Just a Little Bit Longer

Grandpa reached high for a large tangerine and very slowly began peeling it. I stood watching him with my mouth watering thinking, “This is going to take forever.” He handed me a plug while placing one in his own mouth to wallow around before biting the juice out of it. His false teeth clattered. (Wrong use of the word but as a child that’s what we called it.) There were many tangerines on the tree ready to pick and while eating one plug at a time, I wondered why Grandpa only picked one and then shared it. We talked a little while eating the tangerine together just the two of us.  Grandma and a host of other relatives sat on the screened in back porch laughing and enjoying one another. I was sure they would enjoy a handful of the oranges.

“Just go ahead and pick a brown paper bag full for everyone and then we don’t have to come back for a while,” I muttered to myself. Little did I know why Grandpa did what he did until I became the Grandma walking out to the grapevine eating one grape at a time talking to Terry about my hectic day.  God’s provision comes and we want to analyze it, fuss about it missing the blessing, grow old and then wish we could go back in time. Oh me....

I can still see Grandpa Baxley’s wrinkled face and his kind smile. I loved him and wished to this day I could have lived with him “just a little bit longer.” Can’t go back can we? BUT….. We can move forward in God’s provision and work at NOT complaining about His way of giving us what we need for this day and into eternity. It’s difficult and very wearisome living with an aging relative and it may not be what you have chosen to do for the next few days, months and maybe for a few years.

Ps 71:7-9 I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day. Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Ps 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

To get the most out of it later on is to get the most out of it, RIGHT NOW.  You may be facing taking care of an aging parent. I surely don’t have the answers for you, but God’s Word has a lot to say about how to treat people who are aging. Ecclesiastes 12 is worth studying and taking some notes while you read. You may not understand and think you know WHAT you would do and might even change some things for that loved one who seems to be such a nuisance for you, but friend, God didn’t leave us without instruction. Please take advantage of knowing His way and don’t miss the blessing that rests at your clean carpet or unscratched wooden floors and white walls.  I have made some mistakes while Grandma lived with us for seven years, but I also did some things properly as well.  I am thankful as I look at my stained carpet and a few other mess ups that came and went too quickly.

Face it if you don’t want this relative living with you or you don’t want or need the responsibility of an aging parent or relative and be honest with God.  Talk to Him about it. He understands and needs you to tell Him. Get to know Him and don’t hold anything back. In God is your needed patience, the understanding, the extra money you will need, the time, and love to do this task before you. Don’t be hasty with anything and make sure you have been led of God to care for this person. Don’t do it because of pity, or obligation or guilt. No, my friend, do it if God has clearly shown you His will.

In our journey this year, we are working at getting to know God and this is one area you and I have to know what is best. Sometimes, we put ourselves on a guilt trip, jumping out there as martyrs at the rescue for our children, our grandchildren and now for our aging parents. God is not interested in how “tough” we are, but is more interested in our obedience to His Word about the matter.  This is where the blessings begin ………. by doing it God’s way.

I will continue this blog next time. Read Ecclesiastes 12. It will help you IF you struggle. Ask God to help you see yourself and SEE your aging parent or relative. You just might be surprised. I love God’s way. He is so perfect and knows that WE are NOT! He holds that perfection though…..don’t forget that…..and it is ours for the asking.

Until next time, Lord willing

Sharon

Weekend Getaway #34

A Map for Our Journey

Sunday evening in church one of our newest attenders came up to me with a shy smile on her face.  She held out her brand new Pink Bible and asked me if I would write something for her in the leaf.  I gladly accepted and went and sat down in my spot and pulled out my pen.  I wrote that when she was happy to read the Bible.  When she was sad, read the Bible.  When her heart was hurting, read the Bible.  Why? Because It has all the answers.  I believe it to be true in my own life and I am going to watch her discover this truth for herself!

This lady is someone who just a few months back would not leave her home or talk to anyone because she was so depressed.  To my knowledge, she is not saved yet.  But do you know why she is coming to church?  Her mom (who can't even read) and dad, an older couple in our church, have been telling her of all the goodness of God.  They have been seeing God answer their prayers lately and have not been shy about giving God the glory for everything He has done.  Their praise has made this lady look to God.  What a tremendous testimony!

As I watched this woman read her Bible during church, I couldn't help but smile.  She is going to find out about Christ and what He has done for her!  It is an exciting thing to observe.

One passage I recommended for her to read was Psalm 105.  It starts out with five verses that map out how to journey through this life:

"O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name:  make known his deeds among the people.  Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him:  talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name:  let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.  Seek the LORD, and his strength:  seek his face evermore.  Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;"

We are told to:

1. Give thanks. (Praise Him for everything He has done for you!)

2. Call on his name. (Pray!  Talk to Him!)

3. Make his deeds known. (Tell everyone what God has done for you!)

4. Sing Psalms!  (Sing to God about how wonderful He is!)

5. Talk about Him.  (Mention God in your daily conversations, no matter where you are!)

6. Glory in His Name. (Give Him the praises and laud that He is due.  When a blessing happens, tell people it is all because of God!)

7. Let your heart rejoice! (Be happy because you are saved.  You are no longer an enemy of God, you are His child, His friend and His possession!)

8. Seek the Lord. (Get up and ask God what He wants.  Go read His Word and learn more about Him. Ask Him to help you through your day in HIS strength.  Cast your cares on HIM!)

9. Seek His face....EVERmore! (Don't ever turn around and look somewhere else for your help.  Don't put your trust in anything or anyone other that God and God alone.  Seek Him....forever.)

10. Remember His works.  (When you feel the pressure to sin, to trust in man or to look over your shoulder in fear, STOP!  Remember.  Think on and recall every act of goodness and answered prayer that God has done in your life.  Whether you are a teenager, a young adult , a middle ager or a Senior, you will not be able to count all the ways God has directed, blessed and helped you over the years.  Just take time to remember!)

Anyone else notice how it is all about God?  Not us.  We like to talk about ourselves so much don't we?  We brag how we have done this and done that and how we are such a great person of the faith.  What pompous women we are.  It has nothing to do with us!  It is ALL about HIM!

I think once this lady in our church receives Jesus as her Saviour, she will begin down a wonderful path towards knowing God.  She will join me as a sister and begin this journey you and I are on to getting to know God better.  The greatest thing so far is that she looked towards Christ because her parents talked about HIM!

Are you talking about God?  Are you making His deeds known to your children?  Or are they hearing more about your problems than they are about your Problem Solver?  Let's talk about Him today!

Until next time, Lord willing,
Sheri

Welcome to Subway!

Not every Sunday but most Sunday evenings my husband and I stop off at Subway for a whole wheat flat bread with tuna and a few veggies on top. Makes my mouth run water just thinking about it because I know I can be a hog at times. I’m sorry but some words are just more expressive than others. If this offends you, let me know.  :) At our favorite Subway, Terry and I have singled out a young man to win him to Christ. I have left him tracts, talked to him personally and finally just dropped all the “normal” ways of witnessing and just became more friendly. I said to him a couple of Sundays ago, “You sure are good at your job and I Thank you!” The little things mean a lot to people. 

He is good! He is fast, so fast I find myself moving to a beat in his steps as he throws the flat bread down, moves from side to side as in a fast waltz. Oxymoron.   I like the guy but hurt that he is not a Christian. I want so desperately to see this young man born again.

Last Sunday we opened the door and he said, “Welcome to Subway” in his regular energetic voice.  He didn’t look at me, though, and I thought this was unusual.  When he took our credit card and handed us our flat bread tuna sandwich, he said, “I’m sorry you had to wait so long.” It took me by surprise because he was his usual "fast self" but I realized that he had been waiting all along for a compliment from me. He remembered what I said the last time I was in his store!  Now folks, that is a little thing, but HUGE! He delighted in the fact that I noticed how fast and efficient he was and needed that encouragement.  It is my open door. The little things mean a lot!

I got to thinking as I read the famous story of the two fishes and five loaves, how our Savior used a very small kind act to feed 5,000 men. This number did not include the women and children! A little thing, folks. They were just hungry!

Mt 14:14-21 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.  And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.  But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.  And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. He said, Bring them hither to me.  And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.  And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.  And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Jesus didn’t waste any time with this people and went out of His way to meet their need. He even stayed with them making sure that after His disciples had gotten in the boat to go to the other side, he would personally see to it that they were safely on their way!  The little things mean a lot, folks.

Now, think with me, “Who has been placed in your path to compliment or to give some kind of help in their need?” A small thing can be HUGE for that person. It may mean life or death to that person.

Let’s don’t get so busy trying to feed our own faces that we miss those who are hungrier than we are.  God needs to trust us to do HIS business.  I guarantee you this, as you walk into Walmart, stop by Subway or run in to your local Publix, God will direct you to that person who “needs” something from HIM. Try it, let me know. Let’s be a blessing this day by getting involved in the “little things.” I would love for you to write Sheri and me and share an experience of helping a person you had not planned on helping.  We could even dedicate a blog post to that cause. You and I can be a blessing not only to others, but to our God! Let’s hear from you. Don’t worry about your spelling, wording, or whatever. Just send it. We’ll do the rest.

Until next time, Lord willing…

Sharon   

Go Forward!

As I wrote my last post I got to thinking about the day I repented of my sin and accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.  I was a 15 year old basketball player growing up in church and attending a Christian school.  I thought I was saved until one day I heard my coach, Mrs. Sivley, give her testimony.  The Holy Spirit pricked my heart and I wrestled for three days in conviction.  Finally on a Sunday night after the preacher finished his sermon I booked it down the aisle to get saved. 

When I was 15 I didn’t understand or know a lot of what I know now about the workings of the Holy Spirit or how God draws someone to Him, but I knew I felt clean and a part of the Family of God.  Remember that song?  We used to sing it a lot in those days. 

You and I are on this journey in 2015 to get to know God better.  But your relationship with Him started the day you asked Him to save you.  Remember that day?  Have you lost sight of the fact that YOU made Heaven ring with shouts of joy once upon a time?  Yes, YOU!  The Angels sang and rejoiced the day your name was written in the Book of Life!  YOU made God smile!  He accomplished His personal will when He gained you as a child!  You were adopted into His family and He has loved and cared for you ever since!

"Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, who he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy."
Psalms 107: 2

Sometimes we need to go to a quiet place and reflect on our position in Christ.  We are in Him and He is in God. He loves us, cares for us and is ready and able to meet our needs.  Our flesh tells us we are unlovely and too despicable to be cared for by such a Great God.  But Sheri made Heaven rejoice…..that isn’t the response to someone that God doesn’t care about!

You are a pretty important person to the Lord.  You ought to spend the rest of the year getting to know Him better and telling others about Him.  He will even carry your load with you as you do.  He knows you have that daughter who is an addict.  He knows your husband has stepped out on you.  He knows your family is a mess.  He knows your best friend turned her back on you and made you feel like the dirt under your shoe.  He knows you are struggling with your own personal vices.  He knows you are doing your dead level best to keep your finances in the black and out of the red.  God knows and wants you to cast ALL that on HIM as you live.

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

Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Grace is greater my friends.  And it is that Grace that caused you to turn to the Lord once upon a time anyway.  Live in it!  Let it abound in your life and go forward!

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sheri

Don't be a Fool

One of the joys of working in our private Christian school is to be able to share with others what we do as they stop by Ocala Christian Academy just to “check us out.” There have been times when I am totally caught off guard, though, as one of the teachers or a parent gets mad, loses control, and flies off the handle with a few choice words flying from the mouth. All the good that was previously said goes for naught, very quickly, and that person’s testimony is in question if not totally ruined!  Oh the tongue…..such a wicked piece of fleshly muscle! Most of the time in my experience, the woman most to blame is that woman going through menopause unless of course that person is just not a Christian and has gotten into a bad habit of flying off when not getting her way. 

In April of this year I wrote three blog posts on the subject of how to cope with some changes we, as Christian women, go through in this time of our lives, menopause. Check these out and consider this journey with the help of going through Psalm 119. I promise you this Word of God is perfect for such a time as this change.

There is just no reason for a Christian woman to lose control making others feel totally stupid, when all the while, that woman creates an image of a witch on a broom flying around causing chaos! That is not being filled with the Holy Spirit, friend, but you have just made yourself THE FOOL. Now, admit it, whether you actually flew off the handle or just had the thoughts of murder. We all get so frustrated don’t we but the one biggest damage to a woman out of control is exactly that…..You are out of control! To get back in control takes a conscious effort, doesn’t it? It may mean going back to someone and admitting your fault to them by swallowing your pride and do as Christ taught. How will you answer God if you don’t take care of it the Biblical way?  There will not be an excuse, friend. I have done it, and probably you have to, so let’s commit to help our friends coming behind us. They need to see that being a Christian about such matters, MATTERS!

Matthew Henry states the following of such people:  “They are fools, for they act against themselves and their own interest; they are commonly prating fools, fools of lips, full of talk, but full of nonsense, boasting of themselves, prating spitefully against those that admonish them and pretending to give counsel and law to others.”

Pr 12:15 ¶ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Pr 12:16 ¶ A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame

All of the emotions you feel are real, but shouldn’t be the controlling emotion in your life. God has given a prescription far better than premarin, Prozac or Paxil. You may need the hormone or the non-hormonal prescription drug for a short period of time, but friend let’s face it, most of the problem is deep inside the brain!

If you find yourself up and down, all over the place and going nowhere, then get yourself to a good doctor, and have yourself checked out. There is nothing wrong with needing some help but too many women live off a pill for survival and in reality, the spirit of a woman has no room to expand in becoming “spiritual” and you know it is the truth!

These feelings of bloating, anxiety, fear, depression and irritation are pretty normal but God has an answer. He is NOT going to leave us in the boat without calming the sea from such a bad storm in our life. He just isn’t! HE IS GOD. He made us. Isn’t that wonderful?  So, listen to your doctor and don’t get “pilled out”, if you please. Don’t get addicted to some drug, but get excited about meeting your Maker each morning even when you “just don’t feel like it” and get started with this last third of your life with a kick in your step instead of a foot in the grave!

The time of menopause could be a time to re-evaluate your life by making other changes while you greet the physical changes. Just a few changes will lighten the load as you discard old baggage and rid yourself of “stuff” which may be draining the physical life out of you.

Have you tried black cohosh along with Vitamin E?  What about eliminating ALL sugar and adding some other “sweet stuff” to your life, or a brisk walk a couple of times a week, and then, have you considered breaking some old food habits?

You may be thinking, “Easy for you to say, Sharon, since you are back to eating healthy!” Well…….you are right. But let me tell you, it was NOT easy giving up sugar!!! Talk about addiction….I was and maybe still am addicted to sugar. I just don’t want to find out right now.

What’s it worth to you? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Get up, get moving, get your Bible, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and let’s give it another shot……..and not whiskey! God loves you and wants to hear from YOU, Friend!

Until next time, Lord willing

Sharon

Declare His Love

It’s been over 20 years ago that I was driving home from dropping my sister off at her teaching job in Hammond Indiana.  I was a new mother and Katie was just a few months old.  We had an old beat up station wagon that had holes in the floor, but nice comfortable velvet seats and warm heat.  That particular day the rain was pouring down and I was looking forward to getting back to our one bedroom apartment and curling up with Katie and a cup of hot chocolate.  As I drove over the railroad tracks my eyes caught sight of a woman standing in the rain.  I knew better than to pick up a stranger, but I just couldn’t hold back my feeling sorry for her, so I pulled up to her and offered her a ride.  Once she got in the car, I smelled her.  She stank!  It was a mixture of body odor, dime store perfume and cigarettes.  Her face was weathered and wrinkled with lines of a hard life of sin.  It didn’t take me long to realize she was a prostitute.  I asked her where she was needing to go and she directed me past the big First Baptist Church of Hammond and to a parking lot that held a lot of her “associates”.  I was a poor college wife and she robbed my wallet of the few cents I had as I tried to tell her about Jesus.  She wasn’t interested at all in what I had to say.  I dropped her off and watched as she laughed with her friends at me.  I drove on home with my baby and cried over this lady.  I have no idea where she is today.  Maybe in hell.

We won’t reach every single sinner in this world in our life time.  We will go when others sleep and knock on doors when no one answers.  Some of you will get on that bus Sunday and pick up little children whose parents couldn’t care less about where you are taking them as long as you feed them.  But every now and then we will be busy declaring the name of God to someone and they will listen and receive the free gift of salvation….and we will rejoice! 

Jesus said there is joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth.  That is the reason all of us keep on keeping on in the ministry isn’t it?  For that ONE! 

My mom has shared her testimony and been very transparent with you in this blog about what her childhood was like.  Mom was a ONE.  Look at the lives this lady, the daughter of a prostitute, has reached in her 69 years.  Mama was at one time just a kid in someone’s church, but someone cared enough to spend time declaring God to her and training her to live for Him.  I’d say it was worth it, wouldn’t you?

My grandma may have been a prostitute, but she eventually came to know Jesus as her Saviour before she died.  I only met her once, but at least I know I will meet her again one day in Heaven.  So, as I go on the streets and talk to these women of the night, I see them as someone’s mom and grandma.  My grandma’s name was Betty.  I don’t know if someone tried to reach her, like I did that woman in Indiana that day and Betty wasn’t interested, but the Word of God doesn’t return void does it?  I see each and every woman on the street as my own personal “Betty”.  Matter of fact, that is how I refer to them.  It is personal to me on a level not many people understand I suppose.  But those Bettys have a Sharon at home who has a Sheri and I have to remember that Heaven will be filled with joy if I can reach ONE.

God’s heart is for the one closest to hell.  Jesus tells us in John 6 that the will of the Father is that He should lose NOTHING.  So, regardless if it is an old hardened prostitute on the street corner or a person on death row pressing his head against a bare cell wall, God wants to save them if they will repent.  And how are they going to hear about Him if we don’t declare Him to them?

Jesus prayed in John 17 to God and His closing words were, “I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it:  that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”  Should you and I do any less that Jesus himself?  Let’s go declare His love to someone!  Just ONE!

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sheri

Weekend Getaway #33

Abuse: God Hates it!

This blog is a continuation of a previous blog, “Abuse, I Hate It!”  You may be the victim or the abuser. God has the answer for YOU.  Our journey to knowing Him covers every area in life. He has not left us without help. So what does the Great I AM say?

Ps 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard

Know this about Him:  He hears you! There it is in Psalm 22:24 No matter how much you have cried and pleaded before, stop right now and tell him that you trust Him that He has heard you.

Ps 18:48-49 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.  Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

Know this about Him:  1. He loves you.   2. He will tell you what to do.   3. Thank Him for helping you as you reach out to His help. Friend, there is POWER in His Word, but you have to activate it by believing it!

Ask someone to help you. This person who has inflicted pain needs to be confronted and helped. It may mean an arrest.  If you keep this, this person will neither be confronted nor helped. Do you want to see them helped? Do you desire for them to stop this abuse? You may not be the only victim. If this person is your spouse, then you may be able to truly help them in the name of Jesus Christ. I cannot tell you what to do except lead you to and through God’s Word.  God does not leave us who are His, without help. He offers it to us freely.  This person who has hurt you may be hurting others and must be stopped. God will show you as you reach out to Him and to His helpers. Ask Him to direct you. I promise, based upon His Word, He will direct you! If you are afraid, then claim these verses. Again, it is the power of Him.

Lu 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

They called her a horrible name because of her smell.  I got to know her that year, years ago, and became friends to a teen age girl who had no friends. It was difficult for me to reach out to her.  I was called to the high school because she came that day despondent, ready to run away and worse than I can even describe. I made up my mind as I begged God to direct me to find out the truth. The worst was suspected, but I had no proof. 

We sat in the sun on the porch of the school. I asked questions but she would not speak. I waited and touched her arm. She did not move, but began to weep. Most of the morning had slipped past us while students came and went. They knew that she was in trouble. I was not going to leave her and felt compelled to go ahead and call the authorities to come. I waited. She began to cry softly, again and looked at me with a piercing glare as if to say, “I am doomed. There is no help for me, but please help me!” 

Have you seen that look or were YOU there at one time?

I said, “If you tell me what is wrong, I promise you, I will see to it that no one hurts you. Do you trust me?” She shook her head that she trusted me.

“Tell me, who is hurting you?” It took her a while, but she was wearing down and was weeping more and more.  I waited and she finally came out with a whisper, “It is my dad.”

The rest of the story is pretty intense but I kept my promise. She was picked up that day and taken to a place of protection. He was picked up that day as well and went to prison for his sexual activity with his own daughter. She had been trapped in what seemed a hopeless situation but when she reached out for help, God was there to rescue her.  She called me months later. She was living in another state recovering with the help of some Godly Christian people.

If your situation has come and gone or maybe the one who hurt you is in the grave, then be thankful for your new life in Christ unless of course, you do not KNOW Him.  Remember, God does not want us to live in the past but desires us to look to Him, TODAY so that we can allow HIM to live in our future giving us victory in Jesus Christ.

Sometimes in my office I may have a young girl who regresses because her thoughts keep going back to that difficult period of abuse. When she brings it up, I remind her that it is from the enemy and Jesus has already dealt with it. He took it on the cross and nailed it! The mind is wonderful as we fill it with memorized scripture of God’s love, His forgiveness and promises. For the abused it is THE WAY to a new life!  Dwelling on the past is a wasted effort and time. Get it out, get it over, and get moving! The past slows people down. Your journey may be slow, but don’t allow it to keep you from moving forward one step at a time.  Help your friend by encouraging them with scripture and song. 

Jas 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

This blog is just that. It is not a medical journal, or a counselor’s 3 steps to healing but remember, you may need all: the blog, the doctor, the Christian Counselor.  GOD WILL SHOW YOU! Trust Him!

Until next time, Lord willing..

Sharon