Tag Archive | Religion and Spirituality

Sharpest Tool in the Shed

After the release of the movie Shrek, the song “All Star” became very popular.

My favorite phrase of the song is “I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed”. I must admit, I’ve used the phrase a time or two when referring to others who makes (for lack of a better word) “dumb” decisions.

While not everyone is on the same intellect level, we do have access to the sharpest tool available…The Bible!

… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Ephesians 6:17

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

No, we do not always make wise decisions…But, we do have access to the sharpest tool which provides guidance in the decisions we do make.

By applying the word of God to our lives, we suddenly become brilliant!!! So, I challenge you to be an All Star and pick up…

The Sharpest Tool In the Shed

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 ♥

The Battle is On

Mar30

This morning I woke feeling a little low as it seems everything in our home is wearing out. My washing machine won’t spin, the dryer is screaming, the lawn mower has a flat, my car is making strange noises and has no get up and go. Then to top it off it is going to take a lot of money to make all these needed repairs!

Then I opened my computer to find several heavy prayer requests. My Godly Christian friends with ill family members, loss of jobs, death of a parent…What’s up with all this?

While the secular world would say “That’s Life”, I say “That’s satan”. To hear how my Christian Brothers and Sisters are under such attack at such an important time of year…we are coming up on EASTER…the most important celebration for a Christian, confirms what I have known to be true for many years. Satan will do anything to divert our attention from this celebration.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Wow…Hold tight my Brothers and Sisters…Jesus will be revealed!

The Battle is On!!!

Love Lee ♥

Ladies Night 2011

Mar28

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

Guest Speaker

Jonna Gibson

Jonna is no stranger to the ministry of the Lord. Having grown up in church and giving her life to the Lord at a very young age, her testimony is one that proclaims the power of God’s love that keeps a young person pure and grounded in Him. Jonna has carried her commitment to the Lord and His Kingdom even into her adult years with the same consistency. She has been married to Pastor Donald Gibson since 1989 and although she has served alongside him as a helpmate, providing strength and encouragement for over 20 years, she is not without her own calling.

Jonna has been gifted to speak words of wisdom and discernment into lives and situations wrapped in a very real and straight-forward, yet mercy and grace-filled package. Setting her apart from others is her ability to connect with real people in real situations as she finds this common ground with them; that in addition to wanting to be loved, we are all created on purpose and for a purpose and life is about enjoying the journey of discovering what that purpose is. She is able to draw on her gifts in her service as a full-time RN where she is continually called upon to be a support to grieving families, giving her an opportunity to share Jesus in an otherwise seemingly God-less scene.

Together Donald and Jonna have two boys, Trey and Corey, and they reside in Houston, TX.

Ministering in Music…

Brandi Lee Booth

Moving Forward by the Grace of God…Born June 25th, 1981 in Freeport, Texas to devoted and loving parents Richard and Lee Ann Smith. Lifetime resident of Brazoria County. Married to husband Del Booth for 6 years and a proud mother of three beautiful children; Cheyenne, Michael and Brandon.

Currently she is a student at Brazosport College earning credits to obtain her teaching degree. She sings with passion for Christ and enjoys teaching children the incredible gift of worship through song and praise.

JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF FOOD FUN AND CELEBRATION

Location: First Baptist Church Brazoria
Date: May 14th
Time: 6pm
Registration Fee: $7.00
Registration Ends May 1st so call (979) 709-1840 or (979) 239-7091 to get your name on the list and make arrangements for payment.

Child care will be available.

There Is So Much More

Mar26

Recently I wrote “It Ain’t Always Pretty” but it was this morning during my quiet time the words jumped off the pages of my Bible and God spoke to me in the most vivid and comprehensible way!!!

Psalms 91:1 has always been my “Go To” scripture. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”. I absolutely love that verse!!! In-fact I alluded to it in the post “I’ve Got His Rib”. But, I find it sooooo awesome that’s not all…

Beginning in verse 9 He says SO MUCH MORE!!!

If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the LORD, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalms 91:9-16

WOW…WOW…WOW…

I have read this scripture many times before and it has ministered to me. But this morning….It SCREAMED into my ear!

I have work to do…I’ve got that~When God speaks and the conviction of the Holy Spirit comes over me, I know I had better listen. And, while It Ain’t Always Pretty, it is necessary to be obedient! But, here’s the kicker…

He has posted Angles around me…NOTHING (and NO ONE) can or will harm me! And…Wow be if anything or anyone tries…BECAUSE>>>

I LOVE THE LORD AND ACKNOWLEDGE HIS NAME

He has shown me His salvation and He will satisfy my every longing!!!

Praise God…There Is So Much More!!!

Love Lee ♥

Do You Have What It Takes

Mar24

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14: 22-33

Questions

If there were waves about your boat…Would you step off into the water?
If you felt yourself sinking would you fight to stay afloat or would you cry out and allow the extended hand to pull you out?
If He reached down His hand and pulled you out of the turmoil would you trust Him?
Does He need to perform a miracle in order for you to recognize it is Him?

To follow Jesus it takes courage, trust, faith, and daily worship…

Do You Have What it Takes?

Love Lee ♥

It Aint Always Pretty

Mar23

I often find it amazing how we frequently don’t want to deal with our issues…

In-fact, there are times it is down right horrible. To know you must change but to resist that change is such a challenge for even the most flexible person. Why is that??? To realize obedience is the only action which can truly bring inner peace or joy why on earth would we choose to be resistant to what God has instructed us to do?

Change takes us to a place which is not always comfortable at first. Think about it

When reducing caloric intake…hunger
When reducing spending…decreased material matter
When exercising…painful muscles
When changing mindsets…increased emotional challenges

Now…all of the above changes leads us to think of the negative connotations. Why is that? Why do we always tend to focus on the negative aspects rather than focus on the positive? Think about it…wouldn’t it be so much nicer if we choose to think

When reducing caloric intake…weight loss
When reducing spending…increased reserve
When excercising…lean and sleek muscles
When changing mindsets…open mindedness and positive attitude

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2: 12-13

Dealing with our convictions is necessary for peace and sound mind but

It Aint Always Pretty!

Love Lee ♥

Heart of Worship

Mar22

Do you find it difficult to get to the heart of worship when bogged down with the cares of the world or overwhelmed with life?

Sunday morning the song “Heart of Worship” was sung in our worship service and it was a great reminder to return to the heart of worship….

Jesus

Have you worshipped today?

Love Lee ♥

Are You Stuck in the Middle

Mar18

Often we find ourselves between…Between Pay Checks, Between Projects, Between Jobs, or Between relationships. So, what does one do when living in the status of between?

Live

You keep on living. To stop living and enjoying your life should not be an option. Every day you should live your life to please Him. Living in the moment; basking in the here and now.

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:10

Laugh

Laugh a lot! Often you must laugh just to keep from crying! However, laughter really is like a medicine cleansing the dark corners of the soul.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

Love

Extending love gives purpose and meaning to can often seem like a meaningless life. Loving others helps remove your focus off your self. It is difficult to have a pity party if your focus is on others.

The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:14

When you find yourself in the status of between in life then…