Encouragement

Perspective & God is still so good

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Our world today is full of uncertainties. It’s definitely the craziest times I’ve seen in my lifetime. However, through it all do you know who is still here? God. He is answering prayers & fulfilling His promises. I got an email, from a co-worker, the other day. It gave so much perspective to how strong people are. I wanted to pass it along to you all.

‘Imagine we were born in 1900. When we’re 14, World War I begins and ends when we’re 18 with 22 million dead. Soon the Spanish Flu appears, killing 50 million people and we’re only 20 years old. When we’re 29 we survive the global economic crisis with the collapse of New York Stock Exchange, causing inflation, unemployment and famine. When we’re 39, World War II begins and ends when we’re 45 years old with 60 million dead. At 52, the Korean War begins. At 64, the Vietnam War begins and ends when we’re 75. Now, A child born in 1985 thinks his grandparents have no idea how difficult life is.
Today we have all the comforts in a new world, amid a new pandemic. But we complain because we’re being told of the need to wear masks. We complain because we must stay confined to our homes where we have food, electricity, water, good jobs, Wi-Fi, and Netflix! None of that existed back in the day. But humanity survived those circumstances and never lost their joy of living. So, let’s keep our heads up, smile, and be more proud today than ever before.
Let’s make today a Thankful and Safe Day!’ – shared from Paul T. Nucor Tuscaloosa, AL Safety Manager

What an eye opener. With all of the daily struggles these folks had, you know who was still around? God. He has so many promises & blessings for us. If we choose to see them.

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him. (NKJV)

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)

Psalm 34:19

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

This scripture was read at my Daddy’s funeral. It was read by a minister, that was one of my Daddy’s best friends. It brought such comfort to me. Just knowing that no matter what my heartache is, the Lord PROMISES to bring me out of it. I love that!

Y’all, we are going to make it out of all of this mess the world is in. That’s the good news. And if for some reason, we don’t, we have a home in heaven with the Lord. That’s the BEST news. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. We are still hunkered down at our house. We are doing our online services & Lord’s Supper on Sunday, studying our Bibles daily & staying home.  Miss Neenee has been cooking all week. She makes the BEST chocolate chip cookies this side of Chips Ahoy. My waist line is telling me to eat a salad. I don’t like to listen, much.

However, please do remember, first & foremost, no matter what,

God is still good.

Praying for you all! Love you all like chocolate gravy & biscuits!

photo credits, Pinterest, Preach the gospel.org, etsy, & memes

 

Prayer & the Corona

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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

Can the world get any crazier

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What a crazy world we are living in right now. Never in my wildest imagination would I believe in 2020, I would be running around with gray hair, BECAUSE I HAD TO. Or that toilet paper, of all things, would be such a hot commodity. I mean, y’all, why are people not cleaning the grocery store shelves off down the FOOD aisles? I mean if I had my rathers, I would rather eat than anything else. But y’all, I can’t say I have been that upset with all of this. I mean, I am having my groceries delivered, to my house, & going to church in my pajamas. Miss Neenee is home from school. We are not having to run here & yon. And let me tell you, she is cooking for me & her daddy, just like she was our own personal chef. This is what dreams are made of. When our sweet governor took us off of “Shelter In Place”, I made the announcement at home, “That don’t mean us. We are staying right here.” I am delighted to say there were no hissy fits pitched because, let’s face it. We are homebodies.

However, there may be some that are seriously having lots of stress & anxiety from all of the changes the Corona virus has brought about. I read an article that said, “We are all going through the same storm, but not all of us are in the same boat.” How true this is. Some people may have fret, worry, and anxious feelings in their boat. Some people may have the actual sickness in their boat. You just never know. So, how do you deal with these feelings during this uncertain times? Jesus has the answer.

 

Matthew 11:28-29

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NKJV)

The apostle Paul said in

Philippians 4:7-8

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I know this all can be easier said than done, but hear me out. This is a process. You don’t just arrive at feeling peace in your soul. It is something you have to work on

Each. And. Every. Day.

With everywhere you turn, being unsettling & disturbing news, it can be hard to keep your mind in a state of peace. However, this is something you have to practice. You have to live a life according to God, pray, be faithful, have faith, & trust God to sort it all out. The problems we are facing today, are much too big for me & you to handle. But with the Lord, we can keep some sense of sanity. He promises us He will not lead us out so far & leave us.

I Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

He didn’t say He wouldn’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we wanted, but what we are able to bear. Daddy used to say if God gave you a lot of troubles, that means He thinks a lot of you. I would say,

“Well, sometimes I wish God didn’t think so much of me.”

We would laugh about whatever I was going to him for advice on. He would say something like,

“Worrying about it ain’t gonna do a frazzlin’ thing, but put you in such a shape to where you can’t do nothing for nobody. So, trust God.”

I always thought, “Trust God.” It’s just that simple, huh? But you know, once I started praying, studying my Bible & put my faith in the Lord, it all came about. The peace, the comfort, the calm. It takes humility (which I need a lot more of) & the realization that you can’t control it all, no matter what. The other day, I read on my Bible app., that during the past 6 weeks, the people who run the app, saw God moving in amazing ways. They saw the largest increase, ever, of people searching the scriptures for hope & peace. They saw more than 1.6 million prayers added to the site. People are reaching out & searching. And they are finding it. You can find it, too. All you have to do is open your Bible. Then, you can find that peace that passes all understanding. And man, let me tell you. There’s nothing like it.

I am so glad you came by to visit with me today. It’s been a minute, since I’ve been here. Things have really changed in my life, the last year. My Daddy passed away last April. It’s been a long year, to say the least. And too, Miss Neenee turned 16 & started driving. I have a lot more gray hair & now have 7 grandbabies.. That about sums it up. I hope you will decide to come back sometime. As for me, I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes.

Photo credits: Pinterest

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

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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 things to do for a Spiritual Spring Cleaning

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Y’all, the 1st day of Spring was this week. And we have seen glorious sunshine for several days. Let me tell you, that does a number on your winter blues. It’s hard to be too gloomy when you have some bright sun beating down on your face. Don’t get me wrong. I am not mad at winter. Bless his heart. But he brought with him a lot of cold and rain. This needs to stop. I would like to say to winter, as my sweet Mama Boyce would say to a nosy neighborhood dog getting in her flower beds,

“Git out of here! Don’t make me take a switch to you!”

But that might be weird, because winter doesn’t really have ears to hear. Oh well, good idea, though.

When I think of spring, one of the things that comes to mind is spring cleaning. Spring cleaning may consist of washing windows, cleaning out closets, clearing out cabinets, dusting ceiling fans, pressure washing the outside vinyl, knocking down all the cobwebs (I get tired just thinking about it!). But you know something to consider, too, is cleaning out our God given house. Spiritual Spring Cleaning is a purging of the dirt in your heart & life. It helps to cleanse your soul of the trash, that may have accumulated. What’s a better time than spring to get rid of the mess? What kind of messes am I talking about?

Consider these-

  1. Complaining
  2. Gossiping
  3. Envying
  4. Comparing
  5. Consuming
  6. Doubting
  7. Fearing
  8. Hating

These things we should avoid doing and even hanging around places where these things are commonly practiced. They do not lift us up in any form or fashion.

Here are 5 things to help spring clean your spiritual life:

1.  Take a good inventory of your heart. What are the things that need bagged up and trashed first? Start by thinking or “studying” about what changes you need to make. It’s always a good idea to think things through. The apostle Paul suggested this to Timothy in  I Timothy 4:15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. (NKJV)

2. Make a plan. I have always heard it is wise to plan your work & work your plan. We need to plan ahead on how we are going to react when someone starts gossiping to us or about us. We should decide, ahead of time, to not let the little things irritate us. Plan on how you will decide to handle hard situations, before they happen. Plan on how you will handle a know it all. This way, you will have thoughtfully made an effort to change how you view and react to things in advance. 

3. Take action. One way I love to take action is by making lists. Nothing is better than crossing something off my list. My list might look something like this:

  • Count my blessings
  • Give sincere compliments
  • Study the Bible
  • Thank someone
  • Share with someone how the Lord is working in my life.
  • Sit in the sun
  • Love
  • Be humble and kind
  • Remember if you can’t change it, let it go.

4.  Pray about it. This goes without saying. We should pray always, about          everything.

5.  Practice it daily. Y’all, let’s do our best to have a clean heart. I believe it will not only be a blessing to us, but to everyone around us. It will encourage others & help them to see Jesus through us. God is always working for our good. I love the quote:

Practice makes perfect, so watch what you practice!

Let’s make sure we are practicing things that encourage and not tear down.

I sure hope everyone is ready for the weekend! I know we are. It’s been a long week. My dad had surgery on Wednesday. Then, we’ve had others in our family not feeling so very good. Prayers are appreciated. On a good note, I got to see my big brother this week. It’s always a fun time when we are together. Until next time I should be going because I should be washing clothes.

If you are still wanting more ideas on a Spiritual Spring Cleaning- just click here for another article I wrote.

5 things to do when someone tells you to just get over it.

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Have you ever had someone to tell you to just get over it? I have a couple of issues with that. It may take me a minute, but just stay with me & hopefully, I won’t butcher this up too much.

Sometimes, in life, I firmly believe there are things you just don’t have to get over. Take for instance a loved one passing away. That is one of the main things in my life, I deal with, is missing my sweet mama, my salt of the earth grandparents, & my in-laws (who were the best people in the entire world). This is a day in & day out pain that I deal with. However, I do my best not to let it overcome me. My husband & I talk about things my mother in law would have said if she had been here while her great grandchildren were. She would have loved things they do & say. I make mention of my daughter’s love for cooking to be purely a fantastic genetic trait, that was passed down from my mama, her Granny & her great grandmothers. Their love for all of us, their good advice, & examples of Christian living, well, those thoughts live with me every day. And thank God for that. I won’t ever get over it.

What about the blood that Jesus shed on the cross for me? I hope I don’t ever get over that. I won’t ever be able to repay the Lord for what He’s done for me & my family. When I think about what the Lord has done for us, I feel so humbled. We have never been forsaken or felt alone – for long anyway. Because there’s a peace that passes all understanding, that well, I don’t understand. I just know that is one of the benefits of Jesus loving me & me obeying Him.

I read an article, the other day about how to get your kids to behave. Like I really need to know about that, huh? It said, when you want a child to do something specifically, you need to tell them how to do it. Instead of saying, “Watch out, you are going to fall.” You would say to a kid that was standing in a chair jumping up & down & screaming: “Sit down on your bottom and be quiet.” That may sound a little common sense worthy. But think of it y’all. How many times do we say things to people, that we want a certain outcome, but we don’t tell them how to do it? So instead of thinking, “Why don’t they just get over ______________? Fill in the blank with anything you wish here- their divorce, their money problems, their relationship problems, theirselves- maybe they just don’t know how.

So, how do we help others or help ourselves? I have a little list of things, I try to apply, that helps me to make it through:

  1. Pray- I know, I know. That’s all anyone ever says is pray about it. Well, that’s not bad advice. Here lately I’ve been doing a lot of that about certain areas of my life. Time in prayer is never wasted. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (NKJV)
  2. Listen & pay attention- If you stop & take time to listen to what the Lord is saying to you, through His Word, you may be pleasantly surprised. The other day, I was talking to a co-worker about my Dad being sick. He was reminding me his wife was in charge of a rehab/nursing home facility & that if he had to have physical therapy, it was a good place to go. While we were talking, my phone rang. It was the case worker at the hospital saying the doctor had put in orders for my Dad to go to rehab & did I know where he would like to go? WELL YES I DID. Some of the best things in the world have been given to us quietly. So pay attention to the little things going on. Those are sometimes the big things. I John 3:20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.(NKJV)
  3. Be social. Sometimes we just need people, that love us, to be around. You need to be able to reach out to others. Sometimes just being with folks you can laugh with & that make you laugh is extremely good medicine for the soul. Go out to eat with your family. Ask some friends to go to the movies. Prepare for hard days by planning to be with your people. Talk to them about how things are playing out for you & that you have a hard time going on. If they are your real friends & it is family that truly loves you, they will be there. Hands down. No matter what. Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NKJV)
  4. Realize you can’t do it without Jesus. It’s so heartbreaking to see people try to live this crazy life without the Lord. His presence & guidance is the best thing in the world. If you read & study His Word, you will get answers. Trust me on this one. You may have to be patient. You may have to wait. But that’s okay. Because God is always working for our good. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV)
  5. Count your blessings. It’s hard to be discouraged & depressed if you are thinking about all the Lord has done for you. Just take a few minutes & think about how blessed you are. Even with all the bad things going on & the hurt & the chaos in the world, we as still so, so, blessed. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”(NKJV)

Y’all life is so complicated sometimes. But there’s One that will take you just as you are. In your weak & broken down spirit, He will take you & comfort you. Right this minute, if you needed someone, do you have that person, you know without a doubt you could call on & they would be there for you? You don’t have to have a large group of people. One will do. Now, can you be that person for someone, as well? Make those your people. Because you matter to them & they matter to you. That’s one of the Lord’s way of taking care of you here. He gives us our people.

I am so glad you came by to visit with me today. 2019 has been a little crazy, so far. My Dad’s health is pretty touch & go right now. He had a fall back about a month ago. From that, it’s just been one thing after another for him.  If you get a chance, just keep him in your prayers. On another note we have a brand spanking new grandgirl! She is just gorgeous, of course. We got to be with family & friends all through the holidays. So, life is pretty good. Until next time I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes.

photo credit: Pinterest

Mr. Sweetie Pants- oh how boring life would be without this cutie!

Miss Neenee & Livie

Me & Livie Leigh

If there is a better big brother in the world, I don’t want to know about it.

Big brother visits are the best.

Love all of these faces.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

If you are looking for good news, you will find it here!

/ kstrick7 / Leave a comment

I have some good news for you today. If you have been going through some rough and troubled times, don’t worry. They won’t last forever.

I have a sign, in my office at work, that says:

Everything in life is temporary. So if things are going good, enjoy it because it won’t last forever. And if things are going bad, don’t worry. It can’t last forever either.

This is a wonderful reminder of God’s care for us. In Psalms 130, the psalmist seems to be in a dark place. It seems he filled with desperation & is searching for relief. It seems he is pleading to the Lord.

Psalms 130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications. (NKJV)

Have you ever been in such a state of mind that you just pray and beg the Lord for some sort of answer? I know I have. There have been times in my life that have seemed pretty bleak. Trusting in the Lord was the best thing I could ever do. Sometimes it’s hard to see how things are going to end up. But when you put your faith in God, things just tend to have a way of working themselves out. Even when things are in the Lord’s timing and not mine.

Psalms 130:5-6

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in His word I do hope.
6 My soul waits for the Lord
More than those who watch for the morning—
Yes, more than those who watch for the morning. (NKJV)

So if you are waiting in the darkness of problems and struggles, just know daylight’s a coming! You can have the reassurance the Lord will take care of you. His love and mercy is with us always.

Psalms 118:29 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (NKJV)

Y’all. My daughter fried chicken and made homemade French fries last night. I’m not sure how you are raising your kids, but if they can’t whoop out some from scratch buttermilk biscuits at the age of 13 or 14, you are doing it all wrong. Maybe we just got really lucky with this gifted little cook of ours. But Lord have mercy, it’s the devil on a waist line. This weekend, she made a double decker, from scratch, cookie cake for my oldest daughter’s birthday. It was chocolate chip with homemade chocolate cream cheese icing. Now let’s get this straight, I’m not telling you all of this to make you jealous or to get her married off. I am just wanting you to know there is hope in our future of youngun’s that’s coming up. Because you know what? She has the nerve of trying to go to high school in August. That’s a lot to put a mama’s heart through. Excuse me while I hush up my cryin’.

I hope you have had a good week so far. During the cold months, here in northeast Mississippi, I made statements such as, “You won’t hear me complain one time when it gets hotter than blue blazes outside. I’m not saying a word.” So that’s what I am doing right now. Not saying a word about it being humid as all get out & melting you down to a puddle, just by walking outside. And if I have checked my calendar correctly, it is May. So, Not. A. Word. Until next time I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 things for when life treats you bad & weather drama

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There are unfortunate circumstances that happen in life, that there is nothing you can do about. You didn’t create it. You didn’t do anything to make it happen. You don’t support it or even want it around.  But there it is. And you have to deal with it. Everybody has things they just wish they didn’t have to deal with. Sometimes life is just unfair. When bringing this fact to my Daddy’s attention, he will always say, “Fair is where grandma takes her pickles.” Point taken.

If you have never encountered a situation that has completely pulled the rug out from under you, that you had no control over, you are so blessed. However, don’t get too comfortable, because there’s a good chance, it’s coming. What kind of events am I referring to?

  1. Sickness– Either yours or someone very close to you.
  2. A broken relationship– This could be a husband, wife, child, sister, brother, mother, father, friend. Anyone that means something to you.
  3. Finances-losing a job, not being able to work due to sickness, etc.,.
  4. Addiction– yours or someone close to you.
  5. Loss– The loss of a loved one.

Y’all, this is just a short list. In our daily lives, there are all kinds of things that can be thrown at us. Unwanted things & situations we just wish we did not have to deal with. However, I am a firm believer, that’s just life. Life is not simple. It can be really hard sometimes. There are things that we go through that maybe we are ashamed of or don’t think anyone cares or understands. No matter what there is always, always, always something to be thankful for. Even if it’s that all days are not like the one you just had! Here are some ways to make it through a tough time.

  1. Realize. Realize that not everyone was raised like you. Not everyone wants to change. Not everyone cares they are causing you problems. Realize you cannot change anybody. Realize you are in charge of you & that’s all.

II Timothy 3:6 (NKJV) For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lust

                2. Think. Think about how you will react to situations. All the hollering and             kicking and screaming will not change some folks. Don’t put yourself through it. Just don’t. Those are the people who are not worth it.

Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV) A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

(AND THEN THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT OUR FRIENDS. The quicker you take this into account, the better off you will be.)

3. Pray. I know this is just a given. But you know, sometimes the rug can be pulled  out from under us so quickly, that we forget to go to the Lord in prayer. If you haven’t heard, the Lord has all the answers. We just need to make sure we are talking to him & taking it all to Him in prayer.

Nahum 1:7 (NKJV)The Lord is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him 

          4. Focus. Focus on the good. Focus on someone else, who may not have it as good as you do. Focus on helping others & being a light, in a dim world. Focus on what you can do to make something easier for someone else.

I Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

              5. Encourage. Be an encouragement for everyone around you. I promise you, if you are thinking of others & loving them, your problems will most of the time take care of themselves.  Be so busy loving others, you don’t have time to think of the hatefulness of others.

Psalm 31:24  (NKJV)24 Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.

 

I know hard times can be, well, hard. We just need to have a plan to make it. If not, things can spiral pretty quickly. We need to love others and be sure to not be selfish. Find someone to talk to about what you are going through. You may be surprised to learn, others may be going through the same thing or may have a way to cope until things get better. **I do want to mention, some people struggle with depression. It’s not really something that just giving yourself a pep talk will take care of. Sometimes you need to see a doctor. And that’s okay. There are all kinds of medications to help you cope. Don’t be ashamed. You don’t have to be on them forever. Just to help you out, when you need it. Know that you are not an island. Other people depend on you. So, take care of yourself.** And know, the Lord is there for you. He wants to help you through your challenging times. Bad things happen to good people. But, the Lord shows you how to weather the storm & learn lessons you can only learn through difficult times. Then, you will have the experience to help someone else. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Loving and helping each other.

I thought I was done, but I do have one more thing to say.

Bad times happen to everybody.

It’s just how we view them & work through them that make the difference.  We accept good from God. We also have to accept trials.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.

I hope everyone is having a blessed week. It has been cold here. I wore my sandals to work the other day and about froze my toes off. 35 degrees is still 35 degrees whether it’s in April or December. LORD HAVE MERCY, I know it’s going to warm up, but it sure is taking it’s time! Beats all I’ve ever seen. We are still playing softball. And by we, I mean Miss Neenee. She is enjoying the fire out of it, to our dismay of long, cold nights sitting outdoors, at a ball field.

Until next time, I should be going, because I should be washing clothes.

photo credits: makeameme.org, , know your role, Calvin & Hobbes