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

July 10, 2019July 10, 2019 / 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.

God is Good. (Matthew 19:7)
God’s got this. (Proverbs 3:5)
Jesus loves me. (Romans 5:8)
Not today Satan. (James 4:7)
The Lord is able. (II Corinthians 9:8)
At the end of the day, God’s in control. (James 4:15)
God will provide. (Hebrews 11:40)
God is going to sort it all out. (Romans 8:28)
God is faithful. (I Corinthians 1:9)
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?

Pray
Count your blessings.
Talk to someone, you trust, about what’s going on.
Put things into perspective, by remembering one of the above phrases.
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!

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

October 8, 2018October 8, 2018 / 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 1^st? 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.

I could pitch a duck dog fit & demand the older lady & her can of potted meat get behind me in line.
I could “accidently” lose control of my buggy & run her over.
I could ask the cashier to call a manager & demand the lady be escorted from the premises for having manners of a dish rag.
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?

September 7, 2018September 7, 2018 / 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

July 17, 2018July 17, 2018 / 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 9^th 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. ²¹For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” ²²But 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:

Realize there are people that need help.
Be prepared to help others.
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

On this day an angel was born

April 19, 2018 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Mama, me, & Mamaw. Obviously this was late 80s. Just putting that out there.

Today, on April 19th, would have been my Mamaw’s 98th birthday. If ever an angel walked the Earth she was one. She loved us and if you asked any of us which grandchild was her favorite, we would have confidently replied, “I am.” She just had a way of making each one of us feel that special. Not everyone has that ability. If you have one person in your life that makes you feel such chocolate gravy and biscuits good, you are truly blessed.

Mamaw & her grandgirls

Now, she loved her family but most of all she loved the Lord. She put that love for the Lord in each of her grandchildren’s hearts. All of us have done our part to pass that along to our kids. I will forever be thankful to have been loved by such a good, Godly woman.

5 things to help you through the holidays

December 12, 2017December 12, 2017 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

It’s that time of year again. You know the time of joy & peace & love. Also, of depression, uncertainty, & how in the world am I going to get this all doneness? But y’all. How do you make it through the holidays without the annual hair falling out conference (as I have attended for several years)? I have to keep myself psyched up & organized (to a degree, because who am I kidding?) Here are a few things that may help you combat the bah humbug syndrome.

Christy Jordan, over at Southern Plate, has the best printables to stay organized at Christmas. To see these click here.

If you need a good Southern recipe, she has that covered, too.

Whether you are eating, cooking, shopping, or just having a good ol’ fashioned meltdown for the holidays, remember to take a minute for yourself. This is priority. I have found that taking time to stop & study my Bible & spend time with the Lord COMFORTS ME SO. Here are some verses to consider during this time.

Good news! There’s hope in the Lord. No where else. Jesus came, lived, preached, & died on the cross for our sins. Because of this, we have forgiveness of sins & a home of heaven, if we are faithful. Proverbs 14:32 promises ³²The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death. (KJV)
You know that meltdown I was talking about? That’s real. Many dread the holidays because of the fact so much has changed in their lives. Loved ones have gone on. Health problems may keep some from enjoying the holidays, as they always have. There may be family problems, money problems, or any kind of problem that makes a person feel helpless. However, the Lord comes right in with another promise- Matthew 11:28 ²⁸Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (NKJV)
Remember to trust. This was my “One Word” that I focused on this year. And let me tell you, it has really brought me through some tough times. Just knowing God is with me & that He will take care of all my insecurities. Psalm 46: 1-2God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
²Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;(NKJV)
How can you make it without love? Jesus says you can’t. That’s why in the scriptures He continually tries to drive home the message that we as humans need love. 1 John 4:11¹¹Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.(NKJV)
And last but not least, expectations are the devil. These kids expect costly electronics, name brand clothes & shoes, the latest gaming system with you know, the expensive games. All of that costs money, right? You know the money that’s so hard to come by. Make this season about love, joy, & peace. Let’s show our families that they are important. Because it doesn’t matter how fancy your house is, how new your car is, how much money is in the bank. If it costs you your soul, all is lost. Luke 9: 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? (NKJV)

Y’all. Let’s make this Christmas what it’s supposed to be. Don’t let the burdens of expectations take a hold of you. Pray about it & then do your best with the situation you have. Ask others for help, if need be. Things tend to work themselves out. Don’t fret! I hope you are having a blessed week. I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

photo credits: pinterest

And just like that, summer was gone & love your people

September 12, 2017September 12, 2017 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

We are right in the middle of being in the swing of things for school this year. Miss Neenee has plenty to keep her busy. She is cheering this year. We are so excited! Except that she has to miss band for the 1st semester. However, 2nd semester, trumpet section, watch out.

She has had some spirit days at school where they dress up, appropriately, nonetheless, for the theme. This was crazy hair day.

She had a bird’s nest made of hair (aka a bun).

They had a dance. And guess what? Mr. Sweetie Pants attended, too. He was just as cute, as the day is long, to watch dancing with all the “big girls”.

It was a black light dance, thus the freshly made glow in the dark t-shirts & face paint.

We went to the circus with the grands. They were so excited. I asked what their favorite part was & hands down, it was the dog that did tricks! Nevermind the blurry picture. There was LOTS of energy & not being able to be still in this photo. Oh & a Grand that can’t take good pictures.

We came across Batman, Spiderman, a tiger, & a puppy dog at the circus.

On Labor Day we had a fish fry. This young man had a really good time. He told lots of tales and entertained the dickens out of everyone, per his usual.

This man is full of entertainment. Lots and lots of entertainment.

I Thessalonians 3:12

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

I thank God daily for the full life I have. We are truly blessed to be surrounded by people we love. There is really no greater joy in life. I pray the Lord will also make your love BIG for your people, too. Until next time, I should be washing clothes.

Helpful hints for a good spiritual spring cleaning

April 6, 2017April 5, 2017 / kstrick7 / 1 Comment

Well, it’s that time again. Time for a good spring cleaning! When I think about spring cleaning, I think about my house. My windows need washing, the rugs need cleaning, the ceiling fans need dusting, & the air conditioner filters need replacing. Y’all, I am just getting tired thinking about all of it!

Just think about it though.

Does our inner man need a spring cleaning, too?

What if we made a conscience effort to get the cob webs out of our hearts? What if we swept jealousy & comparing ourselves to others straight out the door? What would our God given houses be like if we just flat out wiped out hate and filled it back up with love? Like the love I have for chocolate gravy & biscuits.

James, the brother of Jesus, talks about this in

James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (NKJV)

Peter mentions it, as well, in

I Peter 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

And I can’t go without including the fruit of the Spirit (notice this says “fruit” as in singular, as in one-which means all of these beautiful qualities go together. As in you need to have all of these, not just pick which one you want to do & leave the rest out.)

Galatians 5: 22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (NKJV)

Let’s take a look at ourselves (me included, because I need it more than anybody!). Let’s make sure we have the most important aspect in our lives first, LOVE. Then, I really believe the rest will fall into place.

Matthew teaches in Matthew 12, that if we get rid of something bad in our lives, we need to immediately fill it back up with something good. If we don’t we chance more bad coming back into our hearts.

⁴³“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. ⁴⁴Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. ⁴⁵Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”(NKJV)

Whew! Spring cleaning is hard! Especially when you have to get rid of things like being unforgiving & having bitterness in your heart. Things like this is like old baggage you have tucked back in the corner of a closet & forgotten about. It’s been around so long, that you hardly notice it’s holding you up in your walk with God.

Ephesians 4:31-32 ³¹Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³²And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)

How about we all get to work on spring cleaning? I know I sure need it. I’m so glad you stopped by today. I presented the good news to Miss Neenee last night that school would be out next month. As in NEXT MONTH. She was just pleased as punch to know she would have a break before long. Come on summer!! I hope you have a blessed week. As for me, I have got to be going because I should be washing clothes.

photo credits: quotesgram.com, whatchristianswanttoknow.com, newhealthom.com

The end is nearer than you think & buffalo

September 22, 2016September 22, 2016 / kstrick7 / 3 Comments

I read some disturbing news today, y’all. We have 100 days left in this year. Lord have mercy, where in the world did 2016 go? If you had anything you wanted to do in 2016, you’d better hurry. Time is not waiting for anyone.

That got me to thinking. What do I need to accomplish in the rest of my time in 2016? My thoughts went from DIY projects at home that I need to do, to family get togethers I need to plan, to work goals I need to get together. But when I think more seriously about this, I think, What does God want me to accomplish in the remaining time of 2016? Here is a list of things I believe are noteworthy-

Surrender to Jesus. What I mean by this is if we humble ourselves to do more listening & obeying, then so much of our lives will just fall into place. It’s so hard sometimes to take a step back & just give it all to the Lord -all the worries, uncertainties, stress, & problems in life, that we face. I truly believe, we just need to lay it all at the feet of Jesus. Then & only then will we be at peace. (Phil. 4:7)and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(NKJV)
Forgive. Forgive others. Forgive ourselves. Just forgive. Instant load lightened right there. (Matt. 6:15) But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (NKJV)
Love so much it hurts. If you have never totally put yourself completely out there, to love others, boy you are missing out. From someone who has been divorced, lost a parent, lost close family members, & have had some strained relationships- I can say I am still glad that I love people. (John 15:13) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. (NKJV)
Walk in the Spirit. How’s your prayer life? How’s your daily Bible study time, going? If you can’t answer “Amazing!” or “Remarkable!” to either of these, then before 2016 is out, make a change. How can we expect to walk in the Spirit, if we don’t give the Spirit any of our time? If we are walking in the Spirit, then we have less opportunity to let matters of the flesh in. I know when I have my mind on Jesus, I have less time to give other things any part of my time. (Acts 9:31) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (NKJV)
Be faithful. You can tell so much about a person by what they are faithful in. Let’s make sure we are faithful in the Word. God has so much to offer us. Faithfulness is going all in for the long haul. Look at everything the Lord has done for us. We can show our love and appreciation by our obedience & faithfulness to Him. (Rev. 2:10) …Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. (NKJV)

I’m so glad you stopped by to visit with me today. I heard on the radio, this morning, that today is the 1st day of fall. I’m ready for the weather to be showing out. We need some cooler temps, that’s for sure! Hope you are having a blessed week. Until next time, I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes.

We went to see Mr. Sweetie Pants in his Grandparent’s Day program at his school. Cutest thing ever!

Tacky Tourist Spirit Day at school this week. It was homecoming & we were ready in costume.

Mr. Sweetie Pants feeding the goats at the Buffalo Park. From the time he woke up, until the time we arrived at the Buffalo Park, I had heard the word, “Buffalo” 9,873,185 times. Not that I was counting.

And this is pretty much how the rest of my week was last week.

Next was an Oreo Sonic Blast with double stuffed flavor funnel. My jeans were not happy with me.

The struggle is real, y’all.

photo creds: strawberries.ces.ncsu.edu, Britney @ The Princess & Her Cowboys, Jane.com

If this don’t melt your heart, nothing will

July 15, 2016July 15, 2016 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Recently, I clicked on my local Facebook interweb page & saw a wonderful story I wanted to share. Click on the picture to read this truly heartwarming story.

Two important lessons I want to bring out of this story.

When the cop found this teenager he did not get all racist on him, he did not brutally attack him, he did not gun him down. Because he took time to listen to the teenager, the officer was the beginning of a beautiful life changing situation for this young man.
This young man gave God the glory for his newfound situation.

This could just have very well been just another frightening & sad event for the media to hone in on to discourage us. But because the police officer took the time to listen to the teenager & because the police officer took his job to protect & serve seriously, we are reading a happy ending instead of a terrible one. I’m not sure how well publicized this story is, however, I bet you it doesn’t get the attention all the negative in the world has been getting. And you know something I find so heartwarming about this? After all the money this teenager has gotten on his GoFundMe page, all the donations kind folks have made to him, the free health & dental care that was promised him, the job, the new bike, all the tangibles, you know what he said meant the most to him?

THE RELATIONSHIPS he had made through all this.

It looks like this young man is wise beyond his years. I know people with much more years & experience on him, that has yet to realize this. Relationships are everything. Jesus talks about love for one another as a commandment, not just a good idea.

Mark 12: 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.(NKJV)

Mark 12: 31 And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”(NKJV)

I believe the morale to this story should be : God will provide.

God provided for this young man & He will provide for you, as well. Don’t you just love it when God steps right in & blesses people? It just give you that deep down good feeling. Like chocolate gravy & biscuits good.

I hope you are having a blessed day. We have had a smidge of rain & our little container garden has runneth over. I’m really enjoying having some fresh summer vegetables. What are you enjoying this summer? I want to hear all about it. But until next time, I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.