Epic Fail

Did you ever want to duct tape your mouth shut within a micro millisecond of your ears hearing the syllables you spewed out?

Yup.  Guilty.  Soooo guilty. 

Yesterday I wasn’t having the best of days, but I opted to try and make the best of the late afternoon/early evening.  I grabbed my two new furry stepchildren (okay, step doggies) and ventured out with them solo for the first time to a local dog park.  It was beautiful weather, and I thought it would be just what we all needed.  

I parked and they excitedly bounded out of the car (after I had grabbed their leashes with superhero speed), and off we went for a bit of bonding in doggie heaven.  There were two other doggies in the small dog area, and everyone seemed to be doing well as I unleashed them to socialize.  All good… 

until…

two (cough, cough) older gentlemen walked right by the big dog fenced-in area (not three feet away) and brought in their dogs to our area.  The one dog was quite old (as was his owner), and then there was… the OTHER dog.  The alpha dog.  The dog that immediately ran after the smaller dogs like they were appetizers.  My two pups jumped up on the bench with me, and Scooter (my alpha pup) began growling and barking with all the bravado (masking fear) that his little body could muster.  I’m sitting there, watching all this, and none of the other small doggie owners are saying anything.

 I spoke up, feeling quite the Joan of Arc champion of all dogs small, telling this guy that this was the small dog area and the large dog area was right other there (and pointed with raised eyebrows for dramatic effect).   The alpha dog alpha owner smarmily proceeds to tell me that his dog is right in the middle, and… yes… and that “you can complain all you want.”  He then informs me that they don’t like aggressive dogs in the park… as Scooter continues to growl, which seems like a great thing for me to begin doing as well.  I add a bit of a grrrr as I spit out, “Well, he wasn’t aggressive until your big dog came in here and scared him!”  He laughs, this big bully man with his big bully dog, and then arrogantly says, “Oh, you probably don’t even have a permit to be here.”  Ugh… okay, I need a permit to be in here?  Seriously?  My brain feels like it’s about to explode and about a million “comebacks” fly through until I land on this one and it comes out of my mouth dripping with venom, “Oh, why don’t you just shut up?”  Now there’s a snappy, intelligent response.  He just laughs again, and after a few minutes decides to leave. 

Needless to say, I left shortly thereafter, chalking up this foray into the world of dog park politics as an epic fail.  But more importantly, I am most disturbed about my own attitude and behavior.  Okay, this guy was a real dork, but I didn’t have to be.  I just can’t imagine Jesus telling His enemies to shut up.  Hmmm… godly woman attitude and “quiet and gentle spirit”… epic fail.

It has bothered me ever since, even though I have asked the Lord to forgive my attitude and dishonoring and disrespectful words.  This little momentary snippet of my life has revealed some “ugly” that I don’t want to have in me… a chink in my character.  It revealed the nasty nature that I don’t like to admit having, with an aroma not of sweet perfume, but more of something that I might have trekked through on my way out of the dog park.  As I was driving into work today, two separate sermons on the radio addressed the use of words (uh-huh, yes indeed, no co-winky-dink here, God was sending a lesson to me LOUD AND CLEAR – with loving grace, but nonetheless, a lesson that pierced my heart, which I need to hear and put into practice).  

The first was from Truth for Life’s Alistair Begg in his message “The Use and Abuse of Words”:  http://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/2014/08/08/the-use-and-abuse-of-words-part-2-of-2/

The second from Adrienne Rogers is entitled “Tune In, Tone Down, and Sweeten Up” and can be found at http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/love-worth-finding/custom-player.  

Both pastors spoke from James chapter 3.  And it doesn’t surprise me that both men quoted the same poem below (author unknown):

If all that we say in a single day,

With never a word left out,

Were painted each night in clear black and white,

It would prove queer reading, no doubt.

And then just suppose 'ere our eyes would close,

We must read the whole record through,

Then wouldn't we sigh, and wouldn't we try,

A good deal less talking to do.

And I more than half think that many a kink

Would be smoother in life's tangled thread,

If half that we say in a single day

Were forever left unsaid.

I think this weekend I will spend time memorizing the following verses, in the hopes and prayers that next time I find myself in a similar situation, my words, however necessary, however, justified, will be filled with grace and will honor my Savior.  

James 3:10  “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessingand cursing.  My brethren, these thingsought not so to be.”  

Proverbs 25:11 “Aword fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.”  

Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth awaywrath: but grievous words stir up anger”, 

and my prayer will be that of King David: 

Psalm 141:3, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

I'm currently taking "New Testament Survey" at Liberty University Online, and I wanted to encourage any Bible readers to pick up a copy of "The Essence of the New Testament:  A Survey", by Elmer L. Towns and Ben Gutierrez.  It is a wonderful book that provides a fascinating, readable, practical view of the New Testament.  I am learning so very much and it truly is helping me see many new things.  I am recommending it as our book of the month.  You can get it at Amazon for $19.99 as a Kindle edition, or as a hardback book for $25.68.  A must read and have for your library! And do take the class online at Liberty University if you have an opportunity as well.  Blessings!

Lent Challenge Day 2: "GIVE"

Lent: Looking for the Cross Day 4

Photo:  Linda Bush Cannon

This is my coworker and friend Bob.  He commutes by train, and on the first morning of Lent he was met by a priest at the Princeton Junction train station from Trinity Church, where they have a program called "Ashes to Go".  The priest was administering ashes right at the station. 

The church reaching out to people - and proving that God doesn't need a fancy sanctuary for worship - it can be as simple as a train station platform!

Finding the Cross on the station platform... beautiful.

Lent

Lent... a time of reflection, a time of looking forward, a time of renewal and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for His sacrifice for us that we might have eternal life through Him.  

It is only in the last few years I have honored this season and I am happy to see it receiving more recognition.  There are several wonderful options to take time for Lent this year, and here I will share some with you.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/ = Ann Voskamp's website where she is offering a free Family Lent and Easter Devotional.  You can create an Easter tree, read as a single, roomie, family, coworkers... invite others to join you!

Read the New Testament over the next 40 days - here is a video from National Community Church.  Here is the video.

I have decided to accept Laura Humphrey-Dohmann's Instagram Lent Challenge of taking a representative photograph a day and I will post each day here.  I have also invited several of my very talented photographer friends to join as well.  You can find Laura's challenge at:

http://instagram.com/p/lH7blCmQps/

So... I am planning on reading the New Testament over the next 40 days, select an item or activity from which to fast, and to take Lent photo challenge.  I pray the Lord will be honored and glorified by these offerings to Him as I seek His face and draw closer to Him.

Blessings as you prepare your heart for the Savior.

A Few Thoughts from a Single On Valentine's Day

Valentines Day. Ah yes, that hyped-up Cupid-infused Hallmark-created reminder to many that their left-hand ring finger is as empty as their bed.  That there are no card-giving, roses-toting, candlelit-dinner-taking romantic-words-whispering heartthrobs ringing their doorbells tonight. And if you're in the 50+ singles category you can add the icy-fingered despair that your shelf life is expiring with every passing minute and if God doesn't send "him" (cue sunbeams and the angelic chorus ) soon, there won't be much left to be swept away to happy ever after-ville!  Oh, where IS that bottle of wrinkle cream?!?!?

Yes I'll be the first in line to admit sometimes it stinks to be alone. But God's been working with me a lot on this very subject for awhile now. He has asked the hard question when I've cried and told Him I'm lonely and I didn't think I'd be where I am at this stage of the game, and  I have so much to offer and how come...

"Am I not enough?"

Whoa. 

"Am I not enough?"

It stopped me dead in my tracks. 

How do you answer that? "Well yeah-uh, but... Uh... Well..."

That question has haunted me ever since... And then I realized that, if I let Him be enough He could fill the emptiness.  He could calm my longing heart. He could help me get my eyes off what I didn't have and fill me with all I did have... And all I could give away. 

I can take this love and pour it out on others, just love on them and bless them and bring them joy. I can use this time and energy to spend with The Lord, cultivating our relationship and growing and maturing as a godly woman. Instead of whining I can be shining, radiating His love to others... 

So okay, it's still not having a flesh-and-blood someone to romance and hold and cuddle up next to all warm and sleepy in the middle of the night. 

But before me is my holy Bridegroom, the Lover of my soul. The One Who gave His life for me. The One Who loves me unconditionally in spite of my past and ugly heart and sinful selfish self. The One Who always has time to listen to me, Who will never hurt me or lie to me... or abandon me. He will never leave me - He has promised me that. And I believe Him and find comfort and contentment in that. 

Does it mean I'm never sad or lonely, or don't hope for a lifetime of love with that special "someone"? (Cue sunbeams and chorus again). Of course not. 

But... I have found me... in Christ. I am finally, fully myself in/with Him.  I have found joy and contentment in my singleness. I don't know what The Lord has in store for me. We talk about it, and He knows the desires of my heart. I place them all in His capable hands.  I surrender them to His will for my life. He will give me strength and wisdom to walk whatever journey is around the corner. I'm done worrying and fussing and fretting about it. I'm gonna live each day with everything I've got, every drop of love I can give --regardless of whether I'm a Ms. or Mrs.  Because at the end, whether it's been with someone I can call "the Hubs", or whether it's been with family, friends and others, I want to know I loved deeply and fully and completely in His name. 

"I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, my soul is a baby content." Psalm 131:2

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:12-13

Terrors in the Night

"Tonight I will sleep securely on a bed of peace because I trust in You, You alone."

Ps 3:5

I wrestle awake, heart pounding out of my chest, mouth drought dry, practically gasping for breath. I fumble as trembling fingers flail for the safety of the lamplight on my nightstand. Struggling to sit up, the horrific video of the nightmare washes over me like an unwelcome sea wave. My body shakes as I try to convince it that what just happened was a dream, not reality... 

I have struggled with nightmares my whole life. Dreams that pierce my sanity in the darkness - so vivid and detailed I can tell you the patterns on the wallpaper, describe the scents, and recount each scene as if it were a recently watched movie. And here I am again, lights ablaze, fully awake to fight against the monsters not under my bed... but in my head. 

Once more, however, I find my refuge in God's Word. My sleeplessness finds solace in His truth, my rest in His reality. Like a loving Papa comforting his young child, He wraps His love around me and whispers tenderly, "Shhh... there now, rest securely, I'm here... I'm here.  You're safe in My arms."

My heartbeat and breathing rest. Terror subsides. Peace replaces panic.  My Father is here at my side and will not leave me. I snuggle down as I almost feel Him tucking me in. I cradle my Bible as a babe clings to a teddy. My heart calms as His lullabye of love blankets my sleep. 

Fear not, my soul, for He is with me. 

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will... rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 3:17

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You wi not fear the terrors of night,,," Psalm 91:4-5

Day Star... Morning Star

2 Peter 1:19  We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 

I love stars, sparkling like diamonds in the velvety blackness of the night sky.  There is nothing like being out in nature on a clear night when the only light is that from above, the moon and stars.  I can breathe deeper, think clearer… gazing at the miracle of the twinkle, twinkle from a little star.  

When I read this verse in 2 Peter this morning I looked up the word star.  In the original Greek it is phosphorus, from which we get the word of the same name – phos meaning light, and phoros meaning bearer.  Phosphorus is in every cell of our bodies.  It is light-bearing, bringing and giving light.  White phosphorus glows in a darkened room when exposed to oxygen.  

Most importantly, when you find the phrase morning star or day star in the Scriptures, they are all a metaphor for Christ Himself.

Christ, the Star rising in my heart, setting the darkness aglow, brilliantly glittering and shimmering and flashing life-giving illumination to every corner.  Taking my breath away, restoring it again.  I inhale deeply as I think of Him in His majesty residing in me, this dark, worn vessel.  My hand reaches up to my chest as if to hold Him there, feel His energy, longing to experience His splendor.

I lift my face to the morning sky, to Him, the Morning Star… the Day Star… the Star that lights my world and my soul shadows.  A Star that shines more intensely vibrant than anything He has created.  A Light that shows the way to eternal life.  A luminescent Lover of my soul.  Encompass every cell in my being, my Star… radiate in me Your love, Your light that I might glow from within bearing witness to You. 

Meaty Reading

In a post from my Coach Linda Bush blog yesterday (click HERE) I mentioned I was reading Andrew Murray's devotional on John 15 regarding Christ's parable on the Vine and branches.  Well today a friend told me about this website: 

http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/bookcat.htm

where you can read FOR FREE many wonderful books by classic Christian authors including Murray, Hannah Whitall Smith, Karl Barth, E. M. Bounds and many others.

I am seeking to be "Frugal in '14" this year, but that doesn't mean just saving as much $$$ as possible.  I want to be very careful how I spend my time as well, which is priceless.  Let's face it, in time you might be able to earn millions of dollars, but millions of dollars won't buy you one second more!  Okay, maybe you can hire people to do all your work, but you get my meaning!!!  

As I think about how to achieve my Frugal in '14 goal, one thing I am being very mindful of is the use of my rare moments of down time, which I often use to catch up on my reading.  Instead of spending it on "fluff" (certain magazines, books, mindless internet surfing, TV, etc.) I want to make my time count, especially for eternal value.  This link above to literature that  I call "meaty reading" (as opposed to fluffy sugar-candy spun reading that isn't worth the paper it's written on, including a LOT of fiction so-called "Christian" books out there, but that's a whole 'nuther topic), will give me a lot of great and FREE reading this year.  Please understanding, I'm not saying I won't ever watch a TV program or pick up a magazine... but like choosing the most nutrient dense and healthy foods for my optimal physical health, I want to be sure to select solid food for my brain and spiritual health as well. Frankly, I also want to do everything I can to walk strong and close to Jesus, and something I ask myself often is "How would I feel if Jesus came back today and I was reading this? doing this? watching that?" It's a question that certainly convicts me to spend my time with more of a kingdom-focus!

May I encourage you to select at least six of the books offered, and take a month or two to read each one. I know you won't regret it!  And if you have any recommendations on books that you have found helped you get deeper into your Christian walk, please post your comments here or email me at westudyGodsword@gmail.com.  Just FYI, a current author that I enjoy and recommend is Mark Batterson, and my January book (which is also our book of the month here on this blog) is his newest, "All In".

Thanks and blessings for a day walking close to the Lord, filled with love and laughter! 

Free Beth Moore Book

Today I'd like to start off the new year by sharing with you THREE FREE Kindle edition books by Beth Moore's book, "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things:  Finding Authentic Restoration in the Age of Seduction", "To Live Is Christ", and "The Beloved Disciple".  Here's the links: 

 http://www.amazon.com/When-Godly-People-Ungodly-Things-ebook/dp/B003WEA50G/

http://www.amazon.com/To-Live-Christ-Beth-Moore-ebook/dp/B003WEA5C4/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WEA5BU/

Beth Moore is one of my favorite authors/speakers.  Over the years I have done many of her studies, watched her DVDs, and I highly recommend her! 

One of the things I'm doing this year is to keep a list of books that I want to complete (as I'm usually the one with the 6-7 books on the nightstand all about 1/3 read!), and I am not allowing myself to spend one red cent on any more books until I have completed reading the ones I already have in my hot little hands or on my Kindle!!!  So this was kind of a fun way to get THREE FREE BOOKS from an author I love!!!  Plus, I am going to replace three on my list with these instead, so I'm saving money and decluttering at the same time.  Ahhhh.... frugal and organized - today's baby step towards two of my 2014 goals.  Not too shabby - the first Monday of the month and I saved about $60 in freebies - woohoo!!!

For more info on organizing, you can go to my website at www.coachlindabush.com where this week I'm featuring blogs about organizing.

Enjoy these books, and I wish you every blessing and joy as you begin a new year in your journey with our Savior!

Okay, I'm putting it out there - this independent, strong and content and usually incredibly busy and happy woman...

This is the hardest time of the year for me to be single.  

It's the time when everyone wants the Norman Rockwell fantasy family.  And when you want someone to snuggle with on the couch while sipping a glass of wine or hot cocoa while staring dreamily at the lights on the Christmas tree.  

It's not about exchanging big fancy gifts... 

but sitting together in church and singing Christmas carols.  Holding hands and praying together as you celebrate the birth of your Savior.

It's about watching old Christmas movies, being with family and friends.. and sharing love and laughter.  

It's about falling asleep next to the one you love and feeling all warm and cozy just as you drift off to have sugarplums dance in your head.

But my couch is empty... and my bed is cold...

There's no special Christmas card, or eyes to gaze into... no one to corner under the mistletoe...

And while most of the time being single is fine and dandy and I don't equate marriage as the be-all end-all status to solve life's problems... and I know you can be just as lonely wearing a little gold band and having the houseful of kids and a dog and all the yada-yada that goes along with every two-hour sappy Christmas movie ever made...

it's especially hard this time of year.

Just sayin'...

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him

Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him:  and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

The wise men had been watching and waiting for Him.  They had been actively looking, scrutinizing the skies for signs, and when they saw the star they got up and pursued Him.  They travelled a specific path until they found Him they fell down and worshipped Him.  Only then did they open their treasures before Him and lay them at His feet.

On this third day of December, do you find your heart searching for Christ?  Or are you distracted with the tiring trimmings of hurried and harried holiday demands?  Is your mind and calendar already diverted from the path that seeks the Sacred?  Are you prematurely preoccupied with plans, pushed by people and poor from present purchases?  Already find yourself disenchanted, looking not so much for the Savior, but for the end of Christmas when all the madness will cease and you will be able to “get back to normal” (whatever that is)?

Weary one, drop everything now and fall down at the feet of Jesus.  Worship the Babe in the manger Who has come to give you life.  Let all else fade and focus on Him and Him alone.  Then, like the wise men, open your treasures to the Savior – your time, your talents, your day and all the intentions, arrangements and preparations therein.  Kneel and seek His face… seek His guidance… come to Him and He will give you rest as your priorities align with His will.  Seek first His kingdom, His righteousness… The well-worn phrase means so much more than just some seasonal saying on a bumper sticker in holiday gridlock – He really IS the reason for the season.  

Oh come, let us adore Him…refreshed and renewed and centered on the Savior.

Hydor... for a Parched and Dusty Soul

John 14:4:  "But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.

Today as I was reading my devotional from The Daily Bread (one of my favorites), they highlighted John 14:4 and spoke of Jesus, and the Living Water He offers us… we, who pant with parched souls of longing (Psalm 42:1-2).

When I awoke this morning the desiccated air from the home heater made my face, hands and throat arid… tight and almost painful.  I literally doused myself with lotion and moisturizer to alleviate the dehydrated-old-kitchen-sponge-like layers of epidermis cells tightening around my bones.  I gazed out the window and watched as rains continued to pour down, having begun their watery dance last night, gently tapping out a pitter-pat window pane lullabye.

Here I stood inside a fortress of concrete and humidity-barren heat, surrounded by water… and dry as a bone. 

Far too often I must confess this scene has been a visual depiction of my spiritual life.  I am surrounded by Christ, Who offers me “hydor” – the Greek word for water in John 4:14.  Hydor, waters of the deluge, water out of and through which the world that was before the flood.  Hydor, from which is easily seen the root for the word hydrate.  My hard and crusty soul sits ready to crack from lack of the spiritual stream of Living Water right within my reach.  I can drink and bathe and soak in Christ, immersed in His word, swimming in His love if only I will seek Him and come to Him.  He beckons me to dive in and be utterly saturated.

But instead, I smile and wave and run past – “Oh sorry, Christ, slept late… too busy.. things to do.  I’ll pray to You in the car as I commute, okay?”  Or, “I’ll catch You at bedtime prayers (which are interrupted or circumvented by my dropping into bed, barely enough energy to turn out the light, let alone read and pray).”  I trudge along in my daily dusty desert, increasingly worn and soul-thirsty, wondering why I feel so dry inside. 

Today I stepped outside and allowed the rain to wash over me, droplets splashing over my welcoming upturned face.  Today I stopped everything, and allowed His Living Water to hydrate my being, until I was spirit-logged and soul-soaked.  I am softened… I am satisfied... I am quenched... by My Jesus.  

Good Morning Girls Thanksgiving Bible Study Online

The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare our hearts for a sense fo Thanksgiving and gratitude than delving into God's word.  And the staff of Good Morning Girls has made this possible for us by offering a free online Bible Study!  It will begin this Monday, November 11th and run through Friday, November 22nd.  It includes a Bible reading plan, study guide and weekly videos - all free.  

Plus, if you have the YouVersion app on your smartphone, tablet or computer, the Thanksgiving study reading plan is there - how simple is that???


What a blessing that these wonderful women are providing this study free, for all of us as we enter into a time of focused thanksgiving on all we have in the Lord.  I'd like to encourage you to join me in the study as you cultivate your heart to be more thankful each day.  Click on the picture above or the link below to get the materials and get ready to be blessed in a big way!

Here's the link:  http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/2013/11/thanksgiving-study-focusing-hearts-gratitude/

How is a Christian Like a Pumpkin?

Walk in the Light

by Pam Manners copyright 2013

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have communion with Him in the midst of us, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin."  ~ 1 John 1:7

Today I'd like to share some photo artwork from my dear friend and fellow blogger, Pam Manners.  She has created this beautiful Scripture photo, and with her kind permission/blessing, I now present it to all of you!.  

Pam's blog is http://pam-intheshadowofhiswings.blogspot.com/.  

The Lord has gifted her with many talents, and photography is certainly one of them!!  Thanks Pam!

As you take yourself into this photo, I encourage you to imagine yourself walking along this path.  Feel the sun streaming warm on your face and body.  Take in the scent of the leaves, grass and moist earth.  Hear the songbirds as they sing praises to our God and Creator.  Close your eyes and be in communion with the Lord.  Take a moment to whisper a prayer of worship and thanks to Him for all His gifts... first and foremost the love and salvation given to us through Christ Jesus when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.  

Breathe deep... and be blessed today.

From my pen and lens...

Clouds in a Tide Pool

John 15:1-9

John 15:1-9 Poetry by Linda Bush

Cemetery Mist by Linda Bush