The Andy Griffith Show was and still is one of my very favorite shows. It was great fun but it was also a great study of Biblical principles. In fact, Joey Fann and Brad Grasham developed a Bible class, "Finding the Way Back to Mayberry," using 12 episodes from The Andy Griffith Show as parables; referring to Matthew 13:34 as the key to the lesson series' purpose and success: "All this Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed he said nothing to them without a parable." The first class debuted in June of 1998 at the Twickenham Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama and was facilitated by Fann and Grasham.
When George Lindsay, who played Goober in the series, was asked what he thought of the idea using the series for a Bible class, he replied, "One of the incredible things about every single episode is that Andy insisted each show have a moral point, something good, lofty and moral. It's a shame current shows on TV don't adopt that high road."
What does this have to do with our study of Philippians?
While reading the notes on verses 15-18 the commentator said, "Paul knew he was facing a great ordeal, but took great pains not to alarm his friends. His all-consuming concern was for the advancement of the gospel."
When I read that, I thought of the way Andy always took great care to protect the self-esteem and integrity of the people of Mayberry - especially Barney.
Barney was like the Donald Duck of Mayberry. He always said and did the wrong thing, always had his foot in his mouth and always jumped to the wrong conclusion. Yet, Barney had a good heart and Andy knew that. Andy was the quiet loving friend who was secure enough to "silently" protect his friend's honor. He didn't go behind his back to make sure everyone else knew that he was the real hero. Instead, he seemed to consider it an honor to promote his friend.
Philippians 1:15-18
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Like Paul, on the television show Andy's character was defined by one overall goal. He was not selfish and he cared deeply for his friends. Everything he did was measured by that definition. It wasn't important who received the praise - what was important was that his friends were loved and cared for.
Paul also had a deep love for his followers. He knew that trouble and sorrow was in the future. He understood the danger for anyone that choose Christ over the Roman Empire. He knew that he - and his friends - would suffer just like Christ has suffered. His concern was not for his own feelings or even for his own reputation. His concern was for his friends, followers and the great commission. His concern wasn't for some type of earthly recognition but rather the heavenly vision and the message of Christ. Paul defined his life as "an existence only to help forward the cause of Christ."
Today as I read this scripture, I thought about my own family and friends. Do I preach and teach out of love and goodwill or are my actions self serving? Do I live a life that points others to Christ or do others look at my life and lose their desire to be a Christian? Am I willing to sacrifice my life, my reputation, my desires and my feelings so that others may find Christ? Do I rejoice when Christ is elevated even if I am pushed to the side?
Did you know that when a palace guard was assigned to guard Paul, he was chained together with Paul? This made a captive audience for the gospel. Many guards had to listen to Paul teach about Christ. To combat this, some people tried to discredit Paul's influence. While the church in Rome was becoming more confident about a trial, Paul was even more dedicated to follow his course of promoting Jesus Christ.
In this scripture Paul lifts the bar a little higher for every follower of Christ. Paul asks you to show the deepest love you can for your friends and for Christ. He asks us to be aware that while our work for Christ is important - we must be concerned about the faith and feelings of those we influence. We also must be more concerned about the "mission" of Christ rather than our participation in that mission. In other words we should be willing to rejoice with others about their work as well as promoting our own work.
The last thing Paul encourages us to do is probably the hardest. He was pleased with his current condition. He rejoiced that the gospel was being preached. He was content. To support this....later in Philippians 4:12 he states.... "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
God loves you,
Debbie
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
George Mason
Brought to you by American Minute
"Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Thus began the first of the Ten Amendments, or Bill of Rights, which were approved SEPTEMBER 25, 1789.
George Mason, known as "The Father of the Bill of Rights," wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights from which Jefferson drew to write the Declaration of Independence.
George Mason was one of 55 founders who wrote the U.S. Constitution, but was also one of sixteen who refused to sign it because it did not abolish slavery and did not limit the power of the Federal Government.
George Mason joined with Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams to prevent the Constitution from being ratified, as the abuses of King George III's concentrated power were still fresh.
It was largely through George Mason's insistence that in the first session of Congress ten limitations or amendments were put on the new Federal Government.
George Mason suggested the wording of the First Amendment be:
"All men have an equal, natural and unalienable right to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that no particular sect or society of Christians ought to be favored or established by law in preference to others."
That's great George. I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately, our great country will crumble unless we consider the back side of this "free exercise of religion". There must be some boundaries. Unless we very tediously determine a strict definition of religion - we are on a slippery slope. In George's day you would be considered "touched in the head" if you announced a belief in Eckandar (soul travel) or The Church of the flying spaghetti monster. (parody of anything anti-christian)
While progressives are busy trying to re-write history to say that a belief in "God" was not present in the beginning of this country - evidence to that effect just doesn't exist. Some of our founding fathers were less verbal about their faith and I'm sure some of them even mirrored today's "luke warm - not quick to profess Christians," but they all had a knowledge of the difference between religion and a hatred of faith motivated by selfish desires and motive driven ideology.
In George's day just try announcing that you were a witch or that you were an avid Satanist. The residents of that town would either send you packing, set you on fire or hang you from the nearest tree.
Most - almost all - Colonists had a great respect for God and were not about to put up with anyone publicly berating God or faith. Yes, there were stories of pastors who went wrong or who proved to be less than compassionate. Just like Biblical times pastors were not perfect. But there was an overall respect for God and the church.
Here's my point. Good old George could announce without reservations that he believe "anyone who used the word - religion - should receive freedom to practice that faith without any reservations." His definition of practicing faith was merely the difference between the church on the corner and the chapel in the woods. It was the difference between singing acapella hymns from a book or allowing a local to use a guitar. He was certain that no one of that day would use the "term" religion as an excuse to legitimize evil.
We don't have that luxury. We are in the process of losing our religious freedom because we are trying to give anyone that claims that term "religious freedom". There are certain ideas that CAN'T co-exist with God-centered religion. How so?
Suppose a group announces that they are Satanic. That's their faith. That's what they believe and therefore they should be granted 100% freedom to practice their faith. But....what if part of their faith includes the rape and murder of a virgin twice a year? And what if they argue that if you prevent them from that rape and murder - you are denying them the right to freely "exercise their religion". Now what do you do? If you allow them to practice their faith, young women will die. Perhaps your daughter will die. That ultimately means that America is now supporting the rape and murder of it's citizens. By simply using the title "religion" the very foundations of this great country has been compromised. Our laws that protect the innocent have now been violated and labeled as unenforceable.
Skip over to Muslims. The majority of liberal Americans believe that we "must" allow Muslims to practice their faith. Some states have even been ignorant enough to say that we must allow Sharia law to share our courts. Yet under Sharia law women can be brutally beaten, can be forced to marry, can be given in marriage as early as 8 years old and can be forced to stay with an abusive man. Under Sharia law if a teen girl brings shame on her family (something as simple as dating an infidel) Daddy has the right to beat her or even kill her. Is this what America is all about?
What about the local pedophile, the rapist, the murderer? Can they claim that their evil doings are just a practice of faith? How about the local atheist? He simply wants to take your faith from you. He wants to create a non-faith country. I hate the way atheist have trampled on my religious freedoms and yet....if we don't define the boundaries of faith, he will succeed and religion will cease to exist.
I'm sure to get hate mail about this - but I believe we need to define who we are. We have to stand up and say, "No. America isn't going to be so free that any act or person or religion - will be allowed. America is built on certain principles and if you disagree with those principles - we suggest you find another country." America should be defined as being "against" certain evils no matter what others think of our decision. We need to stop being wishy-washy and stand up for "who" we are. If we don't - evil will be glad to do it for us!
Freedom can't be totally free for everyone and every idea. Freedom must be defined.
Without boundaries freedom disintegrates and evil rises to the top and takes over. Freedom is only available when it is defined and then defended.
God loves you,
Debbie
Thus began the first of the Ten Amendments, or Bill of Rights, which were approved SEPTEMBER 25, 1789.
George Mason, known as "The Father of the Bill of Rights," wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights from which Jefferson drew to write the Declaration of Independence.
George Mason was one of 55 founders who wrote the U.S. Constitution, but was also one of sixteen who refused to sign it because it did not abolish slavery and did not limit the power of the Federal Government.
George Mason joined with Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams to prevent the Constitution from being ratified, as the abuses of King George III's concentrated power were still fresh.
It was largely through George Mason's insistence that in the first session of Congress ten limitations or amendments were put on the new Federal Government.
George Mason suggested the wording of the First Amendment be:
"All men have an equal, natural and unalienable right to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that no particular sect or society of Christians ought to be favored or established by law in preference to others."
That's great George. I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately, our great country will crumble unless we consider the back side of this "free exercise of religion". There must be some boundaries. Unless we very tediously determine a strict definition of religion - we are on a slippery slope. In George's day you would be considered "touched in the head" if you announced a belief in Eckandar (soul travel) or The Church of the flying spaghetti monster. (parody of anything anti-christian)
While progressives are busy trying to re-write history to say that a belief in "God" was not present in the beginning of this country - evidence to that effect just doesn't exist. Some of our founding fathers were less verbal about their faith and I'm sure some of them even mirrored today's "luke warm - not quick to profess Christians," but they all had a knowledge of the difference between religion and a hatred of faith motivated by selfish desires and motive driven ideology.
In George's day just try announcing that you were a witch or that you were an avid Satanist. The residents of that town would either send you packing, set you on fire or hang you from the nearest tree.
Most - almost all - Colonists had a great respect for God and were not about to put up with anyone publicly berating God or faith. Yes, there were stories of pastors who went wrong or who proved to be less than compassionate. Just like Biblical times pastors were not perfect. But there was an overall respect for God and the church.
Here's my point. Good old George could announce without reservations that he believe "anyone who used the word - religion - should receive freedom to practice that faith without any reservations." His definition of practicing faith was merely the difference between the church on the corner and the chapel in the woods. It was the difference between singing acapella hymns from a book or allowing a local to use a guitar. He was certain that no one of that day would use the "term" religion as an excuse to legitimize evil.
We don't have that luxury. We are in the process of losing our religious freedom because we are trying to give anyone that claims that term "religious freedom". There are certain ideas that CAN'T co-exist with God-centered religion. How so?
Suppose a group announces that they are Satanic. That's their faith. That's what they believe and therefore they should be granted 100% freedom to practice their faith. But....what if part of their faith includes the rape and murder of a virgin twice a year? And what if they argue that if you prevent them from that rape and murder - you are denying them the right to freely "exercise their religion". Now what do you do? If you allow them to practice their faith, young women will die. Perhaps your daughter will die. That ultimately means that America is now supporting the rape and murder of it's citizens. By simply using the title "religion" the very foundations of this great country has been compromised. Our laws that protect the innocent have now been violated and labeled as unenforceable.
Skip over to Muslims. The majority of liberal Americans believe that we "must" allow Muslims to practice their faith. Some states have even been ignorant enough to say that we must allow Sharia law to share our courts. Yet under Sharia law women can be brutally beaten, can be forced to marry, can be given in marriage as early as 8 years old and can be forced to stay with an abusive man. Under Sharia law if a teen girl brings shame on her family (something as simple as dating an infidel) Daddy has the right to beat her or even kill her. Is this what America is all about?
What about the local pedophile, the rapist, the murderer? Can they claim that their evil doings are just a practice of faith? How about the local atheist? He simply wants to take your faith from you. He wants to create a non-faith country. I hate the way atheist have trampled on my religious freedoms and yet....if we don't define the boundaries of faith, he will succeed and religion will cease to exist.
I'm sure to get hate mail about this - but I believe we need to define who we are. We have to stand up and say, "No. America isn't going to be so free that any act or person or religion - will be allowed. America is built on certain principles and if you disagree with those principles - we suggest you find another country." America should be defined as being "against" certain evils no matter what others think of our decision. We need to stop being wishy-washy and stand up for "who" we are. If we don't - evil will be glad to do it for us!
Freedom can't be totally free for everyone and every idea. Freedom must be defined.
Without boundaries freedom disintegrates and evil rises to the top and takes over. Freedom is only available when it is defined and then defended.
God loves you,
Debbie
I bear witness....Philippians 1:12-14
Christians today are rarely taught that our lives - Christian or not - are a testimony to others. Everyone is an example - a living video - of the consequences of our choices. If we are Christians we are constantly showing those around us the consequences of the Christian faith. And if we are not Christians ( or perhaps we are pretend Christians) we will show others the consequences of that behavior as well.
Philippians 1:12 -14
"Now I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."
Everything is not "suffering" for Christ. Not finding a front line parking space at Wallmart would not be considered being in chains for Christ. But....giving up a front line parking space to a van loaded with children and a frazzled looking mom could be a "loving and compassionate" Christian act. Instead of fussing at the checkout girl for not moving fast enough - giving her a smile and a vote of confidence will allow others around you to see your faith in action.
Pat Bellew was a dear friend. We were close when I lived in Georgia. Her Christian faith was strong and her dedication to her family and friends went beyond normal acts of love. Unfortunately, she had a lot of physical problems. She was constantly sick with one serious ailment after another. Yet....she never let those problems get in the way of her faith or her service to those around her. She was always upbeat, always lending a hand and doing the very best she could to encourage and help others. I watched her take care of people that were obviously in better health than she was and yet when I tried to be sympathetic she would say, "Oh, I don't mind...I'm glad I can help them." Then she would give me a smile that seemed to light up with God's love.
She was a witness. Her actions were an illustration of how God's love can give you strength and peace even during difficult times.
I've spent my own life trying to live up to the example of Pat. Her witness has given me strength in dark times and courage to continue my work even when my own pain was overwhelming.
I hope we will all ask ourselves a very important question..... "How are my actions at this very moment bearing witness to the love of Christ?" The answer may determine how someone close decides to live their life. The answer will either encourage others or cause them to walk away from their faith.
God loves you,
Debbie
Philippians 1:12 -14
"Now I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly."
Everything is not "suffering" for Christ. Not finding a front line parking space at Wallmart would not be considered being in chains for Christ. But....giving up a front line parking space to a van loaded with children and a frazzled looking mom could be a "loving and compassionate" Christian act. Instead of fussing at the checkout girl for not moving fast enough - giving her a smile and a vote of confidence will allow others around you to see your faith in action.
Pat Bellew was a dear friend. We were close when I lived in Georgia. Her Christian faith was strong and her dedication to her family and friends went beyond normal acts of love. Unfortunately, she had a lot of physical problems. She was constantly sick with one serious ailment after another. Yet....she never let those problems get in the way of her faith or her service to those around her. She was always upbeat, always lending a hand and doing the very best she could to encourage and help others. I watched her take care of people that were obviously in better health than she was and yet when I tried to be sympathetic she would say, "Oh, I don't mind...I'm glad I can help them." Then she would give me a smile that seemed to light up with God's love.
She was a witness. Her actions were an illustration of how God's love can give you strength and peace even during difficult times.
I've spent my own life trying to live up to the example of Pat. Her witness has given me strength in dark times and courage to continue my work even when my own pain was overwhelming.
I hope we will all ask ourselves a very important question..... "How are my actions at this very moment bearing witness to the love of Christ?" The answer may determine how someone close decides to live their life. The answer will either encourage others or cause them to walk away from their faith.
God loves you,
Debbie
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Darlene's Daily
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People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown
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Late one night I stopped at one of those 24-hour gas station mini-marts to get myself a fresh-brewed cup of coffee. When I picked up the pot, I could not help noticing that the brew was as black as asphalt and just about as thick. "How old is the coffee you have here?" I asked the woman who was standing behind the store counter.
She shrugged. "I don't know. I've only been working here two weeks."
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Make a place in your heart for joy.
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One semester when my brother, Peter, attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, an art-student friend of his asked if he could paint Peter's portrait for a class assignment. Peter agreed, and the art student painted and submitted the portrait, only to receive a C minus. The art student approached the professor to ask why the grade was so poor. The teacher told him that the proportions in the painting were incorrect.
"The head is too big," the professor explained. "The shoulders are too wide, and the feet are enormous."
The next day, the art student brought Peter to see the professor. He took one look at my brother and said, "Okay, A minus."
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Straighten your problems out before you go to bed--That way you will wake up smiling.
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An Italian fellow took his mother fishing on a party boat . After drifting for hours without even a nibble, his mother hooks into one. Everyone on the boat was excited, cheering the old woman on and telling her to take her time.
Finally she lifted it into the boat, picked up the fish, removed the hook, looked at it up and down, and then tossed it back into the water. Stunned, her son says, "Mama why did you throw that fish back into the water?"
She replied, "I don't know, to me it just didn't look fresh."
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Thanks Darlene.....good one!
Happy New Year!
God loves you,
Debbie
*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''
People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year, but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas. ~Author Unknown
*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''
Late one night I stopped at one of those 24-hour gas station mini-marts to get myself a fresh-brewed cup of coffee. When I picked up the pot, I could not help noticing that the brew was as black as asphalt and just about as thick. "How old is the coffee you have here?" I asked the woman who was standing behind the store counter.
She shrugged. "I don't know. I've only been working here two weeks."
*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''
Make a place in your heart for joy.
*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''
One semester when my brother, Peter, attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, an art-student friend of his asked if he could paint Peter's portrait for a class assignment. Peter agreed, and the art student painted and submitted the portrait, only to receive a C minus. The art student approached the professor to ask why the grade was so poor. The teacher told him that the proportions in the painting were incorrect.
"The head is too big," the professor explained. "The shoulders are too wide, and the feet are enormous."
The next day, the art student brought Peter to see the professor. He took one look at my brother and said, "Okay, A minus."
*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''
Straighten your problems out before you go to bed--That way you will wake up smiling.
*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''
An Italian fellow took his mother fishing on a party boat . After drifting for hours without even a nibble, his mother hooks into one. Everyone on the boat was excited, cheering the old woman on and telling her to take her time.
Finally she lifted it into the boat, picked up the fish, removed the hook, looked at it up and down, and then tossed it back into the water. Stunned, her son says, "Mama why did you throw that fish back into the water?"
She replied, "I don't know, to me it just didn't look fresh."
*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''*=''
Thanks Darlene.....good one!
Happy New Year!
God loves you,
Debbie
Friday, December 31, 2010
Is that all there is?
I hope your Christmas was wonderful. I hope you were with family and friends. I hope you enjoyed the blessing and joy you "planned" and that you also had time to contemplate the Birth of Jesus and what that means to your life.
I woke up this morning praying for family, friends and all my wonderful readers. I imagined what you may be thinking today. Did you stop to look out the window and say a quick "thank you" prayer for all your many blessings? Did you stare into space with a broken heart because a loved one isn't there?
Some of you may have opened your eyes this morning and refused to turn the lights on as you once again prayed a desperate prayer and wondered why God seems so silent. I am praying for all my new friends who are experiencing abuse in their homes and asked God to grant them at least one day of "peace".
As I sipped my coffee, I smiled thinking about new mothers and their busy schedules as they try to keep up with family demands. It's amazing to watch young mothers deal with two sets of parents each wanting to share Christmas dinner and a crying newborn who refuses to give up his structured life for a day of new activities. I giggled thinking of our friend who called to say that his daughter had just given birth to twins. His laughter and joy took me back to the birth of my own twins followed by the birth of our youngest, Ken.
I thought of too many dear wonderful friends who have lost a spouse and their children can't be with them. They stare out the window as a parade of past Christmas memories tug at their heart and they wonder how to make it through another lonely holiday.
But what about the New Year? What will tomorrow and all of 2011 be like for you? Will you wake each morning with a feeling of complete satisfaction? Will you think of all you've done and feel as though your heart may burst with the joy of it all? Or....will you recall past memories while guilt wraps around your neck like a huge python determined to squeeze the life out of every molecule of your body.
Is it possible that at some point you may contemplate....is that all there is?
I remember back in the 60's hearing a song by Peggy Lee. I thought then that it was probably the saddest and most depressing song I had ever heard. Yet....it was extremely popular and unfortunately many people identified with it. I'm afraid that with our busy often disjointed lives and the constant problems America now faces....many people can identify with it now. The song, "Is that all there is?" takes God completely out of the story. The problem for many Christians even today is that while we believe in God - we still have moments when we wonder... is that all there is?
The chorus goes like this
Is that all there is, is that all there is? If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing.
Let's break out the booze and have a ball, If that's all there is.
Peggy Lee - Is that all there is?
Please allow me to encourage you that this life, this moment, this season, this time is not all there is.....there is more!...MUCH MORE.
Janet Paschal sings a beautiful song on her CD "This is Janet". The song It's not about here explains that while we may become trapped by all the "stuff" of this world - when it comes down to it - for Christians it's never about here, it's always about Heaven and our home over there. God has promised a wonderful home for us there where justice will rule and all the wrongs will be made right.
We do live in this world and we should do all we can to have a great life while we are here. Hang on to the moments, kiss your family and hug your friends. Develop the talents that God has given you. Become all that God had in mind for you to be. BUT....keep your eye on the real prize - the real reason Jesus came to earth. We have a heavenly home and all the love we enjoy here will be magnified over there! What a fantastic promise!
I hope you find a way to make this year the best you have ever had.
God loves you!
Debbie
I woke up this morning praying for family, friends and all my wonderful readers. I imagined what you may be thinking today. Did you stop to look out the window and say a quick "thank you" prayer for all your many blessings? Did you stare into space with a broken heart because a loved one isn't there?
Some of you may have opened your eyes this morning and refused to turn the lights on as you once again prayed a desperate prayer and wondered why God seems so silent. I am praying for all my new friends who are experiencing abuse in their homes and asked God to grant them at least one day of "peace".
As I sipped my coffee, I smiled thinking about new mothers and their busy schedules as they try to keep up with family demands. It's amazing to watch young mothers deal with two sets of parents each wanting to share Christmas dinner and a crying newborn who refuses to give up his structured life for a day of new activities. I giggled thinking of our friend who called to say that his daughter had just given birth to twins. His laughter and joy took me back to the birth of my own twins followed by the birth of our youngest, Ken.
I thought of too many dear wonderful friends who have lost a spouse and their children can't be with them. They stare out the window as a parade of past Christmas memories tug at their heart and they wonder how to make it through another lonely holiday.
But what about the New Year? What will tomorrow and all of 2011 be like for you? Will you wake each morning with a feeling of complete satisfaction? Will you think of all you've done and feel as though your heart may burst with the joy of it all? Or....will you recall past memories while guilt wraps around your neck like a huge python determined to squeeze the life out of every molecule of your body.
Is it possible that at some point you may contemplate....is that all there is?
I remember back in the 60's hearing a song by Peggy Lee. I thought then that it was probably the saddest and most depressing song I had ever heard. Yet....it was extremely popular and unfortunately many people identified with it. I'm afraid that with our busy often disjointed lives and the constant problems America now faces....many people can identify with it now. The song, "Is that all there is?" takes God completely out of the story. The problem for many Christians even today is that while we believe in God - we still have moments when we wonder... is that all there is?
The chorus goes like this
Is that all there is, is that all there is? If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing.
Let's break out the booze and have a ball, If that's all there is.
Peggy Lee - Is that all there is?
Please allow me to encourage you that this life, this moment, this season, this time is not all there is.....there is more!...MUCH MORE.
Janet Paschal sings a beautiful song on her CD "This is Janet". The song It's not about here explains that while we may become trapped by all the "stuff" of this world - when it comes down to it - for Christians it's never about here, it's always about Heaven and our home over there. God has promised a wonderful home for us there where justice will rule and all the wrongs will be made right.
We do live in this world and we should do all we can to have a great life while we are here. Hang on to the moments, kiss your family and hug your friends. Develop the talents that God has given you. Become all that God had in mind for you to be. BUT....keep your eye on the real prize - the real reason Jesus came to earth. We have a heavenly home and all the love we enjoy here will be magnified over there! What a fantastic promise!
I hope you find a way to make this year the best you have ever had.
God loves you!
Debbie
Monday, December 13, 2010
Thanks for all your prayers!
I think God must look at people like me with a "tsk, tsk, tsk" every so often. I'm always concerned about doing the right thing. I spend a lot of time researching my opinions, my work ethics and my daily routines - just to be sure that I'm on task and doing what God would have me do.
Then there's a little hic-cup followed by a medium hic-up followed by a large gasp and an explosion. There I stand in the middle of a rubble of hopes and dreams and wonder what in the world happened. All my plans, all my research, all my hopes and dreams are merely a pile of broken pieces surrounded by a lot of dust. I quickly look around and wonder if others have noticed. "I'll bet she thinks I messed up." "Maybe he wonders why I'm not finished with this project or that one." "Oh my, please dear God....please don't let her feel like I've let her down!"
I fret and worry and wish that I could somehow be perfect - but alas! Failed again.
I love writing on my blogs. I love my readers and want to help them. But this week, I've felt like the little hic-cup of last week's surgery blossomed into an explosion of events that couldn't be helped and yet prevented me from writing.
Have you every felt pushed along by circumstances? Have you ever wondered what your friends thought of you? Have you ever felt like you failed and yet you know you did the very best you could?
If you answered yes to those questions then you are just like everyone on the planet. Even the most productive, resourceful and sanctified Christian has had at least one week or one month of stressful "I'm not preforming at my best" days.
And if you answered no to those questions - then you probably aren't human. You must be an angel only visiting and using the computer because it would be something novel to do. (Which means you probably don't need my writing anyway.)
The best news of all is that God understands. He expects us to "be" the best person we can be. He wants us to "strive" to do all that he has called us to do. But....I know that he is also compassionate. He can read our hearts. He knows when we are goofin' off and he is also aware of those special times when the circumstances were just out of our control. He knows the truth about our lives and he loves us anyway. Ahhhh....isn't that reassuring?
My surgery went fine. It took a lot more out of me than I thought it would and therefore my busy schedule was interrupted much longer than I had hoped. But....I do appreciate all the prayers and thoughts and I hope that I'm now on the mend!
I love you all and I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Season.
God loves you,
Debbie
Then there's a little hic-cup followed by a medium hic-up followed by a large gasp and an explosion. There I stand in the middle of a rubble of hopes and dreams and wonder what in the world happened. All my plans, all my research, all my hopes and dreams are merely a pile of broken pieces surrounded by a lot of dust. I quickly look around and wonder if others have noticed. "I'll bet she thinks I messed up." "Maybe he wonders why I'm not finished with this project or that one." "Oh my, please dear God....please don't let her feel like I've let her down!"
I fret and worry and wish that I could somehow be perfect - but alas! Failed again.
I love writing on my blogs. I love my readers and want to help them. But this week, I've felt like the little hic-cup of last week's surgery blossomed into an explosion of events that couldn't be helped and yet prevented me from writing.
Have you every felt pushed along by circumstances? Have you ever wondered what your friends thought of you? Have you ever felt like you failed and yet you know you did the very best you could?
If you answered yes to those questions then you are just like everyone on the planet. Even the most productive, resourceful and sanctified Christian has had at least one week or one month of stressful "I'm not preforming at my best" days.
And if you answered no to those questions - then you probably aren't human. You must be an angel only visiting and using the computer because it would be something novel to do. (Which means you probably don't need my writing anyway.)
The best news of all is that God understands. He expects us to "be" the best person we can be. He wants us to "strive" to do all that he has called us to do. But....I know that he is also compassionate. He can read our hearts. He knows when we are goofin' off and he is also aware of those special times when the circumstances were just out of our control. He knows the truth about our lives and he loves us anyway. Ahhhh....isn't that reassuring?
My surgery went fine. It took a lot more out of me than I thought it would and therefore my busy schedule was interrupted much longer than I had hoped. But....I do appreciate all the prayers and thoughts and I hope that I'm now on the mend!
I love you all and I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Season.
God loves you,
Debbie
Sunday, December 5, 2010
FYI
Just in case everyone is wondering what's going on with Debbie and her sites.....I have been preparing for surgery. I will have what I hope will be minor surgery tomorrow morning.
Please say a prayer for me. Hopefully I will be able to return to daily postings beginning Tuesday. I have so much material to send your way!
God bless you and I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season!
Debbie
Please say a prayer for me. Hopefully I will be able to return to daily postings beginning Tuesday. I have so much material to send your way!
God bless you and I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas season!
Debbie
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