Monday, July 28, 2014

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find Out What It Means To...Everyone!

Last night, Hubby & i were watching "Chopped" on the Food Network. Usually, as the show progresses, i end up rooting for one of the 4 chefs & usually, i root for a chef without an ego & an attitude. Last night was no exception. Of the 4 chefs, one of them seemed VERY pompous & even boasted that HE was the best, before the competition even began. Another chef, called a very humble lady "an old timer" & another chef, "the old guy". I realize that this IS a competition. But you can have a sense of competition & have respect for each other.

Unfortunately, this kind of disrespect goes on every day. It goes on at the workplace, home, schools, public places & even at churches. CHURCHES?! Yes, in churches - not all churches, but it does happen in God's house. I just seems that society as a whole has lost respect for one another. 


"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord"
Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)

Our love & respect for God should make us all want to follow His commands. We should automatically share an encouraging word, rather than spitting out a rude comment. And a lot of times, those who spit out those rude comments have little respect for themselves. So, they use rude comments, among other things, to make themselves look better. Unfortunately, they don't realize that it has the opposite effect.

Think about it. Thinkabout what this world would be like if we would just obey God's command. ALL spouses would respect each other. ALL children would honor their parents. There would be so much more learning in schools. Laws would be obeyed. No co-worker would be out to discredit anyone. Laws would be obeyed. And in churches, no one's personal agenda would even be thought of...only GOD'S plan! That would be a different world - a WONDERFUL world! Common courtesy would be the norm, instead of seeming like the exception. Can you imagine the difference in your next trip to Walmart!!! We would all know our neighbors & be willing to lend a helping hand to a stranger. How many videos have we seen of people being bystanders - who would rather watch something happen as if it's entertainment, then lend a hand?!  Our language would even change. Instead of talking about fears & anxieties & yes - even stress - those feelings would be replaced with amazing peace & goodwill, by being & receiving so many blessings.

This type of world may seem like a fantasy. But we can ALL work toward making it a reality. One step at time. Each & every one of us has that power! The power to CHOOSE to follow God's command - to respect - as HE intended us too. 

Now, i mentioned your next trip to Walmart. I have to confess that i used to DREAD going there! People were rude & cranky. But one day, i realized that it was ME that was becoming cranky & rude. I feel that i was that way, because i refused to be pushed around - so to speak. So i asked God to take control of me & my shopping trip. I asked HIM to let HIS light shine through me to everyone i met. What a different Walmart trip THAT was!!! And after i got home, i had an entirely different attitude. You can have that too & not just at Walmart, but every day, every where! Like they say, it's the little things that count. Share a smile with everyone whose eye meet yours. Hold the door for a stranger. Listen - really listen - when someone is talking to you. But first & foremost, ask God to help you obey His command.

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
Galatians 5:14 (NIV)


Monday, July 21, 2014

A Letter to My Readers

Hello to my wonderful Readers!

As i decided to get my so called "schedule" on track this week. I realized that i hadn't done a blog post since the Monday after Easter. And Easter Sunday was the last time that i was able to attend our church. I have posted in the past of my issue with severe arthritis & lack of mobility, that i have been going through this year. Well, that Sunday morning, my pain level was extremely high. But i was bound & determined that i was going to church for Easter. By the time church was over, the pain was horrendous! Unfortunately, it was downhill even more after that.

But thankfully, things are looking up! PRAISE THE LORD!!! On June 24th, i had a full hip replacement. And now, after 4 weeks, i can say that i am doing very well. The way that i feel now compared to after surgery, is nothing short than miraculous!!! My pain level now is only about a third of what it was. There are no more tears due to pain & those were coming at least once a day. And each & every day, i get stronger & am able to do more things. It's such a wonderful feeling!

And i have faith that the miracles will continue. In September, i am scheduled to have the other hip done. With the replacement that i just had, i now have one leg that's about an inch longer than the other one. So i'm a little bit lopsided right now. But i am sure that when things get evened out, my mobility will be even better & strength will increase even more. 

I am so thankful for answered prayers & for all those prayers that were said on my behalf. The Great Physician has certainly had His healing hands on me -- both physically & emotionally. I am really feeling like myself emotionally. And i know that with this other surgery, i'll be on the road to "getting my life back". Compared to where i was in April, i am experiencing miracle after miracle. 

Yes! Miracles do happen! Every day!!!

I pray that you all have a week of blessings....more than you could ever imagine.