The Contents of Me...Part 2

Maybe you’re not the small purse.  Maybe you’re like the big purse---full of all kinds of “things”---activities, appointments, commitments---you know: places to go, people to see.  This is a very busy time of year.  Sure the kids are out of school but there are all kinds of summer activities going on. As women, we have much to do, including getting ourselves up and ready for the day then we get the husband/kids up, fix breakfast, pack lunches, go to work, play “mom’s taxi” to golf lessons and band practice, monitor homework if you’ve got one in summer school, fix dinner, get the kids ready for bed, clean, and do laundry. It truly seems never ending.  It’s very easy to end up like my flustered friend who couldn’t find her debit card in the bottom of what seemed like a bottomless purse.  It’s easy to become distracted by the activities and “life”.  Do you remember the story of Mary & Martha?  How when Jesus went to their house to visit, Mary, recognizing what an honor and blessing it was to have Jesus in her home, just sat at His feet and listened.  But Martha was “distracted” the Scriptures will us, by her preparations.  Are you distracted by something and therefore missing the blessing of time spent just sitting with Jesus? Please don’t let that happen.  Don’t let the busyness of summer…or any season for that matter…rob you of the joy that God desires for you.  Summer is a wonderful time to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. A day at the beach can be a time of personal reflection as well.  Just sit out in your back yard or on your porch and enjoy some quiet time there. Scripture gives us several accounts of times when Jesus withdrew from the crowd and those closest to Him to seek time along with His heavenly Father. If Jesus thought those times alone with God to be important, don’t you think you and I should as well? I challenge you to start your day with Him. I’m pretty sure you’ll find the rest of day goes much better is you’ve put on the full armor of God and spent a few minutes in His Word and listening to His still small voice.

Blessings,

Teresa

 

The Contents of Me...Part 1

The next four installments for my blog will be highlights from a teaching message I have done at women's events. It's always lots of fun to do this one. It's one of my favorite messages that God has given me over the years.

Several years ago I watched as a good friend searched through her oversize and overstuffed purse, searching frantically for her debit card. I was struck by the thought about how alike women and purses are.  My mind began to reel with several similarities.  Then I began to laugh at God’s wonderful sense of humor.  You see, I LOVE purses!  I have amassed a collection of purses over the years.  Isn’t that just like our God to provide me with an idea for a teaching message based on something I just love…purses! 

First, let’s look at the small purse.  Maybe you’re like this small purse that has the capacity to hold a few things.  Yet you try stuffing more into your life than you can hold, only to get frustrated.  Perhaps one of those things is God.  Are you trying to force or cram God into a tiny space because that’s all you have left?  Do you have time…no, do you TAKE time for God?  Do you take time to start your day with Him?  Do you take time for His Word?  For prayer?  Do you equip yourself for the daily battle?  When your feet hit the floor, have you dressed yourself with the FULL armor of God (Eph. 6:11)?  I don’t know about you, but I won’t leave my house---I won’t got to Publix, WalMart or the dentist without my makeup on and being fully dressed including my shoes.  But do we feel the same way about being dressed in the armor of God?  I hope you do.  I hope you take time each morning to arm yourself for the battle that is sure to lie ahead.  Maybe what you don’t have “space” for is other people…friends. Are you comfortable, too comfortable, by yourself and maybe one or two others? Is there someone out there who needs you as their friend?
Do you have time for a hurting friend…how about a hurting stranger?  Jesus told of the Good Samaritan.  Here’s a man who, as Luke tells us, was on a journey.  He was on his way somewhere when he came across a stranger in need.  He took the time and money to tend to that hurting stranger.  Jesus tells us in Luke 10:37 to “go and do the same.”
Is there room in your life for you to be open and available to the opportunities that God brings your way? I don’t want to miss any blessings or the chance to be a blessing because my world is too small. I hope you don’t either.

 

Blessings,

Teresa

 

I Delighted In The Lord

Miss Caroline's Country Wedding Chapel in Maggie Valley, NC

Well, last week I told you how we got our sweet Hannah Grace. This week I would like to tell you how my great God answered my prayer of 30+ years and brought me a husband. The fact that I'm married still amazes me! Although as a child, I dreamed of being a wife and a mom, that dream just never seemed to come to fruition for me. My college years came and went with no prospect for a husband. My 20s came and went...still nothing. My 30s came and went...and still nothing! My friends listened and encouraged me. Even though I used those years as a time to serve God and others and had a lot of time for deep, intense Bible study, I really struggled with the "why not me?" question. I had read literally dozens of books on marriage and how to be a godly wife. I was prepared. Why didn't anyone want me? Why can't I find a husband? Why do I have do life alone? What's wrong with me? My blood boiled when I heard other women complaining about their husbands! "Don't they realize the blessing they have?" I would say to myself. I was bold (or rude) enough to occasionally say to that complaining wife "At least you have a husband to complain about!" I cried many tears over my singleness. I think I was about 42 when I gave up. No, I didn't give up on getting married. I gave up fighting God about it.  I had finally become content in my singleness. Oh, I still wanted to get married but it was no longer an obsession. I turned my focus to serving Christ and others. I meant it when I told God that if He didn't want me to get married then I would stay single and I would trust Him to change my heart and heal my hurt. God had been working behind the scenes of both my life and my now-husband's life. Through a series of circumstances, we both ended up at First Baptist Orlando in the same singles LIFE group. Three months and 2 days after meeting, he asked me to marry him. Four months and 11 days after that, we were married in a cute little wedding chapel in Maggie Valley, NC. I can honestly say that he is the man that God intended for me. The circumstances in our lives was such that we could not have married if we had met any earlier. I couldn't see what God was doing, but He knew it all along. I learned a valuable lesson through those decades of unwanted singleness. I learned that even though I don't see what He is doing and don't understand what He is doing, I can still trust what He is doing.  Psalm 84:11b tells us that "No good thing does He withhold from him whose walk is upright." Do you have something in your heart that you deeply desire and have yet to see it fulfilled? Are you longing for something or someone? All I can really tell you is to keep your eyes on Jesus. Trust the Lord and walk in obedience to Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." the psalmist tells us (Psalm 37:4) We often forget that we have to do something before we get the desires of our heart. We have to delight in Him. When He is the source of and the object of our delight, we begin to want those things that He wants for us. It's not magic. It's faith and faith always has a beautiful result!

Blessings,
Teresa



February 17, 2007

Meet Hannah Grace

Today is Bring Your Dog To Work Today. I didn't bring my dog to work today. For one thing, we did not have this event at my office. For another, I would have not gotten a thing done today! Maybe my co-workers don't get to meet Hannah Grace, but you can! David and I had been married a few months when I decided we needed a puppy. At first he was reluctant but I was convincing. After careful research on breeds and breed hybrids, I settled on a Yorkie Poo. I eventually found her through an ad in the paper from a breeder about an hour away.  On the way to pick her up, I was so excited I could barely sit still. I couldn't wait to see her and hold her. I remember telling my husband, "You may think I'm crazy, but I really think she is supposed to be ours. Someone else was going to get her today and never showed up. It's just meant to be." I'll never forget how adorable she was when I first saw her. She was curled up with two other puppies. As I picked her up, she snuggled under my chin. I was gone...toast...heart totally melted. There she was, 3 pounds 3 ounces of pure cuteness! I looked at my husband and said "Please pay the lady." I was not leaving without my new puppy! We've been the proud parents of now 6 pound 3 ounce Hannah Grace for almost 6 years. She is sweet, loving, affectionate and super smart. The unconditional love she gives is totally amazing! It doesn't matter how bad my day is, when I get home and am greeted with hugs and kisses...lots of kisses, all the badness of the day disolves away. Life is good and all is well in my world.

Hannah napping with one of her toys

Hannah & Daddy

Just chillin'

Smelling (or trying to lick!) the rose at our Mother Daughter Tea

Teresa



How Rude!

Have you ever had someone interrupt you when you are talking? Of course you have. We all have. In fact, we've all probably been the one interrupting from time to time. But I'm not talking about an occasional interruption usually caused by excitement. I'm talking about the person who rarely allows you to finish a sentence without stomping on your words. It is incredibly frustrating. They think they know what you are going to say and try to finish for you but they are usually way off base. Then they get upset at you when you have to repeat what you were saying. I always think "How rude!" when someone does that to me or to someone else.  I recently was in the room with two people who were interrupting each other! It was a wild conversation for sure. Wouldn't it be nice if people would be considerate of others? I mean, we all like to be heard. Is it too much to ask to let people finish a sentence before beginning to speak yourself? And at those times when we are interrupted, we need to step back and take a breath. Don't get angry. That's not going to solve the problem. I know me. I want to shout back "Hello! Will you just be quiet and let me finish!?" My gracious Lord covers my mouth and reminds me that I am to be slow to anger just as the offender is to be slow to speak.

Let's take the time to listen to others. I mean really listen. Stop thinking about where you think the conversation is going or what your reply will be and just listen. I am a firm believer that God gave us 2 ears and only 1 mouth because He wants us to listen twice as much as we speak. The book of James has quite a bit to say about controlling the tongue, speaking and listening. We would be wise to heed those words of wisdom.

Blessings,
Teresa

Demonstrate the Sorrow...

I love crime shows! Whether it's a crime drama like Criminal Minds or a docu-drama like 48 Hours Mystery on ID, I love them all! My husband always tells me I missed my calling, that I should have gone into the criminal justice field. One of my favorite shows is NCIS. One of the lead characters on this show has several rules for his team. One rule is: "Never say you're sorry." It's a sign of weakness. Now as much as I like the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, I have to really disagree with him on this point. Contrary to what the world thinks, I believe admitting to a mistake, accepting responsibility for it and apologizing is a sign of strength and maturity, especially if you sincerely mean it. Do you remember what your parents did when you did something wrong as a child? If your parents are anything like mine, they made you apologize and probably hug or shake hands with the other party. To be honest, I doubt I really meant it. I just didn't want to get into more trouble or get a spanking. (Side note: Yes, I was spanked.  Yes, it hurt. Yes, it did deter bad behavior. No, I'm not a violent person. No, I do not abuse my husband or dog as a result. No, I don't have "self esteem issues". And YES, I'm glad I was spanked!!)  Scripture makes it clear we are to have a repentant heart, willing to confess and turn from sin---sin against God and sin against one another. Sincerity is a critical element to repentance. I have a favorite saying: "Demonstrate the sorrow by not repeating the action." Admitting you made a mistake or did something hurtful and asking for forgiveness tells that other person that you value their relationship more than your own pride. Refraining from that same behavior reinforces your sincerity and your value of the relationship. It's a humbling thing to admit you're wrong, but doing so is good for your spirit. While never easy, it is a discipline that must be practiced if we want to have fruitful and fulfilling relationships with others.

So, today's challenge. Search your heart. Is there someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness? Do you need to make a phone call or set up a lunch meeting to make things right? If so, do it. Do it today. Take a step forward in your walk with Christ. Humble yourself and ask for forgiveness. Trust me. You'll be glad you did!

Blessings,
Teresa

A New Journey...A New Me

Life is a journey.  Life is an adventure.  Life is ________________.  You can probably fill in the blank with a number of clichés you've heard.  I've recently embarked on a new journey.  It's a spiritual journey.  It's a physical journey.  It's my spiritual journey to better physical health.  I've had a "weight problem" my whole life...literally my whole life! When I was an infant, my pediatrian took me off of formula and put me on skim milk because I was gaining too much weight.  Like so many of my fellow strugglers, I've tried all kinds of diets.  I've even tried calling the diet something else so I wouldn't feel like I was on a diet.  I found some success.  I would lose some weight but never enough.  Eventually I would go back to my old habits and would gain the weight back...and then some.  If you've ever struggled with this, you know what I'm talking about.

 Several months ago, I found a devotional and book that has forced me to look at my weight problem in an entirely different light.  It got me thinking about this area of my life. Back in January, a lovely friend from church told me how she had joined a Bible study, First Place 4 Health, geared toward weight loss and she lost over 50 pounds. She invited me to their orientation for the new semester to see if I might be interested. Although skeptical at first, I did go. And I liked it. I really liked the other ladies there and the leaders. I did some research online about the organization and found it be a solid biblical program. My first official class was February 21st.  I am beginning to realize that my weight problem isn't really a food problem.  It's not even a physiological problem. Sure, I may be genetically more predisposed to weight gain, but that's not the real issue for me.  My weight problem is a spiritual problem.  Now, before you close this page and think me crazy, I'd like you to hear me out.  As a Christian, I do believe that God cares about every aspect of our lives, even the food we eat.  Believe it or not, food is addressed in the Bible.  I'm hopeful that I will be truly successful this time around.  My reason?  I truly believe I'm getting at the heart of my lifelong struggle. So I've been at this for almost 17 weeks. I've lost 20 pounds so far and started to exercise. The biggest change I've seen in me though is my attitude about food. I'm starting to look at it differently. It's not the source of comfort it used to be. Oh, I still love food, but I'm choosing to love God more.  I have a LONG way to go but I know that through His strength, I will be victorious!

Blessings,
Teresa

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Today is Father's Day. I love celebrating my daddy. He is a wonderful man. My entire life, he has been there for me. He attended my softball and basketball games. He is the one who taught me to drive. He searched and searched to find "the car" that would be safe for me to drive. He sacrificed so that my brother and I could have everything we needed and most things we wanted. He & my mom would come up with great and wacky ideas to make Christmas fun for us when we no longer believed in Santa. He & my mom took us on great and adventurous vacations. He was at every graduation: high school, junior college and university. He was there to move me every time I moved. He was the one I called when I had a flat tire or when the sink was leaking or the toilet was clogged. I even called him when I had a snake in my bedroom.  I have so many wonderful memories of my life, each with dad playing a major role. I'm one of those people who has very vivid memories from my childhood. I can remember events from about the age of 4. One thing I remember about my childhood and early adolescence is how safe I felt when I sat on daddy's lap. When his strong arms pulled my close, I felt as though nothing or no thing could harm or get to me. What a great and comforting feeling. 

Today as I was reflecting on my earthly father and my heavenly Father, I thought of the comfort I would feel if I could climb onto my heavenly Father's lap. I know that I cannot physically sit in His lap but I can still have that sense of comfort and protection. They key is to spend time with Him through prayer and the study of His Word. I have had those precious times when I felt totally safe in His arms. Those times are not as often as I would like but it's up to me to do those things I need to do to stay in that "safe" mode. He longs for us to desire Him above all else. I want to live in that place of comfort and security, but am I willing to do what it takes to do so? Some days, yes. Some days, not so much I confess. Just as I had to approach my daddy and let him know I wanted to be held, I need to approach my heavenly Father and let Him know I want to be close to Him as well. Oh that I would do that each and every day.

Blessings,
Teresa

Monday, Monday

Monday. A word that ignites a variety of emotions in people. If you are heading back to work to a job that you really don't like, Monday may bring a sense of dread. Been there, done that! If you are starting a new job on Monday, there is probably a sense of nervousness mixed with relief at having a job. If you are leaving for a cruise, you are most likely filled with excitement of the adventures that lay ahead in the days to come. For most of us, Monday is the day we get back to our routine. Our weekends are anything but routine, especially Saturdays. Monday is the day we get back to normal: getting up at a consistent time, daily routines, going to bed a consistent time, etc. For me, there is nothing exciting or nothing to dread about an average Monday. Shame on me! I should eagerly await and look expectantly to each new day the Lord gives me! I mean, His mercies are new every morning. That alone is something to look forward to! Each day is an opportunity to live out my faith in Christ. It's another chance to share the love of Christ to someone who doesn't know Him. It's another chance to be His ambassador on this earth. It's another day I get to share with my husband. It's another day to praise His name. I want to be the person who wakes up each day, even Monday, and says, "Okay Lord. What are we doing for Your kingdom today?"  How about you? Will you accept the challenge to face each day with eager expectation, seeking Him and how you can do His will for that day? Let me know how your decision to do so changes you as well as the world around you.

Blessings,
Teresa

Family Weekend

This weekend is like my dream weekend. Remember I told you that family gatherings are golden to me? Well, I will be getting lots of family this weekend. This is Father's Day weekend as well as the family birthday dinner for my husband. I took my dad to breakfast this morning then this evening, we are all going to my parents' house for the birthday dinner. Family is precious. Family is to be treasured and appreciated. In a day and time when families are scattered around the country or even the world, I realize that I am truly blessed to have my family close to me. We are all literally 10 minutes from each other.  Our family is not perfect. We are all so very different. My husband & I are devout Christians. We believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God and that we should live our life based on the teachings contained in the Bible. My brother and his wife have been in the entertainment industry and its influence for 30 years. They believe much like those in the world: all paths lead to God and as long as you're a good person, it all works out in the end. My parents are somewhere in the middle. As different as we are, we get along remarkably well. There are a few interesting discussions from time to time, but for the most part, it's quite peaceful.  It's a challenge to live out the Christian life in a non-Christian family. They don't want to be preached to or to feel judged. I don't want to preach or judge them. We try to let our actions be the Bible they read and show them unconditional love. If you think about it, that's really how we are to treat everyone. We need to tell people about Jesus and His sacrifice on our behalf (and we have) but we also need to just live it out in front of them. They should see a loving and forgiving spirit in us. It's a challenge but then no one said it would be easy. Today, think about how to be Christ to someone who doesn't know Him. Be intentional about your walk and your witness. Let me know what happens!

Welcome...Introductions, Please

Welcome to my first blog post! I'm rather excited...and a bit apprehensive about starting this new venture. I've been a blog "stalker" for some time, reading lots of different blogs but rarely commenting on any. I've been thinking about doing my own for awhile and for some reason, now seems to be as good a time as any.

About me: I'm married to an amazingly wonderful and godly man. We have an incredibly sweet, intelligent and loving fur-daughter named Hannah Grace. (More about her name at a later date.) We live in central Florida and while neither of us can say we love it here, we do believe this is where God has us now. I love it only because my family is here. I'm really close to my parents, brother, sister-in-law and niece. Family gatherings are golden for me. My hubby and I are very involved in ministry at our local church. Anyone in ministry can testify that ministry can be both a blessing and a burden. I'm sure I'll be sharing lots of both going forward. While it may change, my purpose for this blog is really just to share life. Life is complicated. I hope to both be an encouragement to you and to be encouraged by you through your comments.

Ground rules: I welcome and encourage comments by anyone. While anyone is free to express his/her opinion, absolutely under no circumstances will I allow profanity or hurtful/hateful speech on this blog. This is a place of encouragement, not destruction. We may not always agree with one another but we can still be respectful of one another.

Because of Grace,

Teresa