Changes In My Life By George, Part 2

It's been almost a month since I posted part 1 of Changes In My Life By George.  As I said in that post, I have to have the right time (enough time) and be in the right frame of mind to post these types of posts.  I touched on the changes of the end of our home school journey and my mother's declining health in part 1.  As for my mother's health, it has declined even more since part 1, so please, please pray for her and my daddy.  There have been a couple of situations since Scot surrendered to preach that I thought I felt as if someone had died; I thought I felt like someone had ripped our hearts out of our bodies and stomped them, but, that was nothing compared to watching my mother suffer day in and day out.  We have done all we know to do with little or no relief, which makes us feel so helpless.  The other day, I was bee-boppin' around, just a hummin', etc., and I realized that I was happy.  I immediately felt so guilty.  There my mother is home bound and in such terrible pain, and here I am going on about my business merrily.  But, then, I realized that what I was experiencing was that peace that passes all understanding and that strength that only the joy of the Lord can provide.  The circumstance, the situation looks so gloom and so sad.  But for the Lord, I really don't know how I could stand to watch.  I am extremely thankful for that peace and joy even in the midst of sadness and trouble.  Isn't He wonderful?! 

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:7



My daddy retired a few months ago.  My daddy has worked since he was a kid; either helping on the farm he was raised on, contracting & building houses for the public, or for the past 25 years, working at a motor home company.  He came home that Friday, sat in his recliner for a little while to rest his legs and feet, and when he got up, he realized there was something wet in the floor.  It was blood; HIS blood!  He hadn't realized he was bleeding until then.  A blood vessel had busted in the top of his foot!  Blood was shooting out of a little pin sized hole like water shooting out of a water fountain!  By the time, I got there, he had lost a good bit of blood.  He was sitting with his foot in a garbage can, trying to get the bleeding to stop.  When we realized we couldn't get the bleeding to stop, I helped him get his foot in a clean garbage bag, I tied it around his knee, and he and I headed to the ER.  The doctor and nurses were stumped!  They had never seen anything like it.   They tried all they knew to do to stop the bleeding, but, nothing worked, so the doctor finally put a couple of stitches in to stop it.  Daddy felt fine during the entire episode.   On the way to ER, he looked over at me and said,  "Well, I've been retired a little more than an hour and I'm already headed to the hospital."  I smiled and said, "Let's just get all the excitement out of the way to begin with, and we'll have it whooped!"    As I said in my last post, my daddy has done an excellent job taking care of my mother, the yard, the house, and the laundry.  Of course, I knew he would! 

Another change is Cale, our son, is now working full time at the same place my daddy retired from. I've shared with you before on Life By George about how Cale never really liked school; he loved to play and he loved to physically work.  Cale has a good job and he seems to enjoy it.  He is saving most of his paycheck so he can buy a better vehicle than the one he has.  He has been very wise with his money, and we are very proud of him.   He's so wise with his money that we are bad to tease him about being a tight wad.  When he spends money, you know there was much thought that went into it!

This Thanksgiving is different than any other before for us.  We had always eaten at my parent's house for the first 18 or 19 years of our marriage, and then, for the past 6 or 7 years, I have cooked at our house and invited Mother and Daddy to join us.  This year, we are cooking here and taking it to my parent's house.  We will eat with them there.  Also, Mother can't get out and see all the Christmas decorations this year, other than when she has to go to a doctor's appointment, so, tomorrow, we are going to decorate her house for Christmas.  She may can't go to the Christmas decorations, but the decorations can come to her! 

Part 3 will probably conclude this blog series about changes in our lives...unless something else changes before then!

O Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the God of gods; for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords; for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:1-4

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalms 103:1-2


Wonderful Peace!

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

~Words of Jesus, John 16:33

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

~Words of Jesus, John 14:27

Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.  But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!   Matthew 8:26-27

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves therof are still.  Psalm 107:29

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves therof arise, thou stillest them.

 Psalm 89:9

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight

Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;

In celestial like strains it unceasingly falls

O'er my soul like an infinite calm.

Peace! Peace! wonderful peace,

Coming down from the Father above;

Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,

In fathomless billows of love.

(W.G. Cooper)

31 Years; I've Never Been Sorry

Romans 10:13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9-10

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Thursday, April 26, 1979, around 8 p.m., BY FAITH I accepted the Great Salvation that God so generously, lovingly, and graciously gave us through His son Jesus.   Thirty-one years ago today and it's still as real and precious as it was to that little 14 year old girl that night.  I didn't deserve to be forgiven and saved, still don't; but I'm genuinely thankful and glad that Jesus took my sins upon himself, that I through His blood could obtain eternal life.   I cannot imagine living this life without Him; and I sure can't imagine living in Hell with no end in sight.  But, even if death were the end, which it's not; what a comfort, what a joy to walk with Him and talk with Him each and every day.  I do not have the adequate words to even describe what Salvation means to me.  I wish you could see my heart, or feel what I feel; and then, you'd understand.  I pray you know Him; I mean; REALLY-REALLY know Him.  I pray it's not a head knowledge, but a heart knowledge. I pray Jesus is REAL to you, not just an acquaintance.  Bro. Allen sang a song last night at church that said I wouldn't trade Jesus for anything....  Yes and Amen.  

April 26, 1979-Forever

HAVEN OF REST

1. My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea;  So burdened with sin and distressed,

Till I heard a sweet voice saying, Make me your choice;

And I entered the Haven of Rest.

Chorus: I've anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest,

I'll sail the wide seas no more;

The tempest may sweep o'er the wild stormy deep;

In Jesus I'm safe evermore.

2. I yielded myself to His tender embrace, And faith taking hold of the Word,

My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;

The Haven of Rest is my Lord.

3. The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole, Has been the old story so blest,

Of Jesus, who'll save whosoever will have

A home in the Haven of Rest.

4. O come to the Savior, He patiently waits, To save by His power divine;

Come, anchor your soul in the Haven or Rest,

And say, My beloved is mine.

SINCE JESUS CAME INTO MY HEART

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought

Since Jesus came into my heart.

I have light in my soul for which long I had sought

Since Jesus came into my heart.

Since Jesus came into my heart

Since Jesus came into my heart

Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,

Since Jesus came into my heart.

MY SINS ARE GONE

You ask me why I'm happy so I'll just tell you why,

Because my sins are gone.

And when I meet the scoffers who ask me where they are,

I say, My sins are gone.

They're underneath the Blood on the cross of Calvary

As far removed as darkness is from dawn;

In the sea of God's forgetfulness, that's good enough for me,

Praise God, my sins are gone.

VICTORY IN JESUS

I heard an old old story How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;

I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood's atoning,

Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.

O victory in Jesus, My Savior forever,

He sought me and bo't me

With His redeeming blood.

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I'm found

Twas blind, but now I see.

I'VE NEVER BEEN SORRY

Ever since Jesus saved and pardoned I have been singing every day

I've never been sorry that I trusted His name;

Thru the dark shadows He is with me, leading me on the upward way,

I've never been sorry that I trusted His name.

Hallelujah, What a Savior!

The Ragman

THE RAGMAN

Before dawn one Friday morning I noticed a young man, handsome and strong, walking the alleys of our city. He was pulling an old cart filled with clothes both bright and new, and he was calling out in a loud clear voice: "Rags! New rags for old! I take your tired rags! Rags!"

"Now, this is a wonder, “I thought to myself, for the man stood six-foot-four, and his arms were like tree limbs, hard and muscular, and his eyes flashed with intelligence. Could he find no better job than this, to be a ragman in the inner city? So I followed him. My curiosity drove me and I wasn't disappointed.

Soon the Ragman saw a woman sitting on her back porch. She was sobbing into a handkerchief, seeming to shed a thousand tears. Her shoulders shook. Her heart was breaking. The Ragman stopped his cart. Quietly, he walked up to the woman, stepping around tin cans, dead toys, and Pampers. "Give me your rag," he said so gently, "and I'll give you another."

He slipped the handkerchief from her eyes, and he laid across her palm a linen cloth so clean and new that it shined. She looked from the gift to the giver. Then, as he left and began to pull his cart again, the Ragman did a strange thing: he put her stained handkerchief to his own face: and then he began to weep, and to sob as intensely as she had done, his shoulders shaking. Yet she was now without a tear.

"This is a wonder," I breathed to myself, and I followed the sobbing Ragman like a child who cannot turn away from a mystery.

"Rags! Rags! New rags for old!"

In a little while, when the sky showed grey behind the rooftops and I could see shredded curtains hanging out black windows, the Ragman came upon a girl whose eyes were empty and whose head was wrapped in a bandage. Blood soaked her bandage and a single line of red ran down her cheek.

Now as the tall Ragman looked upon this child with pity in his eyes, he drew a lovely yellow bonnet from his cart. "Give me your rag," he said, "and I'll give you mine." The child could only gaze at him while he loosened the bandage, removed it, and then tied it to his own head. The yellow bonnet he then set on hers. And I gasped at what I saw: for with the bandage went the wound! Against his brow it ran darker, more substantial blood -- his own!

"Rags! Rags! I take old rags," cried the now sobbing, bleeding, strong, intelligent Ragman. The Ragman now seemed more and more in a hurry.

The Ragman then came upon a man leaning against a telephone pole. "Are you going to work?" he asked the man. The man just shook his head. The Ragman pressed him; "Do you have a job?" "Are you crazy?" sneered the man. He then pulled away from the pole, revealing the right sleeve of his jacket--flat, the cuff stuffed into the pocket. He had no arm.

"So”, said the Ragman. "Give me your jacket, and I'll give you mine." Such quiet authority in his voice!

The one-armed man took off his jacket. So did the Ragman--and I trembled at what I saw; for the Ragman's arm stayed in it’s sleeve, and when the man put on the Ragman’s jacket he now had two good arms, thick as tree limbs; but now the Ragman had only one.

"Now go to work," he said.

After that the Ragman found a drunk. An old man, hunched, and sick lying unconscious beneath an army blanket. The Ragman took that blanket and wrapped it round himself, but for the drunk he left new clean clothes.

And now I found that I had to run to keep up with the Ragman. Though he was weeping uncontrollably, and bleeding freely at the forehead, pulling his cart with one arm, stumbling from drunkenness, falling again and again, exhausted, old, and sick, yet he went with terrible speed. On spider's legs he skittered through the alleys of the city, this mile and the next, until he came to the edge of the city, and then he rushed beyond.

I wept to see the change in this man. I hurt so to see his sorrow. And yet I needed to see where he was going in such haste, perhaps to know what drove him so.

The now little old Ragman came to a landfill and a dumping ground. I wanted to help him in what he did, but I hung back, hiding.

He climbed a hill and with tormented labor he cleared a little space on that hill. Then he sighed and lay down. He pillowed his head on a handkerchief and a jacket. He covered his bones with an old army blanket --- and then…he died!

Oh, how I cried as I witnessed that death! I slumped in a junked car and wailed and mourned as one who has no hope--because I had come to love the Ragman. Every other face had faded in the wonder of this man, and I cherished him; but he had died and it was over. I sobbed myself to sleep.

I did not know -- how could I know? -- that I slept through Friday night and all day Saturday and its night, too. But then, on Sunday morning, I was awakened by an intense bright light. The Light -- pure, hard, demanding light -- slammed against my face, and I blinked, but I looked, and I saw the last and the first wonder of all.

There was the Ragman, folding the blanket most carefully, a scar on his forehead, but he was now alive! And, besides that, healthy! There was no sign of sorrow or of age, and all the rags that he had gathered now shined as the sun.

Well, I then lowered my head and, trembling for all that I had seen, I walked up to the Ragman. I told him my name with shame, for I was a sorry figure next to him. Then as I looked at the condition of my own clothes, I said to him with deep yearning in my voice: "Dress me, Please!" He dressed me.

My Lord took my filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and put new, clean, shining clothes on me, and I am a wonder beside him.

The Ragman, The Ragman, The Christ!


Adapted from the book, “The Ragman and Other Stories” by Walter Weingren

The Starfish Story

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley


One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said…”I made a difference for that one.”

And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Jude 22-23

Sharing

I have tried so hard lately to blog about all the events taking place in our lives during this busy time of the year, that I have failed to really write about anything personal...like my feelings and thoughts. Today is Christmas Eve Eve... Cale will begin his Christmas break from school this afternoon. Normally, he would have gotten out of school last Friday, but this year, we decided to work up until Christmas Eve and he won't start back to school until January 7th. This is due to the new puppy (Remington) that he will get hopefully sometime next week. He can spend extra time with him on those days. Noelle and Scot will both work half a day tomorrow and will be home until Monday morning. As for me, I am preparing for Christmas Eve. We will have Christmas Eve here with my parents. Most of you know that I'm an only child, so it will just be my four and my parents. We always have a very good time. I am not even sure of the menu yet. I have several thoughts running through my mind...I may just do a good ole country supper like peas, cornbread, mashed potatoes, corn, baked beans with bacon, English peas, and some kind of meat. My mother loves my potato soup, so I am making a pot of that also. Noelle, Cale, and I will bake our annual Happy Birthday Jesus cake. We are thinking chocolate on chocolate.
Seems like we get so engrossed with the planning and all the doings, we're so tired by Christmas Day, we sadly don't even feel like celebrating. I have been very busy, but for today and tomorrow, I am cleaning my house and cooking a normal meal for my family. I hope to get a good nights rest tonight and be able to actually feel the CHRISTMAS SPIRIT tomorrow and Friday. I want to be vibrant, alert, and happy...and spread love and cheer to my family. Some would call it being in a good mood! I don't know why I'm blogging about all of this...I guess it's just what is on my mind. Christ in my heart and my precious family and friends is what will make the next two days so special. I honestly could care less if I even get a gift; I love to give gifts; I'd probably be a bit sad if I couldn't give gifts to my family and friends, but when it comes down to it...I possess the greatest Gift inside me and I need to share that Gift with others. I need to let my life be a tribute and an honor to that Gift...I need to give out gifts of hugs, pats on the back, I love yous, you are specials, I treasure yous, kind words, let me do that for yous, etc.
I need to make sure that my family and friends know how I feel about them and that after the Christmas season has passed, they look back and have happy memories of how they felt when in my presence. I know Christ's presence in my life made a difference; I need to make a difference in other's lives, beginning here in my home. OK, I'm getting teary; no time for that, but my heart's desire is to give gifts of blessing, and of hope and love to all I come in contact with. I can give those gifts because of the wonderful salvation given to me by the Reason for This and All Seasons, My Lord and Saviour Jesus. Merry Christmas Eve Eve.

Happy Thanksgiving!

O Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 118:1

O Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods; for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1-4

O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:26

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: Psalm 92:1

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100

*Thank: be obliged, show gratitude, give thanks, acknowledge, show appreciation, be obligated to, be indebted to, bless, praise, smile on, show courtesy, express one's obligation to,

*Thanksgiving: a formal public expression of thanks to God.

*according to Webster's New World Dictionary and Thesaurus

What are you thankful for today? Count your many blessings, see what God has done!

Happy Thanksgiving from Life By George.

Be Wise

...and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

A few weeks ago, my husband taught a class at church on "How To Win Someone To The Lord." Our purpose in life should be to introduce others to Christ through our life and through God's Word. Below are the notes I took during class that night.

Pray for opportunity.
Look for opportunity.

Scot read Acts 8:26-39 where Philip witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was obedient to God; he went where God told him, and there he had the opportunity to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch. What did Philip tell this man? To do good? To clean up and go to church? To give of his money? All of those things are good, but no, Philip preached unto him Jesus! (verse 35)

1. Sinner must realize they are a sinner.

Romans 3:10- As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.

Romans 3:23- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Other verses include: Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 5:12

2. Sinner must believe the Gospel.

Romans 5:6-8, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.I Corinthians 15:3-4, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures:

3. Sinner receives salvation (recognize God, know they are a sinner, believe, ask)

Romans 10:9-13, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Other verses include Acts 16:30-31, John 3:36

The salvation of our souls and the souls of others is the most important thing on earth. Salvation seems to be taken so lightly these days, and without it, we will all perish. Ask God each day to give you an opportunity to share His Word; He will answer. One of the best ways to witness to others is to just simply to tell them about what Christ has done in your life. As the old song says, 'I once was lost, but now I'm found, twas blind, but now I see.' Eternity is so serious, eternity is forever! Be wise, win souls.

I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story,
'Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

Contentment

I was flipping through Secure in the Everlasting Arms by Elisabeth Elliot yesterday. A paragraph caught my eye. It reminded me of Hebrews 13:5: Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have, for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Now, read the last 8 words beginning with 'thee'. THEE FORSAKE NOR THEE LEAVE NEVER WILL I! How rich is that! Scot says that verse is good coming and going. Here is the paragraph that I want to share with you:

E.B. Pusey (1800-1882) suggested rules for those who wish to gain contentment that surely reflect Jesus' own attitude:

1. Allow thyself to complain of nothing, not even the weather.

2. Never picture thyself to thyself under any circumstances in which thou are not.

3. Never compare thine own lot with that of another.

4. Never allow thyself to dwell on the wish that this or that had been, or were, otherwise than it was, or is. God Almighty loves thee better and more wisely than thou doest thyself.

5. Never dwell on the morrow. Remember that it is God's not thine. The heaviest part of sorrow often is to look forward to it. "The Lord will provide."

The Old Wicker Coal Basket

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:16-18THE BIBLE AND THE OLD WICKER COAL BASKET

The story is told of an old man who lived on a small farm in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his old worn-out Bible.

His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could. One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you, but I don't understand it; and what I do understand, I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"

The grandfather quickly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this old wicker coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster the next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the old wicker basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch him try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather, the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said, "See, Papa, it is useless!" "So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old wicker coal basket, it was clean.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything; but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out."

Moral of the story: Take time to read a portion of God's Word each day; it will affect you for good.

--Author Unknown

Wednesday In The Word: This Great Salvation

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2009/04/wednesday-in-word-this-great-salvation.html

Visit the link above to read todays devotional.

Our Identity in Christ, Part 3

(If you haven't read Parts 1 and 2, please scroll down and read them before beginning Part 3)

Continuation of ways we can be identified with Christ:

3. A heart through which Christ loves.

First of all, our greatest love should be for the Lord. Jesus himself said that this was the first and greatest commandment. (Matt. 22:37-38)

When we think about what God is like and what He has done for us, we should love Him even more. The more we love Christ, the more that love will overflow to others.

This goes back to dying daily to self.

I must CHOOSE to love others! I John 4:20, If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Verse 21 goes on to tell us, He who loveth God loves his brother also.

Someone once said, "If we all obey the royal law, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself', there would be no need for any other laws."

Some things love is not:

jealous

hostile

arrogant

Love does not act unbecomingly

Love does not seek it's own

Love is not easily provoked

Love does not hold grudges

Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness

Some things love is:

patient

kind

considerate

gentle

Love lifts others up

Love seeks to serve, not to be served

Love covers a multitude of sins (forgives)

Love seeks to reconcile others with the Lord

Love remains steadfast under suffering and hardship

What does love look like?

Love looks like Jesus!

God commands us to love others and that includes our enemies and the unlovely. God's love is not a feeling, but an action. It is a choice!

The word "LOVE" is over-used and misused these days. People love people as long as they get something in return, or as long as the other person is pleasing them, doing things "their" way, etc. That is not love. Love is unconditional. Love is even when that person gets under your skin and on your nerves, you choose not to forsake them, and you choose to do them good anyway!

I have gotten to the point that I feel like when I tell someone I love them, I need to explain what that means to me. Do some studying on love; know what love really is; know what God says about this precious word.... God's love will make a difference in how you love others!

And finally...

4. To be identified with Christ, We need to have hands through which Christ helps.

When I begin to love others the way Jesus loves me, I will begin to understand unconditional love. This unconditional love will change me. Not only will I be able to tolerate people I once couldn't, I will find myself being good to them.

We are not saved by our good works; we are saved to do good works.

Matthew 5:16 is one of my favorite verses. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

When helping and serving others, we should have the right attitude and motive. Ask God what you should do. Love is the key to doing good and serving. We make many choices each day from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. Some things we choose doesn't matter. ( I gave the example of me in the paper towel aisle at the store. I stand there for several minutes looking for just the right print! The print really is not all that important.)

I want to encourage you to purpose in your heart and make up your mind to choose daily to be identified with Christ, to be more like Him.

Choose to be your best for Christ.

Choose:

Godliness over worldliness- Faith over unbelief- Hope over hopelessness- Giving over greediness- Praise over complaining- Courage over fear- Freedom over condemnation- Obedience over rebellion- Forgiveness over unforgiving- Prayer over worry- Love over hate- Joy over unhappiness- Gentleness over harshness- Kind and pleasant words over discouraging words.

Choose truth over untruths- Choose God's will over your will- Choose to make a difference in others

JOY = JESUS, OTHERS, YOU!

Choose to tell others.

Our works should come from a heart of love for Christ and a desire to obey Him. Galatians 6:10- As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

One word of caution: Let us not be so busy that we leave our first love. We must not be so busy that we neglect our personal relationship with God and our responsibilities to care for our husband and children. We need wisdom from God to know how to balance our service.

My mother is a fine example of serving others as well as always balancing that service. She never neglected my daddy or me. She served others on a regular basis by sending cards to the sick and bereaved, and by blessing them with a meal or dessert.

Have you ever said or heard someone say..."I meant to." "I thought about it." I can think about cooking meals for my family, but if I don't put action behind it, my family will go hungry.

THE SMALLEST DEED IS GREATER THAN THE LARGEST INTENTION.

Examples of ways to serve: cards, calls, food, kind word, smile, pat on the back, hug,....

You will end up being the one that is blessed by serving. Serving is addicting and contagious!

I pray you have been blessed by reading "Our Identity In Christ"

I desire to be more like HIM!

Our Identity In Christ, Part 2

I want to encourage you to die daily to self and to choose each day to live according to God's will, not the flesh.

I read the following somewhere:

A Christian is...
A mind through which Christ thinks.
A voice through which Christ speaks.
A heart through which Christ loves.
A hand through which Christ helps.

I want to share with you 4 ways that will help us to be identified with Christ:

1. A mind through which Christ thinks:
(Oh be careful little mind what you think...)
What are we to think about?
Philippians 4:8 answers that question.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.

What we think about can identify us with Christ. If Satan can gain control of our thoughts, we will have a life of crisis full of confusion, discouragement, worry, envy, impurity, and on and on. Some ideas on things to think on...

A. Memorize scripture
(Psalm 119:11) Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.
B. Read good Christian material
C. Listen or sing good Christian songs.
D. Pray
E. Praise
F. Praise some more!

Psalm 119:14 is my prayer each day.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.



2. A voice through which Christ speaks.

Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Ask: What do I talk about?

I Peter 2:1 tells us to lay aside all evil speakings!

A. Speak of the Lord.
B. Speak well of others.
C. Speak out of a heart full of God.
D. Sing praises to God!

(I then told a story about the feather pillow)
One time there was a father and his son. The father gave the son a pillow full of feathers and told the son to open the case, take the pillow throughout the neighborhood and to leave one feather on the front doorstep of each house. The son didn't understand why, but being obedient, he did as his father told him. The son left a feather on each and every front doorstep throughout his neighborhood. He then went to his father and told him that he had done as he instructed. The father said "Well done. Now go and retrieve each and every feather that you put on the doorsteps." Once again, the son did not understand but was obedient to his father. An hour or so later, the son returned to his father and said, "Father, I tried to get back all the feathers, but some of them were already blown away." The father said, "Yes, my son. The feathers are like our words. Once they are said, we cannot get them back."

It doesn't matter how much we apologize, plead insanity, make excuses, etc., once our words are said, the damage is done!

James 3:10, Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

James goes ahead telling us that a fountain cannot bring forth both sweet and bitter water at the same time.

We need to avoid places that promote gossip and people who enjoy gossip.
We should be positive.
If all else fails~ KEEP OUR MOUTHS SHUT!!!

We need to practice using our tongues to
glorify God,
encourage others,
pray for others.

(I then told about my friend Lisa calling me on the cell phone when I was in Barnes and Noble.)
I was browsing one day and my phone rang. It was Lisa. Our family was going through a hard time. Lisa told me that she knew I was in a public place and I might couldn't stop and close my eyes, but that she felt the need to pray for me. So, she did! Right then and there, she prayed for me and my family over the phone. What a blessing! What an encouragement!

(Will continue with Part 3)

Our Identity In Christ, Part 1

Friends, I don't know if I'm washing or hanging out lately. Life By George has been busy to say the least. Do any of you know where I can find another me? Lol. I will post about the ladies conference I spoke at Sat. in sections. That's the only way I can do it justice.

Saturday was a most beautiful day. When Noelle and I pulled up in the parking lot of the church, I looked at her and said, "I'm soooo glad I took my aspirin this morning, or I'd have a stroke right now!" There were boocoodles of cars in the parking lot and the church was huge! I love to sing in front of huge crowds, but speaking is different story. I have spoken at numerous ladies events, but never one this big. I honestly didn't realize it was such a "big" day! I even started questioning in my mind on whether I was REALLY suppose to be there to speak! Each guest was greeted at the door by a very nice lady who held the door open for everyone. We then registered, received our program for the day and a ticket to save for a drawing for door prizes at the end of the conference. I immediately found the ladies room. I went in and just caught my breath real good~found my dear friend Lisa in there as well! Lisa, Natalie, and Bethany attended the luncheon. They along with Noelle were my cheering section. Lisa said they were the Amen corner! My friend Pam filled me in on details and then I just sat and waited on my turn. The pastor's wife welcomed us and opened with prayer, a praise team sang several songs, and then, Pam introduced me! I started my time with a song to calm my nerves. I sang "When He Sees Me". That song calms me, yet lifts me at the same time. They gave me 45 minutes to do my thing. I took my cell phone up there with me so I could keep up with the time, but I was so nervous, I forgot what time I was suppose to stop! I don't think I went over though, because the rest of the day was on schedule. When I wear my glasses, I can't walk! I haven't gotten the hang of bifocals yet! So, I sang my song, then, went to the podium, put my glasses on, confessed that I couldn't see without them, but couldn't walk with them on, and forged ahead!

The theme for the day was "Finding Our Identity in Christ". Galatians 2:20 was the theme verse used that morning. I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; ;yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I love words. I told the ladies that I very seldom use large words, but nevertheless, I do love words. My study on the theme began with my Webster's dictionary. Identity = the state of being the same in qualities, substance, and nature. Identify = to recognize. Identification = evidence of identity. I talked about identity theft and identity crisis comparing the two with Satan stealing our identity in Christ little by little, and then, we end up with an identity crisis, which is a state of confusion and a time of danger. Sin is the result of identity theft and crisis in a Christian's life.

My identity in Christ began April 26, 1979, almost 30 years ago. That's the day I accepted Christ's great salvation. That's the day I was born again. We cannot be identified with Christ if we don't know Him; not just know about Him, but have a personal relationship with Him.

I also talked about the benefits of being God's child.
1. I'm a joint heir with Jesus
2. I have special permission to run to the throne room of God and throw myself at His feet.

In First Corinthians 15:31, Paul says "I die daily". Each day, we have to make the choice to die to self. We have to make the choice to say no to flesh and yes to Christ. When I get Liesa out of the way and yield myself to God...
I have a Burden-Bearer to lighten my load through life.
I have a Fortress to hide me from the enemy.
I have a Shield to protect me.
I have a Guide to lead me.
I have a Comforter to console me.
I have a Shepherd to take care of me.
I have a Lily in my valley.

Romans 12:1-2 tells us to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. We are not to be conformed to this world, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect, will of God.

Lord, Fill My Bucket

Lord,

I crawled

across the barrenness

to You

with my empty cup,

uncertain

but asking

any small drop

of refreshment.

If only

I had known You better

I'd have come

running with a bucket.

By~Nancy Spiegelberg

What Wondrous Love Is This

Matthew 28:6 is my son's favorite Bible verse. He's quoted it for many years. It's a good verse to memorize because in this verse, there is hope, there is life, there is victory! In this verse, there is eternal salvation for all who believe; sin's chains were broken and Satan was defeated! He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.



BUT...



I have been guilty of reading through the events leading up to that verse so quickly and it's almost like it all happens within minutes. That's not true. I need to stop and remember the suffering, the humiliation, and the betrayals my Lord felt. I've never really felt alot of physical pain in my life. There was a time that I had migraines quite often, but other than that and child birth, I've really never hurt alot. My mind cannot even fathom the pain and suffering Jesus felt. Just being chosen to die and being innocent is painful enough for me! I can just hear me saying, "This is not fair." And it wasn't. Jesus was offering eternal life to the very people who wanted him crucified. I can hear me again, "Fine, you don't want to go to heaven, don't!" He was scourged, stripped, spit upon, they smote him on the head with a reed, mocked him, put a crown of thorns on his head, and all of this was before they nailed him to the cross.


Matthew 27:33-35
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Jesus loved even while he was suffering. He was understanding even while he was suffering. He was forgiving even while he was suffering.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.


Luke 23:42-43 And he (one of the malefactors on a cross beside Jesus) said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.


My words are so inadequate describing the events that lead to Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Let us not forget these events. And let us not forget the REASON he suffered, bled and died. "I" am the reason. You can substitute your name for the "I". Friend, he died just for you. What wondrous love is this, O my soul! Love Him, Praise Him, and Serve Him today!

What Wondrous Love Is This

By: American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this, O my soul!

What wondrous love is this

That caused the Lord of bliss

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,

When I was sinking down, sinking down,When I was sinking down

Beneath God’s righteous frown,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,

Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb I will sing;

To God and to the Lamb, Who is the great I AM,

While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,

While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.

And when from death I’m free I’ll sing His love for me,

And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,

And through eternity I’ll sing on.

Walking Through A Valley

I read Proverbs 31 ministries most mornings. Today's devotion had my name on it; not literally, but I honestly felt like it was a letter from God, because it was just what I needed. Mrs. Whitwer described me to a T. When I am in a valley, I just want to quit. Honestly, I do. I don't want to see people, I don't want to go to church, I don't feel like helping others because I don't feel like I can even help myself, and sometimes I don't feel like I have anything more to give. The valley drains me. But, Mrs. Whitwer said to keep walking. KEEP WALKING. I had never thought of it that way. Although sometimes when we are in a valley, we don't know exactly WHAT to do, we can't just sit there in the middle of it, or we'll never get out. Keep walking doesn't mean getting ahead of God or even trying to help God, but it just means that life has to go on, we can't stop doing what's right and what's needful. It's almost like being in the dark, not knowing where I am or where I am going, but holding on to God's hand and letting him lead me; even though I can't see. I just need to keep serving, keep loving, keep reading, keep singing, keep praying, KEEP WALKING! For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
I prefer the verses to be from the KJV, but the devotion is superb. To read, Click below:

http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2009/04/walking-through-valley.html

The Lily Of The Valley

Words: Charles W. Fry

Music: Wil­liam S. Hays

I have found a friend in Jesus,

He’s everything to me,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;

The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see

All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.

In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay;

He tells me every care on Him to roll.

He’s the Lily of the Valley,

the Bright and Morning Star,

He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

He all my grief has taken,

and all my sorrows borne;

In temptation He’s my strong and mighty tower;

I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn

From my heart and now He keeps me by His power.

Though all the world forsake me,

and Satan tempt me sore,

Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.

He will never, never leave me,

nor yet forsake me here,

While I live by faith and do His blessèd will;

A wall of fire about me, I’ve nothing now to fear,

From His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.

Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessèd face,

Where the rivers of delight shall ever roll.

The Song of Solomon 2:1

I AM the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

A Life That Matters

I received this email last week from my friend Gloria and it stuck out in my mind for several days, so I thought some of you might enjoy reading it as well. I feel like we take life so lightly; it's almost like someone owes us something; or we think we're going to be here forever. The opposite is so true. No one owes me anything, I'm the one that had a debt that I could not pay. Jesus paid it all for me with his precious blood. He gave His life for me; the least I can do is live for Him. The reality of not living forever upon this earth becomes more real to me each day of my life. I think of all the people who were in my life for so many years, and now they are gone. It's just a process. When I was a little girl, my grandparents were at the season in life that my parents are now, my parents were in the season of life that I am today. We have a gift from God called life. Alot of "LIFE" that happens is beyond our control, but how I act and the choices I make is in my control. My attitude is in my control. My words are in my control. What I do for others is in my control. Even my smile is in my control. There should be a purpose in our lives, not just every now and then, but each precious day we are blessed with. I'm not around others outside of my family each day, but my attitude at home is very important, and contagious I might add! Am I teaching by example that my actions are important to God? Am I teaching by example that I am a servant of Christ and therefore to others? Am I kind? Do I love with actions, not just by words? Am I a vessel of honor? I read somewhere that Today is called the Present because it is a gift. Unwrap the gift of today. Choose to bless, choose to love, choose kindness, choose God's way, choose to serve God. Acts 26 tells about when Paul was being tried before King Agrippa. King Agrippa told Paul that he could speak for himself. Then Paul stretched out his hand and said for himself: verse 2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: Well, I choose to think myself happy, no not in a silly-whimsical way, but I think myself happy due to the joy of my salvation. True joy and peace comes from WHO lives within me, not the circumstances around me. I desire to live a life that matters.

A Life That Matters

Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end.

There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.

All the things you collected,

whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.

Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.

It will not matter what you owned or what you were owing.

Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.

So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire.

The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.

It won't matter where you came from or on which side of the tracks you lived.

It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.

Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.

So what WILL matter?

How will the value of your days be measured?

What WILL matter is not what you bought, but what you built;

not what you got, but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success, but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion,

courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence, but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew,

but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.

What will matter is not your memories,

but the memories that live in those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.

It is not a matter of circumstance, but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

Choose to live for Jesus.

I Am A Kept Woman

Dear Blogging Friends,

Do words ever seem so far away that you just can't seem to reach them? Or do you ever have so many words in your mind and heart, there seems to be a war going on, so you just don't choose to write any of them? Well, that is how I've felt the past few weeks. You can tell it by reading my blog I'm sure. I'm not feeling bad about this; just felt like sharing I guess. Maybe these are the words I'm meant to share. I am usually such an upbeat, positive person. I find such joy in the simple things of life; most days I can hardly contain myself. I mean, if I let out what's inside, it could get embarrassing most days! Even though words escape me right now, seems like I've gotten some really good e-mails lately that I have enjoyed sharing with you. I hope you've been blessed by the meaning or lessons taught in these posts. I appreciate my friends for sending me these blessings! Gloria sent me the following. I felt like each woman could identify to at least one of these and it might bring some hope to you. I am a KEPT woman; what a blessed thought! I love Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. I have been studying a couple of different subjects lately, so I'll get back to writing soon. Just bear with me and keep visiting me at Life By George. I sure appreciate you. ~Liesa

I Am A Kept Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I

would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose

mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:3

There were times when I thought I could go no longer,

But the LORD kept me moving.

And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places

whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land;

for I will not leave thee, until I have done that

which I have spoken to thee of. Genesis 28:15

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I

felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut.

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life:

but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 13:3

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,

But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on,

the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc..,

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.

When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong!

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!

I'm blessed to be 'kept.

I'm 'Kept' by the Love and Grace of God!

When Your Hut's On Fire

When Your Hut's On Fire..

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?' Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island. It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going badly, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

(Turn your speaker up and listen to the song on my playlist) Be blessed!

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 86:10 For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

*Thanks to my friend Rachel for emailing this to me.