What alternative career paths have you considered or are interested in?
I have always wanted a career doing something that helped people change their lives for the better.
So, in everything I do, that’s my main focus. It’s not about a career choice, it’s about helping others. No matter the career I focus on helping others around me. It just requires having the moral courage to stand up for your principles to stop wrongdoing or protect others. if people need and want help I a willing to help them. If not I move on.
In the book of Acts, there is a bleak scenario in which James, who was one of the leaders of the early church, was arrested by King Herod and put to death. Then Peter was arrested, and it looked as though he would be executed.
But what did the church do after Peter’s arrest? They did not don’t or match around with picket signs. The Bible says they constantly prayed and offered God for him (Acts 12:5).
In the days we are living, I think the church has lost sight of the most important things. When we look at the way things are going in our nation and wonder what we should do, I say that we should pray about it.
God gave us His prescription for the healing of a nation, when He said,
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal their land” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
This is our secret weapon and we don’t use it enough. We need to pray more often. We need to bring our needs before the Lord more often.
Maybe you’re thinking, someone else is praying, they have it covered. God is in control, nothing I can do will help.
This is not true, think of how powerful believers would be if they stopped making excuses.
It is said, 30% of Bible believers do not vote in the election. That may not seem like much, but that is a huge amount of people.
How many do not pray for God to have mercy on us? Prayer is not getting our will in heaven, it’s getting God’s will on earth.
Sometimes when we pray, our minds are occupied with thoughts of what we want or what we need, and we think very little of who we are addressing.
Before we begin asking God for something, we need to first align ourselves with His will. We find His will in His Word. The more we read the Bible, the more we learn about God, and the Better we will be able to know His will and how to part in any given situation. When we learn about God’s nature and character, then our prayers will be to Him.
The reason many prayers have no power in them is that there’s no power in them. If we put so little heart into our prayers we cannot expect God to put much heart into answering them.
When people get together and pray, things happen.
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” -Matthew 18:20
I’ve good to join forces in prayer but, Jesus wasn’t saying that we can dream up whatever we think is a great idea and get someone to agree with us and it would be done. We have to be aligned with God’s will. And keep praying until we get results.
As humans, I believe we have gotten lazy when it comes to praying and being in the presence of God.
If we want to grow spiritually, then we must be part of a Bible-filled church. It isn’t optional. Many seem to think they can slack on Biblical principles. And I believe that is why America is seeing what we are seeing today.
One of the most profound of mysteries beginning with the Garden of Eden and leading to our Salvation.
Choosing The Tree Of Life
In Genesis, the Tree of Life is planted in the idyllic Garden of peaceful Garden of Eden. In Revelation, it is found in the center of the River of Life with the New Jerusalem. So, it must be an important image for understanding God’s story.
There are trees throughout scripture that remind us of the Tree of Life at the beginning and end of our journey.
Here are a few examples:
The tree by the river in Psalm 1
The branch that will shoot forth from the stump of Jesse in Isaiah.
The broom tree that Elijah sits under when his life is threatened.
The sycamore tree that Zacchaeus climbs as he sought to listen to the one that brought life.
And for those of us who follow Jesus, it is most significant that Jesus was crucified on a tree made into a cross. Because of His resurrection from that tree, that tree we often call the cross is a symbolic tree of life.
All of these tree images in God’s Word should remind us of the Tree of Life.
What I find interesting is that in Genesis, God forbids humans to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. And most people assume that this applies to the Tree of Life as well.
However, Genesis never says God commanded humans not to eat from the Tree of Life. Just because exiled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden after they ate from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil because He was afraid they would not eat from the Tree of Life. That is different from commanding them not to eat from the Tree of Life.
In Deuteronomy, God practically begs the Israelites to choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds us of the Tree of Life,
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.”
If we allow this passage to remind us of the Tree of Life, then we realize that God’s exhortation to “choose life” is like an exhortation to eat from the Tree of Life.
God placed humanity in a garden to flourish with life.
God set before humanity two particular trees worthy of mention and told us not to eat from one of them.
Then humanity goes and eats from the very tree God told them not to eat from.
In the process, the humans ignore the other tree which God never mentioned.
Then probably thousands of years later, God says, “Look, I set before you live in and death. Choose life!”
I don’t think this is coincidental.
God is begging us today, just as in the garden and just as in Deuteronomy, to choose life. What that means for us each day we live is the question before us.
What if, we began to look at the large and small decisions within our daily lives as an opportunity to choose life?
I wonder how that might change the way we think. How it might change the way we live.
Genesis and Revelation are not just simply stories about the past and the future. They are messages for each day. No matter what you are facing along the journey through life, you need sustenance every day.
Will you eat from the tree that Adam and Eve chose? Or will you choose the Tree of Life?
The first one is country smoked sausage and potatoes with a few teaks. First I use smoked Smoked Kalabasa cut into coins and well as the potatoes cut into coins. I add 8 oz of cut-up white mushrooms to this. As well as lots of cheese. In a casserole-type dish layer of potatoes then shredded cheese then sausage mixture and more cheese. Bake in oven until cheese is melted.
Country sausage and potatos
My second one is my favorite for the holidays that are just around the corner. He would rather have a pumpkin cheesecake before a Birthday cake.
This one has a tweak to it to. Instead of the one container of cheesecake filling, I use regular cream cheese in the block and let get to room temperature.
Pumpkin Cheesecake served with whipping cream or cool whip
Worry gives our minds an unnecessary workout. We run through all the possible outcomes of our situation. We jump to conclusions before getting all the facts. We weigh ourselves down with all the “what ifs.” Worrying is an exercise in futility. Worry leads to fear and stress instead of faith and rest.
Jesus talked about worry and redirected our focus onto God. The thing is worry does change the character of God. Gasping God’s character changes how we handle our worries.
Perhaps the most poignant phrase Jesus said to those who worry is: “your Heavenly Father knows” (Matthew 6:32).
God knows what’s going on in your life. He cares about your situation. He loves you.
Worry steals your peace and joy, but God gives them abundantly.
I used to be a “chronic worrier.” One day I realized that no matter how much I worried it wasn’t going to change any situation. It was only causing me unnecessary headaches and ulcers. When I realized that God controls everything a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.
We can find freedom and joy as we look to the Lord.
“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered m. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy” -Psalm 34:4-5 NLT
God wants you to remember that He is good and gracious and has compassion for you.
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all, He has compassion on all He has made” -Psalm 145:8-9
God wants you to remember He promises to meet your needs.
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” -Philippians 4:19
God does not want you to live in a state of worry.
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own” – Matthew 6:34
God is with you when you’re worried and afraid.
“So, do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” -Isaiah 41:10
God wants you to look to Him when you’re filled with worry.
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” -Psalm 94:19
God wants you to tell Him your worries and Thank Him for all He has done for you.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” -Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Letting go of worry and releasing it to God.
First identify what worries you -every issue, every situation. Then go to God in humility and surrender the situation and yourself to God.
Worrying makes us feel completely powerless. But we have to power to release our worries to Him.
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you” -Psalm 55:22
As a child, I remember the Watergate scandal. Which became synonymous with illicit activities conducted by President Nixon’s aides. Which included bugging political opponents, unauthorized investigations, and the misuse of government agencies for political purposes. Causing many to lose faith in government, and led to a campaign reform.
Apollo 13 was the goal of America landing on the moon but was aborted after an oxygen tank exploded during the flight.
I remember the anti-war protests during the ongoing Vietnam War, solely because my Father was a combat Veteran. So it was a big deal in my family. My father sacrificed many things during his service in the military. I always thought the President was commander in chief of the military. I never understood why the soldiers were targeted when President Johnson was the one who called these men and women to war.
What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to?
The biggest risk I would like to take is driving to Oregon to see the red The Redwoods in Oregon. But I haven’t found anyone to go along. And it’s not safe to drive that far alone. 
Sadly the way the world is today it would be far too dangerous.
Sin is not always obvious. Some sins are, however, such as murder, adultery, and stealing. But others are more subtle like pride, selfishness, and gossip. Sometimes we will sin in ignorance or presumption. That is why David prayed,
“Who can discern his errors? Forgive me from hidden errors. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright I will be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Lord, my rock, and my redeemer” -Psalm 19:11-14
The Bible talks about sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit. Paul pointed out in 2 Corinthians 7:1,
“Therefore, having these promises, dear beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfection holiness in the fear of God.”
When we sin against the spirit, we knowingly go against what is true. We talk about some sins being worse than others. But it may not be the sins that we think.
My pastor always says, “I’m glad you’re not out there robbing banks and stealing.” But there may be sin in your spirit we may have that needs to be dealt with.
Jesus said to Pontius Pilate,
“You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin” -John 19:11
Jesus was talking about either Caiaphas or Judas. Caiaphas was the high priest who had a hand in putting Jesus up on false charges and then sent Him to the Romans to do his dirty work and crucify Him. Then there was Judas, who betrayed Him.
Either way, it’s the same. Judas was one of the hand-picked disciples of Christ who betrayed Jesus, and Caiaphas, the high priest, should have known better. The point is when you have been schooled in the scriptures like Caiaphas or exposed to the truth and the power of God like Judas, you are without excuse. With knowledge comes responsibility.
I take pride in raising successful children. It’s difficult to raise children there is no doubt that it takes hard work and patience.
As a mother, you have to create a loving and supportive environment. Let your children know that you are there for them no matter what the good and the bad.
Discipline lets them know that bad choices have consequences. The good choices have rewards
Setting high expectations for them. Encourage them to aim high, and set ambitious goals for them.
It was my job as a parent to get them ready to survive in a dog-eat-dog world without me and have them be successful in doing so.
The hardest part of being a parent is knowing your children don’t need you anymore. But it’s also a sign that you have done your job.
One of my favorite books in the Bible is Isaiah. It not only warns us, it gives us hope.
I thought I would give you a brief rundown of what Isaiah teaches us;
God’s Mercy:
God calls people to return to Him, even after they have sinned, and offers to cleanse, heal, and forgive them.
Trusting God:
Isaiah 7:13-14 says that if people trust in the Lord, He will be their security.
God’s Judgement:
God’s judgment can be harsh, but He always gives people the chance to obey and follow Him.
God’s promises:
God’s promises bring peace. This peace will keep our hearts and minds safe as we trust in Him.
The coming Messiah:
Isaiah offers a message of hope about the coming Messiah who will establish God’s Kingdom on earth.
The consequences of sin:
When we sin we bring on ourselves the justice of God. Sin tears apart marriages, families, friendships, and communities. The justice of God is a soul-shaking, pride-scattering justice.
The importance of repentance:
God is always ready and willing to extend and mercy and forgive sin if people repent.
The consequences of trusting in our own strength:
Trusting in our own strength can lead to sin and destruction. When we trust in God’s strength instead of our own we will have His peace and no anxiety. He will never leave us alone in our struggles.
In the book of Isaiah, we see that Israel was in a state of deep moral confusion. Kind of the place America is today. In Isaiah 5:20 it says,
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who puts darkness to light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
God’s Word should be the standard for truth. God defines what is good and evil. Apart from God, our entire value system will be upside down. We will be confused as to what is good and what is evil. But God’s Word is light.
No matter what happens God is still on the throne. No matter what happens in our world. No matter who is ruling, which nation, which country, which King, which President. No matter if there is sickness, earthquakes, or war.
Jesus is still on His throne and He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
I have a few things I’ve been working on. One is trying to eat better and stop drinking brown sugar water, aka Soda. It’s the hardest thing I am dealing with.
I’ve also been trying to get a few things organized for Christmas. I have a few things for my gift baskets. I like living in a small town but come the holidays, trying to get things for Christmas is slim pickings. And I don’t like to order online because I like to physically look at the product I’m buying.
We’ve all been there our minds spinning into a downward spiral of self-defeating thoughts. No matter the circumstances our mind tells us we are destined for failure. Self-defeating thoughts can be powerful and take a minor toll on our emotional and physical well-being.
Fortunately, there is a little secret tool that can be used to literally change the way you think and it’s called reframing. It’s how I changed my life, from doom and gloom into something positive and life-giving. Simply put refrain is changing how you see something and then expressing it differently.
It’s a psychological paradigm shift that replaces your old way of thinking with a new and improved mindset. Reframing not only changes the way you see, think, and respond to situations, but it can also keep your thoughts from sliding down a slippery slope of impending doom.
Doing it is pretty tricky. Logic doesn’t jive with emotions and emotions frequently trump logic. This happens way more often than we’d like to admit. Trying to get the logical and the emotional self in sync is a real challenge but not impossible. It begins with changing your perspective. You just have to put on those rose-colored glasses.
If we see the glass as half-empty rather than half-full or think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence then perhaps you could use a little reframing.
5 Steps to reframing your thoughts
Ride the wave. Thoughts are just a bunch of concepts produced by your brain. They have no emotion or inherent meaning. You are the author of them and you assign them meaning by how you interpret and respond to them. Just like waves in an ocean, some thoughts are strong and others are weak. Teach yourself to recognize that your thoughts are separate from who you are and allow them to freely come and go. Don’t try and hold on the unhelpful or negative thoughts, and don’t try and fight them because they can take up under. The next time a colossal thought comes crashing toward you, don’t let it pull you out to sea. Choose to ride that wave. Not only will the view be better but it may help you see the big picture (why am I having these thoughts?)”
Look at the situation from the outside looking in approach. Remove yourself from the situation by looking at the circumstances from the outside. This allows you to observe what’s happening from different angles. You might even ask yourself, “What advice would I give someone else in this situation?” Sometimes looking fro the outside in can help you put some distance between the circumstance and the emotion, all while helping you look for the best possible solution.
Put on your detective hat. Ask yourself “What are the facts about the situation and what are my feelings? Do they match up or are my thoughts magnifying the situation?” Emotions can easily steal the limelight from reality. They can make a mountain out of a molehill. By keeping your eyes on the supporting evidence, you may be able to crack your case and move on to the next mystery.
Hold your horses. When your internal dialogue is screaming out pessimistic negativity, it’s time to mediate the situation. Rather than jumping on the bandwagon and going along with whatever your thoughts tells you. Stop! Hold your horses. Often emotions can run wild, and when they do, you can end up making reckless, impulsive decisions. It’s best to slow down and consider all of the options before hastily acting out or jumping to conclusions. Think “Am I reacting or responding?”
Sift through the dirt to find the gold. Challenge yourself to look beyond the doom and gloom to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just like a gold miner, you may have to sift through a lot of dirt to get to that priceless nugget. Don’t let unhelpful negative thoughts make you miss a golden opportunity.
Reframing is one skill that can truly change the way you think.
From Pity to Praise 