Loving the Broken

We all share a common bond. Whether it be physically, emotionally, or even spiritually, we have all had times in our life when we have been broken.  As I am starting to get out and about a little more, I have come in contact with so many of my friends who expressed how glad they were to see me doing better. I can honestly say this is one of the hardest physical tests that I have ever been through except for giving birth to my two boys. Almost every one of my friends has mentioned how hard it must have been to be confined to the chair and/or bed for so long. I would have to agree. It was hard, but there were two reasons why I didn’t go crazy. One reason was knowing that God was with me, and he would never leave me during my hard days. The second reason is the one I would like to focus on today. It is all of the love and support I received from my family, my church family, friends, and even those I didn’t know who were loving me through prayer. They were all reaching out to someone who was broken. Through these dear ones, I have seen and experienced the Love of Jesus.

Last week, I was able to participate in the block party we had in a community near our church. This is a relatively new ministry our church has become involved in the last year or so. I was struck by how many faces I have looked into and realized these people are experiencing brokenness. I am not sure if it is the times we are living in, but so many I have come in contact with lately have been hurting in some way. It is not only in our communities, but in our church pews as well. I read a quote the other day that seemed to sum up what I have been feeling. “Hurt people hurt people.” I am not sure of the author of this quote, but I can relate.  So many times during my time of recovery, I would pray that the Lord help me to speak sweetly especially on days when I was hurting. I think we fail to see that people in our communities and in our churches often speak or react to what we do out of frustration or because they are hurting. It is not always easy to love and reach out to someone who is harsh or cutting with their words, but God calls us to Love. We need Him to love through us. We need to love the broken and hurting people God has put us in contact with. Why? It is simple. God has called us to minister. Sometimes the only time someone may be open to letting the light of God’s love into their heart is during a time of brokenness. It is our chance to be the hands of God reaching out to them.

I am so glad for all those who reached out to me in my time of brokenness. I know I need to take the things I have learned during this time in my life and pass it on. I need to reach out beyond what is comfortable, and love all the ones with whom I come face to face with daily. We have all been in a place where we have been brokenhearted, broken physically etc. So we know what to do. We need to love and bind up the broken. It is what Jesus would do.

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;  he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;” ~Isaiah 61:1

Expect the Unexpected

“Things don’t always turn out the way you plan,” is a line from one of my favorite movies. I was thinking about this today as I sit in my recliner with my feet propped up.  I am a planner by nature. When I get up in the morning, I think about all the things that need to get done that day. I schedule in my mind how long it will take me to do each particular task. I make long mental to do lists, and often write them down so I can have the opportunity to cross off the tasks when they are completed. Perfectionist, You may ask? and you would be 100% correct. I just can’t help it; that’s how I roll.   Even the best of planners have unexpected things happen on a daily basis that throw the to do list out the window. Things carry from one day to the next, so there are days when you just have to let it go.

Here lately, I have the unique perspective of having my daily routine turned completely upside down. My to do list now only consists a few things. 1. Stay put and keep your feet up. 2. Get Well Soon! Expansive I know. If you could see my face right now, you would know that I am smiling and throughly tickled with myself. It’s not that I am upset with my circumstances. It is that  I am learning to take them at face value that it is what it is for me right now. Would I rather be up doing for my family? Of course, Yes, but that is not what God has for me to do right now. I know that this is a part of God’s will for me. Will it always be this way for me? I don’t think so, but I know that whatever I am going through God is with me. He has answered so many prayers for me. He is teaching me so much through this time in my life. I have learned that I can practice patience, and rely on God’s strength rather than my own. God is also teaching me to rely on others to do things for me. I think most women for the most part want to be a “Superwoman” aka “SuperWife”, “SuperMom”, “SuperCo-Worker”, “SuperMinistryWorker”. and “Super______”.(You can fill in the blank.) We want to do it all! Didn’t the Proverbs 31 Woman do it all? Isn’t it spiritual to do it all. I am learning that I can’t do it all. God doesn’t want me to “Superwoman”. He wants me  to follow Him, and be submissive to His will for me today.

I have shared this to say to you that even with my overwhelming schedule I am learning also that days like this can also bring the unexpected. An unexpected phone call to let me know that prayers are being offered up for me. I received some flowers from the church where I work that were a blessing to me. Cards that I have been receiving every week from my cousin have been an encouragement. Packages from family and friends have made me feel loved and uplifted.  Even a hug from my 15-year-old while I was typing this post was an unexpected blessing. I could list so many more things that have happened over the last several weeks that I would love to mention, but I wouldn’t have enough room in this post. I know that no matter what you are facing right now God can send you unexpected blessings in the middle of it all. He knows what is best for you and for me, so I am going to continue to expect the unexpected. It happens more often than you may realize.

Blessings to you all!

My Plan for You

Plans can change in an instant. You may get up one morning and have your day planned out in the greatest detail, but often things do not always work out the way you plan. Sometimes what God has planned for you that day is completely different from your well, laid out, detailed plans. How important is it that each morning we give our daily agenda to the Lord? I would say very important. This was made even more clear to me on Wednesday two weeks ago. My agenda was set, and my plans were made, but in a brief moment everything changed. I don’t know how to even comprehend  how drastically things were turned around that day.

I am sure as I am here today that God knew everything that would happen that day and prepared the way before me. Psalm 23 comes to my mind “thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thou anointed my head with oil…” On Wednesday, two weeks ago,  I was in a bad car accident. I know that in the midst of the storm I was facing; God was preparing my path. He showed his mercy to me in a person He put there to hold my hand till the paramedics came. Also, in someone calling my husband after calling 911. He showed grace to me by letting my husband get there to talk to me before the paramedics pulled out.  He had the helicopter ready to take me to Tallahassee, and a trauma team ready to help me upon arrival.  He had each group of people in the right place at the right time. Though the road was rocky, He prepared the way before me. Though I was unaware of His plan for me for that day, I know He was by my side through it all.

Maybe you are facing a time that is trying the soul. You may have made plans and in a moment those plans changed. Please know that even when plans change, God is there. Though pain and fear may be surrounding you, God is there. He is waiting to show you His love, His mercy, and His grace. In my devotions today, God lead me to Jeremiah 29:11. God had a special plan for me today. His perfect plan leads me to hope and a future. Let us never forget that as Christians God orders our steps. His will for us may not be exactly what we plan. We may not see all that He is doing because our wisdom is limited, but we have the ability to trust Him with childlike faith that His plan is just what we need.  May God be with you all today and as His plan for you unfolds, just put your hand in His and go through the day together.

Follow the Signs

We were down visiting the National Wildlife Refuge at St. Mark’s, FL. below Tallahassee. On the way back home, All my guys weren’t feeling very well. My hubby asked me to drive so I heartily agreed. I was almost through Woodville when I remembered I would have to drive through downtown Tallahassee at approximately 5:00 p.m.   I thought maybe it wouldn’t be too bad on a holiday, and I have been in worse traffic than this so with a prayer on my lips, and the pedal to the metal I forged ahead.  My “GPS” (Greater Passenger Seat) was resting so I didn’t want to disturb him.   I remembered the turn that had to make veered to the right so I began praying that I would see the sign that pointed in the right direction.  What would happen if I missed my sign? There were other ways to get home from where I was, but it would have taken extra time. A wrong direction would  put me way out-of-the-way of where I wanted to go.  In my mind’s eye I could see and hear Bugs Bunny, ” I should have made that left turn at Albuquerque.”  I turned down the radio so I wouldn’t be distracted, and I carefully focused on the road ahead of me.  I kept praying for the Lord to help my ability to see and follow the right signs home. I am happy to say I didn’t go the wrong direction, and we made it home in a timely fashion.

Thinking about this now, I wonder how often I journey down life’s road, and fail to see the signs the Lord has placed in my path. More often than I would like to admit, I am  easily  distracted by things. Life gets noisy, and I fail to reach out to the Lord.  If I really want to see and know what path the Lord has for me to follow today, I need to take time to slow down, focus on the path, and quiet my spirit. Having a daily quiet time is a crucial part of my day. God has a new and fresh road map for me. He wants to illuminate the day’s path for me, and if I want to see the signs He wants me to follow, I have to be looking for them. I learned Psalm 119:105 as a kid, and it still rings true in my life as an adult. It reads, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” If you want to follow the Lord, You must look for Him every day. Talk to Him, and let Him speak to you through His Word.  You will not go in the wrong direction, or be turned around by journeying with Jesus. You won’t waste the precious time the Lord has given us going in circles trying to get back to Him. Stay the course and you will joyfully find your way home.

“A man who walks with God always reaches his destination.” ~ Unknown

The Better End

As this year is closing and a new one is beginning, I found myself in a place of reflection. At the beginning of every year, I always try to start right. I have a list of things I want to accomplish during the year, but taking a long look at it all, I realize there were many things on my year’s to do list that I didn’t do. Some lost momentum early in this last year, and some I strived to accomplish right up to the very end. Like my daily to do list usually runs, I didn’t finish it all.  I would have liked to have done a better job, but, alas, in many areas I failed.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 was brought to my mind this morning, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”  The end is better. The patient in spirit is better. I caught myself in a cycle of focusing on the negative. So in my reflection, I am going to alter my focus from what I did not accomplish this year to what I did accomplish. This year was a good year. My health was so much better than the year before, and I am so thankful for that. What else was accomplished this year? I was more active, due to the fact I could walk without pain. I drew closer to the Lord this year. (That was one of the best things.) I experienced the love of family and friends. I grew closer to our members in our church family. I experienced joy. I laughed often. I hugged my kids every day. I fell deeper in love with my dear husband. All in all this year was lived well. First half of this verse accomplished. Second half of this verse I will have to work on. I surely do not want to be known as prideful, and I want to be more patient with myself and others. Sometimes I push myself too hard to do things rather than just be who God wants me to be. I think this might have to be up there on my list of “Things to Work On” this next year.

Also in my quest to come up with a 2012 to do list, I need to stop and realize though another year is closing it is not the end of it all. Until I leave this world or the Lord comes back to get us, I will still be moving forward. My work on earth is not yet completed; there is more to accomplish for Him. So no matter how I started, I can definitely finish strong with God’s help. I can be a better Christian with God’s help. At the end of 2012, may the end be better than the beginning.

Beautiful You

Beauty, it is something we all think about from time to time. Am I beautiful? Who thinks I am beautiful? Does my family really think of me as beautiful? In the moments of quiet reflection, Do we ask ourselves, “Does God think I am beautiful?”

As a child, When we are told we are beautiful by those who love us, we believe it with child like wonder. Then as we grow older, we may come in contact with other little girls who feel they must point out all our flaws to others, and make fun of our imperfections. Perhaps, these little ones have been called out by people who supposedly love them, or maybe they feel they must make fun of someone before someone else points out their flaws. I have encountered gals like this all through my growing up years. Although at the time they just seemed mean and spiteful, I have learned that many times people lash out because of their own insecurities. Do the angry barbs and cutting words hurt any less? No. These harsh words can, however, change your view of yourself and you begin to question your own beauty in the eyes of your family and even God’s view of you.  I can say this with personal conviction that this can happen, because for  a long time I did just that. I let the words of mean little girls permeate my heart and began to let it alter my own perception of me. In my own mind, I began to see myself as not worthy enough, and less than average. Maybe you find yourself in this place as an adult. Believe me when I tell you, you are not alone.

After a lot of soul-searching and praying for answers, I have come upon some simple truths. First, We are made in the image of God. Regardless of how we look on the outside, God formed every part of us. He knew what family characteristics we would have. Whether we looked like Mom or Dad or Grandma was all up to Him. He knew the flaws and blemishes we would have. God formed us in our mother’s wombs to be who we are today. We cannot allow the world dictate to us what beauty is when we are all made in God’s image and do not have control of the imperfections others may see. We need to look past our exterior. Earthly beauty fades. Solomon offers in Proverbs 31:30,”Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” We have to keep in mind what is most important. Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. Is our heart a God-fearing one?

The second truth that has become evident to me is the more I focus on the beauty of God and praise Him for who He is the less I think about me. Several times in Scripture, we are called upon to recognize the beauty of the Lord.   Psalms 27:4 is one of these, “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Also, Psalm 29:2 and 96:6,9 speak of the Lord’s beauty. We should be gals full of praise and reverence for the one who made us and trust that He has perfect knowledge and understanding of us.

In my own reflections, I have learned that inner beauty trumps outward beauty. When you see someone you think is beautiful, it’s all good till they open their mouth, and the ugly comes out. Maybe, you see someone maybe a little plainer, but when they speak their beautiful heart for God shines through their features making them more beautiful than you thought at first glance. I would definitely want to be part of the second group in this scenario.

Do you think of yourself as beautiful? You should if God is in your heart and shining brightly to the world outside!

A Month in a Whirlwind

Greetings! I just can’t believe how fast the month of October has flown by. I had many good intentions as well as thoughts to share with you, but alas my good intentions did not quite meet my opportunity. My month began with health issues which then collided with fall break and a camping trip that moved into Church activities, hunting season for my men, and another part-time job for me. Needless  to say, Life once again took the wheel, and My little corner here was shoved to the back seat.  I have been tired and so weary with everything. I do realize that when you are not feeling well it is a prime opportunity for our humanness to get in our way. I wish that I could say that I stayed on top of everything and I was upbeat throughout it all not letting my circumstances affect me in the slightest way. Unfortunately, I did not. I did try to focus on the good the Lord was allowing me to be a part of . I will say, also, that in the midst of the whirlwind blowing me to and fro, God has been there with me.

I am reminded of Elijah. He was on the run from a wicked woman, when God lead him to a cave to strengthen up. God fed him and took care of him. (I Kings 19)   He was weary, tired and felt so alone in the task of doing God’s work. He was in fact feeling sorry for himself ( Been there and done that). God had Elijah stand on the mount and sent before him a great wind, an earthquake and a great fire, yet God was not in these things. God spoke to Elijah in a quiet moment with a gentle voice. Though the world around him was shaking and seemingly being torn apart by several different things, Elijah heard God in a still small voice. God talked to him, and while getting Elijah to recognize where he was and what he was doing, God encouraged him in the journey that he was about to take.  In the verses to follow this story, we also see God gave him some help in the person of Elisha. Even though at times we might feel alone in our journey, God is always there, and many times sends us someone to encourage and uplift us as we step out in faith again following Him.

So as one Whirlwind, may have passed for the moment, there will be more ahead.  As we enter the month of Thanksgiving, I know that God will continue to hold my hand no matter what may come across my path. I am thankful that God is a powerful ally. Be encouraged, dear friend, He will never leave us. Strength for the journey is available in Christ. So as you face the whirlwinds around you, be sure to take a quiet moment and listen for His voice. It is the sweetest sound in the world.

And Presenting…

The words “And Presenting…” are wonderful words. They give you a hint that something amazing or extraordinary is about to take place. The mundane rhythm of life is about to be changed.  In visiting neighbors in blogland, I have come across some great encouragers. So without  further ado I would like to present to you those who have been a particular blessing to this gal here at Byway Blessings…

Tab for the Soul  is written by Rebecca Fussell. She and I went to college together. I always liked to hang out with Rebecca. She has always been a great encouragement to me. During my college years, I lost my mother to cancer. I needed people around me that lifted up the Lord, and their friends when they were going through the Valleys of Life. I remember the little fridge in her room was always stocked with Tab. Stop by her blog for a taste; you won’t be disappointed.

A Prodigal’s Story of Grace is written by Rebekah Grace. I met this dear lady through my friend, Julie Todd.  Rebekah shares her journey through her openness and willingness to laugh. So many times I have visited her blog and left with a smile. Grace and Giggles, she calls it, and you will receive both by visiting this new friend.

The Point Ministries by Leah Adams has been a blessing to me as well. She posts almost every day which is one of the reasons I admire her.  She also has a word from the Lord. Pictures in every day life are used to point the way to Jesus. She is also another Georgia girl like me, and you can’t help but love a Georgia gal. Stop by her place and see how she points you straight to Jesus.

Peace for the Journey is written by Elaine. Her posts uplift Jesus, and I really like that about her. She also is a cancer survivor, and shares the story on her blog.  She has a particular post right now on the Strength of the Word of God that I know will be a blessing to your heart. I know Elaine would love to have a visit from you.

Living in Harmony is written by Amy Boyd.  She has been sharing some wonderful posts about marriage, and her personal story. I have enjoyed visiting her blog and I know you will too.

So here they are loyal readers. I hope you will take advantage of these new blog all-stars. I lift my glass of diet-sunkist and salute you! 

 In all seriousness, I appreciate all these ladies, and I am thankful for the encouragement they bring to me every day. Matthew 5:14-16 reads, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but put on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which art  in Heaven.”  So shine on, Ladies, Shine on!

Sunday Worship/Monday Ministry

I love the Sunday Worship Services at our church. It is a wonderful blessing to be able to go with my family, and worship our Lord together. As I reflect back on my childhood, A large part of my life was spent in church. My family went to church whenever the doors were open. Most of my closest friends were a part of my church family. We spent time in their homes, and they spent time in mine at least every other week. I am so grateful for a Christian Family,and a heritage of growing up actively participating in worshipping the Lord in his House. I believe this is one of the reasons I accepted Christ into my life at an early age. I would have to say that my church family had a supreme impact on the person I am today. Godly men and women taught our kids classes and took us on activities. In a few years, Youth group became an integral part of my church experience. We were taught Biblical principles, and a deep lasting love for God. 

As I have grown older, chronologically and in my faith, I see more than ever before the importance of Worshiping God  in my life. I know that there are those of the opinion that worshipping together as a group is not as important as personal worship. Please don’t misunderstand me.  We can worship God through praying, reading our Bible, journaling, etc., and we should indeed do these things every day. Daily Worship is important to the building of our faith.  However, I strongly feel that some have come the conclusion that it is the only worship we should experience. To me there is something special about coming together to the House of God with fellow believers, and worshipping together as a church body. Through worship, we are able to strengthen each other.  I know I am strengthened when I hear other believers share testimonies of what God has done for them that week. I am strengthened by worshipping the Lord through singing praises to Him, and bowing my heart before Him as the sermon from the Pastor speaks to me. One of my favorite times of worship is while the Offertory is being played, and I talk to God experiencing sweet fellowship with Him. Even participating in the Lord’s Supper has become another time for me to worship God as I remember all Christ did for me on Calvary. When my boys were little, I would whisper to them throughout the Lord’s Supper of all of the beautiful pictures we can see in all Christ has done for us. Worship is so much more than just showing up for a church service. It is active participation on our part that if we are not careful we will miss all the wonderful blessings Christ has waiting for us.

Sunday Worship has impacted me in other ways also. I may not have realized it at the time, but Sunday Worship was preparing me to reach out beyond the door of the church. God does not want us to have our Worship with Him on Sunday to end when the church doors close. I believe God wants our Sunday Worship to propel us into Monday-Saturday Ministry. We should take time to pray for those in the community, and reach out to them when they are in need. The methods for getting out into the community may vary from church to church. Our church has had some good success with Block parties in the surrounding communities, and ministering to boys 12-18 at a motorcross track that moved into our community.  The methods may be different, but the message does not change. We need to go out into “highways and hedges and compel them to come in.” Our Communities need the message that Jesus saves. They need to know that there is a church that cares about them and loves them.  They need to know that Sunday Worship is not the only thing the church does every week.

Compassion Meets Opportunity

When I turn on the news, I am amazed at the amount of stories focused on people doing unthinkable acts to others.  Adults hurting other adults, Parents hurting children, Children hurting other children are all apart of a vicious cycle that does not seem to have a conclusion. Hurting people are lashing out at those closest to them.  When I look at all of these terrible things, I see an absence of compassion for others.  I thought to myself, “ Where are the stories of the heroes?  The ones who not only thought of others kindly, but also took it upon themselves to go the distance in showing compassion to someone else. Where are those who saw an opportunity to take compassion to the next level from thought to action?”

I may not see many in the news, but as I look around me, I see heroes who show compassion. I see it in my family members, in my friends, and in my church family. It reminds me of Jude 22, “And of some having compassion, making a difference.”  When a need arises they don’t just think about doing something for someone  else, They do it.  These heroes do not just say, ” I sure do care about you, buddy.” and move on. They have a compassion that inspires.  I have seen them give when they had little to give. They sacrifice their time in the midst of a busy schedule.  People who go beyond meeting someone’s needs with compassion they minister to their hearts.  They are ones who take the meaning of Jude 22 literally. They make a difference. 

 I can testify about these dear people because in a time not to long ago, I was a first hand witness to this compassion they showed. Last year, I had a badly sprained ankle that turned very serious very quickly.  Because of the severity of the sprain, I could not put even the slightest pressure on my foot for three weeks.  Due to my inactivity while recuperating, I developed a  severe blood clot in my leg. I had to undergo some aggressive medical treatment in the days following the finding of the clot. During this trying time in my life,  my church family and friends rallied around my family and me. They fervently prayed for us, they brought us meals, and  they went out of their way to comfort and love on my kids.  Without asking anything in return, they showed me  the lengths that compassion can go when faced with opportunity.

A few minutes ago, My boys and I watched  as Sgt. Dakota Meyer was awarded the Medal of Honor. Sgt. Meyer is the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.  On September 8,2009, Sgt. Meyer saved 36 of his fellow soldiers by going back again and again under heavy fire to save those to which he refered to as “his brothers”. Even after being wounded, He returned to the battle.   I am sure if given the opportunity He would do it again.   Finally, a news story that shows compassion in action.

I am so thankful that in my need God showed compassion to me. He went beyond the call of duty.  He was wounded in showing his great love and extending compassion to me. In all these things, He made a difference. I pray that in some small way, I will in my life be able to pass on a portion of the love He has given to me to someone else. I pray I will make a difference.