Posted in Christian Service, failure, joy, Life Inspiration, Praise

What exactly Do I have Enough of?

That’s a question I ask myself almost daily. Do I have enough time. Probably not. Do I have enough money? Seldom ever. Do I have enough food for everyone? That depends on how hungry they are. Do I have enough news on the Ridgeview? Depends on the day. Do I have enough energy? Doubtful. Do I have enough patience? Oh dear. So many, many other “Do I’s.”

I seem to always fall short. Perhaps you too can identify. The question is, what to do when I feel like I am never enough? Right now I have dozens of things on my to do list that make me feel as though I’m a failure. The house is a wreck. I’ve failed as a homemaker. Five out of the seven days, David fixed his own meals for various reasons. I’ve failed as a wife. I missed covering some County Events for the Ridgeview News. I’m a failure as a publisher. I became frustrated in my walk with God. I’m a failure as Christian. I became frustrated with the church, I’m a failure as a servant. The new puppy peed in the floor. I’m a failure as a pet owner. F.A.I.L.U.R.E. That is a mindset that I have struggled with my entire life. It’s a daily struggle, because I fail daily, and the first thing that pops into my mind is “you’re a failure again.”

Why is that? Why do I have that mindset when God’s word clearly says that He created me in His image? (Genesis 1:27)

My lack of self respect and confidence is most likely from my lack of time with God. My lack of time with God is from my lack of organization. My lack of organization is from my lack of health and strength. My lack of health and strength is from my lack of attention to the details of life. My lack of attention to the details of life is my lack of self respect and confidence. My lack of self respect and confidence…

It’s a vicious cycle.

This morning, I sat down with the word of God and just pondered it. For me. Not for you. Although perhaps it will speak to you too. I wonder if Paul considered himself a writer? Did he know what God was doing through him? Paul had a level of confidence that I long for. I have moments of it. They generally last a few seconds, when I am confident that God is doing a work in me and I can let somebody have it with both barrels. And then I think… wait a minute Shari. How dare you call someone out when you’re such an idiot most of the time. But then I think about work God is doing through me, as a writer. Even though I too am the chiefest of sinners in any crowd. He still uses me and encourages my soul Paul’s words from Philippians 4

Philippians 4:1-23 KJVS

[1] Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. [2] I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. [3] And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

What? Divisions in the Church? Well I never…

I’ve yet to be in a church that didn’t have divisions. Some worse than others. It’s a matter that weighs on my heart when I hear of it. It weighs far heavier when I’m apart of it. It takes its toll on me spiritually and physically. It causes me to doubt who I am in Christ. I lose my confidence. And the circle starts. I stop talking to God because I buy the lie that He’s upset with me because I’m uspet. And Christians are not supposed to upset. We’re supposed to be Hoooooly. You know with lots of O’s.

The problem with division is everyone thinks they’re right. Otherwise they wouldn’t be divided. Nobody that I know ever said, “I’m wrong and I’ll fight to my dying breath to prove it!” No, we fight for what we believe in. And if someone doesn’t believe like us, there’s a battle. For me that battles takes place most of the time inside my mind. I refuse to divide the church. That’s the Devil’s game. What I want to do is serve the Lord. But division sucks the desire right out of me.

Paul said that he wanted Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. There’s a lot of stuff in the world we can disagree on, but when it comes to the things of the Lord, that will cause confusion in the church and the world doesn’t need to see that. They need to see an undivided, rightly divided gospel.

Why do you suppose Paul mentioned the division of men, and then reminded them to help the women? Do you suppose women in the ministry wasn’t something they were comfortable with? Do you suppose men were actually wrong? This isn’t about women’s rights, I assure you. This is about human nature. People can think less of someone for many reasons. Gender, age, race, culture, etc. etc. etc. This should never be. God didn’t want anyone’s focus to be on who someone was. Only on the work of the ministry. That should be the focus of the church.

[4] Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. [5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

What? Extreme’s in the Church? Well I never…

Twice God said Rejoice! Oh how I love to rejoice! And then in He said, let your moderation be known unto all men.

I was watching a church service online the other day and there were people dancin’ and praisin’ and just have a great time in church. My feet got a little happy too. My first thought was, well they ain’t Baptist! And they weren’t. And I’m not saying they were right or wrong in the Lord, that’s between them and God. What I’m asking is “What’s God’s idea of moderation?” Moderation means self restraint. That means to keep the flesh in check. Don’t let the flesh get out of control. And what that means is let the Spirit have control and to know the difference. It’s that right division all over again.

When the Spirit bubbles up in me, it should not be denied. If I feel like shouting Amen! I should. If I feel like raisin my hand, standing up or saying Glory to God, I should! Paul says again and again in his writing, “rejoice.” But he never says to what level. But then there’s that word “moderation.” How we rejoice should point to the glory of God, not to the fact that you are “Hooooooly.” Or a good dancer.

Paul said in Chapter 3 of Philippians

Philippians 3:1-6 KJVS
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. [4] Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: [5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; [6] Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Why do you think he touched on “Beware of concision?” Division. And he speaks of it in reference to rejoicing. Do you think Paul had an inkling there could some day be division in the church with regard to worship? Again he warns about the flesh which appertains to both sides. The religious and the out of control. There is an extreme on both sides. Paul had lived it.

When there is chaos in my home and life. I cannot think clearly. When there is chaos in the church, the focus cannot be on God. But when there is a genuine clear presentation of great joy, it lifts the spirit of not only the person exuding the joy but the people observing it. It’s why when I read the word of God and I see the joy in Paul’s life, that wasn’t perfect, I know that I too can have that freedom of joy if I focus on what matters.

Glory to God! I just wrote myself happy!!!

[8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. [10] But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

Wait? Things won’t always work out like I planned?

Paul tells the Philippians to focus on the good. To focus on the things they know are right, and let the Lord take care of everything else. The people of. Philippi would have helped Paul more, but they lacked opportunity. But what they, nor Paul lacked was joy.

I have to realize that I am not going to get everything done that I want to get done. But that should not steal my joy. And my comes from Heaven, not from earth.

Paul closes chapter 4 with the reminder that we’ll not have everything we want. But we’ll have everything we need. Even the church let Paul down (vs. 15). He was counting on them for their help. It such a God breathed scripture for me today. That in my struggle, with life, church, finances, all the things, God shows me that it is a universal issues from the days of old.

[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. [14] Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. [15] Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. [16] For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. [17] Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. [18] But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [20] Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [21] Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. [22] All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. [23] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Keep servin’. Keep Praising’. God bless ya! – Shari

Posted in Bible Journaling

Finding a Happy Place in the Rain

This has been the rainiest of seasons for West Virginia. According to the national weather service it has rained 11 out of the 21 days of June. And it’s not the rain I mind as much as the mud in rural West Virginia. Jeepers! I spend more time sweepin’ and moppin’ than anyone should. Between the 2 dogs, a cat, 4 children and 6 grandchildren, and of course the husband, my house isn’t a show place. It’s very well lived in, and that’s how we like it. I have enough stress in my life, I don’t want to have to stress “stuff.”

Any day I’m with them, it’s a good day.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

I will not tell you I have mastered Psalm 118:24. I won’t pretend when Versace (the Jackhuahau, half Jack Russell and half Chihuahua) went hunting behind the house yesterday and came back coated in mud to his belly, I didn’t groan, grab him and take him to the tub immediately. I had just mopped for cryin’ out loud. Neither of us were happy about it, but life happens. I had just gotten home from one doctor’s appointment and had 20 minutes before I had to head to the next doctor’s appointment. In between phone calls, text messages and a dinner my husband had planned on my behalf. Insert smile here.

I have a beautiful 5’x7’ cream and blue rug in my living room by the front door that I love. I have to wash it weekly because the little feet and the big feet make it brown and navy. Drives me crazy! But it’s how we live. Rainy days happen in life, and I have to look behind a lot of gray clouds sometimes to find the sun, but it’s always there.

Three things about that verse that caused me pause this morning.

God made the Day

As my friend Gloria and I traveled to the beach last week, it rained the entire trip. All 7 ½ of it. However, we were too excited about the next 8 days, to concern ourselves with the dreary journey.

Should that not be how we are in life? So what if it’s rained half the month. Do you know where we’re going? Where the sun shines every day and there is no night. And if there’s rain there, it’s probably liquid sunshine. And I’m pretty sure there won’t be mud in heaven!

I spoke to a doctor yesterday, who I adore. But he’s stressing life. And life can be seriously stressful. I’m sick and tired of feeling sick and tired so I’m asked my doctor for a CBD prescription. CBD has been found to have an abundance of health benefits for people, including calming anxiety and reducing the risk of depression. The extended shelf life of CBD oils is also a big plus. I also know in my heart that God made every day of my life and allowed whatever comes into it to happen. I really do have a happy place, and it’s in that knowledge.

Rejoicing isn’t optional for successful living

It’s why I can tell people “I’m great!” when they ask how I am and not feel like I’m lying. I really am great, because I choose to rejoice in the fact that I am a child of the Living God and His presence in my life helps me to understand that if I want to fulfil my purpose and be successful in my calling, I have to allow the world to see the absolute joy in my heart because of Jesus.

Gladness will follow

It turns out if your face keeps smiling, the rest of you follows suit. And if you smile long enough the people around you will fall in line too! It’s truth!

So where is your happy place? My happy place is in front of this computer, a sketch pad and many, many markers of every color under the rainbow! If you have the time, share with me your happy place. Let me rejoice with you! Maybe it will give me an idea how to find another happy place.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church Unity, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Praise

Just Keep Going

I have a tendency to be a little over the top. And if you know me you likely just rolled your eyes and said “A little?” To that I say “Shush.” I’m not likely to change. There’s a reason I’m over the top. I have had enough dead religion to last me a lifetime. If you’re not a shouter… I’m okay with that. If you don’t like to lift your hands, I’m okay with that too. I just happen to be both, and I love being with likeminded people. And to that God has always been so faithful to place them in my midst. But occasionally I meet a Hoover. I try to stay clear of them-, but deed, sometimes it’s impossible. That illustration came from a sermon I heard David Gibbs preach last week. I haven’t been able to shake it, and it makes me giggle! And then it makes me nauseous. I just have to tell myself “Just keep going, Shari.”

Ephesians 4:29 reminds us not to be a Hoover –  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

And it’s on days like that that I turn to the Word. I’m not above being wrong. I want to back up what I believe with the Word of God.       So should you! Don’t take man’s word for anything. Humanity leaves room for error.

We Have Assurance

Ephesians 3: 9-12 – And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

We should be bold with confidence, not dead with insecurity or religion. Religion says “Don’t make waves.” Confidence says “Stir up the water!” We have the wisdom that man has searched for from the beginning of time. We have the power from Heavenly places that the world tries to imitate. What we have is the real deal. Why would we not be excited!

We Have Approval

1 John 2:28 – And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

I highly doubt that when Jesus splits open the skies and calls His church home, we’ll be indifferent. Glory to God! We have confidence that He’s returning but do we have His approval on how we’re waiting? If He would walk into your church on Sunday morning, would He even feel welcome? If He sat behind you in the pew would He find you paying attention to the message or surfing your messages on your phone? If the Spirit started moving in your heart would you raise your hand or would you raise an eyebrow at those who do? If someone shouted would it be you, or would you jump out of your skin because you weren’t prepared for anyone to get excited. If Heaven forbid someone choo choo’d around the church would you call it fake or would you fall in behind? If I have to explain choo choo, you may not get any of this paragraph.

I am confident that God’s okay with excited Christianity.

We Have Answers

Because the world would love to make me think I’m crazy for being so excited about Jesus, and because there are days I feel crazy. I am elated that I have a solid foundation in the Word of God to turn to.

1 John 5:14 – And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

And so I ask. Again and again I ask. Every time some Hoover Christian leads me to believe I’m wrong.

Psalm 98:4 – Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise and rejoice, and sing praise.

Psalm 47:1 – O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Luke 17:15And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

Psalm 134:2Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

Need I go on? The world is so stinkin’ loud. How can they possibly hear the whispers of a child of God. When we listen to God, we should be still. When we feel God move, it should move us.

———————————————————————————————————

This blog is in it’s 8th year. Hosted on godaddy.com for the past five. Expenses incurred for the operation of this site are without complaint and with gratitude for the opportunity. If the Lord would impress you to give to help cover some recent technology issues, I’d be grateful. I’ve not been in the world’s workforce for 3 years and for that I glorify God. It’s given me the opportunity to not only write and work on music, but minister to nursing home patients, volunteer in the Christian School teaching art and help other ministries with marketing. All of which require technology, communication, time and gasoline. Again it’s without complainT… but just in case you have a desire to help, or have “extra money” 🙂 Know that I would be eternally grateful.

Here’s the Link