A Healthy Heart

My mind is going cRaZy this morning! I went to bed making lists and woke up making lists. I have a grocery list, Christmas list, cleaning list and a "to do" list. Some, of which are on paper, while others are in my mind.

I woke up multi-tasking. I have a routine and pretty much stick to it. I take my cell phone to the livingroom and turn on the news while on my way to wake the kids. I then stop by and put clothes in the washer or dryer and put the oven on for breakfast. While the oven is heating, the clothes are drying, the kids are waking, the news is "informing", I slip into the shower. Ahhh.... the place where no one disturbs me. This is the place where I get alone, so to speak with my Father. The lights are dim (only a lamp), the water is warm and I can pour out my Praise on the One who loves me. Bliss.

This morning turned out to be a little different than others. As I was laying the phone down in the livingroom, it rang. My friend was on the line sobbing. She informed me that one of our teens from church was involved in a fatal car accident last night. The "fatality" was him. Immediately I became numb. My mind went straight to that sweet smile and an outrageous hat that sat atop his head.

............My morning became silent.

Nothing else mattered. All I could do was cry out to God on the behalf of his parents and brother.

This has put a lot of things/circumstances in perspective for me. My desire is to have a heart like our Lord has. One that forgives when it seems impossible, smiles through the pain and loves with everyting that is within Him.



1 John 4:19 (New International Version)

"We love because he first loved us."

Yikes!

……and we are back in full swing after a very blessed summer. I have to share what I learned from my Pastor this morning at church. Have you ever felt like you were living a life of harmony and ……BAM! Something hits you right in the face. It knocks you down, but not out?! You know, the feeling that you have the perfect job, a clean home, the best friend, the perfect marriage and then out of the blue something happens and you find yourself struggling in your job. You look forward to going home to a clean home to put your feet up only to find that your children have decided to create a Boardwalk 500 with their skate boards and roller skates on your freshly wax kitchen floor. You look in the mirror to see that you have had a piece of pepper stuck in your front tooth since lunch!

That is how I am feeling; in disarray, unorganized and disorderly! I have GOT TO GET A GRIP! I am at peace when I am somewhat organized.

Lord, PLEASE help me today. I want to bring a sacrifice of Praise to lay at your feet, but right now all I have is dirty dishes!

New Blog Layout

Hey everyone! Let me know what you think of my new layout on here! :)

New Blog Layout

Hey everyone! Let me know what you think of my new layout on here! :)

....It could be your last.

Ahhhh.....Don't you just LOVE summertime?! I have had a very blessed summer full of giggles, watermelon, lemonade, homemade ice cream, swimming, boating, camps, and movies. We try to cram as much into our days "out of school" as we can.

This summer has particularly been very refreshing for me. I have hibernated, in a strange sense of the term. I surrounded myself with friends and family that I hold dear. I am learning to love on a WHOLE different level. I treasure every minute spent with those that I deem close. I have closed my mind, spirit and soul off to anything that does not bring God glory or me contentment. I have learned that it is okay to surround myself and family with love that comes from God.

We have, on several occasions, turned the television off and turned on Praise & Worship music. We now read the Bible as a family before going to bed....and we do this on a regular basis. My children have "chores" that they are responsible for and they do them with much less discord. When we maneuver throughout our day united as a family, goals get met, organization is accomplished and the only thing that I find lingering is peace of mind.

So...today I encourage you to pick up that book, giggle, sit on the front porch with a glass of cold lemonade or sweet tea, play with your kids in the sprinkler....enjoy this time with your most precious friends and family. It could be your last.




Ephesians 5:15-20 (New International Version)

(15) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,(16)making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (17) Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. (18) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (19)Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, (20)always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To Reject or to Own: The Choice is Ours.......

I found myself observing "people" last night. First, at a church picnic then later during conversation around a campsite. Tonight I got on Facebook for a little bit and while there, looked at my friend request list.

Funny....last night and tonight seem the same. I looked around last night to see different friends or groups talking and laughing. They were "a part" of something; a friendship, a brotherhood and a family. Tonight I see that others are asking to be "a part" of something also, a network. People/friends/family keeping in touch with each other.

Everyone wants to "belong". I, personally, want to know that I belong. I want the security that comes with belonging to my husband and children, to my mom, to my friends and family, and to my church. I want to KNOW that when I am with these people that I matter. My opinion matters. My vote counts. My love is returned.

Rejection is very painful....to say the least. I can't help but wonder just how Jesus felt while on this earth. I love the stories of Peter. I find that I am a lot like him. I can see me jumping out of that boat with sweet abandon just to look around and ....well, panic.

Peter was one of the Lord's favs: His brother, His friend, His disciple. One of the people in His life that should have been there no matter what. He should have been the person that the Lord could count on to protect His name and His life, but Peter found himself living in a lie that would change his life and the life of our Father. Denial....betrayal.....TOTAL REJECTION.

Rejection, betrayal and abandonment will leave pain that will scar for a lifetime. The acute pain will dissipate, but the scar is left as a reminder of the confusion, pain, demise of self confidence and self esteem. It is the trophy of death.

I pray that when the Lord returns, He finds me being a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, a diligent daughter, a faithful follower and a virtuous child of his.




John 18:17 (New International Version)

17"You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter.
He replied, "I am not." (how sad)

UNworthy....

My husband, Ricky, is the type of man who is very knowledgeable of the Word and is faithful to his convictions. He is the type of fellow that will sit back and listen to the discussion at hand, think about it and then voice his opinion....only if asked. He taught a Sunday School lesson once that has stuck with me. The title was "You ARE Worthy".

Being raised in the church, I have heard several sermons on the word "worthy". Most pastors would say that we, as God's children, are UNworthy. UNworthy of the love, power, HIS presence, and all the other "gifts" that our Lord has place before us. Therefore, I have gone through life literally thinking that I was unworthy. To me, life as a christian was to live in defeat. In grade school I felt that I was UNworthy to have a lot of friends; one should do. In high school I felt like I was UNworthy of the accomplishments that I received and even UNworthy of the people that God had placed in my life. When I found out that I was pregnant with Seth, Rick went out and bought me (or us) a new Expedition. It was beautiful and just perfect for us. I loved it, but when I referred to it I called it a "truck" because I didn't want anyone to think I thought I was better than anyone else. There is that "UNworthy" word popping up agian. Looking back, I did that a lot.

Rick taught me, in that lesson, that I AM worthy. It has taken several years for that to sink in. I am worthy of HIS love, HIS forgiveness, HIS grace, HIS mercy and YES....HIS BLESSINGS. I want everything God has for me on this earth. So, I now accept every spiritual blessing, every financial blessing, every emotional blessing and every friend blessing. I want to live for the Lord and IN the Lord, not in defeat. I am not say that "I deserve" any of these blessings because it is ONLY by the GRACE OF GOD that I live, breathe and have my being. My Father went to the cross with me, Sherry Lynn Jefferson McLaughlin on His mind and on His heart, so why in the world would I not accept his blessings? I am worthy simply because He made me and I am HIS child.

Psalm 139:14 (New International Version)

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."

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My family (Rick, Seth, Megan and myself) went out to eat with some friends last night. You have to understand the nature of the friendship that our families share. It is very unique. Jeff, Teresa, Rick and I have have gone to church together since Seth was...hum, maybe 6 months old. When Seth was just old enough to talk he started calling Jeff..."Papa HoHo" and it stuck. When Megan was born and started to talk she started calling Teresa..."MiMi" and it stuck. Jeff and Teresa has taken a proactive interest in the kids. They attend ballgames, summer events and are "on call" for emergencies.

During the coarse of supper Seth(11) and Megan(8) were talking all about dating. They were filling MiMi and PaPa HoHo in on the newest girlfriend that Seth has. Seth was going on and on about.."I was dating such 'n such, but not I am dating another girl". MiMi looked at Seth and asked "well Seth, were does an 11 year old go on dates"? Without blinking an eye he looked directly into her eyes and said "the play ground"..like..."duh". We burst out laughing and then he went on to say that he picks his dates up on his big wheel, turns his hat backwards, wears sunglasses and askes her to hold his radio, so that they can have music. Boy! What an imagination! He came up with that concoction in one minute flat.

I love my kids, my husband and spending time with friends. Those moments are priceless to me. I can never get that moment back, but I can cherish the memory for years to come.

My "summertime goal" is immerse myself in making memories. I am trying to keep a journal of things to do. You know...to look forward to, like going to Six Flags with my kids. Remember when you were a kid and couldn't sleep the night before going on a trip. I would be so exicted that I would stay up until the wee hours of the morning.

I want to surround myself with love and laughter.

Giggles and grins.

Watermelon and summertime tomatoes.

Slip 'n slides and water guns.

Yep, that's me!

Calvary's E-Mail.....

This is older, but still wanted to share. Felt like God needed to use this for someone today....






Whew! I have definitely been on the “ride of my life” since December 20th. I cried most all day, everyday since then until 3 weeks ago. That is when Ricky had to take a job out of town after being laid off. Some would wonder “where was God?”….Me, I just went to the bathroom and had a (as my Grandma Taylor would say) “come to meeting” talk with Jesus. There, I vented my frustrations, my anger, my disappoints, but most of all my LOVE for the Lord. I do love him so. I reminded Him, my Father, that even if he never showed up in my life again, I was going to keep praising HIM. Now, that is CrAzY praise! You heard me right! I have and will continue to Praise MY father in the storms of my life and this has been the largest, by far.

I want to thank you as my Calvary family for your obedience. No, I have not received thousands of calls and cards, but I have seen God move and work through you. I have seen you start to step out of your comfort zones to bless your brother and sisters. I have seen you pray with our children. I have seen your tears as you quietly fight for your life, your marriage and your children in the storms that you are facing. I have seen you rejoice with our new little ones and love on our elderly. I have seen you fight to raise your hands in praise. You encourage me. You give me hope. You help me trust…….

I don’t feel the rain, but I can finally smell it. It’s coming! If you get this e-mail and feel like you have hit rock bottom, PLEASE let me know. I want to pray for you. I am not a pastor or a philosopher, but I am a child of God; A child of the most High God. I want to help hold your arms up as you struggle to praise and grow stronger in your walk with the Lord.

Blessings............

I have decided that today is a new day. It is the first day of the rest of my life. I feel like I did with a new home. "Do I paint first...hum, maybe put up new curtains and then decide on the color scheme, lets see...do I want a comforter or a quilt for my bed, and I can't forget the furniture!"



We have been given choices in this life. We can choose to tap out when the enemy knocks us down or we can fight with all of our might. We can live in depression or we can get up, wipe ourselves off and go forward. We can live in a dirty house or we can clean it up. We can walk in sin or we can walk in His grace.



God is about to split the eastern sky. To come back and take us home....where we can rest without worry. I want to live out the rest of my days on this earth to their fullest. I want to smile as I am amazed at the elderly lady that walks in the morning, like clock work. Always there, and always at the same time. I want to sing to the top of my lungs when my favorite song is played on the radio, and laugh as people watch me with that "she's crazy" look on their face. I want to reminisce and share stories of my past with my children, family and friends. I want to dance in the rain, in the living room, in the drive way and anywhere else I can find a place to "break it down".....speaking of my back. lol! I want to live life on this earth for God, and enjoy somethings for myself along the way.

So, with all of that said. I choose....LIFE & BLESSINGS. I choose the right to smile, to laugh, to get out of bed without a heavy burden. He has made me the "head and not the tail". He has blessed with with "spiritual blessings". He is God, my Savior, my defender, my best friend.

I turn my back to curses and to death. God is my life, my blessing. I choose Him. This road is not an easy one to follow. It is defiantly not for whimps, but is IS for me.

What road are you going to follow? The easy one that is embedded with curses and death or Gods way? I pray that every follower of this blog knows God as their friend. If not , PLEASE let me know. I want to talk to you, to pray with you. Life on this earth is quickl y coming to an end. It is not the time to play.



Deuteronomy 30:19
19 This day I call .heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

VACUUM MARKS...

Don't you just LOVE a clean house?! I love it when the carpet is vacuumed and I can see the marks from the vacuum cleaner. Crazy huh? I love to look around and see everything it "its" place; nothing on the floor or on the counter tops, all clothes laundered and put away, soft music playing (Praise & Worship or 'Ol Frank), and no overhead lights on..just lamps. Ahhh. That is bliss for me. As I have said before, it doesn't take much for me to be happy. I would love to say that at any given time you can find my house like that........BUT........you won't.



I love to be around people like that too. You know, the ones that "seem" all put together, but once around them you quickly find out that their "vacuum marks" are not always there. They are the friends that I learn from. The ones that when they reach their limit with stress, seem to go through life with grace and confidence. These incredible ladies will belly laugh, just when satan thinks that they are at their breaking point....and then....POW! Right in his 'ol kisser! He ends up defeated again! When will he ever learn?! Most women will NEVER GIVE UP when they are at the end of their rope. They will keep digging until they can muster up enough strength to silently and oh, so gently raise their hands in praise to their Father. They know that he will always be on their side, their biggest cheerleader.

I want to be that kind of woman. I want to raise my hands in praise in the bad times, as well as the good. The Lord has laid some "ideas" on my heart. Please join me in prayer about these. We need to help lift each other up. These ideas might just help with that.

Have a blessed day in the Lord!!

Transformation.......

Ahhhhh......Don't you just L-O-V-E Fridays?! It seems that no matter how deep in despair I am on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, by Friday I am miraculously transformed!!! Sometimes it is sudden and at other times it will be a gradual undertaking. I get "my Praise on" sometime during the day on Wednesday. During the work day, on Thursday, I just have to do the "Thursday DANCE". My friend, Melissa, usually joins me which makes it even better. Imagine! Two grown women doing a "Thursday Dance".....at a middle school!!!! The kids love it! No, it is not always easy. We have to work at it some days, but it usually gets accomplished. Then.....wait for it.....here it comes........................BAM! Friday has arrived! Whoop!



My friend, Butch, has won two, count them....one, TWO people to the Lord within two weeks. How amazing is that?! My prayer is to lead someone to the Lord. To watch them transform into the likeness of our Father.



I want the boldness that Butch and John the Baptist have/had (hum.......they are similar in a few ways! JK!), the passion that Rizpah had, the wisdom of Solomon, and the....well, I already have the dancing feet of David! On Thursdays anyway! LOL!





Rom.12
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Isa.1
[18] Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.



My Prayer:

Lord, help me to allow you to transform me into Your likeness. Renew my mind and my spirit. Give me passion, boldness, courage and wisdom to win someone to Your kingdom. Help me to remember that no matter how sinful of a state that man can get himself/herself into, You are able to wash it away....ALL away.

HOMEMADE

Don't you just love cooking shows like the ones with Rachael Ray, Paula Deen and Sandra Lee? They make the food look so yummy. I have a friend who loves to cook like that. She loves gatherings of any kind, formal, semi-formal or back yard cook outs. Cooking is her passion. She even had breakfast waiting for her co-workers this morning and I just so happen to be one of them! Homemade biscuits ((((YUMMMM))))! Yes, you heard me....homemade and with all the fixings such as sausage, butter, honey and jelly.

I love "homemade". I love for my family to have a clean house, supper prepared at home and eaten around the table, playing games on the floor, clean laundry and an organized home. That is what makes me feel good inside. HOMEMADE...that's me. I love for my family and friends to come and eat with us or just sit (with a blanket) and watch T.V. or talk. It makes me feel secure...and happy. It doesn't take much.

I can't wait to "sit and sup" with my Lord. Just imagine. No worries, no running around to get the things on my "to do list" checked off, no misunderstandings, no arguments, and NO STRESS!!!!! Just sitting, praising and talking. Yep, that's me....I'm in!!!! I can't wait to see you there!!!!

John 14:1-4 (NIV)
1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going."

MY PRAYER TODAY:
Lord I want my passion to be YOU.

Back to the basics...

My heart is very heavy today. I have lots on my mind. Pastor Tray has requested that we go "back to the basics" and have prayer as a vital part of our day. I have always prayed all day on and off, but lately I find myself in deep admiration and praise. I know that God can....but do I have the faith that He will?

I am praying for a friend with a huge decision to make. One in which will, either way, effect the future of her family. What a burden she is bearing!

Another friend is dealing daily with an autistic child. In the mist of therapy, chaos, confusion and deep and utter exhaustion she finds the time to share scripture and words of encouragement to her E-pals. What an AMAZING woman!

One of my friends is now a widow. I don't see how she does it. All the cooking, house work, bill paying, cleaning and washing the vehicle, maintenance of a home and a vehicle, shopping, going to church, going out to eat.......and doing this alone. No one to bounce questions and/or concerns off of. An empty house, a quiet vehicle, and even the chair that once was occupied by her husband sits empty, but she is going through this journey with grace and beauty. She helps those in need without asking or looking for any return. She is beautiful and has defeated the giant of loneliness and depression.....while wearing make-up and heels!

I am also praying for a friend that is having marriage issues. How devastating it is not knowing where your husband is and what he is doing! The mind games that our enemy throws on us can kill our spirit, our attitude and our joy. This friend, too, is always "caught" with her hands uplifted praising her Father, who she KNOWS will take care of this need.

Many friends of mine are in financial despair, with the economy being in the mess that it is in and few jobs that are secure. They are under much stress and depression. My heart cries out for their well being.

There have been several recent deaths (young and old) in and associated with our church and family. I can't imagine what those "left behind" are having to face.

Pastors, teachers, administration, the lost, the hurting, the suffering...and the list goes on. We must be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. When we feel the need to pray or if God puts someone in your mind. Pray and Pray with ALL YOUR MIGHT.

James 5: 13-20 (NIV)
13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

....And now they're gone.

My children and I have been watching a bird nest that was built just out of our front door. We watched as the "mama bird" brought her materials and weaved them together for a home for her babies. Within a few days four tiny eggs appeared. They looked so fragile, blue in color almost speckled. We were at home the day the small birds hatched and actually got to see one of them emerge from the cracked egg. It was awesome! They were so tiny....and UgLy! Oh, my! They were bald (of coarse) and you could see every vein in their little delicate bodies. Over the days we watched the mom sit just out of sight (she thought), but close enough to get to her little ones if needed. We talked to the babies and showed everyone who visited. We felt like we help care for them, by keeping them safe. Over the few short weeks, we watched as they matured. When I arrived home from work yesterday I went to check on the little birds and saw them "trying out" their wings. They would take turns fluttering in the nest, as their siblings would watch and probably encourage. I told the kids that we had to keep a close eye on them and maybe get to see them try to fly. We had to run a few errands, once home we raced to the nest.....it was empty. My heart sank. We had fallen in love with the little birds, learning about nature and creation.



I have had friends like these little birds. They fly into your life so unexpectedly, build a secure home in your heart and when you are not looking....they're gone.
Saddened, disheartened, but delighted that you had a chance to get to know them; to share with them, laugh with them, cry with them. Then a feeling of gratification sweeps over your heart by just knowing that they carry a piece of your heart with them and maybe, just maybe, you will get to see them again. To renew that sweet friendship.

Life is hard these days. It seems everyone is struggling with something. The prayer request at my church are intense. There is a certain feeling there...an excitement, a wonder, a presence. God knows just where we are. He can't be here physically, but He sends those friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members to reach out and help us. When you feel like you are fluttering or when you look around and see the world, in which you must lunge, so big and overwhelming....look around, for God is there. He is sitting on "GO", ready to come and get us. He is so ready to be with you, to sit and talk, to hold you and tell you that your problems are over....they're All gone. Rest in Him today..

John 14:3 (KJV)
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

I LOVE it when I KNOW that God has heard my prayers.....

My father has SUCH a sense of humor....
I was driving to work, as usual, with my pentecoastal morning prayer. You know, the one that will slay a dragon or smear the lipstick that my enemy is applying.....

I was "telling" God what needed to be done and how it needed to happen. Then He told me in such a profound, but gentle way that He had already gone ahead of me and things were going to turn around for my good. "Well", I thought. Hum..."that was blunt". I then started quoting scripture that applied to my earlier request 9or demand), that God brought to mind... Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Well, I couldn't miss that...'cause it slapped me right in the face!

I got to work and started reading my daily devotion. The words from the devotion jumped up and slapped me again. Once again it was just what was needed..and I bet you couldn't guess what scripture was used! You guessed it!!! Jeremiah 29:11!!! God is going to get my attention, one way or the other. I just hope I "get it" before my face gets raw!!!

God loves us so much that He will do anything to get our attention. He will use daily devotions, music, books, friends and even animals. He takes time to stop and get our attention. What has He done today to get YOUR attention. Please join me in looking for the opprotunity that He is giving us today........