Random thoughts...

This week, my precious Lord has brought several various and wonderful things to me. Books, Bible studies, quotes (I LOVE quotes), blogs, recipes, beautiful things, visits with my children...MUSIC. 

They...

• Delight me
• Inspire me
• Challenge me
• Fill me
• Soothe me
• Convict me of sin

Isn't He GOOD???


I jokingly say that I am the most trained woman in the world - a gross overstatement.  I will, though, have much to give account for when I meet my Savior face to face.  I want to know about every ministry, how to do it...I want to do every Bible study.  I am always manage to gain one truth from each study, but in no way could I say I have successfully applied every truth from every study to my life.
Here's a sample:

• Sign Language
• Clowning
• English as a 2nd Language
• Women's Ministry - (have almost completed basic certificate)
• Crisis Pregnancy/Abortion Trauma/women in Crisis
• Christian Education
• More Bible Studies than I can count
• Leadership Training

What does this mean to me?  I am accountable. 

I am reminded He is always working on me, and in me, and through me. He always has my best at heart,
even then I can’t see or understand this. I can TRUST Him.

I don’t always like myself...but He DOES.

I don’t have any power to change myself...but He stands ready to do it, if I will just cooperate. Lately, I have felt very inadequate...somewhat frustrated...dissatisfied.  These feelings drive me to praise...to His Word. And He has been faithful to point out things in me that needed to be addressed, changed, repented of, abandoned forever if possible.  Isn't He FAITHFUL??

I am SO thankful for the age, the place, and the family (both physical and spiritual) He has chosen for
me. In this stage of my life (sigh), I believe I may already be in “winter” – I am thankful He is allowing
me to invest in the lives of others. I am trying to be sensitive to His Spirit and willing to spend myself
and my resources to enrich the lives of others...to show the WAY...to help promote growth...to simply
demonstrate love. I am equally as thankful for those He sends to enrich my life, love me and invest in me.

We live in a marvelous age of technology...we are exposed to more teaching and resources than any age
before (which will bring a higher level of accountability). We get updates to let us know when there are
new books, new articles...new experiences through which others have learned more about our Father – and
they share it with us!  I am so thankful for these obedient ones, who faithfully share what God has done in their life.

So thankful, Lord!

What came your way this week?  What blessed you?  Challenged you?  Convicted you?  I am sure He has been around your place this week too!

Blessings!

Belinda and the King

Today, I watched Anna and the King, the remake of the much older The King and I - classic movies.  As I watched this time, though, I noticed something I'd never noticed before...the authority, the honor...the obedience given to the King.   No matter what the King said or demanded...it was right and it was done immediately - he is the King!

In this America where I live, we do not have kings.  We are taught independence and initiative and to think for ourselves.  Our allegiance is given only where we choose to give it. Who have we ever bowed to? Whose commands do we jump to obey?  I can think of no one.  Even our leaders are held in disdain, many times due to their own behavior and character, or lack thereof.

Maybe this is why we do not honor Our KING, Our Savior, the King of Kings as we should?  Jesus, My King is always right.  He is always good.  His character is above reproach, it is His character we all come short of.  He deserves all glory, all honor, all praise and definitely my highest esteem and obedience.

My life will be titled, Belinda and the King.  How will it be read?  Will I please my King, or bring Him shame.  God is recording every aspect of my life, even my thoughts and motives.  I hope to remember this lesson I learned today...and give Him the honor due Him...and live pleasing to Him.  What a wonderful King we have!

Blessings!

The Benefits of Praise

This week, I have found myself feeling unhappy, down, sad, lonely...just about any description of the darker side of one's emotions. I could have cried at any moment. Why? No reason that I can think of. For two days I struggled with these feelings. They made me feel unspiritual, inadequate...lacking. I kept thinking, "What is wrong with me???"

Yesterday on my way home from work, I inserted Travis Cottrell's "Beloved Disciple" cd into my player...and hit 4 or 5. I do not even know the name of this song, but I listened again, and again, and again...singing at the top of my voice...

I have found Your love feeds my soul... I have found Your love feeds my soul... You're better than life, so I'll glorify You... Spirit within me, cry out Your Name... I have found Your love feeds my soul. (I'm not even sure these are the correct words, but these are what I heard.)

When I got home...I inserted the cd in my kitchen player...and went to get the mail. I piddled around for some time while Jay moved a huge fallen limb and took care of the weekly yard work.

Some time later, I noticed it - my unhappy, down, sad feelings were gone! Believe it or not, I had spent time daily in my devotional guide, my Bible, praying and journaling as usual. What made the difference? PRAISE...praise that touched me deeply within, waking that gratitude and awareness of Who Jesus is and all He is to me every day.

Later, I went to the piano and spent time playing and praising...my mood was light and peace filled my soul again. I truly have found His love feeds my soul...even when I don't know what's missing. Proof we can be "in the Word"..."on the pew", and still drift away. Nothing we can "do" fills us up...HE feeds my soul, gives me peace...and joy.

He instructs us to praise Him...not for His benefit, but for OURS.

Happy Again

Life is funny.  I can honestly say one thing I never thought I'd do - is attend my own mother's wedding.  That is exactly what I did yesterday.  Daddy has been gone for over 2 years and God brought LaVaughn  into Mom's life soon after.  (LaVaughn's wife passed just a few days after my Dad, by the way.)

                                           "Here comes the bride!"  (with my brother, Kevin)

I have to mention the church was packed - folks standing in the back!  Over 200 people came to see this couple unite in marriage.  Our two families had not met and we had a great time getting to know each other...so much in common, especially in the Lord.

I have watched my mother bloom in this new relationship and it's been a joy to watch.  My brother's grandson gave her this touching poem he wrote about watching the love between his grandmother and LaVaughn (we call him L.V.)...

I cried when I watched her come down the aisle.  Later several said, "It'll be okay..."  misunderstanding my tears.  I was SO happy for her.  Mom and Dad did not have a "wedding" - this was a big deal for her and she was so excited.  At 79 years of age, she had her special "princess" day!

Afterwards of course - we had two-steppin' and partied the afternoon away...

                                                                      Kealee and L.V.

So, congratulations to my Mom...a beautiful, brave woman who is not afraid to live life to the fullest.

                                                    Mr. and Mrs. Moody - Happy Again!

I'm Actually Thinking...

Of trying to write a book.  For years I've insisted, "There's no book IN me.  I have nothing to write about."  Today, my hubby and I were reminiscing and I said, "We were insane!"  He said, "No, we weren't insane. We were young, adventurous..." to which I replied, "and insane!"  We laughed and laughed.

I often look back and share with my children different places we lived, people we met, things we tried, regrets, adventures, etc. I don't share with strangers, because they look at me "like a calf looking at a new gate" (don't feel bad, I don't know what that means exactly either - but it's always said here in Arkansas). 

Today, as Jay and I laughed and remembered - I thought, maybe I COULD write a book.  Maybe some of these hilarious things, would make good reading.  We are so blessed to have lived in a generation that was able to do things our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren will never be able to do. 

So, yes - I am thinking, but only thinking at this point.  I may try a little and find out quickly that I was right in the first place - we'll see and I'll let you know!

Blessings!

Please Help Me, I'm Falling

It reveals one's age to admit we remember the song, "Please Help Me, I'm Falling..." - but that first phrase of the song is what came to my mind this morning.  Also, the well-known commercial - "I've fallen and I can't get up!"  You might ask, why all the reference to falling?  It started when I read my daily scripture from K-Love this morning...

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.  ~ Psalm 55:22, NLT

I found myself saying, "Oh yes, Lord!  Right now the ground beneath my feet feels shaky and uncertain.  You know I continually ask You to show us the way to go.  Please do not let us slip and fall!  Thank You, Lord for this wonderful promise!"

Whatever your burden, whatever your uncertainty, whatever your complaint...give it to the Lord.  Your burden may not feel any lighter...you may still not know the way to go but He will NOT permit you to slip and fall.  Praise His Holy Name!

Blessings!

Quotable Quotes

Today, I am going to share two quotes I've heard or read lately - that made an impression on me.  I become ever more aware that I am the sum of all the people and events that have impacted my life.  There are no "self-made" people in this world.  So, here we go!

#1 - "An acceptable sacrifice was always one without spot or blemish, the best one might have. All were required to offer and it was always for God's glory...never for the person offering the sacrifice. When we offer a 'sacrifice of praise' we should do no less!"  (Ed Steele, New Orleans Seminary professor)

We are such a blessed nation, we seldom do without anything.  We struggle, I fear, to fully comprehend the meaning of sacrifice - and we take so lightly what we offer up to our God.  We are commanded to offer the sacrifice of praise - the fruit of our lips (Hebrews).  How often do I just throw something out there...without spending quality time preparing, practicing, striving to give my very best praise to Him?  How often to I give Him my leftover time...the crumbs of my self.

 #2 - 1 Timothy 6:6(posted by a sweet, young mother on FB)...

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."

I usually seem to focus on the word contentment exclusively...but today both godliness and contentment captured my attention.  It isn't merely contentment that is great gain, or profit - it is godliness AND contentment that bring great gain.

Godliness: Being more and more like my God...

• in my attitude and my actions
• filled with His Spirit
• demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit
• knowing Him and seeing everything the way He does

Contentment: Being satisfied with my...

• possessions
• situation

These are quotable quotes...worthy to be read and re-read...
and shared.

Blessings!