The 'Perfect Mentor'

Good Morning Friends!  Wise and Wonderful Wednesday!  My husband has been doing a small construction job with a young man in our neighborhood.  They work together quite often and David loves to tease Kim about teaching him (Kim has a life of working experience and he likes to share).  Kim said the other day as they got started, David said, “Well are you going to teach me anything today?”  Kim laughed, but went on to share some stories about the “job” things he tries to help David learn to make the job easier and more efficient.  I chuckled to myself, Kim is mentoring David. He shared how he told David to take care of his tape measure.  They were finishing up for the day and it had been kind of a damp day so Kim told David that when he got home, he needed to pull the tape measure all the way out wiping it with a try cloth and then spray it with WD-40.  David looked at him kind of funny, so Kim continued, “keeps it from rusting and locking up.”  David just shook his head, “I had to throw away 2 good tapes because they were rusted shut!”  Kim just laughed and told him “I’m just trying to help you and make things easier.”  As I listened to Kim telling me about his time with David, how he was mentoring him, helping to get the job done easier, with less problems, it hit me…..Oh my….”Yes Father, we have the ‘Perfect Mentor’…..YOU!  Like David on the job we can make things so much harder than they need to be!  If we would simply pay attention to what You tell us in Your word our job of life could be so much less stressful, we could avoid so many troubling “issues” if we would, “Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you.” I Peter: 5:7.  We want to just barrel in without thinking…not trusting that God has us covered if we trust in HIM….blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in HIM.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat (or sickness, or financial problems, or work) comes; its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8.  No worries….wouldn’t that be great…I know since we are the weak humans we are, that we will always tend to worry some, but really friends we don’t need to let our lives be consumed with worry!  Our Father, if we go to HIM, and really, really trust in HIM, we can really, really let go of the yucky stuff and let HIM guide us!  I promise, I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this, I know it’s not easy, but gosh when we do it….

"The Lord gives strength to His people (that’s us….you and me); the Lord blesses blesses HIS people with peace.  Psalm 29:11.  “Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you.  Job 22:21.  Really!!!  I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this….nope steering you right into HIS loving arms and PERFECT PEACE!  “May the God of Peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  2 Thessalonians 3:16. 

Love you all!

 

Potholes

Today at 8:38 AM

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully loved by Him, Tuesday!  We sure had a great time with Harper while she was here!  One of her favorite things to do is practice driving on our country roads.  Friday evening we went out for a final cruise before she went home on Saturday; she had gotten pretty good at dodging the many  potholes on our road and others around us too.  There are spots where it is almost impossible to miss the annoying holes, no matter how hard you try, but Harper  did a heck of a job.  Friday as she was meticulously maneuvering between/around the potholes, I couldn’t help but chuckle and say to her, “DRIVING 101 IN LULA—LEARNING TO AVOID POTHOLES.”  We had a good laugh and headed home for her last dinner in Lula, tacos!  Working on dinner, I was smiling thinking about the fun times teaching Harper to drive…..especially dodging potholes….Hmmm, suddenly I had a clear thought… my goodness, the roads we travel in our lives are so often full of potholes too…..holes of envy, anxiety, depression, greed, self-centeredness…..we definitely need to learn to dodge those potholes….the potholes I have to deal with in my car, if I’m not careful, will cause damage to my car….tires….front end….you name it…potholes are hard on a car!  Potholes of envy, anxiety, depression, greed, and self-centeredness are hard on our faith…..our hearts and minds are damaged when we hit those holes…..we sink into a place that is not good for us or those around us…..We definitely are not giving glory to our Father  when we constantly hit the holes…..But it’s not futile….Soon road construction will begin on our road, yea!!!  We are very excited about having a road without so many potholes, a smoother ride will be great….Our ride through life is not always smooth, but we do have help anytime….we are not alone….Our Father will smooth the bumps for us…..He will fill in the holes of hope, love, joy, and compassion offering us strength through His grace and forgiveness.  Father, thank you for forgiving us when we hit the potholes….fill us with Your gracious love so that we avoid the potholes of attitudes and actions that are reflections of YOU!

 

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  1 Corinthians 10:13.  Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Mark 14:38.  Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and You shall find rest unto your souls.  Matthew 11:29.  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17. 

Love you all!

 

Kathie A. Johnson

Receptionist

Administrative Services

Detours and road construction

Good Morning Friends!  Forever HIS, Friday!  I left a couple minutes later than I like to this morning, not bad though, so I wasn’t really worried about being on time to work….until I hit all the road construction on 3W!  Mind you, they have been doing road construction since last week, so I should have been quite aware what I would encounter on my commute in….I should have planned ahead, planned to leave a few minutes early, rather than a few late.....I was beginning to get quite perturbed, stuck behind a slow moving diesel with only one lane open….concerned that I might very well be a couple minutes late to work.  Oh well I thought….I will just tell them about the road construction, they will understand.  Whoa!!!!  Wait a minute!!!!!!  What did I just say….I should have planned ahead….I knew about the construction, I should have been prepared to leave the house early….not the construction guys fault or the diesel in front of me….I was not prepared to deal with the road construction in a positive way!!  Realizing my misconception, I felt my attitude begin to change and I took a couple of deep breaths to relax, willing to deal with the possibility of being a little late to work.  As my attitude was changing another thought came to me…….we face “road construction” everyday all through our lives, not just what’s on the highways…..detours caused by anger, miscommunications with friends, family, co-workers…..off ramps closed due to envy, greed, fear or anxiety for the unknown, flashing lights of temptations…..unplanned, but always lurking waiting for us to 'leave a few minutes late,’ unprepared tempers flare, stress mounts, worry clouds are thinking, hurt takes over where love should be, tears flow while joy is waiting on the edge……We can be prepared for these detours…..time with our Heavenly Father will give us the strength and wisdom to meet difficult situations in ways that give glory to Him.  Ways, that keep feelings, ours or others, from being hurt…..Time with Him in word and prayer our faith grows stronger, we can persevere through the construction stronger, wiser, closer to HIM!  Father, increase our desire to be closer to YOU, stronger in You, faithful to YOU, trusting and believing in Your will for our lives.

 

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Ephesians 2:o8..  Everyone born of God overcomes the world (detours and road construction).  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.  Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.  Romans 10:17.  God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.  1 Corinthians 10:13.  Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.  Matthew 26:41.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock eternal.  Isaiah 26:4. 

Love you all!

Little leaks lead can to big problems!

Today at 11:15 AM

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty awesome is our God, Monday!  I was anxious to get the water bill for the fire department this month (I am secretary/treasurer for fire department) because last month it was really high, more than double the usual amount…the reason, a leak.  A leak somewhere, but where?  That was the important part….where was the nasty water leak that was causing the water bill to soar???!!!  So the search was on, it was finally determined it was the flapper in the women’s toilet….a dumb little flapper caused that big of an increase….I was skeptical.  My husband fixed it right away…then the wait for the new bill.  That’s why I was so anxious to get the bill…..I was not as sure as him that that was the cause….for heaven’s sake a stuck flapper….a little leak in the toilet caused that huge bill!  Well, I knew the bill probably came on Saturday because ours did, so on my way home from church yesterday I stopped at the fire department to get the mail.  Sure enough, the water bill was there and….well for goodness sakes…..the bill was the usual minimum……so obviously the toilet was the problem….a little leak….a big bill!  As I drove home contemplating the leak situation, a thought came to me.  I wonder how many “little leaks” I have in my life that left “unfixed” could create big problems…..Seemingly  trivial gossip about a co-worker…..a grudge that stays stuck in my attitude…..cards and letters long over-due…..hasty judgment on a friend’s situation…..occasional skipped prayer time……habitual tardiness…..just little “leaks” right!  No big deal right!!!!  “OK Father, I get it!  “Little” seemingly harmless actions and attitudes can cause big problems for others….pain, anxiety, pulling us away from a life that makes You smile….a life that does not bring glory to Your Holy Name!”   OH Father, forgive our little leaks…..we want to do our best for You, but we are so weak….we mess up so often.  Father, fill us with the desire to live closer with You, so that You can “prevent” us from leaking so much!  Thanks for forgiving us when we mess up!  To You be all glory!

 

Jesus said, “My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:12-13.  Do to others as you would have them do to you.  Luke 6:31.  Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”  John 13:15.  Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:24.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  1 Peter 4:8.  Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  1 Thessalonians 5:14.  Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37. 

Love you all!

 

Kathie A. Johnson

The One Who Never Changes

Good Morning Friends!  Freely forgiven, forever loved, Friday!  Gosh, remember last week we talked about how beautiful it was outside, fall leaves against the still green grass and then the glistening frost….Oh how quickly things change!  As I walked outside this morning the site that greeted me was….well, not so beautiful???  The flowers planted in pots for me by grandchildren last spring had frozen to death……Yuck what a sad site and then driving in the beautiful green grass…..gone…..so quickly the green grass, because of the frost had turned browned…..so many changes so quickly…..and not the most pleasant ones….Like our lives….the changes that happen at times so quickly are hard on us……changes at work cause us stress, change in prices of gas and groceries burden us, health changes can be devastating…..quickly the beautiful green in our lives turns to dismal brown……anxiety and worry consume us…..But hold on friends…..there is ONE who never changes….ONE who is always green with life everlasting….ONE whose love for us is constant and overflowing…..”Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8.  Jesus Christ, our Best Friend’s love for us has been the same since the beginning of time……A love so strong that He gave His life for us……a love that encourages us to come to Him and unburden ourselves of life’s struggles….He will carry them for us…..How blessed we are Father to be loved by a changeless God.

 

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.  Psalm 55:22.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5.  Jesus said, “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.

Love you all!

The Creator and Performer of great and glorious things

Good Morning Friends!  Full of His Greatness, Friday!  “You are, O God, The Creator and Performer of great and glorious things.”  A friend shared this quote with me today…..On first read, might seem like one simple sentence, but if you will “be still” for just a moment and read it again…..Wow!  Of course we all know that God is the “Creator” of our world, just open Genesis 1 for a magnificent recap of the 6 days in which He created-made out of nothing- our world.  It’s the “Performer” part that got me to thinking…..We think about Jesus “performing” miracles, you know healing the blind, turning water into wine, casting out demons, but how about today…..right now…..do we believe that our God still performs miracles or in our weakness do we  tend to forget….forget that HE is the Maker and DOER of all….What “things” do you need “Performed” for you?  Great and Glorious things????  Feeling trapped?  Worried?  Stressed? Anxious?  I think about my son, sick in the hospital in California….I hate to think how much time and energy I have wasted worrying about him rather than Praising our God, our Father, for the great and glorious things He is planning to Perform for Shawn….for you, your family….friends…for me…..Great and Glorious beyond our human imagination….we see His magnificent world in front of us….the works of His hands and still can’t understand how He did it….just imagine….be still and let your mind be full of HIM and be blessed by the great and glorious things our Performer has in store for us!  Thank you Father, forgive our worry and our simple minds! “ To YOU, O God, The Creator and Performer of great and glorious things” be all Honor, Glory, and Praise, now and forever. 

 

Therefore, we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is He who made us, and we are His/  we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.  Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.  For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.  Psalm 100.

Love you all!

Yuck! Our pool is green! August 30, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Forever His, Friday!  Didn’t we have an awesome break in our typical summer heat this year!  Oh yes it’s warm right now, but gosh our temps were so nice and the rain….Wow!  Fantastic!  The only negative I could find in the pleasant break was it was too cool to swim….the water in the pool got really cool!  Well, after last weekend Kathyrn and I decided that it was time for a dip with the kids, so Monday after work they came over for a much anticipated swim!  The kids came into the house looking for me, so excited in their swim suits!  I had mine on too, but was brewing tea, so sent them on out.  In just a few minutes I headed out too.  I could hear the kids squealing with delight, but it’s what Kathyrn hollered to me as I got close that threw me for a loop!  She said, “IT’S GREEN!!!”   I couldn’t believe my ears…..Green….there’s no way!  True we had not been swimming in a couple of weeks….but Kim had run the filter…..Oh my gosh, I couldn’t believe my eyes!!!  GREEN, really GREEN and full of debris from all the rain and wind…leaves, bugs…tons of dead june bugs floating….gross!  Kathyrn cleaned the plugged filter and began skimming, I begrudgingly got in and played with the kids stirring the water so it would filter better.  We filled the chlorine containers and just shook our heads……when Papa got there, he couldn’t believe it either, stating it wasn’t green on Saturday…..Well, after the kids left home I couldn’t help thinking about our green pool…..how quickly it had turned from a clear, clean pool to a yucky, murky GREEN one!  Talking about it with a friend here at work, he said the same thing had happened to his pool….he said, “All the conditions were just right.”  Conditions….just right……to turn clean to GREEN…..that’s when it hit me!  Oh my, how often is my life like the green pool….How often do I let “conditions” in my life, turn me GREEN….murky…..stressed, anxious, worried, ill-tempered, short, grumpy, jealous, hateful…My heart and mind are not “clear”……not clearly focused on the pure love of our Heavenly Father…..Rather I let “conditions” turn me murky……like the green swimming pool I am undesirable to those around me…..and I know that my Father is disappointed…..Thankfully, conditions can change.  Our Father, unclogs the filter of my heart and mind, refills me with HIS love and skims off my sinful actions through the blood of His only Son, our Savior……Clean again I pray that my actions will sparkle with HIS love…….me, HIS child, loved and forgiven…..Thank you Father, for the loving clean-ups!  All Glory, honor and Praise to YOU!

 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but my God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:26.  I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.  Jeremiah 33:8.  God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16.  Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.  Psalm 79:9.  The Lord bless you, and keep you:  The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you:  The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26. 

Love you all!  Have a great holiday weekend!  Be safe

February 27, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Wondrously wrapped in His loving arms, Wednesday!  I am sitting at my desk watching our house keeper wash the windows!  Wow, they look great!  All the finger prints, smudges, dirt and grime gone; the view outside is perfectly clear!  Wouldn’t it be nice if we could take some Windex and paper towel and wipe the smudges and grim from our thoughts….You know the stress, worry, frustrations…the envies, anxiety, worry, the over loaded mind, frustrations, stress, envy…..wouldn’t it be nice if we could wipe it away with some Windex and paper towel and see clearly….calmly again…..Oh my….feeling that familiar tap on my shoulder…”Yes Father, I am here.”  “Kathie, My precious child……come to Me…..be still…..close your eyes, take a deep breath, maybe 2 or 3…..let your shoulders relax….BE STILL and know that I am your God, your loving Father, you are My precious child….I will wipe away the smudge, the grime….come to Me and find peace.”   Oh Father…..Thank you!

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27.  May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  2 Thessalonians 3:16.  Submit to God and be at peace with Him….Job 22:21a.  Jesus said, “come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.  The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.  Psalm 29:11.  The God of peace will be with you.  Philippians 4:9. 

Love you all!