Tag Archive | Approval

There Is A Winner Within

Wow, who would have thought…

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr takes the stage and appears to be the least likely person to audition much less win America’s Got Talent.

As you will see in the video, none of the judges were expecting to hear such a spectacular audition. In-fact their body language and reaction to Landau’s appearance indicates they have absolutely no confidence in his ability. In-fact, the judges had judged him before he had even opened his mouth.

As I watched this episode of America’s Got Talent and then watched again in the video, I couldn’t help but wonder…How would we respond if Landau had walked through the doors of our church and sat down next to us? Oh I know, we all would like to believe we would welcome him with open arms. But, would we really?

As much as Christians hate to admit it we are such a judgmental group of people. I’m sure you are thinking… “Not Me!” Are you sure about that? Below are some scenarios, as you read them being totally honest with yourself…What would be your gut reaction to this person who decides to sit next to you in church?

A 15-year-old female wearing Daisy Dukes
A derelict who reeks of alcohol
An elderly man who’s clothing smells of old urine
A teenage boy wearing a baseball cap
A group of young men wearing black trench coats
A woman in her 40’s wearing a t-shirt and no bra
A young mother with a screaming baby
A teenager eating a hot dog and drinking a coke

Hmmm…did you get up and move from your pew, ignore them, or embrace them?

I would venture to say if we are totally honest with ourselves if we did embrace them, we did not embrace them with our heart but in gesture only.

My friend, we cannot continue to judge a book by its cover. We must open up the hard external cover of broken lives and begin to read the pages chalked full of experiences. We must begin to see the internal person; the one screaming to come out.

We are so bound by tradition and religion we lose track of who we are and our calling. We are called to love the “Unlovely” and the “Rule Breakers”.

“Church is not a household for saints. It is a hospital for sinners.” ~Robin Butler

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Don’t Judge the Book by Its Cover…

There Is A Winner Within!!!

Love Lee ♥

Take a Good Look in The Mirror

Jul27

Have you found yourself…

Laughing at a joke you didn’t find funny?
In a place you have no desire to be?
Engaging in a conversation you don’t want to have?
Wearing clothes you don’t enjoy wearing?
Doing things you don’t enjoy doing?

Have you asked yourself why…I believe human beings are so hard on themselves and seek the affirmation of others to validate their existence. They often say and do things in order to “fit in” or “be liked” and lose their unique identity in doing so.

I love this quote by Susan Jeffers…

“Remove those ‘I want you to like me’ stickers from your forehead
and, instead, place them where they truly will do the most good —
on your mirror!”

Be all He created you to be and learn to like yourself…

Take a Good Look In The Mirror

Love Lee ♥

Rock Solid

Apr28

It is human nature to want to be loved. In-fact some will go to great lengths to be loved and accepted by others. Often they compromise who they are, what they believe, and what they stand for all for the sake of this acceptance. They will accept love in any form to fill this need.

On the other hand there are those who are firm in their convictions, know what they believe, know they are loved and will not compromise even to gain the acceptance of others. They will not be moved.

If I were to choose a theme song for my life this would be it…

ARE YOU ROCK SOLID

Love Lee ♥

The New Way

Apr25

Rules…Rules…Rules!!!

Do you find sometimes all the rules and regulations can snuff out the joy of worship. You hear phrases like…

We’ve Always done it this way
Well, typically we…
Hmmm we have never done it that way before
You have to…
We don’t ever do that
You can’t do it that way…
It has to be this way…

And On, And On, And On…The Rules go!

Last night while watching the Passion Play at First Baptist Church Brazoria, I was reminded of how many rules people had to follow in order to have a relationship with God…Living a life bound by Law!

But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of written code. Romans 7:13

Today, there are still those that choose to live a life bound by law, rules, and regulations…

I thank God for the new way of the Spirit! There is so much freedom and release living a Spirit lead life!!!

Today I am thanking God for the “New Way”

Love Lee ❤

Picture Perfect

Apr5

I absolutely love this video…It really helps put things into perspective!!!

Everything in life is not always picture perfect but…

Jesus Is…

Love Lee ♥

What Are You Standing On?

Apr4

When the world is whirling around me…When I feel like I am drowning …

I Stand on Christ the Solid Rock!!!

What Are You Standing On?

Love Lee ♥

Think About It

Apr1

In a recent conversation I suddenly realized…This person has not said one positive or encouraging word much less a positive or encouraging sentence.

Have you been in conversations like that? A conversation in which every flaw is pointed out or every statement you make is debated? Then, before you know it you begin to doubt yourself and even worse, get sucked into the negativity or begin to try to defend yourself…

It was during this recent conversation I snapped and mentally said to myself “Girl, you don’t have to listen to this! God says ___________.” The blank was filled with all the promises God has provided for my life, the blessings He has and is going to pour out on my life, the grace and mercy He has shown to date. Wow…What an enlightening moment! As I am having this epiphany the words of negativity are no longer descernable and I only hear…

“Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah”

It was the coolest thing ever!!! God began to protect my ears from the negativity and allowed my focus to move to Him!!! I choose not to think of the negative, mean, and hurtful things humans may try speak over me, my life, or my family.

Instead I will Think About These Things…

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Think About It…

Love Lee ♥

No More “What If”

Mar31

Have you found yourself wanting for something but find fear holds you back? You find yourself living in the world of “What If”

What if it hurts?
What if I can’t do it?
What if they don’t like me?
What if they don’t approve?
What if it doesn’t turn out right?
What if _________ ? (you fill in the blank)

Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain. ~Mark Twain. Action is our greatest weapon against fear. Left to smolder, fear grows upon itself, but in the face of action, fear is left in the dust.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…I John 4:18

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Nelson Mandela

NO MORE WHAT IF’S…

Let Your Light Shine

Love Lee ♥

What Are You Talking About

Mar14

When with others, what is the focus of your conversation? Is it your family, your possessions, your job, your hobby, or perhaps your passions? Are you able to talk about anything other than you? Are you able to relate?

In speaking with a friend recently she said, “that gal had no idea who she was talking to…all she could talk about was her spa days, cruises, and shopping sprees. Does she not have a clue?”. You see my friends comment was founded. She did not even have a job or a means to pay her mortgage or purchase food.

When conversing with others it is very important to know your audience. So, how do you get to know the person you are speaking with?

Turn the conversation away from yourself: Remove the words me and I from your conversation. Allow the conversation to be about the other person.

Give your full attention to the person you are speaking with: Remove the mental distractions which occupy your attentions

Ask questions about their life: Generally people will to tell you about their lives but want to be asked. It is vital to know your audience.

Really listen to what they are saying: Hear both the spoken and unspoken words. Listen to the true meaning of what they are saying.

Monitor your facial expressions: Your face says it all…are you conveying you care, you’re bored, you disapprove?

Be aware of your body language: Are your arms crossed in front of you, are you slouched down, are your hands on your hips? Your body language speaks volumes!

Most importantly, let your thoughts and conversations be wholesome, positive, and non judgemental.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14

So, My Friend…What Are You Talking About?

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!!!