Sandpaper People

People refuse 2 b default by ahmedgalal

I first heard the terminology ‘sandpaper people’ reading Girlfriends in God devotionals. The girlfriends are simply 3 extraordinary women who share the love of God daily. I read their devotionals every day and I share with you their interpretation of ‘sandpaper people’ mixed with mine.

I have more than a few friends going through their days trying to deal with ‘sandpaper people’. People, often times Christian people, who are unruly, meaning that they are frequently careless, out of line or over the top in their behavior. The word, "unruly" applies to soldiers who refuse to follow orders, insisting on doing things their own way. Sound familiar? It is the motto of every respectable sandpaper person. These people frequently are placed in positions of responsibility and have no idea of how to treat others with respect and love while administering their duties. If sandpaper people continue to offensively power trip their way through your day take heart. God has a plan.

A pearl to string: Looks like The Law of Power* goes into effect here: “You only have the power to change yourself. You can’t change another person. You must see yourself as the problem, not the other person. To see another person as the problem to be fixed is to give that person power over you and your well-being. Because you cannot change another person, You are out of control. The “REAL problem lies in how you are relating to the problem person. You are the one in pain, and only you have the power to fix it”. Study that statement it will eventually bless you.

Sandpaper people can definitely get on our last nerve, which is why God's plan for dealing with these difficult people includes setting aside part of our emotional energy to cover their faults and allow for their weaknesses. In other words, we must learn and choose to be patient. By the grace of the Holy Spirit you can take the grit out of sandpaper people.

"Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone". 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14

May God bless you with wisdom for patience is wisdom’s gift.
Joy in Sonshine,
Lyndi

*from Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend

A Simple Bible

Author Unknown


"I'm not supposed to give these away," the young man said, handing me a display Bible, "but I sense you should have this." I shrugged and absently tucked it away. We had a Bible at home. I'd only stopped by the Gideon's table because nothing else at the Iowa State Fair was set up.

A few days later I was walking to town when a car pulled up beside me. "Get in," the driver snarled, pointing a gun at me. I did as he said. Soon he pulled over, grabbed me and tried to force me down on the seat. I struggled with all my strength. Finally he ordered me out of the car.

Before both my feet were on the ground, I heard a shot and felt a sharp pain in my side. I collapsed, and the man came around the car. He picked up my purse, took out my wallet then threw the purse on my head and shot it. I felt a dreadful impact. Still conscious, I lay silent, hoping he would think I was dead. I heard the car drive away, and I stumbled to a nearby farmhouse. A woman called for help, and the police were closing in on the drug-crazed driver based on the description I'd given them.

At the hospital, just before I went into surgery to remove the bullet in my side, my sister came to see me. "Do you know what saved your life, Mavis?" she asked. She handed me the Bible that had been in my purse. A bullet was lodged inside, its tip stopping exactly at Psalm 37:14-15: "The wicked draw the sword, and bend the bow...to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken."

This is what it means to know the voice of God. The young man wasn't supposed to give away the Bibles, but he "sensed" that God wanted him to give the Bible away to this lady. He probably thought that she would open the Bible and read something that would turn her life around, or bring her closer to the reality of God. But the sword came first, and then certainly a peace that only comes from God; the reality of His protection made manifest by those who "sense" His will.

Blessed Beyond Measure

A family gathering can be a good thing especially if the members like each other. OK, I admit, that is an excellent starter ingredient. Add love, respect, admiration, kindness and consideration for others and you might have a reunion that blesses each person beyond measure. The Mac family just had their 15th annual 4th of July gathering and we all feel like this was the best one ever. It’s not fancy -- just cooking, eating & playing together for 8 days. Wow, we each have a bouquet of precious memories to cherish. The 10 grandkids plus two 2nd cousins made a movie produced & directed by Uncle Marc which was recorded and became one of those tangible memories added to the yearly family & group photos. The movie: High School Musical 4 ‘four years later’ was pure fun. Take notice Hollywood some new stars headed your way. We got Mac-talent!

You might be reading this thinking awe that’s sweet – our family should do that or maybe your family does gather and it’s a great time or maybe not so much – perhaps a little or a lot of in family fighting going on? Some of you might be thinking – it’ll never happen not with my family.

May I share with you this family is made up of ordinary people. We each have our own ‘me-me’ issues with sensitivities & expectations that we individually have to overcome. Each one has had to work through hurt feelings and forgiveness but the longer we try to gut it out on our own power the less successful it becomes. We need each other’s prayers and ask for them and we need the Holy Spirit so the power of the Lord is released inside our hearts. This isn’t a onetime deal – let us pray and it’s done. This is an ongoing daily process. We do watch out after each other and we do pray for the ones we see struggling from time to time and we rejoice in the joy we see in each other too. Personally I find great comfort in that – my family doesn’t expect me to be perfect, they’ve got my back on my bad days as well as my good days. We’ve all learned to give each other wiggle room and space for odd & strange behavior which grants each of us blessings beyond measure.

A pearl to string: The first step in receiving rich blessings is to ask the Lord to help you forgive those who have wronged you. Then ask someone who loves the Lord to pray with you and for you. Remember as you read this: Jesus died for my sins and He died for those who have sinned against me. That was revelation for me years ago and it released me from my prison of pain.

The longer you walk with the Lord the sweeter He grows
And the sweeter you grow,
Blessed beyond measure,
Lyndi

Mark 11:24-25 (New International Version)
24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Kavod - The Tangible Presence of God

The Greatest Event In 2000 Years Is Coming to Boulder On July 31!

Watch this video and see how Jesus' prayer in John 17 is about to be fulfilled for the first time ever!

video 3:55

What in the World?

In a devotional Sharon Jayne’s gives Biblical definition to the world. She notes darkness is waiting for us the moment we step out the front door, turn on the television, or listen to the 6:00 o'clock news. The world is full of darkness at every turn.

What exactly is the world? In the Bible, there are several definitions. One definition refers to all the people on the earth: "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son (John 3:16). In some instances, the word "world" refers to planet earth itself.

Other times "world" refers to the world systems, values, and morals. Paul refers to these world systems when he says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world," (Romans 12:2). Jesus said that the "world" hated him and we shouldn't be surprised if it hates us as well (John 15:18, 19). Both refer to the world systems, values, or ways of thinking.

The Bible also tells us "that the whole world is under the control of the evil one" (1 John 5:19). It seems like we are "splitting hairs" here. But when we consider the power of the enemy and the pull of the world systems, they are almost one in the same. Right now, the world systems are being heavily influenced by the evil one.
But here's the hope! Jesus said, "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). As long as we live in the world, we will feel its pull, but God assures us that we have what it takes to "overcome the world" (1 John 5:4, 5). We have the power of the Holy Spirit living in us and faith in the Victor who works through us.

A pearl to string: I get weary of the world’s pull. It stresses me even more when I see my friends pulled and yanked around by the world system. In my life time I’ve seen what I was taught and believed to be right become wrong. There is no stability in the world and its mores. I found the peace that passes all human understanding in Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) I don’t want to go back to that see-saw existence the world offers and keep wondering, ‘what in the world’?

There’s a love that leads me
There’s a love that frees me
There’s a love that heals me
And the love of Jesus is there for you too,

Lit by Sonshine,
Lyndi

Tug-A-War Trusting

When Paul and Silas were in prison the Philippian jailer asked them, "What must I do to be saved?" This is what salvation really means—giving ourselves up to God, taking ourselves out of our own keeping, and entrusting ourselves into His keeping (Acts 16:31). God wants to take care of us. He can do a much better job of that if we will avoid a problem called independence, which is really self-care.

The desire to take care of ourselves is based on fear. This is a revelation lesson for me that I share with you. Basically, it stems from the idea that if we do it, we can be sure it will be done right. We are afraid of what might happen if we entrust ourselves totally to God and He doesn't "come through" for us. I really didn’t view it that way but that is what this Scripture verse (Acts 16:31) has revealed to me. The root problem of independence is trusting ourselves more than we trust God. Oh my goodness… I don’t want to be like that… can I get a witness here?

We love to have a back-up plan. We may pray and ask God to get involved in our lives, but if He is the least bit slow in responding (at least, to our way of thinking), we are quick to take control back into our own hands. Is that called tug-a-war trust? What we fail to realize is, God has a plan for us too—and His plan is much better than ours.

If you are in charge of anything whether it is your home, your job, your class work or a ministry you know that even in being responsible and doing good a person can become askew to God’s Word and dependant on self. We eat daily for physical nourishment and I recommend for myself reading God’s word daily for spiritual nourishment. (Matt 4:4) Spiritual starvation creates independence and I’m learning that is not a place of trusting God.

A pearl to string: Reading the Bible is not just an intellectual activity; rather it is an act of “going to school with the Holy Spirit”. When we pray we are the ones talking to God but when we read His Word He is the one talking to us.

Have you heard from God lately?
Releasing my own keeping……
Know you are loved,
Lyndi

A Promise for Every Season

by Pastor James Ryle

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

This passage of scripture has held our focus for the past few days. There is much to be found in its brief words, and I trust that our thoughts upon the matter have been more than helpful to you in your journey with Jesus.

One of may favorite things to do when studying a passage of scripture like this, is to delve deeply into the rich meaning of the Hebrew words (or Greek, for the New Testament), and then weave those definitions and insights into what I call a pastoral paraphrase.

I have done that with this verse, and here is what I now offer to you as “a promise for every season.”


“Those who bind together with the Lord, who intertwine with Him like strands in a rope, will experience the great exchange. They will find their weakness exchanged for His power; their unsteadiness exchanged for His firm resolve; their fatigue exchanged for his vigor and valor; and so on, and so on, and so on.

“They will discover that their inabilities have been exchanged for an increased capacity to produce whatever is needed in any given situation, with results that are always significant and fulfilling. They shall ascend to a higher place, and be active in effective ways.

“They shall move with speed and determination, without gasping in exhaustion, or tiring of the toil. They shall move with steady resolve along a path of purpose, not being depleted of energy, nor void of hope.”

Butterfly Kisses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgZftrobqlg

The mere words suggest tenderness. A gentle flutter of love placed upon a cheek. It is also the name of a song sung by Bob Carlisle back in 2000. The song soared up the charts and received international recognition in both the Christian and secular music industries. The song was about the tender love between a father and his daughter, from her birth to her wedding day. Mr. Carlisle said, "I get a lot of mail from young girls who try to get me to marry their moms. That used to be a real chuckle because it's so cute, but then I realized they didn't want romance for mom. They want the father that is in that song, and that just kills me."

With Father’s Day around the corner how blessed any of us are to have a Father to celebrate with. Dad, that wonderful man that loved us and guided us through the jungle of life with wisdom & humor and butterfly kisses. That isn’t everybody’s story; fathers are missing in love action all over this world. What pain that brings to a heart.

A book written about one of the great comedians of this century, Groucho Marx, is entitled, Hello, I Must Be Going. Groucho used to say that when he was introduced to someone. He would be introduced, and he would say, "Hello. I must be going." He'd arrive at a party or a gathering and say to his host, "Hello. I must be going." That phrase became synonymous with Groucho's life. When you think about that, it's really not at all funny. It's too close to the way many experience life with a Dad in this modern day culture.

The Lord has made a promise to us. He is a promise Father to each one of us. As we invite Him into our hearts and abandon the riches of this world “He says to us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5-6)

A pearl to string: A friend shared how her little one responds to her hugs: “This is my favorite place in the world: Inside your hug!”

May each one remain inside your hug Father God forever and ever,
Now that’s a butterfly kiss,
Walk in Sonshine and
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THOSE WONDERFUL MEN
WHO HAVE LOVED ABUNDANTLY,
Lyndi
Facts of Life: By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.

THE POWER OF A HUG

There's something in a simple hug that always warms the heart;
It welcomes us back home, and makes it easier to part.

A hug's the way to share the joy and sad times we go through,
Or just a way for friends to say they like you ‘cuz you're you!

Hugs are meant for anyone for whom we really care . . .
From your grandma to your neighbor, or a cuddly teddy bear.

A hug is an amazing thing — it's just the perfect way
To show the love we're feeling, but can't find the words to say.

It's funny how a little hug makes everyone feel good;
In every place and language, it's always understood.

And hugs don't need equipment, special batteries, or parts . . .
Just open up your arms and open up your heart! ~By Jill Wolf

MEN OF INTEGRITY, PROMISE KEEPERS INVITES WOMEN

Promise Keepers Founder Coach McCartney recently spoke with CitizenLink.


Report by Josh Montez, staff writer


'I believe we'll see the beginnings of the greatest move of God in our lifetimes.'

Twenty years ago, Coach Bill McCartney gathered 4,200 men at the University of Colorado for the first Promise Keepers conference. At the time, he was head football coach at the school.

This summer, McCartney and tens of thousands of men — and women — will fill the university's football stadium to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Promise Keepers. “A Time to Honor” is scheduled for July 31-Aug. 1.

Based in Denver, Promise Keepers has reached more than 5.5 million men. In 1997, an estimated 1 million men gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

1. Give me a couple of highlights of what’s going to be taking place in Boulder at the end of July.

I believe we'll see the beginnings of the greatest move of God in our lifetimes. The secret to this outpouring of God's Holy Spirit is to revisit three key priorities embraced by the first-century Church: celebrating virtuous women; sharing resources equally; and honoring the spiritual fathers of the faith. We want to honor Jewish believers.
In the High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed we would be one as He and the Father are one. And then the world would believe that He sent Him. And it says in John 17:22: “The glory which you gave me, I’ve given them.” When Jew and Gentile are in one accord, the presence of God comes in extraordinary measure.

2. It sounds like something unique. You’re not just inviting the men this time, are you?

It’ll be the first time in 20 years that we’ve invited women. And the reason we’re doing that is the presence of God. If you knew that the presence of God was going to fall, would you exclude anybody? I want everybody I know and love to be there.

3. What else are you hoping to accomplish during this event?

The Church is divided (in how) we interpret the Word of God. It’s also divided racially. As a result of this incredible outpouring of God’s Spirit, we’re going to see the body come together, even as the days get more difficult.

4. What do folks need to do to get involved?

We encourage everybody who wants to experience the presence of God to join us. There is a registration fee, but no one will be turned away. We understand with the economy like it is, that many will want to come but they can’t afford it. Just tell them to register, and we’ll save a place for them. We’ll feed them, and we’ll send them home full of God.

5. It’s great to hear your vision. Did I leave anything out?

Single moms, single women — the culture has intimidated them. And we need to get them (to Promise Keepers) because when the presence of God falls, they’re going to be restored. And on Saturday, August 1st, we’re hoping as many as 11,000 young adults (will) be ministered to by contemporary artists and speakers. It’s going to be the same thing: invoking the presence of God so we can help (send) this generation to where God wants them to go.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONLearn more about the conference, and register today.

Watch a special Turn Signal video report about the event.

EXCHANGED VALUES

An old proverb says that "The world is a net; the more we stir in it, the more we are entangled."

Max Lucado tells the story about a prank that occurred years ago: A couple of prowlers broke into a department store in a large city. They successfully entered the store, stayed long enough to do what they came to do, and escaped unnoticed.

What is unusual about the story is what these guys did. They took nothing. No merchandise was stolen. No items were removed. Instead of stealing anything, they changed the cost of everything. Price tags were swapped. Values were exchanged. The pranksters took the tag off a $395.00 camera and stuck it on a $5.00 box of stationery. The $5.95 sticker on a paperback book was removed and placed on an outboard motor. They re-priced everything in the store!

The store opened as usual. Employees went to work. Customers began to shop. The place functioned as normal for four hours before anyone noticed that the values had been swapped.

A pearl to string: This can happen to us. Life can sneak by us and we find ourselves exchanging things that are important for those that, in comparison, are unimportant - the world honors success and hard work, so we devote ourselves to jobs we can't wait to retire from, while ignoring marriages that we entered into for a lifetime. We seek clean, healthy homes, but let them become dumping grounds for the pollution contained in some television programs, movies and popular music; and, we want our children to have strong character traits like honesty and integrity, but spend far more time taking them to athletic events and other activities than tending to their spiritual and moral needs.

Seeking "happiness" and acceptance, we buy into the world's values and do what is popular. In my youthful exuberance I jumped into life and went the way of the world. But if the world's values can produce true happiness, why is there a constant effort to create and promote new forms of amusement and entertainment?

As Erwin Lutzer observed ... If you are not nourished by the Bread from heaven, you will stuff yourself with crumbs from the world. How glorious it has been to learn that Jesus is the bread of my life. (John 6:35)

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36)

Point to the Lord and move in His direction
And know you are loved,
Lyndi

He will raise you up on eagles's wings

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run,
and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

The Law of the Garbage Truck

Paraphrasing excerpts from “Let the Garbage go by…” by David J. Pollay

While visiting New York City years ago we hopped in a taxi and took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

Our taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. Our taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean - he was really friendly.

So I asked, "Why did you just do that? That guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

This is when our taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck.

"He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage -- frustration, anger, disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

A pearl to string: How often do you let other people's nonsense affect your mood? Do you let a terrible driver, uncouth waiter, curt boss, bratty kids or an insensitive acquaintance ruin your day? For an instant you're most likely set back on your heels. These are very stressful days and these things happen frequently. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9)

The blessing of your smile in stressful moments becomes a blessing to others
Know you are loved,
Lyndi

Pain Summons His Grace

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions.

But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened - everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger.

"God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him.

"How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers.

"We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground ----it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.


A Pearl to String: For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer.

You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith"
God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Leaning into His love,
Lyndi

Persevering through the seasons

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree’s life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it’s winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

A pearl to string: Don’t let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don’t judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come sometime. "Therefore, beloved, do not lose heart. Though these jars of clay are wasting away outwardly, inwardly Christ is renewing us day by day. These pressuring, perplexing, persecuting, knock down times, are but light and momentary and they are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Let us keep our eyes fixed not on the present happenings which are so visible to us, but upon the eternal, which is not seen by the earthly eye, but through eyes of faith". Paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Aspire to Inspire Before You Expire.
Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly.
Leave the Rest to God.
Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going.

Know you are loved,
Lyndi

SEARCH FOR AN HONEST MAN

I love this story which reportedly came from Sports Illustrated: The game was played in Wellington, Florida. In it, a seven-year-old first baseman, Tanner Munsey, fielded a ground ball and tried to tag a runner going from first to second base.

The umpire, Laura Benson, called the runner out, but young Tanner immediately ran to her side and said, "Ma'am, I didn't tag the runner." Umpire Benson reversed herself, sent the runner to second base, and Tanner's coach gave him the game ball for his honesty.

Two weeks later, Laura Benson was again the umpire and Tanner was playing shortstop when a similar play occurred. This time Benson ruled that Tanner had missed the tag on a runner going to third base, and she called the runner safe. Tanner looked at Benson and without saying a word, tossed the ball to the catcher and returned to his position.

Benson sensed something was wrong. "Did you tag the runner?" She asked Tanner.

His reply: "Yes."

Benson then called the runner out. The opposing coaches protested until she explained what had happened two weeks earlier. "If a kid is that honest," she said, "I have to give it to him."

It may be that no Christian characteristic has suffered more in our society than honesty. It's lacking in the workplace, it's lacking in many of our marriages, it's lacking in our government, and sometimes it's even lacking in our churches. Like Diogenes of ancient Greece, we sometimes feel the urge to take our lantern and begin our search for an honest man.

There is something about Christians that should stand out like a neon sign on a dark night. Jesus wants his people to be known as a people of truth. We should establish a reputation, like Tanner, for speaking the truth even when it would benefit us to do otherwise. Then, and only then, will those around us trust what we say without hesitation, without wondering whether we really mean what we say or not.

"Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25)


Alan Smith

Trying Times

These are trying times. There are so many willing & able bodied people out of work. Jobs are scarce. Finances both personal & institutional are unstable. people are losing their homes, selling their possessions, running up credit cards and doing anything they can think of to survive. Even if you are doing ok it wreaks havoc with your nerves knowing so many are struggling and in crisis. That’s how it is right now and we have to live through it.

Remember this?
Mr. trouble never hangs around,
When he hears this Mighty sound,
Here I come to save the day!

Reaching into the closet for my Don Quixote stick and my hero suit –
Oh rats the closet shrank my hero suit. OK, which one of you dogs chewed up this stick? What is a body to do? Where does a body turn? First, don’t believe in a cartoon! Oh, puh-leeez people you need a place to turn that is safe, unchanging and rock solid. You need a Savior that would die for you: A person who could calm your fears & doubt. One who could end envy, jealousy, anger or rage. And indubitably wipe out guilt, shame, depression, anxiety, addiction & infirmity.

A pearl to string: Who could that be? Lucky for you I know! God reigns in all those places and He sent His Son Jesus so we might live here on earth in His grace and be with our Father for all eternity. Oh yes, it’s quite true. The Bible will tell you so.

John 10:9 “Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture” (Food for his soul in all circumstances). “This is my Father's will: That everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him to life on the last day." John 6:40

Oh my beloved friends this is the eternal, unchangeable will of God. Find hope and peace in this truth for these trying times and all of your times.

Rekindle the joy in your heart
You are loved,
Lyndi

Closed Doors

This is a classic devotional without a known author and a great reminder that if I’m looking at life from my perspective alone I am not seeing the bigger picture or the work of God in my life.

We need to learn to praise the Lord as much for a closed door as we do an open door. The reason God closes doors is because He has not prepared anything over there for us. If he didn't close the wrong door, we would never find the right door.

God directs our path through the closing and opening of doors. Once a door closes, it forces you to change your course. Another door closes, it forces you to change your course again. Then, finally, you find the open door and you walk right into your blessing.

The Lord directs our paths through the opening and closing of doors, but instead of praising him for the closed door (which keeps us out of trouble); we get upset because we "judge by the appearances."

You have an ever-present help in the time of trouble that is always standing guard. Because He walks ahead of you, He can spot trouble down the road and set up a roadblock or detour accordingly. But through our lack of wisdom, we try to tear down the roadblocks or push aside the detour sign. Then the minute we get into trouble, we start crying, "Lord, how could You have done this to me?"

We have got to realize that the closed door can be a blessing. Didn't He say that no good thing would He withhold from them that love Him?

If you get terminated from your job, praise God for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves: it might be another job, it might be school.

If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them, it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock (just let it go).

One time, a person had a bank they had been in business with for many years tell them "No!" to a $10,000 loan. The Lord put in their spirit to call another bank. That bank gave them $40,000 at a lower interest rate than the first bank was offering.

A pearl to string: We can sometimes trap ourselves in doubt and discouragement through judging by appearances. Be grateful for the many times our Father has closed doors to us just to open them in the most unexpected places. The Lord won't always say in spoken words: "Go to the left, now to the right" ...sometimes He will just close the doors that are wrong for you.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him - and He will direct your paths". Proverbs 3:5-6

Know that God never sleeps
And know too that you are loved,
Lyndi

Far Away

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O LORD ; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:10

Ann Green shares: One afternoon I was sitting outside in the swing relaxing, enjoying the nice weather, when I heard a very distinct sound coming towards me. Clop-clop, clop-clop, clop-clop, clop-clop. Horse hooves on pavement - there's something romantic to me about that sound. I looked, waiting to see the horse, and soon an older gentleman riding in his horse-drawn buggy passed in front of my house. We waved to each other and for a moment it was like I was transported to a different place and time. For a few moments, life slowed to a quieter, simpler pace, and as I watched him pass, my heart ached for a moment at the beauty of this simple sound.

Not too far down the road, a young kid came riding toward the buggy and exchanged greetings with the driver. He then turned to follow and brought his bike up along side of the horse. He asked the man, "Are you supposed to be doing this? I mean, like, is this legal?" The man simply replied, "I sure hope it is, 'cause here I am doin' it!" This answer seemed to satisfy the kid and soon after, he turned around and headed back in the direction he had been taking.

A pearl to string: "Is this legal?" Something as simple as taking a nice afternoon buggy ride, that was common practice 100 years ago, could quite possibly become illegal at some point in time. Isn't that sad? The simple, quiet, steady pace of life that our grandparents and great grandparents enjoyed is eroding away. Swept away by the hectic, over-scheduled, "fast food" lifestyle that we currently live in, those days have become stories the grandchildren hear about and soon will just be history. I bet they never dreamed we would go this far. This far away, that is, from what's truly important in life - family, friends, integrity, God.

Thankfully there is something that does not change. Something that is ever constant, ever present, ever true. That's God. He DOES NOT CHANGE. The ever constant, ever present, ever true I AM. Even if a day comes that man outlaws the reading of God's Word in public and even in private for that matter, His Word WILL NOT CHANGE. This is what we base our faith upon.

“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

Amen!
Know that you are loved,
Lyndi

Countenance

Katinas on the K-Love Cruise

And the Lord said to Moses, Say to Aaron and his sons, This is the way you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them, The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually). —Numbers 6:22-26

Jesus' countenance was changed on the mountain as He was transfigured. Our countenance is simply the way we look. It refers to our face. In the church today we need to be concerned about our countenance. One of the blessings that was pronounced upon God's people was that God's face would shine upon them and that He would lift up His countenance upon them.

When the world looks at us, they need to see something about us that is different from them. They can't read our minds or see into our hearts, so our countenance is the only way we can show them that we have something they do not have but really want and need. I believe that we look better when we worship God. Worship puts a smile on our face. It is very hard to keep a scowl on our face while we are being thankful, praising and worshipping God.

If we regularly do these things, our countenance will carry His presence, not the expression of inner frustration and turmoil. Christians are supposed to be joyful people who walk in love. We must ask ourselves, "Would people know that I am a Christian by looking at my countenance most of the time?"


Ruta Aunese

Is Your Heart Sad & Blue?

Does it feel like your heart is ripped in two
And your days seem O so blue?
Have you given all your heart
Only to see it torn apart?
Do you feel he or she does not care
As if you were never there?
Do you feel you can't trust again
And left in continual pain?
Do you feel you must face tomorrow
All alone, with so much sorrow?
There is hope my friend for you today
Stop and listen, don't walk away
There's someone who loves you very much
It's not a lie, you'll see as such
About things you can't change in any way
You can talk to God night or day
You can trust him for he really cares
He said, I'll never leave you there
I came to heal your broken heart
And help you find a brand new start

Open your Bible let Him heal your heart.

The Bear in the Cave

by Wayne Rice



Two adventurous teenage boys who were good friends were out spelunking (exploring caves) when they found what appeared to be huge bear tracks deep inside a long, cavernous tunnel. They bravely decided to keep going, but they moved ahead slowly and with extreme caution, keeping their eyes and ears open in case they actually encountered a bear.

Suddenly, from the darkness behind a rock jumped the biggest, meanest-looking grizzly bear they had ever seen. Standing squarely in front of them, the bear beat on his chest and roared like a lion, sending a terrible sound echoing off the walls of the cave. Scared to death, the two boys decided they had better run for their lives. They immediately turned to make a dash for daylight.

Just then, one of the boys dropped to the floor and started untying his hiking boots. He whipped the boots off, jammed on his running shoes, and began tying laces.

His exasperated friend yelled at him, "Come on, man! Let's get out of here! Why in the world are you changing shoes? We don't have much of a chance of outrunning that bear anyway!"

Lunging to his feet and starting to run, the first boy replied, "I don't have to outrun the bear. All I have to do is outrun you."

A pearl to string: Coach Wonderful has a saying most family & friends would recognize with fondness: “We’ll be friends to the end but this looks like the end my friend”. I guess that guy out running his friend must have heard that one before.

Do you ever feel like your friends treat you like bear bait? When the going gets rough, they bail out on you. They remain friends with you until it costs them something - then they ditch you.

One of the great things about having Christ as your friend is knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Matt. 28:20 and Heb. 13:5). He is the friend who is not only willing to lay down His life for you, but He has done exactly that. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend". John 15:13

May His presence light your way
You have a friend in Jesus
You are loved
Lyndi

Making Pancakes

Six -year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 'S eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us... We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess..
Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

Don’t Jump!

KTLA News
April 11, 2009

"Sin will take you further than you want to go,
keep you longer than you want to stay and
cost you more than you want to pay."

On Good Friday at the Berlin Zoo in Germany a frantic rescue took place to save a woman who had jumped into the polar bear moat at feeding time. The woman was hit several times by an adult bear while Zoo workers tossed rescue rings to lift her from the water. People distracted the other polar bears swimming nearby. The woman was being treated at a hospital for injuries that were described as severe.

Hummm…. You don’t have to be the smartest one on the block to figure out that was stupid. What possible explanation could that woman give to justify her actions? May the Lord have mercy on her and heal her quickly.

As I read this story I thought about Christians (people who have a personal relationship with Jesus and know His commandments) who jump into sin like this woman jumped into a polar bear moat at feeding time. What’s the difference? Stupid is as stupid does… didn’t Forrest Gump say that? Really, sometimes when I read about the sin of a good person gone bad I think “they have got to be dumber than a box of hair”. Where is their brain? Where is their heart? What could they have been thinking?

A Pearl to string: Sin isn’t in competition! We don’t have good sin and bad sin or even stupid sin. Sin is falling short of the glory of God. Whoa! When I put it that way it sort of includes us all. I know I don’t want any reality cameras set up at my house. Even when I don’t leave the house and no one is home I still fall short of the glory of God throughout my day. There is just no way I can overcome that myself. I need Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Resurrection Sunday – I need what I have called Easter ever since I was a little kid.

"God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners". Romans 5:8 (NLT)

It is finished, It is paid! Wow, God did it! He did it for us! I’m giving thanks for God who loves us so much and recommending to all - Don’t jump……. check with God first and wait on the Holy Spirit.

Refreshing in the glory of God,
Lyndi

I KNOW MY REDEEMER LIVES

Nicole C. Mullen - Redeemer (Video)

Via Dolorosa

Sung by Sandi Patti

Prison of Innocents

by Maria Hanna

Have you ever read about a criminal that was released just because he confessed being guilty? It may sound strange, but let me relay to you this story.

Once upon a time, a French king decided to honor his dear guest. He gave the guest the right to release any prisoner from Tolone's prison. Accordingly, the guest asked the prisoners about the reasons why they were imprisoned. To his surprise, many prisoners stressed their innocence and their perfection. Others claimed that the surrounding circumstances were to be blamed for their wrong deeds. While listening to their claims, the guest cast an eye over a silent prisoner sitting in the corner with his eyes bearing tears. He approached this man and asked him about his guilt.

The prisoner replied,"Lord, my guilt is more than I can bear, I am lucky, since I deserve more than my current penalty."

The guest said, "You have to get out of here as soon as possible. A criminal should not remain among innocents."

Dear friends, I admit that such a story would rarely happen in our days. However, such a scenario always occurs in our relationship with God.

If we stubbornly insist on playing innocent and insisting that devilish desires are to blame, we will remain in the sin prison of innocents. But if we, with kneeling body and contrite heart, repent to the Lord and ask Him to control our attitudes-- He, with His unlimited mercy, love and forgiveness--will embrace our lives and release us from this deceptive prison of innocents. No bribes nor mediation is needed, just true repentance.

Can you see God smile?

Anxiety is worry over things which we cannot control and which we do not remove from our thoughts. Anxiety dominates and controls a passive mind and a troubled heart, filling both with doubt, fear, and dread. But, anxiety cannot be removed; it must be replaced. So I want to replace my own anxiety & yours over these troubled times with God’s smile.

I can see God smile in a sunrise. I can hear Him sing in the songs of the birds, I can hear Him breath in the roar of the ocean. I see God smile when you smile at me. I see God smile in children running and laughing and playing. When people are hurting physically and they persevere with a sweetness of spirit it’s a smile from God that inspires you.

God is smiling from a little girl’s heart somewhere across the sea. She’s a little first grade beauty who recently won a talent contest. Her story is told by her proud grandma:

Little Julia was reading the Easter Story from her Child's Picture Bible. She wanted to take her Bible to school the next day and read the story to her class. With her parents’ permission to do so she practiced diligently that evening.



The next morning she was off to school with Bible in hand. Julia’s reading of the Easter story was so beautiful and so well done that her teacher asked her to read to the parents and faculty as they met after school. It seems little Julia brought the Easter Story to life for all in attendance, and that is the high point of this story. "and a little child will lead them”. Can’t you just see God smile from this precious little one?

A pearl to string: If we just stop, take a deep breath and look around we can see God smiling in a million different ways. Let those smiles wash over you and comfort you but realize His biggest smile came in the death and resurrection of Jesus. What God did for His creation was an eternal miracle of love. So remember, I will repeat it often, YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE NOT A MEASURE OF GOD’S LOVE – THE CROSS IS!

Let us celebrate His smile and His love
Happy Resurrection Sunday,
Lyndi

The Daffodil Principle

This is a version if not 'the' version of the known 'Daffodil Principle'. It was put together for a inspirational presentation to show at a Church meeting. They did not see any other 'Daffodil Principle' slide shows or videos so thought they'd share the one they created. Hope you enjoy it. The music used was written and performed by Tracy Rowe. The two songs used are from her CD 'Expressions'. Copyright Tracy Rowe 2005. The images used were from Google searches, in other words, they got them from the internet

The Compliment Experiment

Cameron Brown and Brett Westcott. OK who are they? What do they do? Why are they in your devotional? They are both sophomores at Purdue University and you can find them every Wednesday from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the central walkway on campus. They are known as The Compliment Guys. They set up their "Free Compliments" sign near a main walkway outside the chemistry building. Rain, snow, sleet, cold -- whatever the weather, The Compliment Guys are "In". They live up to their name. Every person who walks by gets a compliment. To a guy in Purdue sweats they say, "Love your school spirit." To a woman carrying a trendy black bag: "Very nice purse." "It's very large." To the student who ran past them in knee-high leather boots: "I like your hustle." "I like your boots, too."

The guys try to be very personal and specific in their compliments, too. "I like your red coat," Westcott says to a woman listening to her iPod. She turned and laughed, which prompted Brown to say, "Very nice smile." Three women leaving biology lab purposely walked by them. "I like your curly hair. Great smile. I like your glasses," the guys said, pointing to each of the women. One Wednesday, they told a professor to enjoy his coffee, thanked the groundskeepers for their hard work and encouraged someone eating an apple to "stay nutritious."

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God”. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

We’re living in such gloom & doom times that we need a ray of Son shine. Wouldn’t you like to have a compliment? Ah, look at that great smile!

String a pearl: I’m issuing a challenge for you to become compliment people:
For 8 days generously give compliments in five different places. At home, at work, grocery shopping anywhere your life takes you but please start with God and your family. Be creative, be sincere, look into people’s eyes and bless them. While you are busy & concerned with brightening someone else’s day your insides will shine with God’s love. And that my friends is one of the best places for God’s love to be ….. inside you.

Have fun and let me know how it blesses you.

You are some of the most wonderful & beautiful people I know. Nice teeth!
You are loved
Lyndi