My Momma Didn't Raise No Fool~

Greetings,

I grew up in the 1980s.  I graduated high school, took my first international trip to Panama, which was also my first plane ride, held my first job as a cashier at the local pharmacy, went to college, met and married Jorge, and I had a baby in this glorious decade.  So many milestones and so many memories.  The slang of this unforgettable era has also stuck with me. 

Hang out with me and you just might hear me say things like, “Gag with me a spoon,” “take a chill pill,” or “don’t have a cow.”  However, my favorite phrase always was and still is, “My momma didn’t raise no fool!”

And it’s true, I’m no fool, and neither are you if you “regard God as awesome.”  But if you “despise wisdom and self-discipline or reject good advice” then, sorry, the Bible says, “you’re a fool, stupid, and stubborn.” Ouch! (See Proverbs 1:7).

It sounds so harsh but that’s only because there is so much at stake.  God wants us to live in tranquility, make smart choices, get along with our families and others, have financial peace, and live a good life.  It starts with regarding Him as AWESOME.  And when we do that, when we acknowledge Him as awe-inspiring, beautiful, all-wise, magnificent, powerful, forgiving, trustworthy, merciful, and gracious, we pay attention to what He has to say. We also connect to Him via prayer to receive all His wonderful blessings into our lives.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we do not want to be foolish, so we worship You as awesome! We desperately need Your guidance and protection.  These moments we share here with You are necessary and life-giving.  Open our eyes to Your goodness for our lives.  We embrace all of You! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.  

Never Let Kindness Leave You~

Proverbs 3: 3-4 Never let kindness leave you! Write it deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation."

Christmas blessings to all,

Yesterday Jorge and I went to the local mall to exchange a couple of items.  I couldn't believe how crowded the parking lot was, and as soon as we got inside it was wall to wall shoulders with all the other post-Christmas shoppers.  I was like, "I can't believe all these people; they should be at home watching football, playing Cranium with family, eating leftover brie and apricot dip, sipping peppermint tea, and texting distant relatives."  I was actually mad at them. Then I realized that I better preach to myself!

Once my horribly two-faced commentary was over, I made the line to return an item.  The cashier was so over-the-top friendly and courteous that both Jorge and I were stunned.  So much so that Jorge did something he has never done before: He asked for the store manager and promptly provided a glowing review of the cashier and demanded she be promoted.

Her excellent customer service made such an impression on me that it nearly brought me to tears.  I know you think I might be overreacting but consider this: She plugged in a lamp to make sure it was working before I bought it, she personally escorted us to a section of the store so we could find exactly what we needed, and then, rather than roll her eyes or pick up her phone to check messages  -  something that has happened to me more than once  -  she said, "Merry Christmas," carefully wrapped my fragile glass lamp, and made me feel like a V.I.P. The power of kindness is amazing because I immediately felt it, and the feeling stayed with me the rest of the night and is still with me as I write this.  

I have decided to be kinder in 2017. Won't you join me?  We will find God's favor when we are kind, which means we receive life, loving kindness, divine care, grace, mercy, and acceptance in return. Amen!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, As 2016 comes to a close, we thank You for taking care of us this year.  As we look to 2017 we want to open up our lives to receive even more of Your favor. Remind us to be kind.  Help us to always have a lovely response no matter what. Nudge us to do the right thing even if we are in a hurry.  With You helping us, we will keep kindness near us all the time, which will result in our happiness. It's a win-win for us. Thank You!  In Jesus' name, AMEN. 

An Easy Exchange~

TGIF Greetings~

Psalm 30:11 “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.”

I dread making the exchange/return line at the store.  It seems like I always wind up with a trainee who isn’t quite sure how to handle the transaction.  One time I returned some clothing only to realize that I was charged for the merchandise again.  I basically paid twice for something I returned, but of course, I didn’t bother to check until I was in the car.  Back to the line I went.  I remember telling my husband that I know Jesus is in my heart and in my hands because He kept me from smacking her when she treated me rudely.  She was not happy to see me, or happy to have to call her supervisor for help. Ditto for me!      

There is, however, an exchange God wants to make for us that requires no line and no hassle.  There is no rudeness involved, and the One Who attends to us is perfect at His job.  And when you leave, you do so feeling way better than you did before you got there.  

Today’s verse happens when we activate the verse right before it: “Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD." 

Prayer is simple.  You just open your mouth, your trap, your beak, your chops, or your jaws and speak with Him.

Whatever is on your mind or on your heart – just say it.  When we are honest with Him, He takes our garments of sorrow and exchanges them for garments of joy. 

I love the idea of God Himself outfitting me with garments of joy.  I know they will look perfect on me, and everyone around me will comment on how good I look with joy all over me.   

PRAYER: Hear us, Lord, and have mercy on us, Help us, o Lord.  We thank You for hearing our prayer, and gladly exchange our garments of sadness, frustration, fear, loneliness, and hopelessness for garments of joy joy joy! In Jesus’ name, AMEN~