Tag Archive | Celebration

Love Always…

To understand the origin of Valentines Day….You should watch this video The History of Valentines Day .

But I ask…can anyone know the true meaning of love without Salvation? I think not!!!

You see, God has demonstrated the ultimate love by offering up His one and only Son as the perfect sacrifice. 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

God commands us to love one another but can we grasp the true meaning of Love?

Paul does an awesome job of teaching us some profound principles of Love in 1 Corinthians 13…

1 Corinthians 13

¹ If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:4 does and excellent job of defining for us exactly what love is and what love is not followed by the “Always(s)”

Love always…

Protects
Trusts,
Hopes
Perseveres

By incorporating Paul’s teachings we not only celebrate love on Valentines Day but…

ALWAYS!!!

Love Lee ♥

Who Defines Your Standards?

Feb12

One of my favorite things to do is have coffee in the morning on the patio. This morning I decided to catch up on my reading. My most favorite thing to read other than the Bible is magazines…

While reading the November (oooh I am sooo behind) issue of “All You” I came across this little blurb.

WOW…THAT IS PROFOUND and confirms what I have always known to be true!

When we expect excellence and produce tangible and accurate results then it becomes the standard. When one performs at a level less than that standard and it is acceptable then the standard is lowered sending out a message that substandard is now the new standard.

Additional things I have learned that go hand in hand with this is…

Not everyone is capable of performing at the same level: Everyone possesses different skill sets and not everyone can produce the results defined by the standard.
Not everyone understands the goal: When the goal is not well-defined then it is virtually impossible for anyone to reach that goal. We must be clear, concise, and understood when defining a goal.
Not everyone wants the same results: If everyone has their own agenda and the focus is meeting each individuals goals or agenda then the primary focus of team work is lost.
Not everyone cares: There are times when you find some just don’t care. They are there because they are expected to be.

So to better be able to get all players on the same page one must…

Determine the skill set when making assignments: Assign those with similar skill sets to work together and set the standard based on that groups skill set. This prevents dragging down others or lowering the overall standard.
Define the goal: What does it look like, feel like, taste like, and sound like, and what smell like??? What is it we want to accomplish?
Set the standard:Without a clear vision of what the standard is then one can by no means measure up.
Weed out those that don’t care: Unfortunately there will be times when someone lacks the motivation, drive, passion, or connectivity to even care and those are the people who must go as they stifle the creativity of reaching the standard and ultimately the goal.

Now I ask you…Who sets the standard for you? Is it your family, friends, co-workers, pastor, church, or boss?

NO!!!

Jesus sets the standard, assigns our assignments based on our skill set, He has already defined the goal, and unfortunately those who do not care enough to reach the goal of eternal life will be weeded out!

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

The Skill Set: While we may not all be able to perform at the same level…God knows and makes our assignments accordingly
The Goal: Eternal Life with Christ
The Standard: The Bible…It clearly defines the standard which we must live by as Christians
Weeding: Judgement… The weeding out will be done on judgement day when non-Christians will be cast away for eternity. Pardon the pun but they will be “FIRED”

Who tells you how to act, what to say, what to believe, or makes excuses for those that don’t??? Think about it…

Who Does God Say You ARE? and…Who DefinesYour Standards?

Love Lee ♥

God’s Favorite Song

Feb7

At work when a baby is born the sweetest chime plays announcing the arrival. The song is “Happy Birthday” and sounds like it is coming from a little music box. As I sit at my desk working away, I hear the chime and I stop what I am doing and ask God to bless the child. When I hear the chimes it makes me smile and even tear up at times.

I feel there must be a chime which goes off in Heaven to announce the birth of a Christian. And, oh the celebration that must follow. The day we are born in Christ the angels in heaven rejoice and greatest song of all fills heaven…

And…It’s His Favorite Song Of All

Love Lee ♥

Why Am I Here?

Jan18

Have you ever wondered, Why am I here…Why am I here on this earth, in this place at this time?

Last Wednesday First Baptist Church Brazoria began learning the music for our annual Passion Play. While all of the music is awesome there was one song that has ministered to me and has answered the question “Why am I Here?”.

As I was driving to work one morning this week, a light bulb went off in my head and I became abundantly aware of why I am here.

I’m here to WORSHIP THE KING!!!

Worship:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:1-8

We are here in this moment for one reason only…It is to WORSHIP THE KING…

Worship The King

by BJ Davis

I bow in rev’rence in the courts of royal majesty. Honoring His presence, I’m here to worship the King. I’m here to worship the King. Blessing and honor and power be to Him alone. Holy, holy, holy, we join the angel’s song. Come, let us worship the Lord, and crown Him Lord of all. Come, let us worship the Lord, and crown Him Lord of all, Lord of all! We join the angel’s song. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. I’m here to worship the King. I’m here to worship the King.

Have You Worshiped the King Today?

Love Lee ♥

Cheyenne’s First Basketball Game

Jan15

Up bright and early today…we were headed out to see Cheyenne’s first basketball game. When we arrived she was already out on the court warming up and looked as though she had been playing ball for a good while when in-fact she had only had 2 practices before today’s game.

Upwards Basket ball is an awesome program. The kids not only learn about basketball but Biblical principles as well. The game was started with a word of prayer and during half time a devotion was delivered by the pastor of First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson. After the game the coaches met with the team and issued awards. Cheyenne received the Christlike award…Of all the awards that would be the one I would want!

After the game I so enjoyed watching Tori and Brandi play a game of tetherball…Brandi played her daddy and Michael too. Then Brandi proceeded to the teeter totter…Some kids just never grow up!

Makes a mom proud to see her kids and grandkids enjoying life!

Love Lee ♥

But How Do You Know

Jan12

Recently I was reminded of how not all is as it seems. Just because the clouds are dark and heavy it does not mean the sun is not shining. In fact the sun is shining so bright it is a blinding light. This picture proves my point. At the edge of the clouds…The Sun Is Shining!!!

So things are tough, not enough money, the kids are fighting, no one understands you, jobs got you down, your spouse has left you and you are lonely…Things are gonna get better!!!

I can hear you asking…

But How Do You Know

Well, it is quite simple…God said,

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:3

When it gets too much to bear…

He will CARRY you
He will SUSTAIN you
He will RESCUE you

He’s got this covered…No matter where you are or what is going on! God is still there whether you can see Him or not just as the sun is there…He’s got this!!!

God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!!!

Love Lee ♥

She’s One Smokin Hot Momma!

Jan10

Wow…Who would guess my Momma will be 70 years old tomorrow! She is the most elegant and beautiful woman I know. I love that she always not only takes care of us but she takes awesome care of herself too!!!

Hair, make-up, nails, and clothes…My Mother does such an awesome job of pulling it all together.

More Than A Mother

By Kari Keshmiry

When God set the world in place,
when He hung the stars up in space,
when He made the land and the sea,
then He made you and me.

He sat back and saw all that was good,
He saw things to be as they should.
Just one more blessing He had in store;
He created a mother, but whatever for?

He knew a mother would have a special place
to shine His reflection on her child’s face.
A mother will walk the extra mile
just to see her children smile.

She’ll work her fingers to the bone
to make a house into a home.
A mother is there to teach and guide,
a mother will stay right by your side.

She’ll be there through your pain and strife,
she’ll stay constant in your life.
A mother will lend a helping hand
until you have the strength to stand.

She’ll pick you up when you are down,
when you need a friend she’ll stick around.
A mother is one who listens well,
will keep her word; will never tell.

A mother never pokes or pries
but stands quietly by your side,
giving you the strength you need,
encouraging you to succeed.

A mother is one who can be strong
when you need someone to lean on.
You’re more than a mother to me;
a reflection of Him in your face I see,
a love that knows no boundaries.

I’m glad that you chose to be
all this and more to me.
You share a love that knows no end,
you’re more than my mother,
you are my friend.

Mom, this poem says it all…Happy Birthday! I love You!!!

Love Lee ♥

Out With the Old and In With the New

Jan8

Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. II Corinthians 5:17

Where have you come from? The person you were before Christ came into your life should be gone. The habits and attitudes that defined you then should be changed. You are a new creature a door has open in your heart that Christ walked through bringing love compassion, concern for others, honesty, justice and self-sacrifice with it. Every characteristic that defines Christ can now define you. The struggle is to keep that old person with all her old habits and attitude away old habits die-hard begin each day by asking the Lord to help the new person shine over the old person.

I have not arrived but I am definitely not what I use to be!!! God is soooo good!

Love Lee ♥

Happy Birthday Lindsey Beth Carleton!!!

Jan4

Our Sweet Lindsey Beth,

From the moment your mom announced she was going to have a baby we have loved you! You have made us laugh and you have made us cry from laughing so hard. You bring so much joy to our family and we adore you!!!

You have always been such a “Shutter Bug” so what better gift to give you than a slide show… And Sister YOU are the STAR!!!

We Wish You…

A Happy Birthday…Enjoy!!!

Love,

Your Family ♥

They Danced Their Little Hearts Out

Jan3

In a recent post The Gift That Keeps Giving, I mentioned I have been downloading pictures from my girls’ childhood. This has been a daunting task transferring old photos to electronic format. While it has been a lot of work it has also been very pleasurable too.

Some of my fondest memories of my girls were centered around their involvement in dance. They both were enrolled in tap, ballet, and jazz and were passionate about each. In addition to their group routines they both performed solos. So for the dance recital each year they both performed group tap, group ballet, group jazz and a solo. This meant eight costumes per recital. Needless to say, things were always a little hectic trying to get their solo costumes adorned with sequence and beads. You know, I just realized this may have been where my love of bling began. LOL!!!

It was amazing how they never tired of dancing. Their feet were going 24/7. And to this day Brandi reminds me of the time I wacked her in the head with a hair brush so she would stop tapping long enough for me to get her hair into a pony tail. They would tap on the coffee tables, perform jazz in the driveway, and ballet in front of the TV (during the climax of the movie of course).

Make-up, hair, costume, lights, camera, and action…The curtain rises and they would begin to dance their little hearts out as if no one was watching…

After hours of lessons, practice, and competition they have a huge sense of accomplishment, friends, memories and I have pictures!!!