Fall Forward?

As Fall approaches we will soon be setting our clocks to fall back. But how many of us are prepared for the long winter months? I suppose if you are from the South -winter can bring a relief from the stifling summer heat - but if you are from the North - you know soon the months of frigid cold will draw you indoors to an almost hibernating state.

This is how the seasons go - we must go forward into the next season - and each season brings change.

Spiritually - how many of us would always want to be in the season of spring and summer and even fall? How many of us truly look forward to that season of long. cold, bitter winter? - with daily shoveling of heaps of snow, temperatures so low that you cannot feel your face, and your vehicle becoming stuck on the smallest spot of ice.

But that is how winter goes. The question is - do we face winter coming -with joy and great expectations - or do we trudge through the long months with feelings of torment and desperate hope of spring?

I love the bible verse -"To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastics 3:1-8.

God created the seasons - every season of life. He gives us the season of winter - not to cause us misery or pain - but for it to be a season of - yes possible hibernation and possible isolation - but also as a season that allows us the time to curl up in front of The Father and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with Him -read His good book -the bible - reflect in the fireplace -Jesus. This season - you can take all those mounds of terrible "snow" and re-create it into something beautiful - a marvelous snow man -or snow angel. Or better yet - put on the pair of skis -called faith - and glide right on top of it -up and over the snowy hills. Put a smile on your face - as you find joy as you speed over the problems of life -of winter. God fully equips us in this season - he gives us the full armour. Would we dress ourselves in a snow storm -with beach attire?

So in this new coming season - as I sense the stirring of change - I know that winter will bring some hardships - I know it will bring some isolation - but if I view it like God views it - He always knows that there is a field filled with sunshine and fresh growing flowers at the end. It is time to unpack the winter attire - the full warm robe of righteousness - and put away the flip flops. Challenges are coming - I must prepare myself -fill my lanterns with oil -open up my book of life -but yet -will totally appreciate the warmth as I sit in front of the fire -God makes really good cocoa to enjoy in the long months. So drink.

Delight The Lord

When I was in my teens I used to do a fun thing with God - I would place my bible on my lap - and ask God to show me a word in the bible that He wanted to speak to me thru. Then I would randomly open to a page and begin to read. Sure enough - He always revealed a word to bless me with for that day.

I still enjoy this fun with God today as I am entering the fall stages of my life. It is a thrill to open the bible and say -speak to me -teach me - what can I learn from you today Lord!

One thing I have learned from God - is that He always speaks gently, in kindness. If I needed a word from Him to correct me in an area of sin - He lets me know lovingly. So many times - I know when I correct my children or husband - my words are not gentle and come out with sharpness that is damaging. I have so much to learn from God - to be more like Him.

Today I am smiling because of what the Lord did for me last night. After tucking in my girls and beginning to relax, I began brainstorming about all the projects I am doing, reviewing the list of things to do, in my mind, what I wanted to do next, what new ideas I could come up with for the orphanage, what I wanted to cook for my husbands Birthday dinner - I actually started to become a bit anxious about it all really! As the stress was building - I decided that I needed to put my hurried thoughts aside and ask the Lord to calm my spirit - to clear my mind - and to take my stress and give me peace. I then picked up my bible and said my usual prayer and then opened it. This is the scripture that my eyes fell on.

Psalm 147:10-11

"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his delight in the legs of man;

the Lord delights in those who fear him,

who put their hope in his unfailing love."

Do you see how God works? I had been concentrating all day on all the great things I wanted to do for God's Kingdom and thinking about all the plans and was getting stressed. not realizing, one thing I had forgotten to do was regard God in the midst of all of it. Although I was thinking of Him and thanking Him on occasion, I wasn't honestly reverencing Him as sovereign God. Forgetting that God delights in us most - not in what we do - but in how we praise Him and lavish love on Him and focus on Him and letting Him be in charge.

There is nothing wrong with spending time sharpening our skills and increasing our strength by working hard for God, and in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God. But when we use our skills with no regard to God, they are indeed worth little. It is our fear and trust that God desires. When He has those, then He will use our skills and strengths in ways greater than we can imagine.

But - I am so thankful that God showed me lovingly yesterday - as a subtle reminder - that He delights in the things I am doing - but He gets more delight in seeing me fear and trust Him. It all balances out so nicely when put in that order. And helps to omit much anxiety that comes when we focus on what we are doing more than we are focusing on Him.

Love Challenge

Paul writes "If I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body up to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing". These are strong and unmistakable words. According to God, we are here to love. Not much else really matters. God assesses our lives based on how we love. But, the word love is so over used and worn out. What does God mean by love? He tells us,

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoings, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends...faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. - I Corinthians 13:4-8, 13

But even these words have grown tired and overly familiar, haven't they?

Challenge yourself to do a little exercise with these verses. Take the phrase "Love is patient" and substitute your name for the word love. Do it for every phrase in the passage. I will use my own name as an example.

Rebecca is patient and kind; Rebecca does not envy or boast; Rebecca is not arrogant or rude. Rebecca does not insist on her own way; Rebecca is not irritable or resentful; Rebecca does not rejoice at wrongdoings, Rebecca rejoices in the truth. Rebecca bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Rebecca's love never ends...faith, hope, and love abide, but to Rebecca, the greatest of these three is love.

In the end of this little exercise - I have to admit - I felt like a liar. If I was represent what love is, then I often fail to love people the way God asks me to do.

Following Christ is not something that can be done half heartedly or on the side or when we feel like it. It must be central to everything we do and are.

In Jesus last commandment to his disciples - he replied "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment" (Matt 22:37-38)

The next commandment says "To love others as much as you love yourself".

Our main focus in life is to obey God. We must obey His greatest commandment - To first love Him with everything inside of us - and secondly to love others just as much. He gives us His instruction on how to do this is - plain and simple language that is easy to understand.

The questions to our selves is "Are we willing to obey God's greatest commandment"? Is it the main focus in our life? Can I replace my name in the scripture above and sincerely say that I meet all the standards of love?

If your answer is -no - that you are not obeying all of God's Word - remember this - God does not want us to feel guilty - He says come to me for all your needs - if we need to learn how to completely love Him and others - He will help us - it begins with repentance and sincere seeking.

The results of true repentance are intimate prayer and study of His word. Thru this - you will find your motivation changes from guilt to love.

A closer, stronger, intimate relationship with God results in a stronger desire to want to obey Him. When you can put your name in that verse - and finally say - yes - I have truly learned how to love - I am obeying God's commandment's - you will begin to see your whole life change before your eyes. Don't give up - Jesus is calling you to Him and He will help.

What kind of love is this?

What kind of love is this

that climbs the hill

that bears the cross

that takes the nails

What kind of love is this

that takes my place

That gives His life

And clears my name

oh' I want to know

what kind of love is this

What kind of love is this

that gives His son

that bears the sin

of everyone

What kind of love is this

that cries alone

that tastes of death

to bring me home

oh' I want to know

what kind of love is this

It Wonderful

Its Glorious

It's full of Grace

And full of Mercy

Powerful

It's Marvelous

That's what this Love is

That's what God's Love is

What kind of love is this

that fills my soul

that lifts it up

and makes me whole

What kind of love is this

that gives me hope

that dries my tears

and brings me joy

oh' I want to know

what kind of love is this

Jesus, Jesus

He's full of grace

and full of mercy

Jesus, my Jesus

That is what love is

That's what God's love is...

Song by: Phillips, Craig and Dean

Be a woman of Virtue

Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Our entire self - reflects the image of God. We are reflections of God's glory. We will never be totally like God because he is our supreme Creator. But we do have the ability to reflect His character in our love, patience, foregiveness, kindness and faithfulness, compassion.

Knowing that we are made in God's image and thus sharing many of His characteristics -provides a solid basis for self-worth.

Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attraction, or public acclaim. Instead it is based on being made in God's image. Because we bear God's image, we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticizing and down grading ourselves is criticizing what God has made and the abilities He has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know Him personally, and make you a valuable contribution to those around you.

Let us reflect a moment on what it means to be a "valuable contribution" to those around you! Here are some questions to ask yourself - What am I doing with my God given life that contributes to helping others around me? Do I focus so much on buying clothes, purses, shoes, accessories that I have no money left to give to someone in need? Do I spend a lot of time fidgeting about what I am going to wear , how my hair looks - that I do not have enough time in my day to be a help to society or people who need help? Is all my time and energy wrapped up in my self image? And most importantly have I allowed my outward image to become my self identity?

Do any of these things reflect the image of God? Did the poor woman buy herself a new dress or did she give her last two coins to Gods kingdom? How many dresses or shoes are in your closet not being worn - when there are children in the world that get diseases from cuts in their feet from walking around in filth because they do not own one pair? How much money do we spend on makeup - when there are children whose faces are distorted from disease - that people cannot look upon them without concern! What was Christ wearing when He died on the cross - did He look fashionable -wearing the latest trend? or do His bloody stripes and ripped flesh remind us today that He died so that we may have life today and life beyond this earthly life?

God does not want us to feel condemned because we make poor choices about reflecting our true character with all the world adornes and buys. But He wants us to know who we really are! He wants us to reflect what He is - Goodness, love, compassion, a giver not a taker. God is always giving, always loving, always helping, always there for us. Woman are wonderful givers! If we decide to give to the right causes - we really can make a difference in the world. When we put all our giving into ourselves - we only help ourselves.

Its time to rise up as a virtuos woman - and unrobe yourselves of all the wordly fashions and all the pressures you put upon yourself that tells you that your self worth is based upon your looks and what you own. Its time to clean out the closets cluttered with unused items. I believe that if everyone lived in a state of giving and did not go overboard on their spending - there would not be one homeless person or one child in hunger on this earth!

Focus on what God created - this is the real you! Reveal to others that you are filled with compassion, that you are a giver. God only creates beauty - you are Gods shining beauty! You are a woman of God - you stand strong - you were created by a God that wears a crown and a robe of righteousness and rules this entire world and all kingdoms that He created - He gave you a crown to wear - you are His princess - His daughter - be it!

An Old American Favorite

Have you ever watched the movie You've Got Mail - starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks?

The movie is based around an old fashioned book store complete with story time for the children, an old bell that rings everytime the door opens, and family owned and operated for many generations - the twist of the story is that the old bookstore is now forced to become competitive to the brand new commercialized book store called Fox Books - that is opening right down the street!

The moral of the story is the question of "is it ethical for a commercial Fox book store to open right down the road - forcing a small family owned store - that has been there for years - to have to close their doors - due to commercial competitiveness"?

In this movie - it has a fairy tale ending. Meg Ryan, the small book owner is forced to close her doors. This is a very sad ending to a store that her family has owned for many years - a closure of her childhood is forced to end - and the doors close with only memories to hold. Although - she falls in love with her competitor - Tom Hanks - and they run Fox books together - her becoming wealthy and in charge of the children's section.

For many small family owned book stores though - there is no fairy tale ending. I experienced the sadness today of an elderly woman who has owned and operated a lovely american book store with her husband for many, years. They are forced to close their doors in October because of many reasons - the cost of living is higher - the cost of rent has sky rocketed. The profits from old, worn, but treasured books, no longer cover the cost of living.

As I walked through the store called, "The Hard-To-Find Bookstore" - I drew in the scent of the old books - my eyes took in the amazement of all that surrounded me - I captured the sight of the old iron stair case leading to a second level of books - an inner smile reached my soul as I noticed the worn chairs in the children's section and thought of the many children that have sat there over the years enjoying the wonderment of a book. I felt the disappointing sinking in my heart and observed the sadness in the eyes of the graying elderly owner as she stated that they would be closing their doors soon.

Book stores such as these - are an american gem! Years of collecting numerous subjected books from learning Italian, history, and romantic novels, cookbooks, memoirs, concerto piano sheets, and sweet children's books of authors like Beatrix Potter - all waiting on dusty shelves to be loved and held by a book lover.

My blog today is about finding a place in your mind - and just remembering - that many old American favorites are old book stores such as the one I came across today - and that they are to be cherished and supported whenever possible because they were and still are a dream of someone that opened their doors to share with everyone the gem of an old book.

If you would like to support the store I mentioned - please visit their website at

www.hrd2find@hic.net. They are beginning to post books online as a way to continue their dream of selling and have already posted 12,000 books online and have thousands more yet to come. Also, if you are in the Humble Texas area - you can stop in their store at 1307 E. First Street., ste. 101, Humble Texas - phone # 281-446-9663. Visit before their doors close, give a hug, purchase a book, for no longer will the stair case be used, nor the children's chairs sat upon, nor the doorbell rung.

Southern School Dress Code

I must remark that I am most impressed with the Texas School system. Not only are children taught to address an adult beginning with Ms. or Mr., but any disrespect or non courteous manner is taken directly to the principle's office. This usually is not an issue though. The children seem to have been taught these good manners from their parents before their school years have begun, and it is a daily part of their being. How pleasant it is when I walk through the school and be ddressed by the children as ,"Ms. Rebecca", in sweet little southern voices, many of them adorning cowboy boots on their feet.

Another wonderful highlight of the school system, is the dress code. Children are covered. If bareness is showing or inappropriate attire is worn, they are sent home. Again, I have not seen the dress code be questioned or rebelliously abused. In the elementary, I see the girls in braids and bows and shirts with puppies and kitties as their theme and boys with boots and their favorite sport themed attire. I have not seen the girls wearing clothing or makeup that makes them look five years older than they really are. My daughter's school peers have been sweet, polite and innocent as they come. The high school children seem to follow with the same respect as they grow year to year.

Personally I am thankful for the dress code. I want my children to know how dressing in an appropriate style helps them remain innocent and child like - while they are still children. They have their adult lives to dress as they please. I do believe keeping a girl covered helps them to be respected and feel safe and secure with their growing bodies. Please share with me your thoughts on school dress codes!

How do you feel about the dress code that your children are to follow? Do you believe that the majority of children respect these rules? Does your child's school waver at any of the rules or are they strict at following? Do you believe that schools should even have a dress code?

Here is the Highlighted Dress Code for the Texas School Children

- Students at all grade levels may wear shorts, but "short shorts" are forbidden. The length of the shorts must be between the knee and mid-thigh.

- Skirts and dresses must also be mid-thigh length or longer. Girls are not allowed to wear skirts or dresses with slits extending above the mid-thigh area.

- Spaghetti straps, leotards and halters as an outer garment are not acceptable. Blouses covering tube tops must be buttoned.

- Earrings are permitted for female students only. No student, male or female, will be allowed to wear jewelry in other pierced areas while at school.

- Visible tattoos are not permitted.

- Students must wear shoes. Steel toe shoes, house slippers, cleats and roller or wheeled shoes are not permitted. In addition, elementary students may not wear flip-flops or heels above one-half inch.

- Sleep wear may not be worn to school.

- Excessively loose or tight garments are not acceptable. All clothing should be appropriately fitted.

- All shirts must be worn so as not to expose the bare chest. Tank tops or undershirts are not to be worn as outer garments. The midriff must not be exposed when a student goes through the normal activities of a school day, including bending, stretching or reaching.

- Male students are not allowed to wear shirts without sleeves.

- Elementary students are not allowed to wear makeup.

- Sunglasses are not allowed to be worn in the school building.

- Sideburns must be trimmed neatly and not extend below the ear. Mustaches and beards are not allowed.

- Hairstyles must be neat, clean and well groomed. Hair that is dyed an unnatural color, such as green and orange, is not permitted.

- Any form of dress that attracts undue attention, disrupts school, is considered gang related or detracts from the learning process is not acceptable. Administration and faculty have the right to consider any current fashion or fad and determine whether it is appropriate or inappropriate for school.