Devos

Prayer & the Corona

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

The other day, one of my co-workers asked me,

“Have you been praying more here lately?”

It took me a minute to think of what they meant.

HELLO! The Corona virus, Covid-19, the 2020 Pandemic, the only thing you hear anything about these days…. I answered them with, “Not really. I pray a lot anyways.” Then, I got to thinking, I wonder why I’m not praying more than usual? Because, here are the facts:

We have a disease that’s hit our country, that there is no cure.
It has no partiality, when it comes to who gets it.
Some people are dying.
We are encouraged to stay home & not be around anyone.
The governor, of our blessed state of Mississippi, is slowly but surely opening back up our state. (not that it really matters, because people haven’t stayed out of the local Walmarts AT. ALL.)

So, I guess there’s some things, needing our attention, when talking to God. It’s not that I’m not concerned about where our communities & nation are going. Because here are some facts, as well:

We have a mighty, mighty God.

God is faithful

God will provide a way.

God will take care of us. He always has. 

At the end of the day, God is in control.

Since we aren’t having church services at our church building, me and my house have Bible study at home. Here are some verses that we have found very comforting.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)

Romans 5:1
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, (NKJV)

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.(NKJV)

John 14:1-6
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV)

 

Anyone that was ever in my Daddy’s Bible class, was required to memorize John 14:1-6. I am so glad he had us do that. It is so comforting to be able to lay in bed at night, in the moments before I go to sleep, and have those words go through my head. Just one of the umpteen things my Daddy did right in this ‘ol world. He instilled the Word of God in our minds and hearts. I am so thankful for a preaching Daddy & a praying Mama. He knew committing scripture to mind was just one of the ways to find peace in this uncertain world.

I hope you are having a blessed week. Even through the nonsense, sickness, & crazy, the Lord is still there for us. The weather is finally warming up & low & behold, we have even turned the air conditioner on.  Then, we had to turn it back off because it was 41 degrees. (Help us, O Lord) We are going through phases, in opening up our state, but, I can’t say I will ever step foot back in a grocery store again. Grocery delivery has found me & I just may not let it go. Because, well, it makes me feel delighted. And couldn’t we all use a little more delightfulness in our lives? Until next time, I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

photo credits: Pinterest, www.challies.com

What to do when you are going through a tough time & it’s hot

/ kstrick7 / 2 Comments

Have you ever gone through a hard time? No one is immune to problems & struggles. Sometimes they can be waiting around every corner you turn! Attitude determines a lot of how you handle what is happening around you, or to you. We have to look for the good in everything.  If we can’t find anything good about a situation, then it’s still okay. We just need to be patient. It is necessary, that we all understand, nothing stays the same. If things are not to your liking, if they are going really bad, & I mean REALLY. BAD, it will pass. Nothing will stay the same forever. Just as if things are going wonderful & over the top. Enjoy it. It won’t last.

So, what do you do? Problems are tough. No one enjoys going through difficult things. However, here are a list of things, to hopefully help keep on your mind, as you push through to get to the other side.

  1. God is Good. (Matthew 19:7)
  2. God’s got this. (Proverbs 3:5)
  3. Jesus loves me. (Romans 5:8)
  4. Not today Satan. (James 4:7)
  5. The Lord is able. (II Corinthians 9:8)
  6. At the end of the day, God’s in control. (James 4:15)
  7. God will provide. (Hebrews 11:40)
  8. God is going to sort it all out. (Romans 8:28)
  9. God is faithful. (I Corinthians 1:9)
  10. There’s nothing that’s going to happen today, that me & the Lord can’t handle. (I Peter 5: 7)

When things go wrong, it is so important to do our best, to keep things in perspective, It’s easy to let things get the best of us. Sometimes it’s easy to get down & think things are stuck & never going to get better. That’s just not true. Everything changes. So what do you do in the mean time?

  1. Pray
  2. Count your blessings.
  3. Talk to someone, you trust, about what’s going on.
  4. Put things into perspective, by remembering one of the above phrases.
  5. Press on, don’t stop, & know things will get better.

Something that helps me, more than anything is to remember what I am thankful for. It  keeps me humble & grounded. And remember, what the Lord promises us:

Psalms 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all. (NKJV)

If you focus on the Lord’s truths, you will always be on the right track. He will never leave us with it all to deal with.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV)

I also love some advice a dear friend gave me one time. I was going through a rough patch and confided in her. I asked her how she made it through some of the things that happened to her in life. She just laughed & said, “A lot of prayer & a lot of Paxil.” I love this advice. No, I’m not advocating taking drugs. I’m just saying sometimes we need help. And if we have to take a pill, to cope with life, for a time, well,  so be it.  There’s worse things we could do. Don’t forget, in the end, everything is going to be alright. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end.

Y’all. Whoever said, “Oh, I can’t wait for summer!”, back when it was cold, all I can say is here you are. Summer is yours to love & enjoy & make your dreams come true.  I hope it is just delightful wherever you are.  Because when I say, I will take winter any day over this hot, humid, mess, nobody is rolling their eyes now, are they?  Y’all, it’s not even the dead of summer, yet. I kid you not, we have a heat advisory out until 8pm tonight. 8:00 at night. It’s so hot, the kids can’t go out and play. It’s so hot, you melt in a puddle, walking from your house to your car. It’s so hot, that we, as Southerners, remember at this time of the year, why we are working so hard to get to heaven. Hopefully, where there is air conditioning.  Because we have heard tell the other place does not. And we ain’t in on such as that. Until next time, I will be going, because I should be washing clothes.

I am so proud of these young ladies for teaching at Vacation Bible School this year. They are some pretty good kids!

This sweet lady turned 90 years young yesterday. She has been my neighbor,  the one I sit beside at church,  & my friend, for a long time. As Miss Neenee would say, she’s our girl. We love her so much!

5 reasons to pray & pollen

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Good evening y’all! It’s Wednesday. That means I get to go have fun with a bunch of 1st and 2nd graders at church! I just cherish the little class I have on Wednesday nights. They help me make it through the week.

By now, everybody probably knows how I love prayer. Someone may ask the question- Why Pray?

Well, wonder no more! I will give you 5 good reasons to pray.

It works. Moses was the leader of a bunch of the biggest complaining complainers ever was. God was not amused with them a lot of the time. He set fire to their camp to try to put a stop to it.  But Moses prayed & the Lord heard.

Numbers 11:1-2 Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. 2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire was [a]quenched. (NKJV)

It builds your faith. Nothing builds your faith more than praying & then watching things play out for our good.

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”(NKJV)

It makes a difference. If prayer didn’t make a difference, what good would it be?

Mark 11: 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.(NKJV)

For healing & forgiveness. I wonder if people ran to the Lord for spiritual healing, as quick as we bust up in the urgent care, every time we have an inconvenience,  we would be much better off? My mama used to tell me, “You better get down on your knees and pray.” So thankful I had a praying mama.

James 5:15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.(NKJV)

Because the Lord says to. If God is not in the business of taking our troubles and making them blessings, why pray? If we are going to worry about everything why pray? Because prayer changes things, y’all. I have seen many times, situations changing, because praying people were involved.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)

So, give it a try. Make it a practice. Why, even make an event of it.

I am so glad you came by to visit with me today. It looks like Spring brought her pollen with her. Oh well. Something new to look at for awhile. And in case you were wondering, my grands are doing awesome. Mr. Sweetie Pants has shown quite the enthusiasm for song leading at church. He is so excited that a 7 year old boy can get up and belt out songs, at the front of the church building, & not get in trouble for it. Because perhaps sometimes there are rules at worship service. Like being quiet. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. As for me, I will be going, because I should be washing clothes.

 

photo credit: www.marshallramsey.com, www.pinterest.com

God’s got this & why Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays

/ kstrick7 / 1 Comment

Do you ever get down hearted? Just worried & concerned about your family, your finances, your health? Not to mention loved ones around you. It’s the holidays, y’all.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes it seems those are the times we get anxious. We also have a lot of reasons to miss those who have passed on.  I know I miss my mama & grandparents more than ever this time of year.  On another hand, it’s so easy to get caught up in a friend’s well being, or how about the world around us? I promise, I stopped watching the news on t.v. awhile ago. It’s just too much, sometimes. For one thing, it’s depressing. So many terrible things are happening all around us. The shootings, drugs, and just in general how people are turning away from God. It makes you think everyone is bad & wonder where is God when you need Him? If you are like me, you pray & you wait. Then, when things just don’t work out, like I think they should, I start to doubt. I doubt my prayers. I doubt my thoughts. I doubt how things are playing out in my life. I wonder if the Lord is even listening? Or if He has time, with all the other foolishness all around, to even care about my problems. That’s when I have to stop myself, dead in my tracks, & remember Who, the God I pray to, is.

The God I pray to is the same God that created Adam from the dust of the ground. Just made a real, living, breathing, human being straight out of dirt. (Genesis 1:26)

He’s the One who promised Abraham & Sarah a child in their old age. And you know what? Issac was born. (Genesis 17:19)

He’s the One who had never let rain fall on the Earth & promised Noah, if he would go out and build a boat, he would save him. Noah didn’t even know what rain was, but since God said do it, he did & boy, I bet he was proud he did. (Genesis 6: 13-22)

God is the One that promised to send a savior, and then sent Jesus. Not in a big braggadocious, royalty like way. But to a common, every day mom & dad. (Luke 2: 4-7)

The Lord raised people from the dead, made people whole that could not be healed by anyone else on Earth, put the stars in the sky, and made a donkey talk. (Numbers 22: 28)

For one second, I should never think He ain’t able to help me. Sometimes, I have to remind myself Who I am talking to. Because He can do more than I could ever think or imagine. All He needs from me, as a Christian, is to believe He can. Then, He will.

Matthew 21:22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive

The same God that can create a universe out of nothing, can answer my prayers. Just knowing that should make my faith big. When I get to feeling things are hopeless, I think about how the Lord has a way of working things out in our lives. We may not understand what is happening, at the time. However, the Lord has always provided for me & my family. Even when I didn’t know what the outcome would be, He was right on time. He will do the same for you. Don’t ever doubt it. Things are going to happen to us. We are going to have to deal with things, we wish we didn’t. However, with God, you never have to worry.

Isaiah 54:17 says:    

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.

 

It does not say weapons (problems) will never form. Problems will arise. However, God will not let them prosper (continue). Our job is to keep a Christ like attitude about it, pray about it, & wait for God to work it out.

I love this saying:

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week. Are you ready for the big day on Thursday? I know we are so excited to be with family and friends over Thanksgiving.  This is one of my most favorite holidays. My daddy called me last night & we planned what we were going to have for breakfast that day. Y’all eating is very serious with us. I just cannot wait to get all my people in my house. Those guys are pretty important to me. And I love, love, love being in their company. Family, friends, & eating too much. My favorite. I hope you have a truly wonderful Thanksgiving. As for me, I must be going, because I should be washing clothes.

Behind these sweet smiles were some cold girls!

Parade time! We love a parade!

Miss Neenee enjoyed her birthday cookies. Since she loves to cook, it was only fitting she had cooking themed cookies.

Look how cute! These were made by Meg Makes and Bakes. They tasted as good as they were pretty!

On an unrelated note, I almost had bread crumbs for breakfast instead of oatmeal the other morning. Darn those same looking containers. And my old eyes.

 

photo credit: Amazon, Pinterest

 

 

How to handle rudeness like a boss & no fall weather for us

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

The other day, I came across a situation, that was somewhat uncomfortable. I was at the dollar store with my buggy full of snacks, toiletries, and other miscellaneous things. I was picking up some items to send to my deployed son-in-law. I walked up to the counter with my buggy & the man in front of me walked back in the store for something. I asked the cashier was he coming back? She said he was & I said okay & stayed in my place in line. This lady walks up beside me, then past me, then in front of me.

She said, “Thank you, hon.”

I looked at the cashier & she looked at me because clearly, I had just been passed in line without my permission. I didn’t even realize she was anywhere around until she was already in front of me. Did she not notice me? Did she figure she had less items than me so she automatically got to go 1st? Was she just flat out being rude & pushing her limit with me? I was just taken back & a smidge appalled at how dare she cut line. I was on my lunch. Was my time not just as valuable as hers?

It was at this point I thought there were some options I had here.

  1. I could pitch a duck dog fit & demand the older lady & her can of potted meat get behind me in line.
  2. I could “accidently” lose control of my buggy & run her over.
  3. I could ask the cashier to call a manager & demand the lady be escorted from the premises for having manners of a dish rag.
  4. I could shake my head, smile with my lips pursed tightly, & look the other way.

Fortunately, I chose #4. Which ended up being the best for everybody. Because I got my goods & went back to work. I didn’t have to waste my time teaching someone, not wanting to listen, a lesson. I didn’t have to be escorted out of the store for whooping up on a rude old lady. Was this a really big problem? Or was it just an inconvenience?

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)

Y’all, every problem creates an opportunity. This time, it allowed me the chance to practice my manners & LORD HAVE MERCY, just let it go. What if this lady had just gotten bad news & wasn’t sure what to do?  What if it made her so preoccupied that she didn’t realize what she was doing? What if she was in a hurry to get back home to a sick family member? What if her life were just in such pain & chaos she was just ready to get what she needed & get out of the store? I didn’t know. It sure didn’t give me a free pass to give her a piece of my mind. In which I have heard my precious Mama Boyce say, (Upon trying to break up a mere disagreement between me and my brother, as young’uns at her house.)

“Don’t you be actin’ sucha way.”

Then, she would raise her eyebrows & you knew she meant it.

Colossians 3:12-13  Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (NKJV)

Just know this, people are hurting. Someone may have just gotten some news back from the doctor, that was not what they had hoped for. Someone may have just lost a person that meant a lot to them. Somebody could have just lost a job, their house, or their kids in a divorce. We all go through things we wish we didn’t have to. There are certain times, more than others, we just need people to be kind to us. It’s not necessary to prove your point all the time. Nor is it your job to correct everyone’s shortcomings. Will some people take advantage of your kindness? Probably. But if you help one person along the way, ain’t that worth it? None of us are getting out of this thing called life alive. So, why not try to make things as pleasant as possible? And seriously, are there just some rotten people in this old world, that don’t want to be nice? Absolutely.  And I have found those people need kindness most of all. So let’s make sure we give folks the benefit of the doubt. Because on our bad days, don’t we want the same?Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (NKJV)

I am so glad you came by to visit with me today.  Saturday, me & my Mr. Sweetie Pants grandson decorated our porch for fall. I can’t say it was the most fun I had ever had putting pumpkins out in 90 degree weather. But hey. You can’t have everything. And apparently, this year, we can’t have cool weather in October. I hope where you are, it is beautiful fall weather.  We are enjoying all of our band time with Miss Neenee, as well. She is just blowing her trumpet & making memories. You all have a blessed week & remember to freely share kind words, love, & encouragement. Until next time I should be washing clothes.

Best day of a teen’s life. When they get their hunting license.

photo credit:  memes.com, pinterest, memecrunch.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s in your cup & remember how I told you high school was a bad idea?

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and bumps into you, making you spill your coffee everywhere. Why did you spill the coffee? You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup. Had there been tea in your cup, you would have spilled tea. The point is whatever is inside the cup is what will spill out. Therefore, when life comes along and shakes you (which will happen), whatever is inside you will come out. It’s easy to fake it, until you get rattled. So, we have to ask ourselves, “What’s in my cup?” When life gets tough, what spills out? Joy, gratefulness, peace and humility? Or does anger, bitterness, harsh words, and reactions come out? You choose! Today let’s work towards filling our cups with gratitude, forgiveness, joy, words of affirmation, kindness, gentleness, and love for others.

Y’all. I didn’t write that above paragraph, myself. It was copied from a post I saw on Facebook. But BOY did it hit home. Did I tell you what happened to me when I went to register Miss Neenee for high school? We were inside the school. She wanted to see where her classes were. And of course I was excited to climb the stairs and walk all over kingdom come (just kidding, I was not). After my new high schooler had gotten her fill of the visions of classrooms, lockers, hall ways, & perfectly decorated bulletin boards, we headed to the car. When we walked out of the building toward the parking lot, we were greeted by 2 enthusiastic and information bearing kids.

One of the boys said to my excited new  high schooler, “Are you a trumpet player?”

In which my trumpeter replied, “Yeah.”

Then, the boy replied, “Well, your car just got hit.”

WHAT??

Evidently, I must have had that look, because here came the band director. Walking from the site of the accident toward me.

There was a short conversation between the band director & I. He briefly told me a young man accidently backed into my car. He said he the young man was very sorry & had social anxiety. Basically, the kid was afraid I was going to come out with all fists flying, pitching a dying duck dog fit about my car. I looked down the way at the worried & scared look on the boy’s face & immediately felt bad for him. I walked down to my car with my daughter following behind me. Even though this was a situation I wish I didn’t have to deal with, I thought it was a teachable moment. As I walked up & looked at the HUGE dent in my bumper,

I looked over at the boy & said, “Are you okay?” He was so nervous.

He muttered out, “Yes ma’am. I’m really sorry.”

I said, “Don’t worry about it. We can fix cars. We can’t always fix people.” I smiled at him & you could tell he felt more at ease. Now when his dad showed up, I’m not so sure what he felt. But his dad & I exchanged pleasantries and insurance information. The law showed up to make their report & as we departed the parking lot, the young man told me again he was sorry. I let him know if this was the worst thing that ever happened to him, he would be ok. Things happen.

Was this an inconvenience? Yes. Was everyone okay? Yes. Could I have showed out and acted a fool? Probably. But what good would that have done? It wouldn’t have changed the fact my car still needed repair. But, what spilled out of my cup, that time, was forgiveness, patience, & hopefully kindness. Do I always act on my best behavior? Probably not. I am human & sometimes I do say & act in a way that my mama would be ashamed of. However, I can get it together every so often, more so than on other occasions.

What’s in your cup today? Is it filled with hate, spite, & an unforgiving spirit? When you are shaken, does your cup spill out bitterness & sharp words? Or does it spill out thankfulness, compassion, & warmhearted actions?

I Peter 3: 8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; (NKJV)

Are your ways prideful & judgmental? Or are they filled with mercy & grace?

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.(NKJV)

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.(NKJV)

Since I have gotten a little older, I seem to be of the opinion, kindness needs to be deliberate & practiced ALL THE TIME. You never know what someone might be going through. And believe me I have never came across anyone without problems. You may be the only light they see in a world of gloom & doom. This world needs love. Why don’t we make an effort to show the Christ like love we would want shown to us? Life is a circle. What comes around, goes around. You get what you give out. So, next time someone gives you a short answer, just smile & kindly thank them. They may have just gotten some really bad news. Or they could just have their cup filled with some stinkin’ rotten things. Either way, your kind heart might just change their way of thinking. If not, you will be still be doing the right thing.

Like my Mamaw used to say, “Don’t act ugly.”

Y’all, can I say we have just been enjoying the fire out of Miss Neenee being in the band? This means we have a reason to go to the football games again. And boy do we love it. We did however make mention how we miss my son-in-law there. He is deployed right now. He loves sports and competition and yelling for our team. So much, that my daughter may or may not have to tell him to sit down before he gets thrown out of the game. He gets a bit riled up. And we love him for it. I hope your weather has been pleasant. Someone said fall is beginning. I’m not sure where they are, but here in northeast MS it is still HOT AS BLUE BLAZES. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend. We will be at the ballgame tonight cheering on our little trumpet player. Until next time I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

 

Look at that game face.Almost got her to smile.Yes this is a HUGE football helmet with smoke billowing out of it. We are just fancy like that.

Football good times.

photo credits: Facebook, http://www.ellenlandreth.wordpress.com, pinterest

 

 

 

We should care like Jesus does & why high school is a bad idea

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Goodness gracious is it really just a few weeks until the kids go back to school? I just can’t with this. Miss Neenee is going to be in the 9th grade.

As in High. School.

I ask myself: “Why does she even need higher learning?” I love her just the way she is. But she is so excited to go. I just know with high school beginning, that means she will be flying out of our little nest before too many years. Which is not my favorite.

I am so over this already, y’all and it ain’t even started. Oh my word.  I’m trying my best not to make a mountain out of a mole hill, but GAH.

HIGH SCHOOL. MY BABY. TOO MUCH TO HANDLE.

Bless my heart. Y’all pray for me. Because dadgum it if I had my druthers we would still be here.

Not here.

Speaking of which, do you ever get so caught up with your own circus of problems, that you don’t notice what others have going on? I am so bad about this, unless someone just pretty much comes up to me & tells me what’s happening, I don’t even pay attention to what’s all around me. It’s not that I don’t care, it’s that I have such a heapin’, helpin’ of this life stuff happening, that I may fail to look at what others are going through. That’s not always good.

This past Sunday, our Sunday School teacher was talking about Jesus. He was mentioning the fact that Jesus helped people & we should be willing to do the same thing. He was talking about how Jesus healed the woman, that had an issue of blood. She had so much faith, that she knew if she could just get to Jesus & touch the hem of his garment, her troubles would be over.

Matthew 9:20-22

 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.

 

A sweet hearted lady at church made mention of just that fact people may still be reaching out to touch His garment. When they do, we need to be ready to help. Her point was this, people are hurting. They need the same healing Jesus gave that woman. If others around us reach out to us, we need to be ready to point them to Jesus. I know some may be reluctant to lend a helping hand to others because

A. What do you even say to a person that is in dire straits?

And

B. Who am I to get into someone else’s business?

If you see someone that you know has had a hard time or is having a hard time, sometimes just saying, “I’m praying for you, would you like to talk?” or “What can I do to make things easier for you?” or “Here’s my cell number. Text me & let’s go out to eat.”  Are  WONDERFUL ways to begin. Then, be there to lend an ear, or meet for lunch, or whatever the other person feels comfortable with. Now let me tell you, I am the worst one in the world to accept help from others. I will scratch and claw and knash my teeth before I will give up and take someone’s offer of help. I have this stubborn way of thinking that I have to do everything on my own. It may be a pride thing or just being bull headed. But there are times I have to step back & say, “This is too much.” Then, members of my personal support team come in and rescue me. (**Personal support team = my wonderful, unjudging family & friends**)

The kind hearted lady I was talking about, just a minute ago, is actually a doctor. She counsels and is basically a super hero. She made mention of the fact that people need to understand they do not have to walk around with the weight of the world on their shoulders. People need to realize there is help out there. It’s through us as Christians that we need to be willing to reach out and help others. I heard a preacher say once,

“People are hurting. They need to know we care & they need to know about the love of Jesus.”

You just never know what the person right beside you is going through.

AND you don’t have to be up in someone’s business to help. Simply just saying, “I’m here if you need me.” Or “I have been thinking about you.” Or how about, “I love you.” Plain & simple. Sometimes just knowing you have support is the best medicine. If the other person does need help, hopefully, this will open the door for them to tell you that.

I can remember my mama telling me more than once,

“Don’t let things get in sucha mess. You would have been so much better off if you had of let somebody help you.”

Yes, yes I could have.  But my “I can do it myself” got in the way with reality. Which was “I really could use help, like last week.” I guess I just don’t like to admit I can’t HANDLE IT ALL. Which is really silly of me because I have help around every corner, if I would only quit thinking I am less of a person for needing help. And you know my Personal Support Team I made mention of? Every time I ask one of them to help me out, they are more than glad to. It goes without saying, it would be advisable for me to not think I am too good to ask or receive help because like my Mama Boyce used to say:

“Lawdy, chile, you know better than that.”

So, to recap:

  1. Realize there are people that need help.
  2. Be prepared to help others.
  3. Let others help you,

I am so glad you came by to visit with me today. It has been hotter than blue blazes here. Which is great if you can stay under the air conditioning all the time. Otherwise, it can be a smidge inconvenient because hair and makeup are not a fan of humidity. More than once in the past few weeks I have declared: I’ma ’bout to burn up! Miss Neenee is at band camp this week and next week. Pray that she remembers to put on her sunscreen, bless her red faced heart. Until next time, I should be going because I should be washing clothes.

Photo credit: www.pinterest.com, BibleGodQuotes

 

The need to listen to the quiet and look how big my baby has got

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

So much of our lives are lived in big ways. When we celebrate, the bigger the better. The bigger the cake, the more confetti, the larger the spread of food, the more we care, right? And don’t forget about the present. Lord have mercy, we’ve got to have the biggest, best, most thoughtful, gift of all. The more expensive the better. If it’s not New Orleans Mardi Gras worthy, BIG, Bragadocious, & have the fireworks flying did you really even have a party?

What about if we had something small with just the kids, a birthday cake, that gets spit on while blowing out the candles & half melted ice cream? Oh and not to mention how bad it gets when we play musical chairs. Nobody. Likes. Losing. Would we still be having a party? I dare say we would. Does everything have to be big and extravagant to be something?

I have really been trying to pay attention to my One Word Focus. With that, I have realized, sometimes, blessings come without the hoopla & without the frills. Is it interesting? Nope. Is it Earth shattering & the angels opening up the heavens? Double nope. Is it so mundane that you take a second glance & say to yourself, “Is this really what this is?” Yep. Something as simple as someone calling to say, “I want to help.” Right at a time you ain’t expecting it AT. ALL. No trumpets were sounded. No mountains trembled. Nothing. Just good hearts wanting to pass along the Lord’s love.

But is it still God? Yep.

I think about Naaman. I’m not sure how much you know about Naaman, but he thought pretty highly of himself. I mean he was the commander of the army of the king of Syria. So, he was obviously hot stuff. There was just this one little thing about Naaman. He had leprosy. You would think that would be humbling enough. When he found out about the prophet Elisha being able to heal him, he just went flat out to his front door. Elisha sent a messenger out telling Naaman to go wash 7 times in the river Jordan. And apparently that took the friendly right out of Naaman because he wanted a PRODUCTION. He wanted hands waving & to be acknowledged. Not to have to get his hands dirty in the muddy river of the Jordan. But instead, he got a quiet blessing. In the murky river of the Jordan he received cleansing of his leprosy.

II Kings 5:14  So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.(NKJV)

Boy, don’t you know he was surprised? In his mind he thought he deserved something bigger and better. But, it’s like my daddy always says, “You better hope you don’t ever get everything you deserve.” Naaman received a quiet blessing. (II Kings 5)

All of that tells me this. We need to focus on the quietness of the Lord. We need to be thankful and appreciative of all the blessings the Lord gives us. Even when we are expecting blessings to look like something else. Just because blessings come as chocolate gravy and biscuits instead of a thick cut bone in ribeye, doesn’t mean you didn’t eat, now did it? We are important to God. Our wants and needs are important to Him. Let Him decide how to handle them. If you haven’t heard, God is always right on time.

I hope everyone has had a great week! Did anyone tell you that the kids get out of school this month? As in This. Month. I may or may not have had a little meltdown looking at pictures of my Miss Neenee to put in the yearbook. Not a fan of the growing up thing.

Here’s a picture of Miss Neenee I took last week…..

And now this……

How did this happen?

Athletic Banquet 2018

Please be in prayer for me, as I do my best to keep myself together over how my baby is starting high school in the fall. Lord have mercy. Until next time I will be going because I should be washing clothes.

5 things to make 2018 the best year ever

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

I have some good news to bring to y’all today.

Public Service Annoucement:

You are the President & CEO of your life.

You are the direct product of the choices you make. A friend of mine sent a safety email out at work with the following thought:

Here are 5 things to take you to some better choices, in the new year:

  1. Pray about it. How about taking it to the Lord before you take it anywhere else. Be sure to realize He is the One to help make things happen. He can give you strength & courage, when you don’t know what you are supposed to be doing. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV)
  2. Make a list. I am a list person. If I want to tackle a certain situation, I have to list out everything I need to do to get there. A wise man once called this a “critical path”. When I would bring things to my former boss, to help me figure it out, he would say, “What is your critical path?” That’s when the list making would begin. I like to think of it as the old saying, if you want to eat an elephant how do you do it? One bite at a time. You speak of having plans and power for war; but they are mere words. And in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? II Kings 18:20 (NKJV)
  3. Gather your team. You can’t do everything by yourself. AHEM, I said, YOU CAN’T DO EVERYTHING BY YOURSELF. This is a hard pill to swallow for someone as stubborn, hard headed, subject to resist change type person I am. But y’all. It’s so true. Many a great people have a team. Do you think the president of the United States runs this country on his own? Do you think your elders or deacons run the church without help? NO! No one is an island. Get your people together. Tell them your plan. They may have already walked the road you are going down & can give GREAT advice. The Lord may just be waiting to fill your life with good using someone else. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)
  4. Put your plans in action. So many people are crippled by fear. So many people don’t finish because they don’t start. Don’t let this be you. Find some way to make things happen. You never know, others may be encouraged by you & start doing some things, as well! Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 (NKJV)
  5. Pat yourself on the back. Hey, if you don’t appreciate how far you have come or where you are going, no one else will. You can’t depend on others for your happiness. You have to make it. Be proud of yourself. Others will be, too.Ya’ll, let’s make 2018, the best year ever. God wants to help you. All you have to do is ask. But you need to have a plan. The Lord feeds the birds, but He does not throw the worms up in the nest! For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. II Thessalonians 3:10(NKJV)

I hope everyone is having a blessed 2018. We had our collard greens, hog’s jowl, & blackeyed peas. We are ready for the new year. Bring it on, 2018! Until next time I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

Psalms 84: 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold From those who walk uprightly.(NKJV)

Some sweet faces for your viewing pleasure.

 

Thanksgiving thoughts and remember to be thankful for what you don’t have

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

 

Thanksgiving is two days away. As in TWO.DAYS. How many are feeling overwhelmed? I know that guy hangs around my door step a lot. Believe you me, there are times I feel more overwhelmed than anything else. What does this mean? Does it mean I am letting things of the world over take my faith in God? Does it mean I am not trusting in the Lord? Does it mean I have lots of responsibilities and I just keep adding more? Those are some things I want to address today. Because those of you who know me, know I am a fountain of got it together & follow through. Ha. LOL. OTFL. Or whatever hashtag these young’uns use now a days.

With all the things we have going on, cooking for the holidays, taking care of kids, running a household, trying to be the best version of you, health problems, money problems, & basically just problems, it’s no wonder we meet ourselves coming. When we feel like we can’t anymore, remember the Lord says we can:

Philippians 4:6-7 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(NKJV)

Psalm 27:1 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(NKJV)

Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.(NKJV)

I Peter 5:7 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.(NKJV)

The Lord wants to help the hurting & those that are needy, not the got it all togethers. If you are spending time in prayer, then you are have time well spent. Anytime you can have a conversation with the Lord, it’s not time wasted. There’s a beauty in the struggle that we don’t always realize. Within every problem, there is opportunity. Opportunity for change. Opportunity for seeing things a different way. Opportunity for learning. Don’t look at problems as the end of the world. Instead, see them as a lesson learned. See them as the Lord molding us into stronger, better people. Calm waters never make good sailors. Be thankful the Lord wants to equipt us for bigger things. And accept it. We, as people, want to tell God what is best for us. Instead of realizing God’s already got it all handled.

Here are some things that might help you keep it between the ditches:

  1. Pray- Pray small prayers throughout the day. Or plan for prayer. Whether it be at the beginning of your day, at lunch, or when you go to bed. Just make sure you are keeping the conversation going with God. That in itself will help you more than you can ever imagine.
  2. Make lists- I am a list person. If I don’t I get so easily overwhelmed. I have always heard the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. So, I try to break things down as I go. Knowing I am preparing Thanksgiving breakfast & dinner, I start out with a menu. Then, I make a list of what I will need to make everything. I also make a list of what we will need at the meal. I make a list of my groceries. I make a list of what I am going to prepare 1st, 2nd , 3rd. Because that is easier to me than thinking I am responsible for making our Thanksgiving meals perfect & memorable for my dear family. See what I did there? Lists make me sane. The thought of high expectations overwhelm me.
  3. Let people help you- Don’t think you have to do everything by yourself. If someone says, “What can I do to help?” Then by golly, have them something to do. Me & my sweetie handle the main Thanksgiving meal. The girls do the desserts. It just works out.
  4. Read your Bible- What better way to feel peace & a calm about you, than to spend time in God’s Word? Prayer is talking to the Lord. That’s important. But letting God talk to you, through the Bible, is important, too.
  5. Get away-Sometimes just getting away to clear your head makes all the difference in the world. If you can’t take a two week vacation to the Bahamas, you can get up, walk outside, and take a deep breath of fresh air. Changing your scenery by taking a drive or a walk always seems to put things in a better perspective.
  6. Thank the Lord for what you don’t have. Sickness in your family, dealing with children that have lost their way, money problems, hungry mouths to feed and nothing to feed them, your own personal health problems, a car that won’t start, worn out tires, those are lots of terrible things to have to encounter. But what if you don’t have a sick child or your health is pretty good right now? Thanking the Lord for what you have is important. However, thanking Him for what you don’t have is just as crucial to having a thankful spirit.

I hope you all are doing good this TWO DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING. I know, I can’t get over it either. We have had some wonderful weather happening here in northeast Mississippi. The leaves are changing and the air is crisp. Just what the doctor ordered! Until next time I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

photo credit- someecards, pinterest,