Bread of Life and Beyond

Greetings,

All through scriptures, God provides excellent instructions on how to do something right.  He teaches us how to pray, how to treat our neighbor, how to raise our children, how to handle our finances, how to make wise decisions when it comes to dating and marriage…  And one of my favorite lessons is about how to properly bless someone.

“The Lord spoke, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them: The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you a tranquil heart and life’” (Numbers 6:24-26).

It certainly is a beautiful passage, and I have used it often when writing a card for someone’s birthday or wedding day. But until this very day as I sat to share this DEVO, I never realized what the very next verse, 27, says: “Put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

Let’s think about this.  When my son was born, Jorge, my husband, was ecstatic about naming him Jorge too.  And I have been told that my son wants to name his future son Jorge also.  All that is fine and dandy, and I understand the sense of pride and joy about having a namesake. But is there any power in the name of Jorge? What about forgiveness in the name of Jorge? Does Jorge console the weary heart? Does Jorge supply all my needs? When we get right down to it, Jorge means “farmer.”  Very one-note, a little cute, I suppose, but kinda ho-hum. Even if I were to say that Jorge means “horticulturist,” it might sound more impressive, but it’s still a FAR cry from the all-encompassing, glorious name of God, which has over 300 meanings in the Bible.

When you and I put the name of God on someone, He becomes their Bread of Life, Healer, Living Water, Provider, Peace, Presence, Comforter…He blesses in profound and powerful ways.  Our part is simple. We open our mouths to pray and put His name on those we love. He shows up with incalculable goodness.  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, we put Your name on ourselves and our families today.  It brings us so much joy to know we are welcoming Wisdom, Protection, Guidance, the very Bread of Life and beyond into our lives.  Thank You for all You do.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Beautiful Feet!

Tuesday greetings!

The last time I had a pedicure was right before Christmas.  It’s about time for some nail clipping, cuticle cutting, and fresh nail polish.  Essie Marshmallow, please! At this point I am steeling myself for the professional-grade sander my nail lady will whip out because I know it's going to tickle like crazy.  And yet, dear people, I can still have beautiful feet!  

Romans 10:15 "…How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

That’s right!  Whenever you or I get up and go to encourage someone with the good news of God’s forgiveness, blessings, eternal salvation, joy, love, hope, provision, faith, peace, healing, and/or protection, that makes our feet – pedicured or not – beautiful.

Notice how this verse does not say, “How beautiful are the lips of those who bring good news.”  Sometimes, we need to get up and go and make a person-to-person connection.   A phone call or a text might not be enough.  I have a buddy who twice, on the day before each of my children were to be married, showed up at the venue and prayed over every detail of the celebration. What a blessing. My total focus at that moment was not on how her feet literally looked as much as how completely wonderful and thoughtful she was for showing up. She took the time to invite God's goodness and peace at a time I needed it the most!

May all our feet be “beautiful” on a regular basis.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for the beautiful feet of those who have reached out to us in the past.  Bless them for their encouraging words, and bless us as we get up and go encourage others.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

A Whopping 50 Years!

Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell throughout all my days in the presence of the Lord."

Greetings,

This past Saturday my in-laws, Isa and Chini, celebrated a whopping 50 years of marriage!  Their closest family and friends gathered to commemorate this amazing anniversary, and Mariachis showed up and played nostalgic tunes from the past.

One song in particular's lyric translated to this: My how the years have passed, but my love for you is still growing.

Of course, as soon as they started dancing to that song, my eyes welled up.  As I discreetly wiped away my tears - after all, I did not spend all afternoon getting ready just to let my sentimentality mess it up - I found myself thanking God for His goodness in allowing my husband to have his parents for so many years.  I praised Him because my children have had the blessing of grandparents who are happy together.  I worshiped Him for providing me with a living-proof example that marriages can go the distance, and I expressed gratitude for my in-laws whose love I have witnessed growing stronger as time goes by.

God is good, and I pray He will open our eyes to see His goodness, which follows us every single day.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You for being GOOD.  You give us good gifts, and You bless us with Your goodness.  As we pray we open our hearts to receive from You every single thing we need to live a blessed life. In Jesus' name, AMEN~ 

Before We Even Pray~

Isaiah 65:24 I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!

By no means am I consistent at journaling, but there have been seasons in my life where I have found it helpful to write things down.  This morning, as it dawned on me that Jorgie and Lis will be married two years this Sunday, I picked up an old notebook and read about what I was thinking at that point in my life.   Something my Pastor Bill said really encouraged me:     

“Responsibility is my response to God’s ability.”

The entire Bible is one glorious testimony to God’s unfathomable abilities, one of which is answering our prayers before we even call out to Him.

Long before I ever prayed for Jorgie to be married – it’s kind of hard to think in those terms when your son is still in a diaper – God was shaking things up and moving things around so that he and Lis would meet on one glorious August day.  She lived all over the world because her dad was an ambassador, but she eventually wound up living 10-minutes away from us.  By the time I met Lis I realized that God had answered my prayers long before I prayed them by keeping her safe and sound for Jorgie and vice/versa. 

The same could be said of my relationship with Jorge.  How is it that I, who lived in Georgia, would move to Miami, and because of an invitation from my sister’s co-worker, attend a little 40-member church in Hialeah where Jorge played the tambourine in a Christian band?   I was 17 when I met him, and marriage was the furthest thing from my mind.

And I have shared Rayray’s story.  She went off to coach volleyball at a local school and was asked to coach a club team where she was promptly assigned to be her now-husband’s assistant because there were not enough girls for her to have her own team.   The rest is history…

So many millions of details, so many I didn’t even think to pray of.  But as God’s children, He will always have our back.  He will cover us in so many areas where we are not even aware of the need yet.  I know that one day we will marvel at all the things He did for us that we never found out about and never prayed about. 

So what is our responsibility? Our response to His ability?  It is praising Him! It is sharing the good news with others! And it is praying to the One whose abilities are infinite!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We feel so completely covered by Your love for us.  You do so much every day to get us where we need to go.  Our life is in Your hands.  It is incredible to think that before we even pray for something that is on our hearts, You have already answered.  We say Thank you!  In Jesus’ name, AMEN~

Perfect Harmony~

Good morning! Finally--some sunshiny weather:)

 

One of you dear and precious souls wrote to me asking why I am such a fan of marriage. First, thank you for noticing, and second, it's because there is no other institution on earth that will contribute to our personal growth, maturity, and happiness like having a spouse and/or children will.

 

Maybe some of us don't think personal growth, maturity, and happiness are important, but let's face it--do any of us really want our kids hanging around the house until they are 40? Sleeping in until 1PM? Yelling at us and making demands?

 

Sure, they could live with someone without being married, but do a simple Google search and ask, "Does living together lead to marriage or long-term relationships," and article after article will confirm that no, no way, nope, sorry, ain't gonna happen...

 

Colossians 3:12-14 says, "Put on then, as God's holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other...and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

 

I love that we are God's beloved. And I love that we have a choice as to what we will wear. But what I love the most is that choosing how we will dress will directly impact the quality of our lives. Putting on love leads to perfect harmony, or as another version of the Bible states, "Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly."

 

Love ties everything together perfectly--how perfectly wonderful! And while this verse if for everyone--marrieds and singles alike--those of us who are married, know that the day-in day-out of living in a committed relationship will push our buttons like nothing else on the planet. It brings out the best and worst in us, which makes it the ideal setting for us to practice all the virtues in the verse above.

 

Why bother? You may be asking. Because again, the promise in the verse is that when done right it leads to perfect harmony. I want this for myself and my kids. And I want it for you too.

 

Are you kidding me? I can't wait for my kids to have kids themselves so they can then come running to me with teary eyes and apologize for the stuff they did, like sneak out of school in the trunk of a friend's car every day for a semester or set fire to the terrace, and then profusely thank me for keeping my cool when they deserved for me to throw shoes at them. ( I may have done this once or twice.) But honestly, over the years I learned (I am still learning) to keep my judgments to myself for the greater goal of living in peace.

 

It's the circle of life, and we should embrace it. Start asking God now to send your child or to send to you a suitable companion. One who will embrace the truth contained in today's verse. One who will purposely be compassionate, kind, humble, patient, forgiving, and above all else, loving. Sorry, folks, but anything else other than that is being mean, angry, unforgiving, proud, and hateful. And that, as I am fond of saying, is highly unacceptable.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Perfect harmony sounds great, and if You are saying it's possible, then we are on board. Help us to "dress" this way so that we attract someone who clearly understands that if we practice what we preach, then they better as well. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

I'll Do Whatever You Say~

Happy Wednesday:)




Naomi and Ruth have been our focus lately and for good reason. Their relationship teaches us so much, and let's face it--is there any decision we make more important than who we will marry?



Let me rephrase that. Deciding to love God and become His child is ultimately the most important decision we will ever make because it has eternal implications. But deciding who to date and who to marry will affect everything else we will ever do as long as we live.



So many parents I meet think that once the kids are 18 their worries are over. Sorry! In many ways the challenging years are just beginning. Why? Because the decisions our kids make as adults are for keeps. A middle school relationship does not have nearly the importance, then say, the ones that start freshman year of college.



I once read a metaphor about marriage that really made sense to me.



When our kids start to date, it's as though they are out at sea--dancing on the waves--sometimes going from relationship to relationship. When they finally settle down with a nice vessel--no dinghies allowed--it's as though the ship has come in and anchored in the safety of a harbor.



Marriage is intended to be a happy and secure harbor, and so it is of vital importance that we lovingly and firmly guide our kids along these sometimes choppy waters. Or find someone to lovingly and firmly guide us if we are the one seeking a relationship or looking to improve upon an existing one.



Naomi played such an important role in helping Ruth navigate her relationship with Boaz. She gave her some great advice, like, "Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes..." And Ruth was wise enough to follow the advice. She says to Naomi, "I will do whatever you say."



STOP RIGHT THERE!!!



Those words are music to any parent's ears. Can you imagine your kids answering you like that? No temper tantrums, no "Why?", no "You can't tell me what to do!"



What was the result of Naomi's advice and Ruth's willingness to follow it?



Ruth 4:13 "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son."



And not just any son either, but one who would grow up and marry and have another son and so on and so forth until Joseph, Christ's father, was born. Skip all the way to the first book in the New Testament and you will see Ruth's name right there in verse five in the genealogy of Jesus. Not bad for a foreigner from a godless land who took a step of faith and followed her mother-in-law all the way to the true God and into the arms of a loving, wonderful, generous, and gracious spouse.



In other words, incredible and amazing things happen when we mentor others and they listen. Never underestimate the impact that you are having on your kids or anyone else who you are praying for or helping.



PRAYER: Dear Lord, The story of Ruth and Boaz is an inspiration. We all want what they had--a mutually loving relationship--for ourselves and for our children. Guide us as we make these incredibly important decisions and thank You that the Bible has such great advice. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

A few more points to ponder...~

TGIF :)

 

 

 We already know that Ruth showed devotion to Naomi not knowing what the future would hold. Even Naomi tells her, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons— would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters..."

 

In other words, Ruth had very little to gain by staying with Naomi.

 

Yet God was about to bless Ruth beyond her wildest dreams because of her faithfulness. First principle of the day: God blesses those who are faithful in their relationships.

 

A love story will soon unfold between Ruth and Boaz, and Naomi plays a significant role by helping Ruth navigate the tricky waters of the dating game. Second principle of the day: Older women and men sometimes really do know best. We have been there/done that, and as a result of our own life experiences we can help all you beautiful guys and gals avoid some of the pitfalls of relationships.

 

Naomi had expressed her desire for Ruth, which was, "My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you?" Naomi was talking specifically about marriage, and chapter three in the book of Ruth is all about Naomi mentoring Ruth with good advice that would lead to marriage.

 

I love what Naomi says in this verse. A marriage to the right person leads to your well-being and provides security. It provides financial, sexual, relational, emotional, physical, and yes, even spiritual security. Given what's at stake we should all be seriously praying right now for our kids or even for those of us who are single to marry the right person. Yes, God can send a Boaz or a Ruth for us, and the book of Ruth exists to give us hope. But we have to do our part, which is the third principle of the day: Be willing to follow the advice of wiser people. What good is it to listen and then not follow through? For all you young'uns living at home, if mom or dad does not like the person you are dating, ask yourself, "Why?"

 

I will be the first to admit that the dynamic of the family has changed--so much so that not all of us have a mom or dad in our lives to guide us along. Please keep in mind that Naomi was Ruth's mother-in-law. It was not your standard husband, wife, two kids and a dog unit. Our Lord is telling us that the traditional definition of family is not the only source for our guidance. Amen to that! What is important is having a mutually loving and respectful relationship period, and I have seen that among friends, church family, next-door-neighbors, grandparents/grandkids, and even colleagues.

 

Next week we will still be on this topic as we see the fruit of Naomi and Ruth's relationship, which is principle of the day number four: A good and trusting relationship with a wise person is a great resource when considering dating and marriage.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Relationships can be a blessing if we follow the great guidelines You provide for dating and marriage. Help open our eyes to Your wisdom so we make good decisions. We all want security and well-being for ourselves and our children. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Leave and Cleave~

Good morning all you citizens of heaven~



Last night Hormone and his lovely wife and Rayray and her lovely beau joined Jorge and me for a celebratory farewell dinner. Jorgie is off to New Mexico this Friday pursuing his baseball dreams, and I wanted one more family meal together because who knows when we will all be together again.


During the meal I wanted to share a few words with my son, whom I love more than my own life, and so I shared an inspirational story etc...and I finished off with this flourish:


"We are all proud of you for your efforts and support you wholeheartedly. But make no mistake. The real kudos goes to your wife because if she did not support you nothing else would matter. She is the one who has to endure the separation and the financial sacrifices, so thank you, Lis, for believing in Hormone."


Did you see what just happened there? I had a full-fledged grown-up moment.


Genesis 2:24 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."


Other versions say "unites to his wife," "clings to his wife," "bonds with his wife," " be joined with his wife," and "hold fast to his wife."


Before any of that uniting, clinging, bonding, and joining can take place, the young man must LEAVE.


The principle here is that every newly-married couple is now or should be independent from parental meddling. And our heroine from this week's DEVOs realized that not only did she have to cut loose some friends, but she also had to gently, and sometimes not so gently, remind her parents that her husband and her marriage were her priority. You would think this is common sense, but sometimes we parents, overzealous creatures that we are, do more harm than good. We forget that our children and their marriages take precedence over our relationships with them.


You know that expression, "When it rains it pours?" As if there weren't enough going on already, this determined gal found herself dealing with hostile parents, hostile siblings, negative friends, confused in-laws, and all the whispering and speculation from the other parents at her kids' school.


So much pressure.


2 Corinthians 4:8 "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair."


If this young wife and mom was not driven to despair, then to what, or shall I say, to Whom was she driven?


When you feel as though everything that could go wrong has. When you feel that no matter where you turn there's trouble waiting, read verse 9: "You are never abandoned by God (NLT Version)."


PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You for including those verses in the Bible. You knew we would have seasons in life where it seems that everything that could go wrong has. But You never have nor will You ever abandon us. Keep this life-saving truth ever present in our hearts. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Cut em' Loose~

Good afternoon~

 

Let's resume with yesterday's topic.

 

When my friend discovered her spouse's indiscretion, she did what most of us would do--she called her closest friends. I wonder, however, if she was prepared for their reaction.

 

Most everyone was supportive of her but not the marriage, and most everyone felt concern for her but not for the relationship.

 

Comments like, "Divorce that cheater!" and "You can do better!" were the prevailing pieces of advice she received. Not too many friends came alongside and offered to support her in her efforts to reconcile.

 

On a side note...I find it very interesting that all the same folks who so easily encouraged her to get a divorce all went home at night to the warm embrace of a loving spouse. Pride, I am told makes for a very lonely bedfellow. Unforgiveness, I have heard, isn't all that cuddly.

 

The Bible has a passage that deals with friends who might mean well, but when all is said and done, they were more of a hindrance then a help.

 

The book of Job is about a man who went from having it all--money, power, and family--to losing it every last bit of it. Job 2:11 says, "When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him."

 

They had good intentions, but that quickly shifted and they started judging him--implying that he was somehow responsible for all his own suffering because of some great sin in his life.

 

OUCH! His friends did the exact opposite of every thing we have been reading about in the DEVOs. And talk about a contrast to Christ's teachings. He taught us that only those who are perfect can throw stones, which pretty much means we are all disqualified.

 

At one point Eliphaz the Temanite even tells Job that, "He can cry for help, but no One will answer and the angels won't help either."

 

My goodness! Do any of us have the right to speak for God and decide who He will or will not answer?

 

Can you imagine if Job's friends would have rallied around him and my friend's friends would have rallied around her and just offered support?

 

It is so true what all our moms taught us about not saying anything unless you have something nice to say.

 

So as my friend started on the journey of forgiveness and reconciliation, she learned rather quickly who she would allow to travel with her. She chose her friends wisely and, for the sake of her marriage, was not afraid to cut some negative people loose. AMEN~

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Remind us to keep our opinions to ourselves. Embolden us to put our arms around those who are suffering and just pray for comfort and guidance. None of has the answers to the "whys" of life, but we can all help one another connect with You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

A Gallant Choice~

Song of Solomon 3:4 "...I found the one whom my soul loves."

 

TGIM--Thank God It's Monday

Why doesn't anyone ever say that? We're alive, aren't we?

 

Yesterday I saw a sign that said, "God wants full custody of His children--not just weekend visits." I love it!

 

I am probably aging myself, but as kid I used to read Highlights magazine, and my favorite feature was a cartoon strip named "Goofus and Gallant."

 

Goofus always did the wrong thing. Gallant always did the right thing.

If Goofus ran with the scissors pointed up, Gallant walked with them pointing down.

If Goofus demanded something, Gallant politely asked.

If Goofus chewed with his mouth open, Gallant was perfectly mannered.

 

We have all had Goofus and Gallant moments. Last week I shared a couple of my own, but today I want to share a mega Gallant moment. Not actually a moment, but rather an entire life choice.

 

Later next week there's a whole entourage of Miamians headed out to California for a destination wedding. A whole lot of preparation has taken place, and it has been no small task coordinating all the details etc...

 

Why, do you suppose, are family and friends here in Miami making the effort attend? Are willing to pay for airfare, hotel, and car rentals? Are willing to make arrangements to have their kids taken care of or even allowing their children to miss a few days of school?

 

An even better question is why don't we make this effort for a couple who has simply decided to move in together? Why don't we throw shacking up showers?

 

It's because marriage, at its core, is a unique relationship where two people vow to love each other faithfully, in mind, body, and soul, through all the ups and downs of life no matter what. It is the epitomy of commitment, and we celebrate the romance and devotion behind it. (Sorry, but I don't find anything about moving in remotely romantic. Nor do I believe it demonstrates any serious commitment or devotion).

 

What are we to do, then, when a spouse violates the trust in marriage? When a spouse willfully disregards the vows taken and does the unthinkable?

 

Today's Gallant life choice award goes to someone near and dear to my heart who immediately decided, upon discovering all that her spouse did wrong, to love him anyway. To forgive him anyway. To allow God to restore her broken heart and her broken marriage.

 

We have talked about how to apply the biblical principles of love before. But let's face it--easier said than done. However, when faced with the choice of whether to fight or flee, this precious young wife and mom determined in her heart that she and her children would not be another statistic. If God says forgiveness and a restored marriage are possible, then she was willing to take Him at His word.

 

And thus began a year-long journey--one that we can all learn from, and we will this week.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Thank You for marriage. It is a beautiful thing, and we all benefit when couples stay fully committed. Prepare our hearts this week as we look to the example of someone who did it right. Bless our marriages and keep them strong and faithful. In Jesus' name, AMEN~