyperventilating and sweating because KNOW there is another side!!!

Love Lee ♥

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 ♥

RECALL NOTICE:

Oct23
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units; code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed “Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality,” or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include:
  1. Loss of direction
  2. Foul vocal emissions
  3. Amnesia of origin
  4. Lack of peace and joy
  5. Selfish or violent behavior
  6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
  7. Fearfulness
  8. Idolatry
  9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:

P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of S.I.N. through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

  1. Love
  2. Joy
  3. Peace
  4. Patience
  5. Kindness
  6. Goodness
  7. Faithfulness
  8. Gentleness
  9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter his Kingdom so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your attention!

GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and they may contact the Father any time by ‘Knee Mail’!

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Love Lee ♥

Thanks to my dear friend Kimberly for posting this on Facebook…

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 ♥

Life a Simple Plan

Oct19

On the first day, God created the dog and said, “Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.”

The dog said, “That’s a long time to be barking.. How about only ten years and I’ll give you back the other ten?”

So God agreed . . .

On the second day, God created the monkey and said, “Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I’ll give you a twenty-year life span.”

The monkey said, “Monkey tricks for twenty years? That’s a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?”

And God agreed . . .

On the third day, God created the cow and said, “You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer’s family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.”

The cow said, “That’s a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I’ll give back the other forty?”

And God agreed again . . .

On the fourth day, God created humans and said, “Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I’ll give you twenty years.”

But the human said, “Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?”

“Okay,” said God. “You asked for it.”

So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.

There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I’m doing it as a public service.

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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