"Messy Lives"

Seems that the longer we live the more stuff we have. Sometimes a purging of our possessions seems in order. I have had the blessing of condensing my life down numerous times. Somehow stuff seems to reappear and add to it once again.

Kind of parallels our lives, we have our past and it is gone. It will leave some impact on our present. We can all do our best to use that past mess and pull from that experience a positive and less cluttered present. No matter how much we discard more stuff will enter our lives. Our choices in what we keep and what we don"t will greatly affect our future.

It is nice when others can help us to clean out the old and unwanted stuff. Many a group I have been involved in has done just that. Other peoples' experiences and insights can help us to grow. We likewise can help others as well. God desires we all be in community and share in our struggles and successes. God has the master plan in front of him and our guide book ,(bible) to help us out on our journey. Praise God for cleaning up our messes!!

Verses: 2Peter 3: 11-18 John 3: 16-21 Romans 7: 7-25

"Messy Houses"

I visited a dear and womderful friend a few weeks ago. I was amazed at how clean and organized her new home was. She had only been there a few months and had it all looking pretty nice!

We on the other hand, had lived in our new house for twice as long. Our house still had boxes lying around and clutter and a sense of not quite done,ie, messy!! Not that there is some standard we all must live up to but more that we can always do better in our lives.

This last weekend I decided to improve our situation and straighten it up and put stuff away and organize it all. Now our home feels inviting and clean more homey!! All because of someone elses home that felt just right to me.

Messy homes are like the natural environment we live all live in. We could all do better to clean out some of the mess and fill it up with its' natural beauty. Pray: God, help us all to look at the clutter in our lives and put things in their proper places. Guide us in what is important ans what needs to be discarded.

Verses: Matt 12: 43-45 Psalm24(all) 2 Kings 20: 1-11

"Patience"

Actually there is a song by "Guns and Roses" with this title. Like all songs there is quite a bit of truth in it. Patience in any part of life can seem so overwhelming at times. Waiting and watching while we anticipate something requires a lot of patience.

Some of our careers and hobbies require quite a bit of patience also. Ever build a model and patience will be key! God has had patience that far surpasses all others. The plans of man are nothing compared with the plans of God!

God patiently takes us from birth to death with a patience only a holy father could have. God patiently waits on his creation to evolve and grow. And yet through it all we can see his handiwork and love shining through! God never tires or loses patience, only steadfastly encourages and amazes all of mankind.

Verses: Col 1: 3-14 Psalm 40 1-3 Romans 8: 18-27

"Running"

Ask me about running and I will tell you it cleanses and fills me. Ask my youngest daughter and she will say, WHY!!! Given the health benefits both physical and mental it is hard to beat.

Running away from something may be a good idea? Especially if it is a bear or mountain lion!! Running away from life is not wise. Running towards a goal is usually met with success. Running around in circles may be all we seem to be doing at times. Well at least we are running!!

The bible tells us of running to something, like something, for something. What are we running to? God. like? God. for? God!!

Running our lives may seem like an easy enough pursuit, but sometimes even that can be difficult. Running on empty is a hard place to be. Running free and like the wind is awesome and a grand gift from God. Running along side Jesus is so important and necessary for all of us. Thanks to God for all the races in life, we couldn't do with out him!!!

Verses: Gal 5: 7-15 1Cor 9: 24-27 Heb 12: 1-13

"Wake Up"

Most all of us will see tomorrow. We will "wake up" and most likely get out of bed. Some may opt to stay in bed for a few more ZZZZ's. Some may even read a book or listen to music, but they still have awakened.

There also is wake-up calls to us. Some may realize that a long term habit of smoking, drinking, cheating, etc. has to stop. They will have to decide how to best heal from their addiction. Unfortunately some may get a wake-up call about their health.

Cancer, diseases, all kinds of ailments can affect any of us. Not a pleasant wake-up call but often a part of our lives. All of us will ultimately face some sort of wake-up. We could just wake-up to a new realization of how we would like to live our lives.

Throughout it all our strength will come from God. Our decisions too, need to be God inspired! Verses: Psalm 17:14-15 Exod 23: 1-9 1John 3: 7-10

"Decisions for Life"

I have throughout my years of life had many decisions I have had to make. Some may have seemed to be of poor quality? Others seem to have served me well. All of those various decisions have been in some way beneficial. Take out the parts that seem to be wrong and there still is quite a bit right!

New ones seem to be better approached with a desire to follow God. Most of the time we think we are doing just that. We may or may not initially be under Gods' hand. The amazing thing is that it will still work out if our hearts are for God.

Our stories of our lives continue to grow and prosper each and every day. Thanks goes to God. Once again my praise is that our lives will have significance and purpose if we just follow God!! Verses: Prov 16: 33 Joel 3: 9-16 Jonah(all)

"Timing"

Ever wonder what is happening right now and why? Ever desire to change that and not been able to? There is a large part of our lives that we have no idea why and how we got there. It takes a leap of faith to allow God and his wisdom to shine through. We may not quite understand it but it has a way of making sense later on.

The very story of each of our lives is on going and unknown except by God. I am glad that throughout it all a master of timing and creation is in charge. Having faith and confidence that God is, and always will, provide the proper timing for our lives is a blessing to all of us.

Where I am and where you are today is where God needs us to be. Our part is to pay attention and listen and follow a Godly path. If we should sway God will draw us to him and put us back where we belong!! Verses: Eccl 9: 11-12 Rom 9: 6-9 Acts 1: 7-8

"Kit Defined- Define Kit"

Happy Birthday to my youngest sister. Her role in Gods' world is greatly varied. To her parents she is a daughter. To me and my other siblings she is sister. To her children she is mom and to her husband she is his wife. She is also friend to many and most importantly, child of God!!

She is also a caretaker of animals and Gods' planet. She is a valuable reference of Gods' word to me. She is an apple pie connoisseur!!! Her artistic talent surpasses many others.

I am blessed to have her as my sister and grateful that God put us in the same family. Distance may separate us, but our hearts are still connected no matter how far we are apart.

Praise God for all the roles we play and all the people that interact in our lives. ( come to think of it this describes most of us???). Verses: Psalm 148(all) Psalm 113 (all)

"Priority One - One Priority"

Priority one is to be a positive impact on and in this world. Our one priority should be to God, love, honor, obey, and glorify God.

Priority one requires us to be unselfish and generous. All we have comes from God. All we do should be a response to that. It is impossible to perfect our thoughts and actions, after all we are not God! Culture pulls us in a lot of different directions and our options are endless.

Focus on one priority and all the other life's' issues are less overwhelming. Love your family and friends as God does. Honor them and be honorable. Obey Gods' rules and desires for all of us. Glorify God in our actions and words.

When God calls us each home, go knowing that you did your best to improve this world here on Earth. What a wonderful ans awesome act of worship to God we can all strive to accomplish!! Verses Psalm 133(all) 1 King 8: 56-61 3 John 2-4

"Love Others- Others Love"

I have always been amazed at Jesus's teachings of loving others. There are so many bible references to us to do that. Often loving some people can seem difficult. I would think in those cases Jesus would encourage us to be more loving towards them.

A few people that I know seem to have that gift. They seem to be able to love all others and be loving towards them. I pray and hope I am getting better at that. I would ask God to build that skill up in me.

So many times in my life others have come in to love and be supportive of me. God is awesome at providing what we need when we need it! Our desires may be slightly different but God knows what is best.

Pray God: In this crazy mixed up world show us all how to be more loving and lovable. God: fill our hearts with your unfailing love, patience and kindness!!

Verses: Hosea 12: 5-6 John 15: 9-17 Philip 1: 9-11

"Own Things, Things Own You"

I am probably somewhat keenly aware of this concept. I owned a house and when we first lived there it was the "Family" home. We utilized it all as a family should. As the kids grew up and I was alone trying to keep it up I realized my house now owned me. The days of all chipping in were gone.

I felt owned and controlled by the demands of my house and property. I love the outdoors but I am allowing God to take care of natures needs.

My cars and bikes and stuff require quite a bit of my time but I sure do enjoy the challenges they present. There is always going to be an areas where I fall short( house keeping) and areas where I excel(staying healthy).

Balance once again is hard to define. I do know that who I share my time with significantly affects how I choose to live. God and his plans are always there, I just need to pray, listen, and follow what, where, with whom, and how I live my life.

"Health-Wealth Wealth-Health"

Here is an interesting concept. We as humans use our younger healthier years to try and accumulate our wealth. We then use our wealth in our later years trying to improve our health.

I personally like the idea of living to our fullest now and working till the end of our lives. Our limits of what we can do as elderly is an issue. Our brains however should be sharp enough throughout our lives. Physical ability is the direct result of the care we give our bodies and of course genetics.

There is a certain amount of our careers that is important to our financial and mental health. The trick is not to become obsessed with power, money, prestige etc... Taking a day off to spend with your loved one should be a priority. Taking time to be with God is also extremely important. Those with children are a huge part of their kids lives. Their kids need them interacting together. Bottom line; Live and love with balance, and God leading!!

Verses: Eccl 5: 8-20 Prov 3: 7-10 Mark 10: 7-31

"Thoughts on Thoughts"

Do we really know why we are able to process and develop thoughts? Are our thoughts completely and wholly ours? Do our thoughts help to lead us along in all we do? Thinking is a good exercise for our minds. It keeps us sharp and continuously learning.

Lots of us like either crossword or sudoku puzzles to tickle our brains. I love challenges of problems that I encounter. Sometimes I create my own challenges by the things I want to accomplish. They say when we stop learning and thinking we are very near death. The teachers edict of learn something everyday is very much vital to each of us.

God can use our thoughts to speak to and guide us. God won't necessarily be in all our thoughts. The bible gives us a great outline to determine when and if it is God speaking. Thoughts of love and care for another are Gods' ultimate gift to all of us. "I think and therefore I am". Verses: Heb 3 : 7-15 Isaiah 30 : 21-22 Eph 5: 17

"Thoughts on Life'

What a joy to be alive!! Each day brings forth some new adventure, or story, or learning. We can also be a tool for God to support and encourage others. My life, your life, their lives all are somehow intertwined.

God is the giver of life. God is what we all should live for. My prayer is that in all we do during our lives, we acknowledge and serve God. Sometimes we are serving ours and ours alone. It is a time for us to grow and prosper in character and understanding.

There is no absolute length of our life that we know. Some may be here for a long period of time. Others may not be as long. I am glad I do not know how long. God has planned foe me to live. With out that time table I am determined to live well and with passion!

Thank you God, for breathing life into me. I will cherish and offer that life as a living testament to you God!!! Lead me where to go and encourage me on what to do. Life with God is so awesome and complete.!!!

"Thoughts on Music"

No other creature on earth has the equal ability to produce music the way humans can. Humans seem drawn to and predisposed to music. The varieties are so vast that all of mankind can find a style that suits them.

Sometimes I want an AC/DC type of raw rock and roll!! Other times I am more attune to a softer Amy Grant type of song! Blues playing and singing is one of my favorites. One of my best friends is a huge Country music lover. I worked for years with another Country lover and was attracted to that also.

Whether we are making our own music or enjoying someone elses performance, we are transformed by it. My all time favorite is Worship music to God. People in churches and the like are singing out with God in song and harmony.

Praise God: We are and always will be drawn to and ministered by music of all kinds. Sing out to the Lord up high and fill this world with Joy!! Verses: Judg 5: 3 Eph 5: 19-20 Psalm 95: 1-7

"Thoughts on Walking"

Walking is a lot like moving "Art". It is a variable picture show of a multitude of art. Seasonally it can also change dramatically. As humans when we walk together we tend to spend some time conversing and sharing thoughts and ideas.

The canvas around us is inspiring, soothing, and beautiful. That is what opens our minds and souls to so much more that is around us.

Of course our doctors will tell us that walking is good for bodies. "Well Duh"!! It goes without saying that the health benefits are there. The other underlying benefits are not so obvious. My guess is that if all couples walked for one hour each day together, their lives and relationship would improve.

Finally, I suggest we all walk with God throughout our lives. God is the perfect walking partner, no limits to distance, time, conversation or weather affect God. Walk with God and life is grand!!!!

Verses: Amos 3:3 Prov 13: 20 Micah 6: 8 1John 1: 7

"Thoughts On Art"

I would not ever profess to be a connoisseur of any kind of art. I would admit I am impressed by the artist's abilities and vision.

Strolling through the art museum I am seeing some of the same things I have seen before. Somehow when you spend that time with someone else you observe a whole new experience.

Nothings really changed except you are now sharing that with someone else. I guess their eyes and yours are now combined? Details you notice can be offered and and details they observed are shared. There lies the beauty in "Art" it has no definable definition!!

Kind of like God, we all have our own definition of what God means to us. A lot of what we believe is shared by many others. A little bit though is our own personal vision and understanding. Praises to God for all the Art and God we get to experience!!

Verses: Psalm 111(all) Gen 1(all) Isaiah 6: 3

"Love God"

That is all I need to say!!! End of story!! All else in life revolves and and depends around this precept,? concept,? doctrine,? choice,? irresistible urge,? live giving fact,? human need,? answer to life,? awesome gift,? comfort,? salvation,? truth,? mystery!!! or simply the purpose of life!!!

I am amazed at how all of life boils down to some very simple truths.: "Love God" "Love Yourself", "Love Others", and share your love with all!! Love this planet and all that is on it! Love sunrises and sunsets!! Love water, earth and fire. Love the one whose hand you hold. Love those you don't even know yet. Love those you have known and may or may not ever see again.

God is Love. All else in life comes and goes and has no lasting value. ( money, possessions, power, prestige, position, etc....). Grasp this and life becomes a life well lived!! Pray: God, Inspire, encourage, and allow us to truly live a loving and loved life!!!!

Verses: 1John 4: 16 Deut 30 : 8-10 Matt 22: 34-40

"Love Yourself"

Every therapist in the world is at some point trying to explain this to someone. Look in the mirror, step on the scale, mess something up and try and say "I love myself"?

Easy to say harder to actually do.! Teenagers struggle with image, character, self worth, sex, choices......... and loving themselves. Do we mature and grow out of those issues? Probably never completely. Ask any sufferer of depression what their thoughts are revolving around.

God is able to forgive us in all the things we do. We could do well to do the same. Forgive ourselves, forgive others, and allow us to love us. It's all our attempt to become more and more like God. In Gods' eyes we are all his perfect and wholly lovable creation. We all could try to see ourselves as God sees us and love what we are!! Pray God, for those struggling, we pray your power of love to them and for them. Amen

Verses: 2 Thes 2: 16-17 1 Thes 5: 12-15 Psalm 18(all)

"Love Forever"

We all want love that lasts forever. I recall there is a lyric, " Where the love lasts forever". All of us should start with loving ourselves forever. The poets explain that we need to first and foremost love ourselves. Then we can be free to love others!

We must love God to truly know what love is. Gods' love is forever!! Our love of others may be subject to life's complications. Love from and to God has no such barrier. "God is Love" (John 4: 16).

Love of our families is also complete and forever. No matter what we experience our love endures. It may be strained but at the core we love those in our families. Moms, Dads, Sisters, Brothers all share a mutual love of each other.

My personal experiences are vast and varied. I have loved, been loved and suffered loss. I have been blessed with four beautiful, awesome, loving and lovable children. Praise God for that comfort and knowledge in my life!! Thank God for having what and whom I need to love and receive love from. Verses: Heb 13: 1-6 1John 4: 21 Matt 5: 43-48

"Love Found"

Ever witness two lovers? Ever just know that a couple are head over heels in love? I am sure we all have, either as that couple, or blessed to witness them.

The greatest love of all comes from God. Fall in love with God and your life begins anew. The love God can provide is beyond any other. The love we feel for God is deep and whole.

I have met and will meet many people whom I love or will love. All of them have influenced my life to grow and deepened understanding in me. Still I feel that I have plenty more to learn!

Love is mysterious! A song writer put it this way: "As we get older why do we realize how much we don't know, and how much of life turns out so different than we expected?"

Love is our expression to others of God in our hearts! Love is hard to comprehend, or explain, but it sure brightens our days!! God: Thanks for love in all forms and levels and most especially, your love, God!! Verses: John 15: 9-17 Heb 13: 1-6 Eph 5: 1-2

"Love Lost"

I can't imagine any of us that haven't lost a loved one? Well maybe the very youngest of us haven't? Almost sure all of us have experienced the loss of a dear pet.

The losses may or may not have been expected or of our choosing. God has a master plan that is not always easy to grasp. Love lost because of a relationship change is hard. Some of my best friends have been lost because of location.

God has got us covered in all cases. Death, break-up, moves, all can contribute to our losses. God can use life changes to build character and compassion in all of us.

Enough glum, let's look at the upside!! God also introduces new friends and acquaintance's into our lives. If we accept that all people are an image of God, then all those that we know or have known are a bigger picture of God! Pray, God: Love us, lift us up when we are down, and propel us forward to find more of your awesome creation, (us).
Verses: Song O S 8: 6-7 John 13: 34 John 15 : 12-14