Happy New Year!

What a gift! Another year given to us by our Precious Heavenly Father! I thank God for another year to love, to live, and to learn. I made alot of mistakes last year, and no doubt, will make many more to come. However, I have learned from past mistakes and hope not to repeat them. The new ones that I will make will only make me wiser not to make them for the following year, should the Lord bless me with one!

While everyone is considering new health endeavors for 2010, I am reflecting on one of my favorite scriptures. LOL. Guess what it is? 1 Timothy 4:8, "Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come." YES! Even the Lord agrees that all that running, sweatin', liftin', and whatever else takes place in a gym only profits LITTLE.

It's the runnin' that takes place when you're faced with temptation but decide to flee and pursue godliness instead that counts. It's the sweatin' we go through when we wanna tell someone off but we decide to pursue godliness instead. (Trust me, as many times as this has happened to me, I sweated so much that I should've lost 100 pounds, but that didn't happen.) And it's the lifting of the Bible to read the Word of God that will help us to battle when the going gets tough that will count.

WonderWoman and SuperChick are probably snorting their noses up at this post. That's ok. I went to the store and bought organic chips and salsa to make them happy. I had to take out a second mortgage to pay for the stuff, but I do what I can to make my Biblical Health Coaches proud of me. We are having a few people over tomorrow and I will have to take whatever is not healthy and eat it in the closet somewhere. These two are like Starsky and Hutch when it comes to healthy eating.

I am not saying exercise is wrong. No way. I am not saying organic eating is wrong. Not at all. And healthy eating will certainly help these wonderful temples of God run more efficiently. But don't be so "outwardly" healthy that you resemble what Jesus called "white-washed tombs"! "...you are like white-washed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean." (Matthew 23:27)

My prayer for all of us, especially those of us like myself that could use a major overhaul in the healthy living department, is that we would seek Godly living first. Forget the new diet that begins once the clock strikes 12. Forget the long list of resolutions. Goals are great, so keep them. But have ONE desire above the rest: Desire to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. This will take MUCH spiritual exercise, for it is not easy. However, with a little runnin', sweatin', and liftin'-we can lose more of us, and gain more of Him. And that, my friend, is without calories.

Blessings to all of you. May the Lord bring you deep joy in 2010. Remember that time is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Give it generously. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so make the most of today!

XtremeFaith

Childlike Faith

"...Oh Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!"

Just for today, be like a child. Don't worry. Don't rack your brain trying to figure "it" all out, whatever "it" may be. If you don't have children, find some and just watch how they interact (be careful not to look creepy though or else the 5-0 be rolling up on you...and don't go blamin' me!). If you have children, study them carefully. They don't worry about ANYTHING AT ALL.

When was the last time you heard a kid say, "Hey, what's going on in the economy today?" "Wow, look at the price of gas!" "How are we gonna pay the electric bill?" "Will you have money to buy me shoes in a few months?" I have NEVER heard my kids ask any of those questions...EVER. I have one that will be 22 soon, a 16, 15, and 12 year old and they were never worried about a thing.

Let me focus on my youngest guy. During our hardest financial time, he would come up to us and ask for stuff. I would reply, "Son, we cannot afford that right now." He would say, "Oh yeah, I know, but I just wanted you to know I wanted this." He was not rude. He was not demanding. He was just matter-of-fact. And something about the way he said it made me feel that this kid knew he would get what he asked for.

Because we spoil him? NO way. Trust me. Believe it or not, he has gotten more discipline than any of the others because he likes to test us to our limits. So he has lost weekends of play, tv time, cell phone time, and more in the realm of discipline. Yet, he knows that we are mom and dad and we love him deeply. We know this because of the way he so freely asks for things.

He asks knowing in his heart that his parents desire to bless him. He doesn't let anything hinder him from "at least asking" as he puts it. This moves my heart deeply, to know that my son will ask me for anything no matter what is going on. I believe our Father in heaven is the same exact way.

Today, even if for only one hour, practice being a kid. Rid yourself of worry, anger, resentment, anxiety, fears...just be a happy-go-lucky kid. "Well, Sister Christian, I don't think yer bein' ver' responsible..after all..we do hafta be mature and all, ya know, we are s'pose to get off milk..and eat meat.." Some people say the dumbest things, don't they? The LORD desires that His children come as children! Even that is too simple to grasp for us "mature adults"!

So do it. One hour. Be a kid. Forget about it all. I'm not talking doing illegal things or things that are contrary to the Word. Stop that! But be a child in the presence of your Daddy. Sit back and close your eyes. Imagine you and Abba splashing in a river together, just having fun. Imagine riding go-carts together, or playing basketball, or anything that YOU would love to do with GOD. You will be amazed at the freedom that comes with this type of thinking.

God desires that we have life to the fullest. He wants us to live free of worry. He wants us to give all our cares and burdens to Him. Why? So that we will be able to do what we were created to do-love and worship the Creator.

Take the time to be childlike today. It's the hardest thing to do, but the rewards are great. Try to make this a daily habit. And before you know it, life won't be choking you to death with all of it's problems. Children have very resilient spirits and can bounce back from even the most vicious of assaults..because of their inner gift to trust easily. God wants this from us.

Gotta go...gonna saddle up a horse and go ride with Daddy. (well, not really, but I am gonna lay back and think about it!)

XtremeFaith

The Gift of Time

Time: An appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end.


The hustle and bustle of Christmas is now behind us and a brand new year is soon coming upon us. 2010. "Twenty-Ten" as many are saying. Hard to believe isn't it?



It's that "time" of year for many to make resolutions about what they desire to accompish within the next 365 days after the "ball drops".



For me, however, I have been feeling in my heart that time should be my main focus for 2010. I shared this with some friends of mine and was happy to hear they felt the same way.


Time cannot be bought. Every minute that passes cannot be repeated. Time turns seconds into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days, days into months, and months into years. Time is priceless.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; A time to be born, A time to die, ...a time to kill and a time to heal..a time to weep and a time to laugh..a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time of war and a time for peace.." (Ecclesiastes 3)


The world seems to be screaming louder and louder, "I HAVE NO TIME!!" Everything is done in an instant, from food to mail. A push of a button can send a letter or cook a bowl of oatmeal. Seriously, we can't even get a pot out and heat the water up the "old fashioned way". And GOD forbid we write a real letter with a real envelope and send it with a real stamp!! NOOOOOO!! There is nothing worse than when you're trying to have a deep conversation with someone that has to text while you're talking. WOW that makes someone feel REAL important! It's instant gratification 24/7. And I am tired of this.



I don't want to get caught up in what the world is doing anymore. I don't want a dumb text to be the centrality of my communication with loved ones. I don't desire instantaneous emails to replace a card in the mail (by the way, I HATE E-CARDS! WHAT AN INSULT!) And I don't want to be so jammed up in my day that I don't even have time to think about the time I don't have time to think about. (Just reread that..you will get it..in time LOL)


I am tired. Point blank. Tired. I am sick and tired of all my systematic order of things. "Hold it right there, Sister Christian! God is a GOD OF ORDER!" People say the dumbest things, especially self-righteous ones that wanna twist God's Word to fit into their stoic, unrelenting schedules that they think God approves us. Let us remember what the Lord said to Martha and Mary. (OUCH..did I strike a nerve??) Jesus, the Master, approved of quality time. Let us remember that in the midst of Jesus being "really busy", someone touched Him, and HE STOPPED to find out who it was. Jesus, the Creator of time, took time to find out who took the time to touch Him. And if you remember, that woman was healed of a life-long infirmity.


Take a minute. Think of someone you really care about..maybe your husband, your children, your mom, a good friend, a neighbor. Ask yourself when was the last time you gave them "quality time". Not the "I've only got one second to spend with you" time. No. Real quality time where the phone, tv, computer was turned off and you gave someone complete, undivided, loving attention. I understand this cannot happen every second of everyday. But it can happen at some point in our day.


Go outside. Take time to smell the flowers. Or the next time you see a baby, take time to enjoy his laughter, or his crying for that matter! Ask your waitress how her day is going, and really care to take the time to listen. Listen to your children conversate. Enjoy the innocence of their youth, for in time, that innocence will be replaced by "grown up talk" way too fast. Your spouse...ahhh..yeah, that one that gets up routinely..hops in the shower, gets dressed, and is out the door to work. Take time to maybe..I don't know..hop in the shower with him? Or walk him to the door. Or just listen to what he has planned for the day. Or just give him a sweet smile. Do something out of the ordinary. You don't know-none of us know-the time we have left with anyone dear to us. Make the most of every moment.


Gotta cut this short. Gonna go make time for my two teenagers who are in their rooms giggling amongst themselves about "teenage stuff". I want them to know that their lives matter to me. I want to give them that priceless gift. I want to make the most out of every single blessed moment God has given me with them. Before time passes too fast and they are off to live their lives.


Take time. Give time. Make time. Cherish time. Appreciate time. Above all, love time!



XtremeFaith

"Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water..."

Dedicated to all my sisters and brothers out therethat may find yourselves needing some "soul food". During this crazy holiday season, don't miss out who you really celebrate.

This song is one of my favorite songs because I imagine Jesus singing this right to me. Take a few minutes, relax, and meditate on the wonderful GIFT OF JESUS CHRIST. He gave eternal salvation through His birth, His death, and His resurrection. His soon return is closer than ever before.

The Bible says in the last days, the love of people will grow cold..this is very evident even during this blessed holiday. Just go and shop. Watch how people treat one another. "....Lovers of themselves, unforgiving, unholy, conceited, ungrateful, disobedient to their parents, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God..."(2 Timothy)

Yes, the end times are here. But even in the midst of all this, our Lord is still our very present help in time of need. Take a minute and thank Him for ALL HE HAS PROVIDED. God Bless and Merry Christmas. NOT happy holidays..no WAY. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! ;-D

When you're weary

Feeling small

When tears are in your eyes

I will dry them all

I'm on your side

When times get rough

And friends just cant be found

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

When you're down and out

When you're on the street

When evening falls so hard

I will comfort you

I'll take your part

When darkness comes

And pain is all around

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl

Sail on by

Your time has come to shine

All your dreams are on their way

See how they shine

If you need a friend

Im sailing right behind

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will ease your mind

Like a bridge over troubled water

I will ease your mind

Happy Birthday Jesus

XtremeFaith

PRAISE IS A WEAPON

"...Praise be to the LORD my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." (King David in Psalm 144:1)

Yes, you are seeing correctly. Those are my hands, in those red cleaning gloves, lifted HIGH to JESUS in PRAISE TO THE LOVER OF MY SOUL, THE KING OF GLORY, THE ROCK, THE MAJESTIC ONE, THE ONE THAT WAS AND IS TO COME!




Let me state this. I had such a terrible dream last night. I will write another blog about dreams another time. They can be so real. So much in fact that they have the power to bring down one's emotions right upon waking up, if it was a bad dream. That is what happened to me.



I came downstairs to begin my devotionals with the children for the day. However, I had this desperate need to hear from God. You know those days..days when you're looking for a Word from the Lord through any means possible. It could be an email, a text, a message on a Billboard, anything that will show us that God is listening, he hears, he understands. It could be this very devotional speaking to your weary heart right now. I pray it is. God is listening. He hears.



After I set them up with their work, I went upstairs and put my praise music on. I was not feeling like praising Him myself, but wanted to hear the praise as I decided to clean my bathroom. I was feeling down and out. REALLY BAD. I needed a release or I was gonna have a crying/screaming fit. Not sure which would come first, but the dream affected me that much.



I began to scrub the bathroom..and I hear the words, "There is a river, whose streams make glad the city of our God, it came and it healed me, it came and refreshed me, it came and WASHED MY SINS AWAY..so I will rejoice, and be glad.." Then I hear Byron Cage's, "The Presence of the Lord is here...The Presence Lord is here..I feel Him in the atmosphere, the Presence of the Lord is here! The Presence of the Lord IS HERE!!!"

The atmosphere in my heart and in my home began to change. Chains were being broken, and the heaviness that wanted to rob my entire day was being lifted moment by moment. The more I praised, the happier I became!!!! Praise increased more and more and more...The next thing I know---I was jumping, shoutin', dancing, crying, praising, laughing, clapping!!! All the while, I hear these words in my heart saying, with GREAT POWER, "Father, send out your angels and fight her battles! Fight her battles! Fight Father Fight! Fight for your daughter! She is weak, so you are her STRENGTH! FIGHT ON HER BEHALF FATHER!"



I began jumping higher and higher, shouting praise to God at the TOP of my lungs, saying, "YES DADDY! YES! FIGHT MY BATTLES! I AM WEAK! YOU ARE STRONG! I AM WEARY! BUT YOU ARE MY WARRIOR WHO FIGHTS FOR ME! JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!!! DISPATCH YOUR MIGHTY WARRING ANGELS AND FIGHT FOR ME!!!"



My red gloves were clappin, my head was shaking, my hair was flying, my knees were crackin, and my feet were hurtin BUT I DID NOT CARE!!!!!!!! NOTHING WAS GONNA INTERRUPT MY PRAISE TO GOD! HE TOUCHED ME RIGHT THERE IN MY ROOM, IGNITED MY HEART WITH FIRE AND BLEW MY ENEMY, THAT WICKED DEVIL, RIGHT OUT OF MY ROOM! OHHHHH HALLELUJAH! I FEEL A SHOUT COMING UP RIGHT NOW! GOD I GIVE YOU

GLLLOOOOORRRRRRRYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! WHOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!



AND PRAISE IS CONTAGIOUS BECAUSE MY HUSBAND STARTED LIFTING HIS HANDS UP HIGHHH TO THE LORD! MY CHILDREN WERE PRAISING FROM DOWNSTAIRS! OUR PRAISE WAS SLICING EVERY DEMONIC FORCE DOWN THAT WAS TRYING TO ROB ME OF PRAISING MY LORD! OH JESUS! THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUU! PRAISE IS A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION AGAINST SATAN'S KINGDOM!


If you are tired, weary, exhausted-mentally and physically, I invite you to put on your praise and let the LORD fight your battles today. He delights in His children showing complete dependence upon Him. Is there a need in your life today? Are you sick in your body? Is your marriage falling apart? Is there a financial miracle that needs to take place? Are you filled with sorrows? Do you feel heavy inside, like a lead weight has anchored your heart into the sea of sorrows? PUT YOUR PRAISE ON..and watch Daddy go to battle.

Fellow "Warrior-esses", sing to the Lord a new song. Sing like David sang. If they took your house, your car, your money...let them have it..but don't EVER let them TAKE YOUR PRAISE. PRAISE IS ALL YOU NEED WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE HAS LEFT YOU. IT CONNECTS YOU TO THE ONE WHOM EVERYTHING COMES FROM: OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

"HE'S THE KING OF KINGS, AND THE LORD OF LORDS, IM GONNA PRAISE HIS NAME FOREVER! CANT STOP PRAISING HIS NAME, I JUST CANT STOP PRAISING HIS NAME, I JUST CANT STOP PRAISING THE NAME OF J-E-S-U-S!"

Praise Him til you DROP-

XtremeFaith

Drops of Prayer

"Pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer is beautiful. But it is not easy. Martin Luther said, "I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." In order for some of us to do that type of prayer we would have to wake up at 5am!


I find that my prayer time usually comes in the midnight hour. Yes, right when I feel I have drifted off into "la-la land" I instantly open my eyes with a "charge" in my spirit to pray. I will admit that sometimes I wrestle with that "charge"-in other words, ignore it-and I go back to sleep. Most of the time, however, I try my hardest to follow what/how the Holy Spirit would like me to intercede. Is it someone's marriage? Is it an illness? Is it my own personal sin? "Lord, teach me to pray," is a constant prayer of mine. And He answers.


I wanna talk about Drops of Prayer today. They are just as important as lengthy prayer, like Martin talks about. However, Drops of Prayer should never be in place of personal prayer. In other words, we are not to pray according to our convenience. We should set aside an appointment with God daily for our prayer time, and this can vary according to schedule. For some, it's very early. Others it's mid-day. And like myself, it's the midnight hour..usually til 3am. It is spiritual discipline to pray to our God. But most importantly, it is communication, not religious duty, that should draw us to Him. He desires to commune with us..or meet with us.


Drops of Prayer are like the potatoes that go with the meat. An example..this morning, my husband laid his arm on my arm. Well, his arm was hot (he has a little fever and cold) so I gently moved it away from me. I don't care too much for body heat when I am asleep. I like to be as cold as possible but still wrapped up in my own warm blanket like a tortilla. Instantly, when I moved his arm, I was reminded of a sister that told me she does not like body heat either (she is going thru the "flashes"). When she came to mind, my spirit was quickened to pray for her. And her husband. Over in a few minutes. Drops of Prayer.



I did not feel that she was the prayer focus for my morning, but I sent up drops of prayer for her. I may never know if there was a need. I don't really need to know. When I pray, I wrap it in faith, trusting that the One that inspired me to do so knows what's going on!


Revelations 5:8 talks describes the living creatures and elders holding golden bowls of incense which are the prayers of the saints. Each of them had a harp and they fell down before the Lord. I love to believe that they fell down because all of our prayers tipped them over, but of course, that's just my rambling mind. Either way, our prayers are there, before the Lord going up like smoke before Him. A pleasing scent to Him. Prayer is the fragrance of our souls sent up to God.


What's my point? Often times, Satan will grip the saints of God with guilt that we if we do not pray for hours and hours, we are powerless. I would like to dismantle this lie for many that have believed it. I would like to encourage all of us to believe that Drops of Prayer (little prayers throughout the day) have wonderful/powerful effects in Heaven. Our Lord said that a smoldering wick he will not despise...in other words, if little drops is all we have to give, HE WILL TAKE THEM.


BUT trust me. Just get started somewhere and watch what will happen. Those drops will turn into bigger drops. Then hails of prayer will build. Before you know it, torrential floods will pour out of your spirit to God in prayer. Tsunamis will overcome you until you feel that unless you pray to the Lord, you feel completely naked. We all have to start somewhere. But never underestimate the power of "little".



Hezekiah sent up a Drop of Prayer. His illness was healed instantly. Death was withheld from him. (2 Kings:20) The most beautiful response was from the Lord, "I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears..." This tells me two things: God is listening (heard) and God is watching (seen). And Hezekiah's prayer took less than a minute to pray.


The next time satan prompts your heart to believe your "little prayers" are insignificant..think again. "He that is faithful with the little, shall be given much," (Luke 16:10).


Think of who you may know that needs your Drops of Prayer...and rain down on them.



XtremeFaith

Natural Remedy

Wonder Woman and Super Chick (my biblical health coaches) would be so proud of me right now. They really would. I have two pieces of garlic hanging out of my ears. WHAT?? OH YES, YOU READ RIGHT!

You see, in the effort to "go green", I have made alot of changes. So far, besides falling off the wagon with the beef, I can say that I am 95% red meat free. That is a HUGE improvement in my health..my recent blood pressure reading was proof of that.

I am learning that the benefits of raw foods can add longevity to our lives, much more than cooked and over-processed foods. I saw Dvd's like Food Inc, SuperSize Me, and others that were HUGE eye-openers to me. HUGE.

I have never been one to take medications..as a matter of a fact, I would rather try anything natural than take prescription drugs. Unless I get to "that point." Well, I was at "that point" yesterday and took some medical stuff for some really bad sinuses and congestion. Several times in the night, this medication woke me up. I was breaking out a little bit, but the congestion was almost gone so I had some relief. However, when I got home tonight, my ears were aching and sinus problem was back.

I researched some natural ways to care for ear problems..and WA-LA..came up with the garlic remedy. So I here I sit, typing this blog, with two wads of paper wrapped around garlic, hanging out both ears. You won't believe this. My ears are feeling better already. Why stop at the ears? I ate 4 cloves of garlic cooked in some butter on toast for my sinuses. Can you believe they are clear again? I may look crazy. I even smell crazy. But I feel great. Now here is the kicker...

I HAD to give GOD the glory. HE made the garlic. I was thinking about his wondrous wisdom and got lost thinking about it all. Of course, we can't fathom the wisdom of God. The wisest of men is equivalent to the dumbest of God, not that God is dumb, no not at all. BUT if He were, then people like Einstein would be at the lowest of the low in measurement to God's great wisdom. (If you don't believe me, read 1 Corinthians 1:25)

It is too profound to consider how wise God is and it's a wonder that He would even make reference to man compared to His great wisdom. You see, if I wrote the bible, it would say, "Man dumb. God wise." That's it. However, what astounds me even more is this, "But God chose the foolish things of this world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

You feeling dumb today? Weak? Rejoice. For you were chosen by God to shame the wise and the strong. You are highly favored of the Lord. Does this mean you go around acting dumb? NO. It means you do your very best in all you do and rest in knowing that God chose YOU. Don't be intimidated by those that are covered in success, degrees, status, money, fame, and fortune...don't get caught up in that riff-raff. YOU are chosen by GOD to do GREAT exploits upon this earth for HIS GLORY.

Ask Him today what would he have you to do since he chose you. Move out with courage and empowerment to do the tasks ahead. Know that the God that created that picture posted up top is wise enough, powerful enough, and loving enough to take you where you need to get. Forget the past. Move on towards the goal. And get the prize.

XtremeFaith

Fell off the Wagon

I have a confession to make. I fell off the wagon. Yes, I did. Don't worry..I am not talking alcohol here. And I certainly do not make light of anyone trying to kick an addiction. I grew up with alcoholism in my family, so I understand how difficult fighting addictions can be.

No, this wagon was the beef wagon. Yesirree. Good ole' BEEF. I pray to God that WonderWoman and SuperChick (my Biblical health coaches) are off running a 10k marathon, or at a weight-lifter's convention somewhere in..let's say..Africa or Antartica. If not, and they are reading this, for sure, I am in trouble. MOOOOO. You see, I have been "red meat free" for around 45 days and my body was responding wonderfully to this! UNTIL TODAY when I got an unexpected dinner guest.

One of my very close friends came over and whipped up a meal that would make your mama cry. That famous cook, with the initials P.D. can't touch this gal's cookin' yawl. I mean this girl is "no joke". Anytime you see a woman put on a cookin' shirt so the "grease don't git me", RUN FOR YOUR LIFE. She is about to make a meal fit for a queen. ME! She had the onions going, the mushrooms, the butter, the olive oil..and then she asks me to season THE BEEF. What was I to do?? I mean it was still MOOOOO-ING. I had to help! As I washed it, all of a sudden a craving that had been dead woke right up.

Next thing I know, she was slicing the best looking, most tenderized, juiciest piece of steak I ever saw. She said, "Wanna piece?" Before I could object, that smooth-as-butta beef was makin' its way into that area under my nose and top of my chin. GASP! (Someone help WW and SC get up off the floor, they just fainted.) As you guessed, I didn't stop there. I had about ten "slivas" of thinly cut steak. My brain was saying, "STOP!!" But my senses were shutting my poor brain off. Tongue and tummy were havin' a field day.

Hence, six hours later. Uh-oh. Tongue has left the party and tummy is wondering what is this stuff just sittin' here? Alarms and bells are going off. "Must remove quickly. Foreign object has entered." Tummy is makin' some weird noises, and I am on my way for my 6th trip to the bathroom. I mean it sure tasted good going down. Now, after the fact, it sure was not worth it.

Sin is like this. It looks good, smells good, tastes good, feels good-for the moment. Oh yes. I may be saved, but I have had more temptations in my life than I could ever list. Til this day, if I hear any Latin music playing, it seems my foot starts going, my fingers start to tapping, neck startsta boppin'. All I need is a sombrero and some high heels and it's off to the club I would go "...the spirit is willing, but the body is weak," (Matthew 26:41).

Just like my body reacted to beef, our spirits repulse those things that are of the flesh. (Galatians 5:17). God designed us this way. His love is so great that He built this repulsion into us to protect us from becoming satisfied with fleshly ways. This is why you can't cuss someone out and be at peace about it, or steal money and rest easy. God won't allow it.

We all fall short. We can repent to our Lord with a broken spirit. He will forgive and restore us. It's when we don't run to Him that we have to be careful. "All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear his sins will be exposed," (John 3:20).

Is there is some area in your life where you "fell off the wagon"? Was it angry words you spoke? Did you do something you swore you never would do again? (MOO.) Don't despair. Our loving Father awaits you. His open arms are there to embrace you. Go to Daddy and talk to Him. Let Him know of your struggles and your weaknesses. Guess what? He knows them and loves you anyway. Your name is inscribed in His hands (Isaiah 49:16).

Unlike my health coaches, God will be quick to forgive us of all our iniquity and wash us clean. He is our Creator. There is NOTHING hidden FROM HIS EYES. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account," (Hebrews 4:13). Please, snuggle up in Daddy's arms, and tell him what ails you. It moves His heart with compassion. Not our sin. But that we trust Him enough to tell Him everything, and know He will love us anyway.

Gotta go. I hear WonderWoman and SuperChick's capes flappin' in the wind. They are coming after me with their beef-detectors in their hands. I just need ten more trips to the bathroom and no evidence will remain. I am safe...for now.

XtremeFaith

Soul Food

"My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalm 63:5

Food is good. I love food! Recently, however, I have been taking a nutrition class at my church. I said "however" because these women are threatening the very foundation of what I thought was good to eat. They have turned my white salt into pink salt (has more minerals), my white bread into brown bread (slows down the rapid blood sugar changes), and are beginning to interrupt the greatest love affair I have ever had: sugar. They have spoken blasphemy against my sugar, and I won't even list what they said! Just kidding, but in all seriousness, sugar really is not good. Especially in my case. My family has a long history of diabetes.

The teachers of this class are in great shape. One has abs as solid as the floor that I stand on. No, really. She is extremely strong, with no sign of body fat anywhere. Even her earlobes are built. The other day I went to slap her a high five, and I think she broke my little pinky bones. I tried to play it off, but ran into the bathroom to run cold water on it. The other teacher is older but only in age. Certainly not her health, she is as fit as a lionness! And her husband has not taken one medication in 25 years!

The Lord desires that our souls would be fed, just like our bodies. How do we feed our souls? On the junk of this world? That's like the bad foods that have zero nutrition- like the chocolate cake I just frosted (leave me alone, my daughter baked it!). In my eyes, that cake is nutritious to a desperate sweet tooth. Now if I brought it to Wonder Woman and Super Chick that I introduced earlier, they would look at me disdainfully. You know, the "beady little eyed look". Not that they have beady eyes, but you get the idea.

It's the same with the Lord. Not that he looks at us without love, oh no, he loves us. But he will never allow us to substitute what is really needed for what we really want. He wants us to feast upon His Word, His Presence, His Power. He knows what our soul needs...so much so that He allowed all of the Psalms to be written to help us discern how to "feed" our hungry souls. The junk food of this world will cause a nutritional deficit in our spirit. But the meat of His Word will fill us to overflow.

Consider spending ten minutes with the Lord today, just to meditate on Him. It's a busy time of the year. You will be amazed what just ten minutes will do for your appetite. I can almost guarantee that your hunger will increase, and the Host of your banqueting table will feed you more, and more, and more. He never tires. He never grows weary. He desires more of you than you of Him. Be fed by the Lover of your soul today.

By the way, I had a quick check up yesterday. 126/70--The lowest my blood pressure has been in months. Good results will manifest themselves when we feed both our physical and spiritual beings with the nutrition that they need.

"Precious Lord, at this time of the year I can get lost in the hustle and bustle. Teach me to rest my weary soul in your presence. I don't want to just "do", Lord. I want to be. Lead me to your rest." Amen.

Hidden Secrets

"My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes." Jeremiah 16:17

There has been a lot of talk lately about a famous golfer and his many trysts with women. Here is a guy that has everything going for him: money, fame, status, beautiful wife and children. But it was not enough for his lustful heart to be satisfied. He had to have more. His adultery has most likely caused deep pain to his wife, family, and his career. Meanwhile, the women that he allegedly had affairs with are all over the media discussing "what was done in the dark", blatantly, "in the light." Seemingly, without much remorse.

It brings to my mind how we have to guard our walk with the Lord. If there is secret sin, we must openly and honestly confess these things to God, with a broken spirit. We should not come to God flaunting our sin arrogantly and pridefully. Quite the contrary. He hates a proud look and haughty eyes (Proverbs 21:4). Yet, he responds to a broken and contrite spirit (Psalm 51:17)

There are certain things in my life that I do that I know breaks the heart of God. Rather than run from Him in shame, I run to Him with a spirit of repentance. This evening, I forced myself to sit still in His Presence, regardless of the busy schedule still ahead of me. I needed to bring things to His throne, with tears of repentance. I felt a little embarrassed at first, but the more I prayed, the less embarrassed I felt. He was washing my soul clean, removing guilt and shame!

I encourage all of us, who claim Jesus Christ as Lord, to bring all of our struggles to Him. Openly. Honestly. With sincere hearts. He awaits you and I with open, loving arms. It would be much better to deal with our sin privately, then to be exposed publicly.

"If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer." (Psalm 66:18-19)


God Bless You.