Keep It Simple Sister

Hey Folks……..hope you enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend. It’s a time for family, friends and remembering.

This weekend also happened to be grad weekend in our community. Lots of parties, chatting, and chocolate!

I was helping a friend with her son’s graduation party and my assignment was the chocolate fountain. An interesting job to say the least. It was fun….and I had only one spot on my white shirt at the end of the day. What was I thinking? Chocolate and a white shirt. Oh well, Spray & Wash to the rescue!!

Back to the chocolate fountain….it flowed with luscious, rich, smooth chocolate. It effortlessly rippled down the sides of the statue of stainless steel. Quite the neat invention, if you ask me.

I guess as I was melting the 28 lbs of chocolate to pour into the fountain, it gave me ample time to think, pray, stir, think some more….well, you get the picture. I was reminded that moderation isn’t a bad thing. As I looked at what seemed to be a river of the “fruit” of our friend the cocoa bean, I thought “no more for today, thank you”. A good thing at the wrong time can make you feel pretty lousy.

Speaking of feeling lousy, perhaps you’re reading along with the Circle of Friends One Year Bible Group. If you are you’ll remember we read about King David’s unwise choice of having an affair with Bethsheba. After his hormornally motivated lack of judgment, he had created a multifacted disaster. Bethsheba was pregnant and David tried to cover his tracks by having her husband come back from the battlefield. When Uriah, Bethsheba’s dude, wouldn’t “indulge” in marital activities because he didn’t feel right about enjoying himself when his troups were still out there fighting - David made yet another rash choice that impacted several lives. He ordered that Uriah be set on the front lines of the battle field knowing that he would be killed. (Yep folks, who needs The Young and the Restless when you can read the Bible??!!)

There’s more to the story, but suffice to say, King David had access to everything a man could want. Power, good looks (the Bible says he was a “easy on the eyes”), influence - you know, whatever he wanted. So, with all of that why did he have to steal another man’s wife, murder the man - a trusted soldier in David’s army, and royally (no pun intended) make a mess of things?

Because we humans seek after things that God intended for a specific time, place and/or relationship and think there will be no consequences for doing it “my way” - (go to iTunes and start playing Frank Sinatra). David lusting after Bethsheba was akin to a diabetic staring at the chocolate fountain. Keep on looking and more than likely it’s gonna be a problem.

Whether it’s sex, eating, drinking, shopping, gossiping, whatever - better watch out. What begins as a look, a taste, or a thought can soon turn into far more than we anticipated.

What’s before your eyes? What have you developed a taste for? What do you find yourself thinking about? Take a moment to ask God if it’s pleasing to Him. If you don’t ask Him now, you’ll be explaining it later. Perhaps those confessions will come through tears of regret and remorse. Are you involved in something that God meant for good and you’ve perverted it as you act out in the energy of the flesh?

Just remember, chocolate isn’t bad in and of itself. It’s actually a blessing and a pleasure to be enjoyed - but you can’t live on it and be healthy.

Today began in an unusual way…..sometimes my hubby sleeps with the TV on in our room. I’m pretty much “over and out” once I hit my stride, so the noise doesn’t bother me. Whew!! You can tell my babies aren’t babies any more! (I mean I sleep at night) Sorry, rabbit trail - as I was about to say, I awoke this morning to a pastor quoting the Prayer of Jabez. (“Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, ‘Oh that Thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast [territory], and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!’ And God granted him that which he requested.” 1 Chron 4:10)

It’s wild because I have had so many folks speaking into my life about God expanding my borders, as it were. (Even though circumstances would sometimes speak otherwise) I have incredible people that love me well and encouage me like crazy. I’m even hearing affirmation from some very unexpected places. It blew me away….today someone was speaking so passionately regarding my ministry heartbeat - and a decade ago it would have been the complete opposite. God is truly incredible.

Tonight I was at a school function. (Jillian and Christian’s Right To Read Week Bookfair) This precious lady, a long time treasured friend named is Wilma, and I enjoyed some sweet fellowship in the hallways of Berlin Elementary. Earlier today, I had an incredible meeting with some really splendid ladies whom God has brought together to partner with united hearts to bless and encourage a community via radio. How broad that community becomes will be at the LORD’s discretion. (Suzie, Lee Ann, Katie - praying for you)

Last night I heard my husband and dear, dear friends from my small group lift me up to God as I was feeling pretty weary. God bless them, one and all. Bless them indeed and increase their territory. Give them wisdom too, so that they would not bring pain to themselves or others.

I’ve been reminded so many times in the last several days how the decisions we make impact those around us. How when we run ahead of God and His timetable we’re setting ourselves up for trouble. It may not be a total disaster, but only by the grace of God. But, “O the grace we forfeit when we choose to worship worthless idols.” You’re probably saying, “she sure does quote that verse often.” Good, glad you noticed. If you did perhaps you’re like me and have to be reminded of that truth and the consequences should we choose to ignore it.

Well, it’s been a long, eventful day. Sounds like the last load of laundry is nearing its conclusion.

May God bless all my pals, God bless you too. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Hey Folks…..I know it’s been a while since my last post. My friend Suzie Thomas (PR Director @Malone College) and I had a blast on That’s Life on Fox. Robin Swoboda is a great hostess and although I prefer doing radio (you know, the hair thing) doing TV isn’t too bad. Especially when you can be real and have fun doing it. Thanks, Robin. You’re a hoot!

Friday my friend Lee Ann Miller and I are taking a step of faith and doing some meetings to see what God has next. There’s been something stirring in our hearts and as Lee Ann says, we’ll “stik a fork in it” (you can read her blog at leeannmiller.net)- will it need to “cook” a bit longer? Perhaps….but after all these years, I know that God’s timing is best.

This week I’ve been reminded (by reading 1 Samuel in the One Year Bible - btw, if you’d like to join the Circle of Friends Bible Reading Group just send me a message) that God moves at His own pace and if we want to really screw things up, just run ahead of Him. Sure, He’ll pick us up when we stumble due to our ignorant impatience - but how many times do we have to our scrape knees before we get the hint? I admire Samuel’s mom Hannah. She promised God to give her son to His service if she would be able to become a mother. (Oh, Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there!) - Now think of it. I have a hard enough time releasing a piece of chocolate or a bad attitude, not to mention handing over my little boy, the life so deeply longed for. Hannah, that wise woman, knew that apart from God she could do nothing. (Jesus would remind us of this truth in John 15)

So like Hannah, and my other Christ-following sisters, cry out to God and tell Him what’s up. He loves to hear your precious voice. Then position your heart to wait on Him to give, take away, narrow, broaden and reveal the promise that He speaks in Ephsians 2:10…….”We are God’s (The Perfect Father) masterpiece/workmanship. Created anew in Christ Jesus the Son so as to have the opportunity to walk and live out all of the many incredible purposes of God - the ones that He created for us before the beginning of time.” (my “translation”)

Hope your “recipes” are “fully cooked” and you’ve given “the dish” the adequate time to rest - then, by faith, serve it to the Master. Prepared well, serving well.

When God’s given you something to cook - make sure you watch the stove,  follow the directions and serve as recommended.