It’s All For a Reason

Thanks sis...

“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
(Psalm 30:5)

There probably is nothing good in this life that comes free of charge. Things of value often require sacrifice to obtain—but they are worth the cost! The Christian life is no exception. The trials you encounter from day to day may seem frustrating, but the reward is great in the end. The only problem with the whole equation is that you can’t see the end, so you’re not always sure where God is taking you or what He is trying to accomplish in your life. That’s where His grace and love come into play as He assures you of His guidance and asks you to trust Him. Who would you rather trust than God? He knows where your journey will take you and where you should go, so listen to Him and trust His plans and reasons.

A Prayer for Today

God, I know You have a plan for me that is wonderful. Give me the grace to seek that plan and trust You no matter what I see ahead. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Beyond Anger

I learned something very hard and real about myself this week. As much as I talk about showing love for all those around us and refraining from anger and living in peace, I am human and can fail even at what I try to live by, day in and day out. I never imagined that I could react in such ultimate anger, hatred and hurtful words. Certain situations have replayed in my mind, over and over again as if hitting the rewind button on a movie, only this is one scene that I wish would stop and just go away.

With my recent move, I had not found where I had packed the Devotional Book that my daughter gave me and yesterday it reappeared. Well, as I opened it this morning to read my daily devotional, I knew that I had missed several days and I was attempting to figure out what day this would be according to days in the year.

I have said it before and I will continue to claim this until the day I die, I am not perfect, I fall and stumble, but I will do all that is possible to correct my mistakes or better yet, I will do all I can to live a better life. I don’t like anger; it has no room in my life. I don’t like hatred, it poisons ones life and mind and those around you. Hatred has too many effects on a person. I don’t like being judgmental of people; I read somewhere that the more you judge, the less you love. I want to love everything in my life, everything and everyone around me, even those difficult to love. I guess I have been very judgmental in this one case, even when I thought I was being accepting. It’s hard not to judge when it involves one of your own family members and you feel deep within your heart that they are making a mistake in their life and that the road they are on is a destructive one, or one that will lead to more heartache. Forgive me Father for being judgmental in this situation.

Before getting to the right day, I opened the book to this page right off the bat, a message… maybe, but it had me reading…

Beyond Anger

Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but those who are wise will calm anger.

Proverbs 29:8 NLT

Your temper is either your master or your servant. Either you control it, or it controls you. And the extent to which you allow anger to rule your life will determine, to a surprising extent, the quality of your relationships with others and your relationship with God. Anger and peace cannot coexist in the same mind. If you allow yourself to be chronically angry, you must forfeit, albeit temporarily, the peace that might otherwise be yours through Christ. So obey God’s Word by turning away from anger today and every day. You’ll be glad you did, and so will your family and friends.

A Thought to Jump Start Your Day

Anger is the noise of the soul; the unseen irritant of the
heart; the relentless invader of silence.

Max Lucado

*I want to be a wise human being on this earth, one that will calm anger.

You Can Love the Unlovely

This scripture of the day was sent to me by my loving sister this morning. I had a difficult week-end and week as well, something that should have been a special celebration of my childs birth, resulted in nothing but anger, hate, resentment and disappointment for alot of people. I won't rehash the specifics, but know that this has been very hard on a few people.

I whole heartedly believe in unconditional love, this just makes it more real for me. I want to be one of those people that just "might" make a difference in someones life. I was hoping I could be that one in this case, I failed on Monday, and I have asked God for foregiveness and I know that I have received it, but I also know that I have to let go and let God take care of it all now. So.... in saying that, I leave you with the scripture that was sent to me.

Thank you sis, for signing me up to receive devotional email messages from Joel Osteen Ministries.

When browsing the internet for "Unconditional Love" I found the website above (click on the jpg) and the story line has me intrigued, I'll be looking for the book.

You Can Love the Unlovely

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
(Romans 12:21)

God says you need to love even those people who are difficult or seemingly impossible to love. The mark of true believers is the love they have for each other and for those who are not part of God’s family. Did you know there usually is a reason that some people are very difficult to love? More than likely, part of the problem is that they don’t have enough love, which means they need your love the most of all! You have your own personality, and it probably meshes better with certain other personalities. But even with the differences between people, you can still love others with the love God has shown to you. You will be amazed how much things will change if you just take that first step of faith and love the unlovely people around you. They are desperate for love and friendship, and you might make all the difference.

A Prayer for Today

God, give me Your unconditional love for the hard-to-love people in my life. I want to show others what Your love is all about so they will be drawn to Christ. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Helping Others Wait

One of the most wonderful things that can come from learning to wait purposefully is your ability to share the art with others.

Because we are always surrounded by waiting, there are always opportunities to be one of those souls who reaches out to another, to offer understanding, light, and love.

So…

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act”
(Proverbs 3:27 NIV).

Compassion. No one knows how to share the pain of another better than someone who’s been there. Your understanding of a friend’s anguish is real – that makes your compassion honest, sincere, and very much appreciated.

Camaraderie. It can be hard for someone to travel through her wait when she’s hurting and trying to find the purpose. You can walk with her, listen without judgment, and make her journey easier.

Conviction. When you’ve learned to wait purposefully, you’ll inspire those around you with your renewed spirit and strength. With every breath, you’ll be an example of one who has grown nearer to the Lord. And nothing will be able to shake your vision and your faith.

Women's Conference - Beauty for Eternity

Start Date: 06-1-2007

End Date: 06-01-2007

Contact Phone: 979-292-5623

Time: 6pm

Days: - Friday

Event General Phone: 979-417-8582

Location: Church of the Nazarene 801 That Way Street Lake Jackson TX 77566

Ticket Price: Free

Ticket Price: Free

Description: Church of the Nazarene invites you to their Women's Conference, "Beauty for Eternity," with guest speaker Dolly Martin.

Long Checkout line

Sometimes our days feel like one long checkout line: constantly waiting, barely inching forward, unable to see the obstacles, doubtful of a satisfactory outcome in this lifetime. And then what we're waiting for comes or it doesn't, we adjust, recover, and move on. But are we any better for the wait? Did we find the purpose the Lord had tucked so carefully inside? Did we listen to God and learn, or did we just complain about the circumstance?

Either way, when that wait is over, we shift our focus to a new wait, and the feelings are all very familiar. Again, we grow impatient. The cycle never ends. Through all the delays that we misunderstand, we never seem to get very far from where we started. We stand still on the path that matters most. The waiting is nothing more than a time of frustration.

We fail to see that every day is a chance, full of purpose - even if we're waiting.

Struggles

Everyone struggles in one way or another. It's simply a part of life and something we'll always face, regardless of how old we are. Yet as we face trials in life, what happens? Fear begins to take over. It seems as if struggle and fear go hand in hand. In fact, fear is one of Satan's favorite tools to use agains us.

When struggles hit and fear consumes, do your best to stay focused and disciplined. And never stop trusting God.

Through it all, God is always faithful.

A FAITH THAT BREATHES...

Life. It’s filled with wonder and discovery, and it’s defined by change – as you probably know all too well. Yet for most women, change is both a comfort and a curse.

As we begin our journey into womanhood, we’re often unsure of who we’ll become, how we’ll look, what paths we’ll follow. Yet somewhere between youth and maturity, we begin to realize that life is full of uncertainty. Who will I become today, tomorrow, next week—next year?

A FAITH THAT BREATHES

…knows that if our security is in the world, we’re in trouble. The wolrd will always change, and the things we hold so tightly today may fall out of our grasp tomorrow.

…is confident that the Lord remains the same—yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever! He promises to be our guide, our stability, our hope.

…welcomes the changes that God sends our way. Strive to welcome change with open arms. Embrace it as the priceless gift that it is. Learn to stand hand in hand with Jesus and declare, “BRING IT ON!”

Come Walk With Me...

*For the most recent postings, please scroll down. This post will stay on top until the day of the walk.

Come walk with me...

Event: NAMI Metropolitan Houston Walk
Team: Menninger Marchers
Date: May 5, 2007

I work at an in-patient mental health facility The Menninger Clinic. Menninger has been around for ages. The Clinic moved to Houston from Topeka Kansas 4 years ago. I just hired on in December of 2006, and for me, personally, it was a blessing. Life for me has been very peaceful and more sane.

When this walk came about, I had an inner calling for this, I have always tended to ignore that little voice when it has come to the good things in life. I was always about "Pushing the envelope" on the things that were on the edge. So, with all the new things coming about in my life, it's things like this that I need to start trying to do for others. Plus I get to walk with my dear friend from over at My Path.

NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation's voice on mental illness, a national organization including NAMI organizations in every state and in over 1100 local communities across the country who join together to meet the NAMI mission through advocacy, research, support, and education.

You can read more about them and the work they do here....

All About NAMI

The walks raise money through sponsorship of course. Much like the other organizations such as Juvenile Diabetes and the American Heart Association.

I've set a goal to personally raise $500 for the walk which takes place on May 5.

I've set up a personal page on the NAMI walk site where you can get more information about the Menninger team. You can also make a donation or even volunteer to come walk with me - if you're in the Houston area.

Come Walk With Sugar Cat

www.nami.org/namiwalks07/HOU/smedina

If you're not local but want to join a walk - go to the NAMI home page and follow the links to find a walk near you. It's a great cause and you'll feel good about yourself for participating.

Any donations are greatly appreciated.

Peace and the love of a daughter

It's been a while since I posted... Life has been so hectic between moving PC and myself. Things are still not slowing down, even at work. I have been praying and asking God to help me slow down, not just to be able to blog, but to enjoy all that I have been blessed with in my life.

To enjoy the beautiful nature that now surrounds me now. To enjoy a good day of rain, the sounds of cars passing by, the memories of my children as they were growing up, and the moments watching PC's children growing up, watching the dogs and the cats sleep and play. Just enjoying life on more than just one night a month. So here is a posting that I posted on my other site, it relates to Peace in our life... and What God has promised us... and most of all the love of my daughter in wishing me this gift of Peace for my birthday.

Repost from Living Life To It's Fullest.

On my birthday, (back in April), PC, my lovely daughter, her boyfriend and I, met for dinner out in Houston. We went to this real nice, quaint Chinese restaurant by my daughter's work. Upon being seated for dinner, my daughter quickly presented me with a gift and asked me to open it. She was obviously proud of her gift.

I teased everyone and told them, that with my aging way, I was going to do a "grandma" in opening my gift. I remember, so many times, birthday, mothers' day, any occasion really... when mother was presented with gifts, she would very slowly and neatly remove the wrapping and any bows from the gift. During the time that she neatly removed the wrapping one piece of tape at a time and meticulously removing the ribbon or bow, the rest of us aged a year or two during the process.

I finally opened the box and found some various wonderful gifts. My lovely daughter knows how much I love coffee, I was given some gourmet coffee "Texas Sunrise" and "Hazelnut" and to go along with the wonderful coffee, a gorgeous Red Coffee Cup with white Polk-a-dots, my daughter said she was looking for a cup with alot of personality... There was also a small little suede pouch in the gift box... before opening it up, she remarked with the following:

"Mom, you have so much love in your life, that I wanted you to have "Peace".

There was a cute little ceramic cross with the word Peace on it and a card that read:

Peace

Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives
do I give you.
Let not your hearts
be troubled,
neither let them be
afraid.

John 14:27

Her gift of Peace in my life, that moment during dinner, will stay with me always. My kids know what I've been through in my last 10 years of life, it hasn't been very peaceful at all. In fact, there has been many turbulent storms in my past, but those storms are well behind me. There has been alot of peace in my life these last two years, and the wishes from my daughter for continued peace in my life, well... there are no real words to add to the meaning of her gift.

I love you dear daughter, I thank God for you and your brothers every day.

Peace, sweet peace! It comes with the assurance of God's love and forgiveness. It comes from knowing that you are in right relationship with him. It comes from living each day in his care.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

~1 Peter 5:7

At the heart of the cyclone tearing the sky

And flinging the clouds and the towers by,

Is a place of central calm;

So here in the roar of mortal things,

I have a place where my spirit sings,

In the hollow of God's palm.

~Edwin Markham