Tag Archive | Jesus

I Love It When She Laughs

On Saturday, I took a road trip to Houston with my daughter and friend for a little shopping on Harwin Street. At one point Brandi realized she had made a wrong turn. She saw a break in the traffic and did a very quick u-turn in the middle of the road. It wasn’t until I was able to upright myself from the other side of the car, did I realize what had happened. When my head popped up Brandi burst into laughter saying my eyes were as big as saucers and the look of shock on my face was priceless. It was all worth it to hear my daughter belly laugh herself into tears.

I was reminded of this when I read my Bible this morning. the scripture was…

A cheerful heart is good like a medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful person laughs often. In fact you will seldom find a cheerful person who walks around like they have been sucking on lemons. I love surrounding myself with happy people…

Victor Borge, the comic classical pianist, once said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” But laughter does more than help us bond. It’s been shown to have a positive effect on physical and mental health. Laughter is a cardiac workout, causing a reduction in blood pressure and blood sugar, and brings six times more oxygen to the brain. Laughter is affordable, it energizes and is undeniably enjoyable.

Laughter stimulates the release of endorphins which results in:

Pain Reduction
Stress Reduction
Anti-Depressant
Enhances Your Immunity
Cardiovascular Workout

Laughter is a part of the full range of positive emotions including hope, love, faith, strong will to live, and determination and purpose…

Have you had your daily dose of laughter today?

Click here for a free laugh

Love Lee ♥

My Hiding Place

Dec2

Where is she? We looked for what seemed like thirty minutes to find her. My mom was demonstrating how to hide in the event an intruder broke into our home. My sisters and I looked everywhere but we couldn’t find her anywhere. To our amazement she was right in front of us the whole time but we never saw her. Tucked under a pile of laundry on the sofa…Who would have thought to look in the clean laundry?

Do you ever have days when intruders break into your life and you wish you could just go away and hide from that negative personality, defeated behavior, or the one that sucks the life right out of you. Did you know you can hide while you are right in plain view?

You Can Hide in Him!!!

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalms 32:7-8

When bombarded with trouble or negativity you can mentally go to your hiding place which found in God by mentally saying a prayer, quoting scriptures, and praying all while you are hearing the negative blah blah blah.

You do not have to live in your negative circumstances…He surrounds you with songs of deliverance!!!

I love the songs He Sings over me!!!

I love this song by Israel Houghton & Cindy Ratcliff called “Sing Over Me”

Sing Over Me

Once again I’m drawing near to worship as
you’re drawing me
Once again You lift my head
and lift my heart to heights unseen

In a moment I am in your presence
everything is clear
As I hear Heaven’s melody (oh ho)

As you begin to Sing,Over me
Songs of Deliverance
Lord cover me with your Mighty Hand
Sing over me, God of the Second Chance
Sing over me Once Again
(Oh oh ho…once again Lord)

Once again I’m drawing near to worship as
you’re drawing me
Once again You lift my head
and lift my heart to heights unseen
In a moment I am in your presence
everything is clear
As I hear Heaven’s melody

As you begin to Sing,Over me
Songs of Deliverance
Lord cover me with your Mighty Hand
Sing over me, God of the Second Chance
Sing over me Once Again.

Can You Hear Him Singing Over YOU…He is Your Hiding Place!

Love Lee ♥

Keeping Your Promises

Nov23

Who out there has said, “I will…” but knew deep down “You Wouldn’t? Often people commit to things or people without giving any thought to the implications or consequences. Then when the time arrives to follow through with the commitment they realize it was never their intention to carry out what was promised so the excuses begin to flow.

Parents do this frequently. They tell the child whatever it takes to pacify them at the time. Then when it is time to deliver what was promised the parent is no longer quite so eager to please.

Before making a commitment or promise to someone you might want to consider the following:

Do you intend to you keep your word and follow through?
Is the commitment something you can realistically carry out?
Did you write down the commitment you made?
Do you know why you are making the promise?
Do you know what you hope to gain from the promise and the consequences of failure?

Keeping promises demonstrates our “True Inner Self.” It shows whether or not we have corruptible or incorruptible morals inside of us. Integrity, Honor, Self-respect and Honesty means everything to man and to the Lord! A broken promise means a broken trust and relationship. Trust and respect as well as one’s honor is the basis of our relationship with our Lord. He expects us to keep promises to others as well!

…The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Psalms 145:13. Your Heavenly Father is the greatest promise keeper ever. His word is chalked full of promises for His children. He provides the perfect example to us His kids teaching us the importance of keeping those promises. We should strive to follow His example.

So, what promises have you made?

It is never too late to deliver!!!

Love Lee ♥

I Just Can’t Control Myself

Nov22

You think you have no self-control Well, just let your neighbor ring the doorbell while you are in the middle of throwing a wall-eyed fit. What do you do? You plaster a great big smile on your face and in a sugary sweet voice you greet that neighbor as any Southern Belle would do. You invite them in and you carry on a conversation with them as if absolutely nothing had upset your apple cart 5 minutes prior.

Now, that’s self-control if I ever saw it!!!

Self control is a fruit of the spirit which is gifted to you the day you ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life. But, that gift is given as a seed. It must be cultivated, nurtured and matured. It is not a full-grown plant the day you receive it.

…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

What is it in your life that causes you to lose control of yourself? What pushes your buttons? Could it be…

The kids fighting
Your husband leaving his underwear on the floor
Dirty dishes in the sink
Toilet paper hung backward on the roll
The tooth pasted squeezed in the middle rather than rolled from the bottom
A huge piece of Chocolate Cake left out on the counter
A person which rubs you the wrong way

Whatever it is that sets you off, doesn’t have to. You have the seed of Self Control given to you by your heavenly Father. All you must do is exercise it in order for it to be strengthened. In time you will become stronger and much more proficient at using it. Much like one is strengthened by physical exercise.

You can be in control…

Love Lee ♥

Beyond Your Imagination

Nov19

While digging through the refrigerator, my husband will yell out “Where’s the ______ (whatever it is he’s looking for). I get up from my chair, walk to the refrigerator, reach in and move one item, and while handing him what he was looking for I say, “You might have to move something.” After going though this routine several times I no longer have to get up out of my chair, I only have to call out “You might have to move something.” and miraculously he is able to locate what he needs.

In much the same way we as humans tend to only see what is right in front of our face and forget there is so much more…We are told in 2 Corinthians, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Because I have never seen heaven, I can only imagine what it is going to be like and how awesome it will be when we see Jesus for the first time. In fact, the song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe says it best.

I Can Only Imagine

I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side…
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.
Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing ‘Hallelujah!’? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?

Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing ‘Hallelujah!’? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!

What are you looking for in the refrigerator of life…Stop looking at what is right in front of your face…the here and now.

Love Lee ♥

All or Nothing

Nov15

In life people are often faced with life changing decisions like marriage, parenting, or careers. These decisions can not be taken lightly and require a higher level of commitment and dedications.

One of those life changing decisions is to include Christ into ones life. Along with the decision to follow Christ, a decision about the level of commitment must be made as well. If knowing God, living for Him, and growing in your faith is important, then it is worth giving your whole heart to it. To put on a fancy show for others to convince them that you’re doing a good job or seeking to know God better. However, the bottom line is you can’t fool God. He looks deep into your heart and knows whether your efforts to know Him are shallow or whether they run deep.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with your whole heart”. Jeremiah 29:13

God looks deep into your heart and knows whether your efforts to know Him are shallow or whether they run deep. If they are deep and your heart’s desire is to know Him with all your heart, then mistakes and failures will be brushed aside.

Striving for excellence does not mean you will not make mistakes. But, unlike your family, friends, or acquaintances God does not beat you over the head with your past. He wraps his arms of forgiveness around your shoulder and supports you as you move forward in your walk with Him. His opinion should be the only one that matters and we should live our life by His standards and not the opinions of others.

“An authentic life is the most personal form of worship. Everyday life has become my prayer.” Sarah Ban Breathnach

It’s All Or Nothing…God cares about your heart’s priority so choose wisely!

Love Lee ♥

Walking With a Friend

Nov13

There is nothing more relaxing than a casual stroll with a close friend. To be surrounded by nature while engaged in conversation with a friend is a combination you just can’t beat!

Over the years I have walked along side many friends but there is one friend I cherish above all others. He listens intently, speaks gently, and cares tremendously! He does not pass judgement on me but listens and offers alternate solutions to my problems. He walks at a pace I can tolerate without pushing me.

My friend has been there for me through all of my life’s ups and downs. He celebrates with me when I am happy, cries with me when I am sad, and comforts me when I hurt. He says He will never leave me or forsake me! Through thick and thin he is right there.

His name is Jesus…

I do not take a step without Him!

I am reminded of the song below. I can’t imagine taking a step without Jesus! I no longer live in fear…If I step wrong He is there to catch me and set me up right.

Every Step I Take

Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na

Every move I make I make in you
You make me move, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Every step I take I take in you
You are my way, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Singin’

(chorus)

Every move I make I make in you
You make me move, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Every step I take I take in you
You are my way, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you

Waves of mercy waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God this love how can it be
Singin’

(chorus)

Every move I make I make in you
You make me move, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Every step I take I take in you
You are my way, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you

Waves of mercy waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God this love how can it be
Singin’

(chorus)

Today is a Great Day to Take a Walk With A Friend!

Love Lee ♥

Moving On

Nov3

Life is not fair and there are a lot of injustices in this world but does that give us an excuse to blame our present behaviors on the past?

For every event in our lives there is an emotion associated to that event. And, while an event may be a positive experience for one, it can be a very negative experience for another. Think about it… Holidays are a time of celebration with family and friends with lots of food, laughter, and hugs.

Well, for some that is true but for one friend that was not the case. Growing up she lived in a home where both parents were alcoholics, they had no money, she owned one dress and had to wash it every day so she could wear it the next, she lived in a shack, and their family was looked down on in the community. For her Christmas was a horrible day. Her parents would get drunk, fight, and pass out. She never had a Christmas dinner or received a Christmas gift.

Another friend was punished when she made a mess in their “immaculate” home. Today, she is obsessive compulsive about her home and it must be perfect because that is how she was raised and that was what was expected of her.

While another was made to cook and clean for her family as a child and to this day refuses to clean house and blame her parents for her dirty house and dysfunction.

As an adult these ladies have two choices…

Live in the past and be miserable, dwelling on all the negativity, abuse, and heartache they had to endure as a children.
Live in the present, forgiving, and releasing the emotions associated with their past while enjoying the present.

Now let me ask you…does it make sense to live in a home where you can not be comfortable because you are obsessed with keeping it immaculate? Or better yet, does it make sense to live in an absolute pig pen because one is rebelling against their past…

Many are faced with that same choice. Perhaps you had a horrible childhood, your parents didn’t provide the love and acceptance you needed, you lived in poverty, or perhaps you suffered some type of abuse in your life. You have the same two choices as my friends.

How sad is it that we validate the past by giving it so much volume in our present?

Letting your past render you paralyzed and ineffective in the present is not God’s plan for your life!!! For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I use to blame my behaviors on my past, thinking my past justified my present behaviors. Then I realized…the injustice was done. It is over!!! It is the emotion tied to the injustice that lingers on.

So…It is the emotion we must deal with not our past!!!

He wants your life to be full of love, laughter, and peace of mind. He adores you! And so much so that He allowed His son to be the ultimate sacrifice for all sin, injustices, negative emotions, and bad thing that has happened in your life…

‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!’ 2Corinthians 5:17

I have accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. He has made me a new creation and I am not the person I use to be…I am a His!

Not only has He given me the grace to deal with the emotions tied to my past, He has also given me the grace to love those who have not!

So for those of you my friends who have not dealt with the emotions associated with your past and continue to use it as an excuse for your present, I encourage you to give your past to Jesus and…

Step Into the Present With Freedom With Him!!!

Love Lee ♥

Read about one who overcame a horrific past…Joyce Meyer’s

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 ♥

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:

Loss of direction
Foul vocal emissions
Amnesia of origin
Lack of peace and joy
Selfish or violent behavior
Depression or confusion in the mental component
Fearfulness
Idolatry
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:

Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
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.”