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Slow Down...and Breathe

5/28/2015

Sometimes I like to ride out in front…ahead of the crowd.
It is a great place to be trotting along at my own pace without a care in the world.
But if I slow down and look over my shoulder at what I left behind sometimes it isn’t too pretty.
Usually, I get to the front by a lot of pushing and shoving.
I look the other way and avoid words of caution and attempts to even my pace.
Oh no…I want to do it my way and get ahead to where I want to go…
because I know what is best…
or at least sometimes I like to think so.

A brittle veneer forms when I am fixed on things going my own way…
when I am teetering on the tight rope of balance…me…me…me…isn’t that what this life is all about?
Then the blow comes…it knocks the wind right out of me…dizzy with confusion and my mind whirling…I wonder…
”What just happened…what could have possibly gone wrong?”
Then comes the gentle tap on my shoulder…
Jesus gently calling…
"Slow down…breathe…take my hand”…
The last of the “Remedy’s for Neglect” is self-control…grabbing a hold of myself and allowing God to go first.
He really does know the best way to do this life…why not trust him…slow down…take a breather…
and follow the one who is God?
I reach out grab His faithful hand…”You first Lord…I’ll follow you”

Galatians 5:22-24
"But what happens when we live God’s way?
He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard--
things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.
We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart,
and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.
We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life,
able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ,
everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is
killed off for good—crucified.”
(MSG)

Prayer:

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your love that helps to steady my pace in this world…
your gentle guidance that leads the way.
It is always so much better to look up and see you in the lead…
your way is the best choice!
Thank you for picking me up when I fall…
dusting me off when I get dirty…
holding my hand when the road gets rough
and best of all loving me the whole way!
Amen

Caprice <><

A Gentle Spirit Comes from God.

5/13/2015

What comes to mind when you think of “gentle”?

I prefer a gentle breeze to a cold sharp wind.

I like to ride a quiet mare, rather than a feisty horse.

A Tender touch verses a heavy hand...

A calm ocean...

A mild mannered child...

"A gentle hand may lead an elephant with a single hair.”
Persian Proverb

But what if that elephant is…well you know…that huge and undeniable

“elephant in the room”?

Meaning that there is an apparent problem right in front of you that is embarrassing…
terribly taboo and needs immediate attention.

Can a quiet attitude work even then?

I am talking about a big and obvious elephant…
A woman caught in adultery.

John 8
Verses 1-3 “Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.”

The “religious” leaders of the day were trying to ensnare Jesus with
a problem, a controversial issue…

Verses 4-5, “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
The law of Moses says to stone her.

What do you say?”

But Jesus did not take the bait...instead…the spirit of gentleness filled the air…

Verses 6-8, “They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him,
but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.
They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said,
“All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.”

Verse 9, “When the accusers heard this,
they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest,
until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.”

The elephant was being led away.

What the religious leaders meant to destroy, only revealed the truth…
The truth that God’s love is for
Me…You…and Everyone
Who accepts his gentle forgiveness.

Verses 10-11, “Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman,
“Where are your accusers?
Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

“No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said,
“Neither do I.
Go and sin no more.”
(NLT)

Gentleness is a solution to what torments this world…
Let it be your attitude this week…tender, ready to do good in every way possible,
Calm and peaceful with the warmth of kindness…

A gentle spirit comes from God.
Use it wisely and as often as you can!

Prayer:
Dear Lord…I pray that gentleness will be my approach to life…
That I too may have a gentle hand and heart,
that leads the elephant out and embraces those who need,
your love and forgiveness.
Amen.

Caprice <><

the Faithful Prayer Warrior

5/6/2015

I asked my daughter today what in her life represented faithfulness…
Without hesitation she said her husband.
A husband is to be the provider…loyal and true…
The one who cares for and protects his family.

Did you know that we are the bride of Christ?
That means that he cares for us as a
loving and devoted husband.

When I think of the faithful...I also think of devoted pastors…
they are the…trustworthy and reliable.

I was moved to tears yesterday as I read a letter from someone in prison…
not an American, air conditioned cell but a place where bones can get broken.
This letter came from a faithful prayer warrior who wants to care for us…
by praying for us.

May 7th is the National Day of prayer and happens to be Pastor Saeed”s Birthday.

Won’t you join the ranks of the Faithful Prayer Warriors?

America has had a bad case of “Regretful Neglect” let us join together and pray for revival!
This is a letter he wrote which was posted at the "ACJL" website
http://aclj.org/persecuted-church/pastor-saeeds-birthday-wish-pray-for-america

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

I have been made aware that the National Day of Prayer (May 7th) falls on my birthday this year! As an American and as a prisoner for Christ I have spent many hours praying and crying out to God for revival for this great nation. We all hope for the success of our nation and for America to be blessed, but without revival there can be no true success or blessing. As Ezra’s cried out to God in repentance and the Israelites joined him in weeping bitterly and turning from their sin, I would like to ask you to join me in repenting and praying for revival. Me from inside of these prison walls and you on the outside.

Ezra 10:1
“Now while Ezra was praying, and while he was confessing, weeping, and bowing down before the house of God, a very large assembly of men, women, and children gathered to him from Israel; for the people wept very bitterly.”

Ezra re-built the spiritual walls of Jerusalem while Nehemiah re-built the physical walls. Therefore, please join me in rebuilding the spiritual wall of our beloved country.

In times of need we see how much government and authorities can influence our everyday life, and when we see that their decisions do not match with our beliefs and standards, our initial reaction is to blame the leadership or the situations surrounding us for our hardships. But the truth is that change has to start with us, just as a wave has power to lead it's surfer so by revival we, as the people, can help or push our leaders to follow their callings.

Change starts with us. Revival starts with us. The first step to revival is praying together in unity as a nation. The National Day of Prayer is a great opportunity for us to come out and use the freedom that we have been given. So many Christians around the world are imprisoned and martyred for their faith in Jesus. You have the freedom to gather across the United States at your state capitol to pray. Please use this opportunity. Please use your freedom for the Kingdom of God.

We see in Ezra chapter 10 that despite the heavy rain and their shivering the people still gathered together. People should stand under any pressures to pray for their nation, for the Lord to bring revival, and to stand under the rain of the Holy Spirit to be filled by His manifestation.

Remember my chains in your freedom and chain together in unity for our beloved America. Know that I am chained with you in prayer on that day in seeking God for America.

There is no other way but to be crucified with Christ so that we may experience the power of His resurrection in our beloved country.

So much love to America,
Pastor Saeed

Sip the Cup of Goodness

5/1/2015

My Grandson was telling me about the excitement of
a snake in his yard…

”Was it a rattler?” I asked.
“No…it was a good snake”, he stated.
I inquired, “What made it a good snake?”
“It eats the bad snakes”, he replied with a grin;
My grandson has a great dislike of snakes!

So what is “Good”?

Let me start with some adjectives that describe Good from
the Websters Dictionary 1828

Kind; affectionate; as a good father; good will.
Faithful; as a good friend.
Promoter of Happiness; pleasant, agreeable, cheering.
Honorable; fair, unblemished, as a man of good fame or report.
Cheerful; favorable to happiness. Be of good comfort.
Favorable; compassionate, humane.
Benevolent; merciful; gracious.

All of the above adjectives completely describe God.

Not just part…but,
His totality…His Character.

And here is the best part!
He shares that Goodness with you and me via the Holy Spirit..

We can exhibit acts of goodness because of the
Cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
(NIV)

God is good…
His love has been given to us…via the cross…and then He gave us the Holy Spirit.

Notice the name “Holy” what does holy mean?
Try this on for size…

Perfectly just and good.

If I want to have a spirit in me…
I want it to be that and nothing less.
Remember we are have been looking at ways to Remedy Neglect…

Galatians 5:22-26,
“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.
There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.
And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires.
God’s Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit.
But don’t be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.”
(CEV)

Here is the great news about these attributes…
they are provided for us
as a gift from God.
Our Father in Heaven has given us the Holy Spirit
whom produces in us these characteristics!
The essence of these attributes is how we…

Love God and love others!

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I want your spirit to rule in my life!
Nothing more and nothing less.
Help me to allow the Fruit of Goodness "eat up" the bad in and around me...
So I can love you and love others with all my heart!
Amen!

Caprice <><

A Gentle Touch

4/23/2015

My grandson had sustained the unfortunate mishap
of two skinned knees and a scuffed up forehead.
The agony of his injury was felt by all of us
as he cried for his dad’s strong arms and
his mommy’s care of the wounds.

The evidence of his injury is seen in his little limp…careful maneuvering to sit…
and then is relieved by the sweet medicine of extra kisses and hugs at night-night time.
Then several baths later the four bandages started to loosen.
With consideration he placed his hand tenderly on his knee and with his fingers gingerly tapped up and down
"bedder?...Is it bedder now?"
Then he carefully pulled at the edges of the band aid to peer underneath at it's progress…
"ouchies all gone!" came his declaration.

God is like that you know…gentle.

When we get out of sorts…bumped and bruised…all scuffed-up…

His strong arms holds us up as he cares for our wounds...
He gently places His hand on us and taps His fingers up and down…
"All better!"

He shows us how to be gentle with the wounded.

Luke 10:33-35,
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him.
When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him.
He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds.
Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable.
In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying,
‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill--
I’ll pay you on my way back.’ “
(MSG)

Next time someone takes a tumble…won’t you restore him or her…gently?

Prayer:
Dear Lord...I want to be like you…gentle in nature…tender to those who need to see you in me.
Lord…I confess that I am not always tender of heart…But I do know that you are always available to help me to be more caring and available for those who need your love.
Thank you Father for your strong arms that care for the wounded.
Amen!

Caprice <><

PS...God who so many want to trust...sometimes over look His greatest kindness to us...the gift of His Gentle Son Jesus. Why not ask God to reveal Him to you today?

A Kindness that Warms the Soul

4/17/2015

I watched as my husband sat with our grandson, who is at the
"say & do...everything you do" phase.

He wants to please his grandpapa...
"Say please"..."Peess" is returned with a
bright smile.
Did you tell Grandma thank you for lunch?..."Tank you Grama"

But sometimes his 2 year old self gets in his way...
He raises a defiant "MINE!", as he pulls at his beloved toy.
"Stop-it!" he says with rumbled brow as he tires of a game..."Stop-it, please" reminds Grandpa. "Stop-it Peesss", comes his reply.
Our grandson is being taught to respond politely.

Proverbs 3:1-2
"My son, always remember what I have taught you;
keep my instructions dear to your heart.
If you do, they will be your guide to
a long, healthy,prosperous life."
(VOICE)

On another note...I love the hussle and bussle of an International airport and being the passenger that is ready to embark on a long awaited adventure.
You know how it feels...
you are at the airport...you have checked your list numberous times...
yup...you have everything...
done everything...and remembered everything.
Everything you needed to do is done...

Then the only thing that you couldn't control has happened...
with a mighty rearranging of everything compromised weather has developed...
So BIG...it has closed down airports...
delayed flights...and angered a huge line of
"to-be" passengers
of which you are at the very end of that line.
Last year on our way to visit our son and his family I had the privilege of watching an incredible airport employee do her job and do it well!
She had the knack of "calm in the midst of a storm".
She stayed focused and got us all through the situation with ease and a sense that
our plans were important!
Her thoughtfulness was well received.
On our return flight we spotted her out in front of the terminal assisting a person in a wheelchair who needed to catch her bus. She was trained to alleviate the distress of customers when the "BIG storms of discontent"
came thundering down the runway.

Proverbs3:3
"Stay focused; do not lose sight of mercy and truth;
engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck;
meditate on them so they are written upon your heart."

You know if I am to tell you the truth...
sometimes I hear those voices echoing around in my own head.
"I don't want to share...me first...good to the last drop...oops sorry none for you!"

There is a word that I found in Greek that fits the airport employee's actions;
chrēstos,
an adjective meaning "good, mild, and fit for use."

This woman was a good fit for her job, and I should say she serves her employer well.
You too have been...outfitted with a very special attribute as a believer......Kindness.

Remember...it is one of the fruits that can we can use to "remedy neglect".
The neglect that people face everyday...
the feelings of being...

Overlooked
Forgotten
The invisibles

In this life you can be trained to show acts of kindness or
you can be taught to respond with a kind answer but here is an important nugget of truth.
What brings the training all together is...
heart matters!
The remedy comes from our helper who is busy training us up...the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13:4
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."
(NIV)

Kindness has to be sincere, to be felt...anchored in love...
Then kindness will overflow from your heart in gracious abundance.

I am reminded of the story of Paul on the Island of Malta,

Acts 28:1-2,
"Once we were safe on shore,
we learned that we were on the island of Malta.
The people of the island were very kind to us.
It was cold
and rainy,
so they built a fire on the shore
to welcome us."

Won't you welcome someone in out of the cold of this world
with the kindness that is wrapped around your
heart...attitude and gestures?

Dear Lord, Help me to show kindness to everyone I meet today. May they see the kindness of your love in everything I do!

Caprice <><

In Their Place

4/9/2015

Hot tears ran down her cheeks as the
sting of the biting comments of a friend registered in her heart.

Sound familiar?

Have you ever been stunned by someone
who you thought was a friend?

Stunned because you don’t quite know what to do next…
How do you respond to words meant to cut you to your core?

Through the years this has been a struggle for me…
I always find the words of response…

three days later!!

Although this is actually a good thing for me…
Because in my heart
I know that I am not to retaliate…

So I searched my heart and mind…as a believer…
What am I suppose to do?

Then God sent me to a training camp that I will never forget.
And I will always be grateful for…
the valuable lesson learned.

When it comes to the difficult people in my life…

I need to be careful…
NOT to put them in their place…

Instead…

I need to put myself in their place.

There usually is a reason for the biting edge...
Sometimes it is me…
My lack of caring…cranky attitude or quick and unfiltered words.

And other times…it is the other person.
The baggage that they have been carrying around for a lifetime
has weighted them down until
they latch out from the pain of it all…
with cutting words and sometimes actions.

Here are some guidelines from 1 Peter 3:9-11,
for helping us to become the
“peace-maker”.

1. Do not pay back evil with evil or insult with insult.

2. Repay an insult with a blessing,
a very genuine and sincere blessing.
This may take some time.
Removing yourself from the situation and pray,
Prayer will help you to come up with the right response!

3. Be careful what you say…  
Don’t tell lies or spread gossip.

4. Do what is right.

Always seek peace and pursue it...

Chase after it with all your might!

If we truly Love God and in turn love others and we need to be willing to…
“Put ourselves in their place”

And love them just where they are...with all there bumps and bruises…
The same way God loves us…

Bumps…Bruises…Biting Edges
and…
with all our baggage.

His love is unconditional and brings with it…peace.

Colossians 3:13-15
“Make allowance for each other's faults,
and forgive anyone who offends you.

Remember, the Lord forgave you,
so you must forgive others.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love,
which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.

And always be thankful.”
(NLT)

Heavenly Father,
Help me to see those you have put in my life
through your loving eyes.
Grant me the right words,
words laced with kindness and blessing.
I want to be your “peace-maker”.

Amen

Caprice <><

I'll Be Back...

4/2/2015

We had the joy of welcoming
a new grandson last week.

And that joy was increased by the pleasure
of picking up his sisters while mom was in labor.

As we drove them to the ranch we were informed that mommy was at the “os-pea-toll” by the youngest.

When we acknowledged this, by affirming,
“Yes, Mama is having your new baby brother”.

The oldest sister’s little eyes would get a far away look and an uncertain nod of the head.
You could almost see the thoughts floating around in her head…

”Just what is a new brother?"

The first day was great fun…
we played tag in the yard, read stories together,
set up a tent with their cousins…
all great adventures for a 3 and 2 year old.

But by the second night the strain of being separated from mommy
was getting to the brave heart of the 3 year old.
We had just finished the evening bath when she looked up at me
with tear-rimmed eyes and inquired,

“Mommy said she would come back and get me…right?”

I looked down at her and said a quick yes and tried to steer her thoughts into another direction.
But within the hour her face was contorted in fear and eyes where full and ready to overflow with tears.

“My mommy is coming back to get me…right?”

This time I got down on my knees…
eye ball to eye ball with her and said…

”Ah Sweetheart your mommy loves you”

Her eyes still pleaded with me for an answer she could
wrap her 3 year old mind around.
I continued...

”Has your mama ever lied to you?”
Her little head shook “no”.

“Does she tell you the truth?” I asked.

Her little voice quivered "yes" and her eyes met mine with a raising courage
and a nodding “yes” of her head.

"Then…Yes your mama will be here tomorrow just like she promised!" I replied with a great BIG smile
Her little arms flung around my neck
as the smile returned to light up her face and off she went.

The next day as we were waving good-bye
I heard her say to her mama…

“You did come back to get me!”

This reminded me of Jesus’ promise to come back for us.

John 14:3
“When everything is ready,
I will come and get you,
so that you will always be with me where I am.”
(NLT)

All God asks of us to do is..

Be patient with the endurance to believe his promise.
Like my dear little 3 year old who was honest in her wavering hope…
she was willing to wipe away the tears and allow forbearance to take hold in her heart.

Won’t you trust that the Jesus is coming back for you?

That the Son of God tells the truth?

John 14:1-6
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so,
would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Thomas said to him,
“Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered,
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(NIV)

Prayer:
Thank you Lord for your promise to come back for me...
I am trusting you to grant me the forbearance to wait...
knowing that you hold all things in your hands...even when they get a little scary.
Amen.

Have a wonderful Easter!
Caprice <><

Rooted in Joy

3/19/2015

My sweet little grandchildren brought me over some cookies this morning…
I smiled and took a bite of the cookie they brought…
”Yummmm…did you really make these with mom?”
They both grinned from ear to ear.

What makes you happy?

If you asked my grandson he would answer…”cookies”. Then my granddaughter would interrupt to say…
”No…No…I like making the cookies with mom”. Now that is happiness…spending time with mom making cookies.

But joy now that is a bit different.

Happiness is based on our current situation… and it’s result.
Joy...on the other hand is a...centered contentment... a deep delight...a beautiful bliss
not dependent on outward circumstances.

You see if they had added salt by accident to the batter of dough, there would have been no smile with the first bite.
Their happiness would have faded.

Joy...on the other hand...is true satisfaction and pleasure.

It starts as a whisper in our heart…but then wells up into an overflowing contentment.
This fulfillment comes from the internal aspect of our faith-based relationship with the Lord.

As the cookies got gobbled up…we were on to the next event of the day…out to the green house to plant seedlings. Because our happy event of eating cookies was done they were looking for the next happy moment with grandma.

"No one can get Joy by merely asking for it. It is one of the ripest fruits of the Christian life, and,
like all fruits, must be grown."
- Henry Drummond

I had them fill 4” x 4” pots with soil
and then I placed a sprouted seed in each one of their palms.
I showed them the root and we carefully tucked the seed with its root into the warm soil.
As they gently patted it in the soil,
we talked about how the root would grow and provide for the seed until it grew its leaves.

As I have walked this path as a believer I have come to
understand that my joy…rooted in the Lord…cannot be taken away from me.

Why?

Because it has it’s roots deeply and forever planted in the truth of His love for me…
which in turn develops my love and devotion for Him.
This relationship has become my everlasting source of joy…
happiness comes and goes…
but my joy is forever and ever in the Lord!

1 Peter 1:8-9,
“You love him, although you have not seen him,
and you believe in him, although you do not now see him.
So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express,
because you are receiving the salvation of your souls,
which is the purpose of your faith in him.”
(GNT)

Caprice <><

The Choice to Love

3/11/2015

It was a beautiful winter day in Northern California…
74 degrees…warm and very sunny.
My husband and I were treating my daughter and our two grand children to an ice cream.
We walked from our ranch, down to the newly opened local store…
a very special event if you are 4 and 2 years old!

Both of them walked with a lively skip in their step, that sometimes broke into a jog.
When we got to the store, six tubs of ice cream laid chilled in the display case…barely visible when standing on tiptoe.
After great consideration, chocolate and mint chip were agreed upon.

Little, short, chubby legs swung back and forth in the booth as we waited for our order.
They watched every move of the proprietor as she prepared their cones…
Finally the awaited cones arrived and the delight of the long anticipated moment was here.
Their tongues licked luscious ice cream with smiles and eyes that sparkled.
Then the unthinkable happened…Mom asked for a bite.

1 John 4:20
“If we say we love God, but hate others, we are liars.
For we cannot love God, whom we have not seen,
if we do not love others, whom we have seen.”
(GNT)

Have you ever given anything up that was precious to you?
Something that you really wanted?

A grievous child yielded up his cone as his little heart hurt.
“You are mean mom”

His words were honest and tumbled from his heart.

“What?” asked his Mom with a slight smile curling on her lips.
He hung his head in his hands…

He knew he had no choice but to give his mom a bite.
He could not say "No" to someone he loved....
He had to sacrifice what was so very important

Not just because he had been taught manners…
but because he loves his dear Mommy so very much.

It cost him a full bite of his chocolate ice cream.

The little man that sat across from me had just experienced sacrificial love…
he surrendered his precious ice cream to his Mama.

So let’s look at a list of what love is and is not

Love Is Not
envious
boastful
rude
indecent
self-absorbed
unfair
irritable
jealous

Love Is
patient
kind
rejoices in the truth
full of hope
persistent
trusting
protective
supportive

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
(MSG)

We can sometimes overlook the simple as Christians...
forgetting to...

Love God and Love others

1 John 4:20-21
“If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar.
If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see?
The command we have from Christ is blunt:
Loving God includes loving people.
You’ve got to love both.”
(MSG)

Caprice <><

The Remedy for Neglect

3/5/2015

I have been a gardener since I was 10 years old…I love getting my hands dirty!
Working in the garden helping things to grow…over the years I have planted…
Some flowers for the eye
Vegetables to help me stay well nourished
And shade trees for a hot summer days that offer refreshment

In order for these plants to be healthy…
I need to look deep into the soil at what is it that their roots are tapping into for nutrients…

Is the soil rich?

Well watered?

Is there plenty of sunshine?

But sometimes as I have said in the past things get neglected
So I need to take a step back and take a fresh look at things...
And seek the remedy for neglect
A good look and review of what works and..
What definitely does not

Life needs an overhaul every so often too!
Time goes by and we as people tend to skate on issues and attitudes in order just to get by.
Why because if “it ain’t broke…why fix it?”...such a laziness can settle into one’s heart and attitudes rather quickly

Well I am here to tell you that anything in life worth doing…is worth doing 100%

"God is more concerned with conforming me to the likeness of His Son than leaving me in my comfort zones.
God is more interested in inward qualities than outward circumstances -
things like refining my faith,
humbling my heart,
cleaning up my thought life and
strengthening my character."
- Joni Eareckson Tada

We can sometimes overlook the simple as Christians...
forgetting to...
Love God and Love others

So lets look to what makes this work…
the following is adapted from "The Expositor's Bible Commentary"

Love = Sacrificial, unmerited deeds to help a person in need

Joy = an inner happiness not dependent on outward circumstances

Peace = Harmony in all relationships

Forbearance = putting up with others, even when one is severely tired

Kindness = Doing thoughtful deeds for others

Goodness = showing generosity to others

Faithfulness = trustworthiness and reliability

Gentleness = meekness and humility

Self-control = victory over sinful desires

Here is the great news about these attributes…they are provided for us as a gift from God.
Our Father in Heaven has given us the Holy Spirit who produces in us these characteristics!
The essence of these attributes is how we…

Love God and love others!

Galatians 5:22-26,
“God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.
There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.
And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires.
God’s Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit.
But don’t be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.”
(CEV)

Prayer:
Lord help me to live my life by
remembering to use the tools for living a life of love for others and most of all
a 100% love for you!
Amen

Caprice <><

Be a Team Player

2/20/2015

Social Media has hit us by storm.
It has many attributes, but I would also like to caution us by giving some great guidelines for being better communicators
and team players in life.

That includes all of us, no matter what role we will have, how old or young, we are all a part of the team that makes a whole. We need to put on attitudes that reflect the heart and mind of our Lord.
Not only as we serve, but also in how we treat each other.

So here are 10 guidelines I would like to share this week.

1. Address one another with encouraging words.
2. Build up hope in one another, as we serve and share life together, no one left out, no one left behind.

3. Honor those leaders/employers/parents who work hard for you and served to make possible your current circumstances. Whether in seen or unseen ways, remember to respect those who serve you.
4. Overwhelm them/each other with appreciation and love!
5. Get along among yourselves, doing your part,
warning the freeloaders to get a move on.
6. Gently encourage the stragglers, and give a helping hand to those who are exhausted…
Help them to get on their feet again.
7. When you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other.
Instead, look for the best in each other,
and always do your best to bring it out!
8. Be cheerful no matter what.
9. Pray all the time and thank God no matter what happens.
10. Don’t suppress the Spirit; don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master.
On the other hand, don’t be gullible.
Check out everything, and keep only what’s good.
Throw out anything tainted with evil.

It is interesting to note that if we can adhere to the above guidelines we will be communicating well with one another.
To adhere, hold fast, stay in contact or interacting together in a positive manner is so very important.

Romans 15:2,
“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.”
(NLT)

The above list was taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:9-22, The Message. I love looking at the word from different angles; it can open up our hearts and minds to consider what you might have otherwise just been passed over.

Be a team player in this life!

Caprice <><

Flip the Switch

2/12/2015

Sunday night we had an incredible storm came barreling through Northern California…
It wasn’t just the 8” of rain…
but the high winds of 30-56 MPH that did us all in!
Out went the lights and phone…
the electricity would not be restored until Tuesday evening.

But in the mean time life went on.

My grandson came over and in his wisdom of 4 years he looked up at the lights and stated,
”Grandma your lights are broken”.
I shared with him that the lights were okay, it was just that we had no power,
“Without the power of electricity they cannot give us the light we want.
You know how you like to turn the light switch off and on?
Well every time you do that you turn the power off and on”.

He nodded and seemed to understand that you need to be connected to the power-giving source….

Just like us!

Psalm 62:11,
“More than once I have heard God say 
that power belongs to him”
(GNT)

If we do not stay connected to the source
we too will forget what it is like to stand in the light of the “Son”.

Jeremiah 10:12-13,
“Know whom you’re dealing with!
God alone is powerful enough to create the earth.
He alone is wise enough to put the world together.
He alone understands enough to stretch out the heavens.
His voice thunders through the heavens, and the waters gush from the sky;
He summons the clouds to build up over the earth.

As the rain falls, the lightning flashes at His command;
the wind rushes in from where He alone can store it.”
(VOICE)

When you are tapped into the source you know the warmth of His love,
the strength of His care
and best of all…
The joy of His presence in your life!

Zephaniah 3:17-18a,
“The Lord your God is with you;
his power gives you victory.  
The Lord will take delight in you,  
and in his love he will give you new life.  
He will sing and be joyful over you,
as joyful as people at a festival.  ”
(GNT)

Don’t stand in the dark shrouded by
Emptiness…
Fear…
Loneliness…
Self-pity…
Hate

Instead connect to the life giving power…

1 Corinthians 6:14,
“God will raise us from death by the same power that he used
when he raised our Lord to life.”
(CEV)

Go ahead flip the switch…turn on the light…

The knowledge that God loves you and wants to have a
connection with you through Jesus!

Prayer:
Dear Lord…I am tired of standing in the dark.
I am going to take the step and flip the switch…
I will trust in your light source alone!
Thank you for giving us your love and the power that comes from
your “Son” to set us free from the darkness.
Amen

For more information and a video of Christian hip hop artist Lecrae talks about life's purpose. go to:
http://www.harvest.org/knowgod/videos.html

The Regret of Neglect!

2/6/2015

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”
R. H. Schuller

When we bought our ranch, we inherited an old orchard.
One of my favorite trees is a very old apple...guessing it is 50 years old or more.

There was a certain joy attached to bringing that orchard back to life. Providing it with the things it had been missing ...
a good pruning of the dead wood,
regular watering and
some organic sprays for protection from diseases.

Ah…the joy of spring when all the apple blossoms burst forth in a soft pink and white…
and the fresh fragrance would gently caress the air.

As the kids were growing up during the summer it was not unusual to find them up in that old tree
munching on an apple or crouched up in the canopy of leaves in a game of hide and go seek.
As the years marched on, life got busy and once again, this wonderful tree got neglected...
the lack of care has caused damage.
Out of control branches...
wood peckers and sap- suckers have damaged the branches...
the saddest is fire blight a disease that has caused the bark to peel off.
Neglect has taken a toll on that poor old tree.

I have spent hours trying to unto the damage...
Oh...the regret of neglect.

We too can neglect the…
Dead wood
Damage
Disease
In our own daily lives.

These things also need to be pruned...watered and protected.

But how?

Pruned: Review the things that weight you down and get rid of them...
simply cut them out of your life. You know what they are…
They are the things that take you away from time spent in prayer and seeking the Lord in your life.

Isaiah 59:1-2,
”See, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save,
and His ear is not closed that it cannot hear.
But your wrong-doings have kept you away from your God.
Your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.”
(NLV)
Watered: replenish and refreshment is found in staying in sync with God

Colossians 3:16,
“Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts.
Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom.
Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.”
(GNT)

Hebrews 4:12,
“The word of God, you see, is alive and moving;
sharper than a double-edged sword;
piercing the divide between soul and spirit, joints and marrow;
able to judge the thoughts and will of the heart.”
(VOICE)

Protected: Stay healthy by staying connected to your church and others who are believers.
Don't allow neglect to overcome you! I have heard too many people lately say they are
in a "funk"..."lazy"...or "lonely"
Seriously take the necessary steps and have no regrets!

Hebrews 10:25,
“We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing.
No, we need to keep on encouraging each other.
This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer.”
(ERV)

Wormy…diseased apples??
Or those that have had the love of a dedicated gardener…
healthy…free from disease?

Won’t you allow a little
Pruning
Watering
And Protection from the Lord into your hearts?

Galatians 6:7-9,
”If you think you can fool God, you are only fooling yourselves. You will harvest what you plant.
If you live to satisfy your sinful self, the harvest you will get from that will be eternal death.
But if you live to please the Spirit, your harvest from the Spirit will be eternal life.
We must not get tired of doing good.
We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time.
We must not give up.”
(ERV)

What is it you want to harvest???

Prayer:
Dear Lord be the gardener in my life...
Prune...water and protect me!
Amen

Caprice <><

Rooted Together

1/28/2015

Did you know that a redwood that stands alone is vulnerable?

Why?
Because a redwood tree has no tap-root…

They have only shallow roots that can expand
to 50-80 feet.

These roots interlock with other redwood tree roots…

Thus they support each other!

"Aloneness can lead to loneliness.
God's preventative for loneliness is intimacy…
meaningful, open, sharing relationships with one another.
In Christ we have the capacity for the fulfilling sense of belonging which comes from intimate fellowship with
God and with other believers."
- Neil T. Anderson

As Christians we need to…

Be rooted together

Support each other

Reach out to one another

Stand together when the

winds of adversity blow.

We need to form a community that cares…
Loving God and loving others

1 Peter 3:8-9,
“So all of you should live together in peace.
Try to understand each other.
Love each other like brothers and sisters.
Be kind and humble.
Don’t do wrong to anyone to pay them back
for doing wrong to you.
Or don’t insult anyone to pay them back for insulting you.
But ask God to bless them.
Do this because you yourselves were
chosen to receive a blessing.”
(ERV)

"Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays."
- Andrew Murray

Who is the one you call on in times of trial?
Are woven together in love and friendship?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12,
“Two people are better off than one,
for they can help each other succeed.
If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.
But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.
Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm.
But how can one be warm alone?
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated,
but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.
Three are even better,
for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
(NLT)

Are you part of a church?

Hebrews 10:24-25,
“We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful
and to do helpful things.
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship,
but we must not do that.
We should keep on encouraging each other,
especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.”
(CEV)

Do you know God…the true God?
He loves you and wants you to be with you forever and ever!

1 John 1:7,
“But if we live in the light, as God does,
we share in life with each other.
And the blood of his Son Jesus washes
all our sins away.”
(CEV)

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I want to be rooted together in
Your Love
the love of others
and
With the fellowship of believers
Amen!

Caprice <><

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Soul Sisters

Welcome to the
Soul Sisters Blog!
Souls Sisters is the women's ministry of Crossroads Christian Church.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!"
1 John 3:1 NIV

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