HAIR PROBLEMS

"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" implored Paul. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

People, when do you know it is time for a haircut? 

Believe it or not (don't make fun of me) I prayed "God I would really like to know from someone I respect if the way I am styling my hair lately is okay. Especially if I should do bangs or no bangs."

A week later in a coffee shop I meet my friend, who I haven't seen in a year. She walks in with glee in her voice declares "Elaine, I really like your hair and the way you have grown out your bangs. You look so much younger." My heart was tickled pink with this quick answer to prayer! She even said I look like a movie star, I won't tell you who.

The next day I told someone this story and their reaction was like "Oh come, on with all the starving people and problems in the world, you think God answered that prayer?"

"As a matter of fact I do", I retorted. I know the attributes of God. Having a personal relationship with Jesus is intimate and as He wants to delight in me I have seen Him do it in small ways and big. I have seen God answer a friends prayer who was craving apple pie. That day someone dropped off an apple pie!  God is everywhere and He can take care of all at the same time. That is the mystery and sovereignty of God.

A way of alleviating stress/anxiety is memorize Psalm 139. Years ago I did just that. I had this person read part of it out loud "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely" (Psalm 139:1-4 NIV).

I told this person that God, from the first page of the bible till the end, has shown Himself to many in unique ways.  Gideon is a great example. He prayed asking God to allow a test; he took wool fleece, if there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that You will save Israel.  That is exactly what  happened. But Gideon doubted and asked again; this time make the fleece dry and the ground covered with dew. God did it. God saved Israel.

Do you pray to God about everything? Maybe you have something you need to pray about now. Google "Do I need a haircut or not?" You will find a whole gamut of answers for everything. Wow! Praying made it a whole lot easier than googling and wondering.

Father in heaven I want to have a deeper relationship with you. I pray _________. Thank You for being there for me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

EAT, PRAY, LOVE

I am not referring to the bestselling book - EAT, PRAY, LOVE

I am talking about staying disciplined in life practices that God has set in motion for me. I must follow Dr. Jesus' regimen.
I am adjusting to changes going on all around me. Things like:
My schedule.
Kids back to school.
Season change. Even if Fall is beautiful. Many changes come with a new season.
My time with God has changed.
I need to remember God's plan:
EAT, PRAY, LOVE

Blessings to you all. I get the feeling many of you can identify with this regimen and I will pray that your life practices (they usually are essential for thriving) be set in motion and time spent with the Lord be constant.

I am reminded of the time (Matt. 14:25-31) the apostles were in a boat, Jesus walked on water to them. The apostles were terrified they thought they were seeing a ghost. Jesus told them not to be afraid, take courage, for it was Him. Peter wasn't sure so he said "If that is you tell me to come to you." Jesus said "Come." Peter walked on water to Jesus. The wind picks up, Peter sinks and yells out "Jesus save me." Jesus grabs hold of him and says "You of little faith." They get in the boat and the wind dies down.

I was thinking about the fact that right before this happened the miracle of feeding over 5000 people occurred.They ate, Peter asked, they got in the boat and all was back to love.

Eat up God's word.
Pray God's word.

Love with God's word.

We all have our moments like Peter. Give yourself a break today and rest and be reassured that God is always there for us even if we doubt or let life circumstance control us rather than letting God be in control.

Never Ever

I never ever need validation. This is a joke! I am so torn at times. Saying too much in conversations. Not saying enough. Speaking the truth in love. Trying to be congruent in my everyday living.

I want to be known as a woman who spoke the truth in love.
I want to be known as a loving, caring, compassionate person.
I want to be known as a dependable person.
I want to be known as a women of integrity.

I can't go on. Something in me is saying "You can't please everyone and your mission in life can't be to prove yourself worthy." Worthy of someone's praise. I am a born and bred people-pleaser. Actress, Sally Fields, said upon acceptance of a award "They like me, they really like me." A majority of people liked the role she played in a movie. Isn't she so lucky. The human side of me wants validation and people liking me. But as I pause now, the truth comes to me.

Most importantly I want to be known as a child of God. Adopted into the family of God. My adoption came about from my discovery of Jesus. He freely adopted me when I acknowledged Him and Who He is.

I do the best I can this side of heaven. The perfection will be in heaven. As I go about my daily living I ask the Holy Spirit to help me talk and walk. Talk with God's wisdom and walk as Jesus did.

I heard it said once.
I want to see as Jesus sees.
Love as Jesus loved.
Live as Jesus did.

The results of that kind of living will be as Jesus said "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." I am just not going to please everyone.

Each day I try to remember the validation and approval my Savior has given me. If though I screw up. He deeply knows my heart. As the psalmist said "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, to lofty for me to attain." (Psalm 139:6 NIV)

I want to be able to say I am never ever going to be a people-pleaser, but I would rather say with I God will do the best I can.