WHEN GOING THROUGH TOUGH TIMES, REMEMBER THIS...........

Do you ever get frustrated?  Do you ever feel like just giving up?  Have family problems gotten you down?  Are you facing upcoming court battles?  Is your failing health a constant concern?  Could it be that alcoholism, drug addiction or a gambling problem has caused you to feel hopeless?  Are you feeling smothered by your finances?  I could go on and on with questions like the ones I just asked.

We all experience stress and our emotions run wild.  A few of my friends are going through a particularly rough time here lately, people who are usually full of joy and happiness.  I woke up with this morning with a heaviness on my heart for these people who mean so much to me.  As usual, I checked my various daily inspirationals and one in particular caught my attention.  I took the liberty to copy and paste it here in my 'note' today.  This is what it stated:

...there will be times when you feel tossed by the tempests of your emotions.  When this happens, look for that still sacred space within you.  Take some time to rest in that space.  After a time, when you are ready, come out of that space to face the world again.

We can CHOOSE to get caught up in the cycle of devestating emotions.  We can ALLOW ourselves to be swamped by stress.  We can sit around and LET the devil be amused by our sufferings. 

.......OR......

We can remember that we ARE a CHILD OF GOD and that He is waiting to bring comfort to us in times of trouble.  He is our refuse and strength in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).  He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  When we go through deep waters, He is with us and when we go through the fires of this life, we wont even be scorched (Isaiah 43:2).  He promises us these things and so much more.  When the storms of life get us down, all we need do is turn to God and let His loving armshold us tight.  He wants us to turn to him, to tell him about our troubles and to listen for His still, small voice. 

We often put our children in time-out as a means of discipline.  As children of God, we also need times of emotional and spiritual time-out too.  He really does love us all so much!

Isaiah 41:10  Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.  I will uphold you with My righteous hand.

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED THAT WHEN THINGS ARE GOING GREAT....

I guess this is my week to write 'notes' of a highly personal nature.  I started writing these daily 'notes' in early February and I cant recall anytime since then that I have written so many consecutive 'notes' which mean so much to me.  And today is no exception.  Bear with me.  Keep me in your prayers. 

Have you ever noticed that when things are going great, something comes along and threatens to steal your happiness, kill your joy and destroy all that you have worked so hard to accomplish?  Well, if you havent noticed any of these things, I can promise you that you will.  I say this from recent experience.  Everything had been going great.  Everything was fine.  I had been going about my daily business, going to church, giving praises to God and loving my life in general.  I cannot blame anything on anyone except myself, but the devil caught me slippin and had a nasty little laugh at my expense.

Notice, I used the words........HE HAD A LITTLE LAUGH AT MY EXPENSE....................

People, I am not giving the devil even the least bit of glory, but his JOB is to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10)  He knows our weaknesses.  He attacks us at our weakest point.  He uses our weaknesses against us.  The devil tries to steal anything and everything that is good in our lives, anything that leads us to Jesus.  He wants us to feel worthless and undeserving of any and all kinds of love and respect.  We were all born with a sinful nature.  We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)  There is not one of us alive who can say we do not sin.  1 John 1:8 makes this point very clear when it states, 'if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.'

Yes, we all sin.  Yes, we all let God down.  But here is the good part......................

We serve a God who is tremendous, all-knowing and everloving.  He knows we will sin.  He knows we will fall short.  But, he loves us anyway, no matter what.  He recognizes our godly sorrow and is quick to forgive a penitent heart.  He throws our failures, sins and shortcomings into the bottomless sea of forgiveness.  God abundantly replaces everything that the devil TRIES to steal through His forgivesness, His grace, His mercy and His love.  God truly loves us all and is more than willing to forgive. 

Please remember this 'note' the next time the devil tries to make you feel unworthy or when your past comes back to haunt you.  Recognize the tricks of the devil for what they are, his tactic in an ongoing spiritual warfare.  Remember, God is on our side!  Through Him, all things are possible!

A MIRACLE IN MY FAMILY

Two days ago, I wrote a 'note' which was of a somewhat personal nature.  Well, today, it looks like I will be writing another one of the same sort.  This one hits even closer to home and I write it with joy, happiness, relief and emormous thanksgiving to God.  I love to write these daily 'notes', especially the one I am about to write today. 

I come from a very close, tight knit family.  We have all had our share of ups and downs, some quite recent, but when it all boils down, we love one another tremendously.  Today, I wanna tell you about one of my uncles, but Lord, where do I start......

Uncle Ben was 16 years old when I was born and he, like my other 3 uncles, has always played an important role in my life.  Well, nearly two years ago, my uncle was diagnosed with leukemia.  To say it was devestating news doesn't even begin to tell you how it affected all of us.  Uncle Ben went through all of the traditional rounds of treatment which were deemed necessary in attempt to cure this illness.  He went through chemotherapy and radiation and finally had to resort to a bone marrow transplant at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas.  He and his wife agreed to remain in a sterile environment 24 hours a day for the duration of this treatment.  They were told this could possibly last as long as 3 months. 

From the get go, we have prayed diligently for his recovery.  We have asked several pastors and churches to be in agreement with us for his victory over this illness.  We have encouraged him in every way possible and we have believed in the power of prayer!!! 

Well, my dad received a phone call from my Uncle Ben yesterday evening.  He told my dad that he had seen the doctor yesterday and that the doctor told him, "Ben, we need to talk."  He said, the doctor went on to say, "It seems to me that the donors cells have overtaken your own and that ALL of your cancerous cells have been destroyed!  You body no longer show any signs of leukemia!" 

HOW'S THAT FOR A PRAISE REPORT????????????

People, we serve an awesome God....a mighty God...a God who cures all sickness and disease....He is our strong tower....our deliverer....our Great Physician....our safety...our Creator of ALL THAT IS GOOD!!!!  How can someone NOT believe?  Prayer works....our faith is rewarded...God knows our hearts and has plans to help, not harm each and every one of us!  All we gotta do is BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE.  I am eternally grateful for the miracle that God so graciously performed for my family.  His power is amazing.  His love is unending.  He is the GREAT I AM....THE BEGINNING AND THE END....THE GOD OF CREATION....

And I am eternally grateful this morning!

Mark 11:24  "Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them."

Exodus 15:26......For I am the Lord who heals you

Thanks for reading my "note"
Love,
M

HE SPEAKS TO US THROUGH SO MANY WAYS

As most of you know, I live in Louisiana.  Yes, life is somewhat different here than it is anywhere else.  Our food is awesome, our people are very friendly and alot of us talk with a noticable accent.  For the past year or so, some of you reading this might have seen or heard about Swamp People, a weekly television program which plays on The History Channel.  To most people, this program might seem somewhat ridiculous, due to the way it portrays the people of Louisiana, but I personally love to watch it.  In fact, I record each episode on my DVR.  I am a huge fan of Troy Landry.

I was watching a video yesterday in which Troy was speaking about cypress trees.  Through this short, two minute video, I learned several things.  Cypress trees are plentiful here in Louisiana and grow directly in water.  The roots of a cypress tree grow as deep as the tree is tall, meaning that a forty foot cypress tree has a forty foot root!  We never hear of a cypress tree being uprooted, I now see why!  Cypress trees are tremendously strong, live for many, many years and are not even effected by the strongest of hurricanes! 

That short video lasted only two minutes, but I am still thinking about it today.  In my daily life and in my walk with God, it is my goal to become like one of those trees.  I know that my roots are still tender and somewhat new, but I pray that they strengthen and grow larger on a daily basis.  Through the reading of His word, through prayer and through fasting, my roots in the Lord have no choice but to become immense like that of a cypress tree.  In Ephesians 3:17, we are told 'that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith and that we may be rooted and grounded in love.'

I am so grateful to have the love of God present in my everyday life.  I thank Him for his care and protection and for putting an end to the shifting winds of life without Him.  It is my prayer today that my roots continue to grow and that it becomes impossible for my life to be uprooted. 

He really does love us all so very much!

Thank you God for using a video of Troy Landry to minister to my soul!!!  He truly does speak to us through so many ways.  If only we will listen........................

Jeremiah 17:8  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes.  But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will it cease from bearing fruit

Thanks for reading my "note"
Love,
M

GOSSIP IS SUCH A DEADLY POISON

Some "notes" that I write are written specifically with a particular person in mind.  Well, today is one of those days.  I am going to write this "note" about something that is on my mind and that hits really close to home.  What I write today concerns myself and I want to share it with all of you.  It might even be something you are dealing with as well. 

For a very long time, I gave many people plenty of reason to talk about me behind my back.  I hurt others, I was selfish and looked out for me, myself and I.  These days, its a different story.  I am trying my best to put the feelings of others first and to let my light shine in the best way that I know how.  However, a certain someone that I have known for years seems to be unable to let bygones be bygones and makes it a point to try to drag me down.  Today, I am gonna pray for this person, just like my Bible tells me to do. 

Satan is the source of all gossip.  It allows him to whisper into our ears.  God, on the other hand HATES gossip.  In fact, Proverbs 6:17-19 tells us "These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him.  A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.  God absolutely HATES when we do these things.  In fact, when we engage in any of these activities, we break the 9th commandment, Exodus 20:16, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." 

People gossip for many reasons, mainly because of low self-esteem.  Those who gossip about others often feel bad about themselves and tend to gossip in order to try to pull others down with them, giving them a rise in self-value.  These people are often frustrated and unhappy in most areas of their life.  (Matthew 12:33-34)  Misery loves company.....We have all heard this statement.

As Christians, we know that God doesnt want His people listening to or spreading dirty words and stories regarding others.  Gossip is a sin and in the eyes of God, one sin is just like all of the rest.  Words kill and gossip is much like murder.  It is murder by word of mouth.  It murders the character of a person.  It has the potential to kill a persons witness.  We must keep our mouth and our ears pure.  We must refuse to take part in this deadly assassination.  Above all, we must pray for those who are hell bent on using their tongue as a vicious weapon.  I used the words hell bent on purpose.  We gotta pray, pray, pray..........

Matthew 7:12  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Ephesians 4:29  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good fornecessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers

Please join me in prayer today for those who insist upon spreading the deadly poison of gossip!

What Would He Really Do?

A few years ago, I remember seeing alot of plastic bracelets, baseball caps, t-shirts and bumper stickers, all with the initials WWJD printed upon them.  People wore these everywhere.  Even convenience stores had baskets of items with these initials sitting on the counter near the register.  It seems like everyone had at least one item which carried the initials WWJD. 

 Just in case you missed out on this particular "fad", those initials stood for:  WHAT WOULD JESUS DO

These days, its seldom we see those plastic bracelets, t-shirts or bumper stickers.  But, we need to all keep that question forefront in our minds when faced with any and all of life's circumstances.  Would Jesus get angry and scream at his little brother?  Would Jesus approve of us hating our family members?  Would he think a little bit of gossip is ok?  Would he mind if I just refused to forgive certain people?  How bout if I told a few "white" lies?  If I refused to look at those homeless people?  What would Jesus think about my envy of others?  My lack of concern?  My horrible language?

I am not certain, but, if you are anything like me, you can identify with one of the questions I just asked.  I feel quite sure that Jesus would frown upon and turn away in sorrow each time we acted in such a manner.  Our Bible tells us many things, but one of the underlying themes throughout both The Old and The New Testaments is that of..........................LOVE..................

As Christians, it is our mission and our goal to become more like Jesus.  While He was here on earth, Jesus showed compassion for those who suffered, listened attentively, had remarkable patience, displayed universal respect, practiced forgiveness and refused to judge.  Yes, I just said a mouthful.  I meant for that sentence to be long.  Jesus was and still is the greatest role model who ever existed!  His outlook was simple, His logic was easy to understand.  His message was LOVE.  His message is LOVE.  Without love, we have nothing.  His word even tells us in 1 John 4:8, "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love."  I dont know about you, but to me, that scripture carries much weight! 

God, I ask you to make me more like Jesus.  Let His ways become my ways, let my thoughts become more like His.  Let me become less like me and more like you, God.  Let me grow in love in every area of my life!

Ephesians 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ who has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma

Romans 12:9  Let love be without hyprocrisy.  Abhor what is evil.  Cling to what is good.

Something Big Is About To Happen

For those of you who dont already know, I live in Louisiana.  The possibility of an earthquake or a blizzard is practically nonexistent in our area.  We do however, remain on guard to the threat of a hurricane during the latter part of each summer.  When the threat of a hurricane becomes a reality, each one receives a name.  I feel sure that everyone who might be reading this can recall Hurricane Katrina.  Yes, it was massive.  Yes, it was destructive.  Yes, it caused much tragedy and sorrow.  Many people were caught off guard as to the severity of the storm and its potential for destruction. 

I live in the central part of the state.  Through news coverage, no one had to tell me to stay away from New orleans.  No one had to stop me from heading south as Hurricane Katrina approached the coast of Louisiana.  I knew something big was about to happen.  Everyone else did too!!!!

We heard what was coming.  We knew the consequences.  We had expectations of a reality.......all because someone told us! 

Well........................

For so long, people told me that a better way of life did in fact exist.  I was told that I didnt have to be miserable, that happiness was meant for everyone, including myself.  I was told that there was more to life than drinking, drugs and a constant party.  People who honestly love me just could not understand how or why I refused to believe their words.  The writing was on the wall, right there in black and white for me and everyone else to see.  Still, I refused to listen or even consider taking anyones advise.  I even had the nerve to think everyone else was wierd...that they had the problem, not me!  I just had to laugh as I typed out those words....I know now that I was the one with the problem.  I was the one who had it all wrong.

These days, I wake up to joy, happiness and excitement.  My life is nothing like it was in the past.  Looking back, I sometimes dont even recognize the person I had become.  The Lord has been so good to me.  I just cant help but try to spread His word to others.  There is joy to living.  Happiness is for everyone.  Matthew 19:26 has become one of my favorite scriptures.  It tells us to BELIEVE AND ALL THINGS BECOME POSSIBLE!  Allowing Jesus into my heart and into my life was undoubtedly the best decision I have ever made.  God loves me for ME.  He has plans to help me, not harm.  Through Him, my future is glorious!  I go to bed at night with such peace and I wake up in the morning with a feeling of excitement and purpose.  I just know something BIG is about to happen......and I cant hardly wait! 

No one has to live a life of misery.  God didnt intend for it to be that way.  Trust in the Lord and lean not toward your own understanding.  He has great and mighty plans for your life.  He gave me strength through his forgiveness, his grace, his mercy and his love. 

If he did it for me, He can and He will do it for you as well!

1 Corinthians 2:9  "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him"