I have this unique gift. I like to think of it as a gift. I love children. I have always wanted to work with kids since I can remember. I teach so therefore, during the week, I work with kids but then on Sundays, I work in the church nursery. I love to rock and cuddle the babies that come stay in there for a short while. They grow so fast that it seems like a short time.
One Sunday, I walked into the nursery and there was a little girl screaming her head off. She wanted her momma and daddy and nothing was working to calm her down. I looked at the little girl and stood there for a minute. Then I held out my arms. She stopped crying and held her arms up. Now, I knew that she thought I was going to take her to her momma but instead, I decided to talk plainly to her. (I should note here that when my own kids were growing up, we never baby talked to them. We treated them like they were little versions of ourselves. Maybe that's why they have sarcasm down to an art. (That is a joke!))
I told this child (who is almost 2) that her momma and daddy were going to come back. They always came back because they loved her so. I went on to tell her that they needed to go hear their Bible story and then once they finished that they would come and get her. I then explained to her that we were going to go sit in the rocking chair and rock for a minute and calm down. I told her that she needed to settle in and just relax. I stood there for a just minute longer and then I went and sat down. This little girl looked up at me as we sat down and then she turned and snuggled up against me and went to sleep. Trust me when I say that method doesn't always work but every once in a while I get lucky and it works.
I believe that God does the same thing with us. We are having a tantrum, screaming and kicking to get our way. God picks us up, tells us plainly in His words what is going to happen and why and then He holds us close to give us that reassurance that He loves us. It is in this time that we can close our eyes and just breathe Him in. It is in this time that we can relax because we know that He is in charge and He has a plan. I love that.
Be blessed. I am always praying.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
A Granddaddy Memory
My family means everything to me so you will hear me talk about them all the time. My maternal grandparents were a large influence in my life. We lived next door to them for a bit, we lived with them for a bit, I stayed with them when I was sick as a child, and the list goes on. There are so many memories that I have of them.
My granddaddy was a principal, a superintendent, and an elder in the church. He did the grocery shopping, he did the yard work (when I was younger), he helped his neighbors without second thoughts. He loved to hunt and he liked piddle around in his "work space" in the garage. He paid the bills at his desk and he loved to read and learn new things.
Even with all these things, he always found time to read to me, show me how to plant things, how to have compassion for those less fortunate than us, how to be a help to others, and so on. He always seemed to have time for me.
For 8 years, I was the only grandchild so in some ways, I was a bit spoiled by my grandparents but in other ways, I was not. One memory that I have was earning a dollar from my granddaddy when I was about 5 years old. I was so excited! The next day we went to town and I had my dollar. It was burning a hole in my pocket. There was a man selling trinkets outside the store and I just had to have one. Now, my granddaddy advised against it but I was adamant that I wanted that trinket. So, he allowed me to purchase it. We started home. Upon arriving at home, I was so excited to show everyone my new trinket that I jumped out of the car and immediately it fell to the ground and shattered. I was crushed. I begged to go back and get another one. My granddaddy (with a long face) told me sternly but lovingly that this was not possible. He explained that this was the reason that he had been encouraging me to not purchase this item. My heart was broken. I just knew that he was being mean at that time. I ran into the house crying. I was expecting sympathy but instead, I found that everyone was saying the same thing. I should have listened to my granddaddy. He was wiser and knew what he was talking about.
After a little bit, I went and found my granddaddy. I apologized to him for throwing a fit (let's be real, I really threw a temper tantrum over the trinket thing). He gathered me in his arms, hugged me, and then said that this lesson was one of the hardest lessons that he had to watch me learn. He told me that he loved me but he had to let me find out the hard way that he knew what he was talking about. That left a definite impression on me. I still remember that day like it just happened.
God is like that with us. He knows what is best and He has our best interest at heart. He wants the best for us. Not some trinket that will break within 5 minutes after we buy it. If we allow Him, He will show us the best of the best and greatest of the greatest because we are His children and He loves us without conditions. It is a hard thing for Him to watch us go off and do what we want instead of what He has shown us to do. Stop and listen to His voice. Wait. Pray. It will save you some heartache in the end. His way is best. Always has been and always will be. Be blessed. I am always praying.
My granddaddy was a principal, a superintendent, and an elder in the church. He did the grocery shopping, he did the yard work (when I was younger), he helped his neighbors without second thoughts. He loved to hunt and he liked piddle around in his "work space" in the garage. He paid the bills at his desk and he loved to read and learn new things.
Even with all these things, he always found time to read to me, show me how to plant things, how to have compassion for those less fortunate than us, how to be a help to others, and so on. He always seemed to have time for me.
For 8 years, I was the only grandchild so in some ways, I was a bit spoiled by my grandparents but in other ways, I was not. One memory that I have was earning a dollar from my granddaddy when I was about 5 years old. I was so excited! The next day we went to town and I had my dollar. It was burning a hole in my pocket. There was a man selling trinkets outside the store and I just had to have one. Now, my granddaddy advised against it but I was adamant that I wanted that trinket. So, he allowed me to purchase it. We started home. Upon arriving at home, I was so excited to show everyone my new trinket that I jumped out of the car and immediately it fell to the ground and shattered. I was crushed. I begged to go back and get another one. My granddaddy (with a long face) told me sternly but lovingly that this was not possible. He explained that this was the reason that he had been encouraging me to not purchase this item. My heart was broken. I just knew that he was being mean at that time. I ran into the house crying. I was expecting sympathy but instead, I found that everyone was saying the same thing. I should have listened to my granddaddy. He was wiser and knew what he was talking about.
After a little bit, I went and found my granddaddy. I apologized to him for throwing a fit (let's be real, I really threw a temper tantrum over the trinket thing). He gathered me in his arms, hugged me, and then said that this lesson was one of the hardest lessons that he had to watch me learn. He told me that he loved me but he had to let me find out the hard way that he knew what he was talking about. That left a definite impression on me. I still remember that day like it just happened.
God is like that with us. He knows what is best and He has our best interest at heart. He wants the best for us. Not some trinket that will break within 5 minutes after we buy it. If we allow Him, He will show us the best of the best and greatest of the greatest because we are His children and He loves us without conditions. It is a hard thing for Him to watch us go off and do what we want instead of what He has shown us to do. Stop and listen to His voice. Wait. Pray. It will save you some heartache in the end. His way is best. Always has been and always will be. Be blessed. I am always praying.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Burdens
Right now, I drive an hour one way to get to work. So, during that time, I have conversations with God. I try really hard to make sure not to gripe or complain about things. Then it struck me. My burdens which seem absolutely huge to me are actually a little bitty thing when you think about ALL the burdens that God has to deal with. I almost stopped my car when I thought about that. My burdens which tend to weigh me down and make me miserable are just a speck of what God deals with.
He has to deal with all of us sinning and doing what I call "being stupid". Then there is the people who are trashing His name and twisting His words. On top of all that there are the people who are not committing to Him or refusing to acknowledge Him. That is just the tip of the iceberg. God has to deal with burdens that are beyond my ability to comprehend. It blew my mind trying to even fathom a small part of what He has to deal with.
I feel blessed to know that I don't have to carry my burdens around with me although Satan would absolutely love it if I did. Satan reminds me daily, and sometimes hourly of the stuff I have done, decisions I have made, and all the mistakes that he can find to bring up. BUT (our pastor's favorite word) In Matthew 11:28 God says, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He then goes on to say in Matthew 11:30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." I love this! I see hope, comfort, peace, and light in these words. It is such an encouragement to me and my soul to know that God's way is so much better than anything here on earth.
Even though Satan tries his hardest to keep reminding me of my wrongdoings (trust me I am the farthest thing from perfect), I keep reminding myself that I am a child of God and that I have laid down my burdens and my sins at the foot of the Cross and they are no more. God says so!! It is such a glorious feeling to know that the weight of the burden does not have to stay on my shoulders but that God gave us a solution for that by having His son die on the cross for us. We have to believe with all our heart and mind and soul that God is the one true way and that there is nothing else and no one else that can help us than God the Father.
I have told you before that there are words that have to be said and I can't hold them in. It may not be in any grammatically correct form or writing style but that isn't really the point is it? The point is that you have a choice to make. Continue to carry your burdens, sorrows, woes, sins, etc and try to do it all on your own or give it ALL to God and let Him give you rest. Which will you choose?
Be blessed and I am always praying.
He has to deal with all of us sinning and doing what I call "being stupid". Then there is the people who are trashing His name and twisting His words. On top of all that there are the people who are not committing to Him or refusing to acknowledge Him. That is just the tip of the iceberg. God has to deal with burdens that are beyond my ability to comprehend. It blew my mind trying to even fathom a small part of what He has to deal with.
I feel blessed to know that I don't have to carry my burdens around with me although Satan would absolutely love it if I did. Satan reminds me daily, and sometimes hourly of the stuff I have done, decisions I have made, and all the mistakes that he can find to bring up. BUT (our pastor's favorite word) In Matthew 11:28 God says, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He then goes on to say in Matthew 11:30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." I love this! I see hope, comfort, peace, and light in these words. It is such an encouragement to me and my soul to know that God's way is so much better than anything here on earth.
Even though Satan tries his hardest to keep reminding me of my wrongdoings (trust me I am the farthest thing from perfect), I keep reminding myself that I am a child of God and that I have laid down my burdens and my sins at the foot of the Cross and they are no more. God says so!! It is such a glorious feeling to know that the weight of the burden does not have to stay on my shoulders but that God gave us a solution for that by having His son die on the cross for us. We have to believe with all our heart and mind and soul that God is the one true way and that there is nothing else and no one else that can help us than God the Father.
I have told you before that there are words that have to be said and I can't hold them in. It may not be in any grammatically correct form or writing style but that isn't really the point is it? The point is that you have a choice to make. Continue to carry your burdens, sorrows, woes, sins, etc and try to do it all on your own or give it ALL to God and let Him give you rest. Which will you choose?
Be blessed and I am always praying.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Faith
“Faith
is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1.
God is asking us to trust Him COMPLETELY. Have faith.
(This is the very first Sunday text that I sent out. Like I said previously, I was trying to stay within the 140 characters then.)
My grandparents, parents, Sunday School teachers, pastors, etc. have taught me over the years that I should have the faith of a mustard seed. In Matthew 17:14-20 Jesus tells the disciples that "...if you have the faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing is impossible for you." I have dreamed of having that much faith. That would be so absolutely amazing!!!! That would mean that I have complete and total faith. Unfortunately, I haven't moved any mountains and I fall flat on my face more times than not when I try to walk in faith. I am a human, fleshly, and totally imperfect. That is why I am so, so, so glad that I have God with me, in my heart, and surrounding me at all times.
I am learning more and more to step out on faith without asking God, "Are you sure?" First of all, YES HE IS SURE! He wouldn't have asked me to do something if He wasn't. Secondly, we need to rely and trust in Him completely and totally and definitely without question. It is a constant process for me to stand on faith. Satan attacks my finances, my family, my life in general and I have to continue to remember that my faith is in God and not the things of this world. I have to have faith. I wouldn't make it without faith. I would be a basket case without faith. Faith is one of those things that you have to do with your heart.
Over and over again, there are examples of people who had faith in God and did what He asked. Over and over we see the results of that faithfulness. Abraham offering up his son, Moses following God's instruction and leading the people out of Egypt, the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho, David, Samuel, Samson, Gideon, Ruth, Esther, and I could go on and on. There is example after example of people who heard God tell them to do something and without thinking twice about doing what He asked.
I want that kind of faith. I want to be like these examples. I want to be a person who walks in faith without a second thought. God asks this simple thing of us. He has a plan for each and everyone of our lives and He knows what is going to happen, how it is going to happen, and when it is going to happen. That is why He tells us over and over again--"Trust Me. Have Faith in Me."
Do you have faith in God? Do you trust Him? Are you willing to walk with Him and allow Him to guide your every step? It is what He asks. Can you do it? Will you do it? Be blessed.
I am always praying.
(This is the very first Sunday text that I sent out. Like I said previously, I was trying to stay within the 140 characters then.)
My grandparents, parents, Sunday School teachers, pastors, etc. have taught me over the years that I should have the faith of a mustard seed. In Matthew 17:14-20 Jesus tells the disciples that "...if you have the faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing is impossible for you." I have dreamed of having that much faith. That would be so absolutely amazing!!!! That would mean that I have complete and total faith. Unfortunately, I haven't moved any mountains and I fall flat on my face more times than not when I try to walk in faith. I am a human, fleshly, and totally imperfect. That is why I am so, so, so glad that I have God with me, in my heart, and surrounding me at all times.
I am learning more and more to step out on faith without asking God, "Are you sure?" First of all, YES HE IS SURE! He wouldn't have asked me to do something if He wasn't. Secondly, we need to rely and trust in Him completely and totally and definitely without question. It is a constant process for me to stand on faith. Satan attacks my finances, my family, my life in general and I have to continue to remember that my faith is in God and not the things of this world. I have to have faith. I wouldn't make it without faith. I would be a basket case without faith. Faith is one of those things that you have to do with your heart.
Over and over again, there are examples of people who had faith in God and did what He asked. Over and over we see the results of that faithfulness. Abraham offering up his son, Moses following God's instruction and leading the people out of Egypt, the Israelites marching around the walls of Jericho, David, Samuel, Samson, Gideon, Ruth, Esther, and I could go on and on. There is example after example of people who heard God tell them to do something and without thinking twice about doing what He asked.
I want that kind of faith. I want to be like these examples. I want to be a person who walks in faith without a second thought. God asks this simple thing of us. He has a plan for each and everyone of our lives and He knows what is going to happen, how it is going to happen, and when it is going to happen. That is why He tells us over and over again--"Trust Me. Have Faith in Me."
Do you have faith in God? Do you trust Him? Are you willing to walk with Him and allow Him to guide your every step? It is what He asks. Can you do it? Will you do it? Be blessed.
I am always praying.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Wrong Number
I loved the day when Facebook integrated my phone with my friends. I discovered that an old childhood friend was now on my list. He and I had grown up together since grade school and then we ended up going to the same college. I had lost track of him over the years but thanks to Facebook, we connected again. He had been a chaplain in the military and was now serving as a pastor locally. I immediately added his name and number to the Sunday texts.
After about 3 weeks, I suddenly received a strange phone call one Sunday afternoon. The lady on the other end was irate. She informed me that I was to quit harassing her mother with my texting. I was baffled. I didn't know this lady nor did I remember texting her mother. I asked her to give me the number and I would remove it. She did. I made a note to look for the number. I couldn't find that number anywhere in my phone so I just went on with my life. The next Sunday, I sent out my text. That afternoon, I received another call. I explained to the same lady that I didn't know her mom nor her. She was adamant that I had texted her. I hung up with her and immediately the phone rang. It was the lady (I will call her Mrs. W.) who the daughter had been calling me about. She was whispering. She told me that I was to keep sending her the texts. She loved them. She gave me a new phone number and said no matter what I was to keep them coming. They were blessing her and she would not allow her daughter to dictate who she got messages from.
As I looked at the number, I realized that my friend who I thought I was sending Sunday texts to all along was actually Mrs. W. All this time, she had been receiving my texts. I started laughing. I was amazed as well. Here I thought I was just reaching out to people I knew and there was this lady, whom I had never met, didn't know anything about, and she was receiving what God had placed on my heart.
Mrs. W. has been on my list for the last 2 years and every once in a while I hear from her with a prayer request. Again, I have never met this lady and I am pretty sure I will never meet this lady until I get to heaven. She makes me smile when she calls. She has such a sweet spirit about her.
I never did find out my friend's correct number and I am not sure that I ever was suppose to. I just know that through a wrong number, a lady is being blessed by God's messages I send out and I am being blessed by her and her willingness to keep hearing.
Be blessed and know I am always praying.
After about 3 weeks, I suddenly received a strange phone call one Sunday afternoon. The lady on the other end was irate. She informed me that I was to quit harassing her mother with my texting. I was baffled. I didn't know this lady nor did I remember texting her mother. I asked her to give me the number and I would remove it. She did. I made a note to look for the number. I couldn't find that number anywhere in my phone so I just went on with my life. The next Sunday, I sent out my text. That afternoon, I received another call. I explained to the same lady that I didn't know her mom nor her. She was adamant that I had texted her. I hung up with her and immediately the phone rang. It was the lady (I will call her Mrs. W.) who the daughter had been calling me about. She was whispering. She told me that I was to keep sending her the texts. She loved them. She gave me a new phone number and said no matter what I was to keep them coming. They were blessing her and she would not allow her daughter to dictate who she got messages from.
As I looked at the number, I realized that my friend who I thought I was sending Sunday texts to all along was actually Mrs. W. All this time, she had been receiving my texts. I started laughing. I was amazed as well. Here I thought I was just reaching out to people I knew and there was this lady, whom I had never met, didn't know anything about, and she was receiving what God had placed on my heart.
Mrs. W. has been on my list for the last 2 years and every once in a while I hear from her with a prayer request. Again, I have never met this lady and I am pretty sure I will never meet this lady until I get to heaven. She makes me smile when she calls. She has such a sweet spirit about her.
I never did find out my friend's correct number and I am not sure that I ever was suppose to. I just know that through a wrong number, a lady is being blessed by God's messages I send out and I am being blessed by her and her willingness to keep hearing.
Be blessed and know I am always praying.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Let's Start At The Very Beginning
I figured that this title was the best to go with. I was all set to post my first blog and then I realized that many people will be seeing this for the first time and may not know my journey to this point. Even some of you who have been connected with me may not know this. Well, like the title says, "Let's start at the very beginning."
About two and a half years ago, I woke up one Sunday morning with this urge to encourage everyone in my phone. I had been down in the dumps and I was feeling a little blue that day. I knew that a common text at that time (before smart phones really got going good) was about 140 characters. So after some editing and thinking and editing again, I posted a simple message and then sent it to everyone in my phone. I mean--everyone. Immediately, I got back some texts that said, "Take me off group messages." "Don't send these again.", etc. I wasn't offended or anything. I just made a note and went on my way. That week, I had a much better attitude and things began looking up. The next Sunday rolled around and I woke up thinking "Hey, let's do it again!" So, I did. Only this time, I made sure to include that I was praying for everyone and that I hope they had a blessed week. It was still a short message.
As the next couple of weeks went by, I decided to get bolder with my messages and make them slightly longer. I was frustrated because I had so much more to say and trying to say it in 140 characters wasn't doing it for me. I knew that there would be some people who would complain about the length but I figured if God went to the trouble to give me something to say then I needed to say it. Surprisingly, only one person asked me to drop them due to the length of the text. Now, at this point, I was texting co-workers, friends, family, and people I was acquainted with. If you were a contact in my phone, you were fair game. All in all, it amounted to about 150 people.
I had been sending out my Sunday messages for about 6 weeks and I decided one Sunday that I just didn't have it in me to send anything out. I didn't have a clear word from God and I was feeling yucky (physically and spiritually). So, I didn't send out my text. My phone just about blew up! I normally send the text out when I wake up or just before I leave for church (around the 8:00-8:30am time). At 10:00am, I started getting texts. "Are you okay?" "Are you sick?", "I didn't get my text this morning." "Where is my text?" and the list goes on. I was dumbfounded. Here I thought I was just sending out a little encouragement for a bit and then I would go on my way. Not the deal!
I started praying and I asked God, "What the heck is going on?" He promptly replied as He does with me (a spiritual 2x4) and told me that He had given me words to say and I needed to say them. I argued (yes, I know! I shouldn't have argued with God but I did.) that I couldn't say it in 140 characters. He responded with "Who said it had to stay within 140 characters? I have stuff for you to share." It shook my whole being. I was going to be sharing God's message with these people. That was huge! He was right (as always!) I had words that were dying to come out of me and until I wrote them down and shared them, I felt like I was going to explode.
Needless to say, I started back on my Sunday texts. I have only missed a couple of Sundays in that time due to illness (I do make sure to let everyone know the reason why I am missing that Sunday regardless). Every week, I pray for God to show me or give me a word to share. Sometimes, a picture will trigger it, sometimes a conversation, a situation, a person, etc. I am always listening because I know that God will tell me what He has for me to say.
As for the 140 characters, well, that went out the window after that Sunday revelation. I took the gloves off and the messages started getting more intense. Sometimes, they are to the point and other times, just a shared memory that ties to what God is saying in my heart. Every time I add someone to my phone contact list, they get added to the Sunday text list. It happens. Yes, I have people tell me not to send it to them. Yes, I have people who have bashed me for being "holier than thou". I pray for them anyway and move on. God didn't give me these words for me to get a pat on the back but He gave me these words to share so that people would know that He is there. He wants to be a part of their life. He wants to be in their heart. He wants them. Period.
My Sunday texts have expanded to over 200 people every Sunday morning. I love that. Then it happened. God told me that since there were people that didn't get my Sunday texts, I needed to do a weekly message. I didn't even blink. I asked Him what I should say. So I started up a Weekly Words of Wisdom message at work about 5 months ago. Now, at work, I have to be careful about how I word things because they frown on mentioning God in the workplace but God gives me words to say so that His message is still clear. This message goes out to about 50 more people.
I know this blog is long but hang with me. The beginning is almost over. I knew in my heart that I wanted to write and I have tried on and off to start books and such but nothing ever solidified. Then 3 weeks ago out of the blue, a co-worker emailed me and said, "You need to write a book of these messages that you send. They bless me and they need to be seen by others." (That was number one.) Several days later, a lady in my local town, called me and said that she was so blessed by my weekly texts. She told me that she shared them with her Sunday School class and it was a blessing to others. Then she said, "You ought to write a devotional book and include these messages. They would be such a blessing to others." (That was number two.) A week later, (I bet you know what I am going to say!), I was on my way out with my family and a friend from high school who I hadn't heard from in forever texted me and said, "Your Sunday texts always bless me and come just when I need that word. You ought to write a book." (Yes, it was number three). I don't need a 2x4 for this one. I knew immediately what I needed to write.
I looked up at God and said okay, this is in your hands. The flood gates opened and I have been blessed with words beyond words to write. Every day, I have to just about restrain myself at work to keep my mind on my job and not on just wanting to sit and write. God is pouring messages into my soul and my spirit and I am so excited!
So this is the beginning. You now know how it started and I hope you will continue on my journey with me. I will be blogging a lot and some of it may sound familiar but hang with me. I am writing the book that God has placed on my heart. I look forward to our times together and I look forward to sharing my heart and God's words with you.
Be blessed and know I am always praying.
About two and a half years ago, I woke up one Sunday morning with this urge to encourage everyone in my phone. I had been down in the dumps and I was feeling a little blue that day. I knew that a common text at that time (before smart phones really got going good) was about 140 characters. So after some editing and thinking and editing again, I posted a simple message and then sent it to everyone in my phone. I mean--everyone. Immediately, I got back some texts that said, "Take me off group messages." "Don't send these again.", etc. I wasn't offended or anything. I just made a note and went on my way. That week, I had a much better attitude and things began looking up. The next Sunday rolled around and I woke up thinking "Hey, let's do it again!" So, I did. Only this time, I made sure to include that I was praying for everyone and that I hope they had a blessed week. It was still a short message.
As the next couple of weeks went by, I decided to get bolder with my messages and make them slightly longer. I was frustrated because I had so much more to say and trying to say it in 140 characters wasn't doing it for me. I knew that there would be some people who would complain about the length but I figured if God went to the trouble to give me something to say then I needed to say it. Surprisingly, only one person asked me to drop them due to the length of the text. Now, at this point, I was texting co-workers, friends, family, and people I was acquainted with. If you were a contact in my phone, you were fair game. All in all, it amounted to about 150 people.
I had been sending out my Sunday messages for about 6 weeks and I decided one Sunday that I just didn't have it in me to send anything out. I didn't have a clear word from God and I was feeling yucky (physically and spiritually). So, I didn't send out my text. My phone just about blew up! I normally send the text out when I wake up or just before I leave for church (around the 8:00-8:30am time). At 10:00am, I started getting texts. "Are you okay?" "Are you sick?", "I didn't get my text this morning." "Where is my text?" and the list goes on. I was dumbfounded. Here I thought I was just sending out a little encouragement for a bit and then I would go on my way. Not the deal!
I started praying and I asked God, "What the heck is going on?" He promptly replied as He does with me (a spiritual 2x4) and told me that He had given me words to say and I needed to say them. I argued (yes, I know! I shouldn't have argued with God but I did.) that I couldn't say it in 140 characters. He responded with "Who said it had to stay within 140 characters? I have stuff for you to share." It shook my whole being. I was going to be sharing God's message with these people. That was huge! He was right (as always!) I had words that were dying to come out of me and until I wrote them down and shared them, I felt like I was going to explode.
Needless to say, I started back on my Sunday texts. I have only missed a couple of Sundays in that time due to illness (I do make sure to let everyone know the reason why I am missing that Sunday regardless). Every week, I pray for God to show me or give me a word to share. Sometimes, a picture will trigger it, sometimes a conversation, a situation, a person, etc. I am always listening because I know that God will tell me what He has for me to say.
As for the 140 characters, well, that went out the window after that Sunday revelation. I took the gloves off and the messages started getting more intense. Sometimes, they are to the point and other times, just a shared memory that ties to what God is saying in my heart. Every time I add someone to my phone contact list, they get added to the Sunday text list. It happens. Yes, I have people tell me not to send it to them. Yes, I have people who have bashed me for being "holier than thou". I pray for them anyway and move on. God didn't give me these words for me to get a pat on the back but He gave me these words to share so that people would know that He is there. He wants to be a part of their life. He wants to be in their heart. He wants them. Period.
My Sunday texts have expanded to over 200 people every Sunday morning. I love that. Then it happened. God told me that since there were people that didn't get my Sunday texts, I needed to do a weekly message. I didn't even blink. I asked Him what I should say. So I started up a Weekly Words of Wisdom message at work about 5 months ago. Now, at work, I have to be careful about how I word things because they frown on mentioning God in the workplace but God gives me words to say so that His message is still clear. This message goes out to about 50 more people.
I know this blog is long but hang with me. The beginning is almost over. I knew in my heart that I wanted to write and I have tried on and off to start books and such but nothing ever solidified. Then 3 weeks ago out of the blue, a co-worker emailed me and said, "You need to write a book of these messages that you send. They bless me and they need to be seen by others." (That was number one.) Several days later, a lady in my local town, called me and said that she was so blessed by my weekly texts. She told me that she shared them with her Sunday School class and it was a blessing to others. Then she said, "You ought to write a devotional book and include these messages. They would be such a blessing to others." (That was number two.) A week later, (I bet you know what I am going to say!), I was on my way out with my family and a friend from high school who I hadn't heard from in forever texted me and said, "Your Sunday texts always bless me and come just when I need that word. You ought to write a book." (Yes, it was number three). I don't need a 2x4 for this one. I knew immediately what I needed to write.
I looked up at God and said okay, this is in your hands. The flood gates opened and I have been blessed with words beyond words to write. Every day, I have to just about restrain myself at work to keep my mind on my job and not on just wanting to sit and write. God is pouring messages into my soul and my spirit and I am so excited!
So this is the beginning. You now know how it started and I hope you will continue on my journey with me. I will be blogging a lot and some of it may sound familiar but hang with me. I am writing the book that God has placed on my heart. I look forward to our times together and I look forward to sharing my heart and God's words with you.
Be blessed and know I am always praying.
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