TAB for the SOUL

New Song...

2012-02-06T08:11:00.001-05:00

Singing

Psalm 98:1

Hi Dee Ho Girls ~
I had planned ahead. My clothes were ironed. My hair washed and my bed made. If I kept up this pace I’d make it to my appointment on time. Maybe not such a big deal to you, but being on time is an occasion to be celebrated in my life! Feeling pretty good about my progress I preceded to the final step in the routine; getting dressed. I love pajamas too much to take them off any sooner than necessary, so I always save dressing till the end. Just as I was securing the last button on my shirt, the crazy thing slipped off and I heard it hit the dresser. Ah, nuts!

I dropped to my knees realizing the button must be close by. I searched frantically, but couldn’t find it anywhere! I reluctantly abandoned my search to pick out another outfit. I made it to the appointment, but all day this nagging sensation to find that button plagued my subconscious. It was such a mystery to me. I knew it had to be there. It’s not like buttons can just get up and walk off, or hide away so they can get a kick out of watching you -all sprawled out on the floor looking for them.
It wasn’t until the next day that I was finally able to give ample time to the search and rescue operation. I had a plan to find the pesky thing and I would...even if it killed me. I grabbed another button, stood in the same spot and dropped it - causing it to hit the dresser – hoping it would lead me to where the other button was hiding. I know it kind of sounds like a smart plan, except I chose a fabric button, much bigger and less elusive than my delicate shell button.

Once again I found myself face down, my rear end pointed high, searching...hopelessly. It was in this lovely position that I finally said, “God! I know you know where that wretched button is. You know and I know it has to be here somewhere. Pleeeeeazzzz...help me find it.”

~I need to interrupt this story to let you know that God and I have been having some interesting conversations lately.~ See, I know God loves me. I know He will perfect that which concerns me, but it feels like He’s turned His head and is more interested in other people’s lives than mine. I know that’s not true, but I said that’s what it feels like... Just that morning I had asked Him to please give me a new song. I have lots of songs about Him, & me but they’re old...things from the past. I craved a new one - like
described in Psalm 98:1. OK back to the story....

As soon as those words fled my lips, I glanced up sideways and smack dab in the middle of the rug sat my new nemesis as plain as a lightening bug on a dark night!
Now... I can’t prove this, but there is NO WAY that thing had been there the whole time! It was less than a foot from where I’d been standing. I had scoured that floor duplicate times. Bottom line is this. Whether God blocked my eyes from seeing it (Can’t imagine how being it was in plain sight) or God literally shooed it out of obscurity - either way - God gave me a new song. Not the song I had been looking for – one with an “ahha” moment answering my questions - but a new song nonetheless. I still have the same frustrations, but today I know God has not turned His head. He’s not forgot about me!

Good news – no matter what you feel – He’s not turned His head to you either.

“Sing unto the Lord a new song for He has done marvelous things!” Do you have one? Why not ask God for one and see what happens

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

JUMP!

2012-01-22T19:14:00.002-05:00

Romans 8:33 & 37

Hey Chickadees :)

I’ve been reminded of my childhood experiences on the merry-go-round the last few days. Honestly I never like the ride, but when I did venture to give it another chance to be fun, occasionally, I’d discover the precise moment to exit the spinning disc unscathed and without a face full of dirt! But unfortunately, most of the time, my involvement with ride went something like this… I just held on for dear life, stuck, never knowing for sure when to bolt! On really good days a friend would enter my dilemma and holler, "Ok on the count of 3 Jump!" Sure enough those words of advise provided the boost I needed to help me off that beastly ride.

I've been spinning on an emotional apparatus the last 36 hours; stuck on the merry-go-round of cynicism, despair and "what's the point?" Weak I know, but true nonetheless. And it came out of nowhere, fast and furious. It started spinning me faster and faster and I needed some help to "jump" off that mentality! I thank God He sent support...twice!

Follow me here... If I asked you what tactic Satan used on Eve to tempt her to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, I wonder what you'd say...My Bible study (written by my friend, so I felt she was admonishing me over lunch at Cracker Barrel) reminded me that Satan didn't physically force Eve to take the fruit. He started his trap by planting doubt... Oh MY STARS! Like turning on a light bulb, I realized that's exactly what Satan had thrown at me. I had started believing what I could see and how I felt instead of promises like "He who began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" Phil 1:6. How about this one, "If God be for us, who can be against us? ...We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" Romans 8:33&37 There are so many more promises I could fill pages.

Maybe you have a specific verse you've been doubting lately...what is it? Let me be the friend to you that Stephanie was to me. Allow me to expose the Enemy in your life. He loves to make us doubt God's word. They say success breads success. The whole "Doubt God" thing has been working for him for a long time. JUMP my friend! He's a liar and a defeated foe. We're the victorious ones, not him! Remember that ;)

Then just to confirm what I heard in my Bible study, I received an email from my friend Trudy and it said, "I don't get discouraged because I know that the victory has already been won and that I am merely in the midst of skirmishes." You know, she's right! We've already won! Yippee!

I'd love to hear the scripture(s) your believing right now! Post them on Facebook or leave them in the comment section. I need to be reminded of His promises too!

Hope & Glory! To You ~ Love

Rebecca

tabforthesoul.blogspot.com

For Pete's Sake...

2012-01-10T08:13:00.000-05:00

Disappointment With God is a book written by Phillip Yancy. During the writing of the book he found himself in the Chicago O' Hare Airport enduring a 5 hour flight delay on his way to attend a conference. The long delay and the late hour combined to create a melancholy mood. Next to him sat a wise, Godly woman headed to the same conference. During those long hours the two had plenty of time to rehash all of their childhood dysfunctions, the disappointments with the church, and their questions of faith.

Then for several minutes Phillip poured out his questions and frustrations about God... Because of the research he had done for his book, he felt burdened by other people's pain and sorrow. His mind rolled around trying to explain all the disappointments, the unanswered prayers. His new friend listened to him as he unpacked the questions of his heart. And then out of nowhere she asked a question that he says has stayed with him a long time. She asked, "Phillip. Phillip, do you ever just let God love you?"

I heard this story during one of Chuck Swindol's messages. It stopped me in my tracks. I've been trying so hard to get it all done and to do it all well; striving for something, but I don't even know for sure what! I too wear the burden of others heartaches and the wrongs of society. Suddenly I felt those words grasp my heart on both sides and force me to look up. I heard God say, "Rebecca! Rebecca, will you ever just let Me love you?"

Then it dawned on me. God's been trying to get my attention. He's been trying to love me. These unexpected blessings lately, it's been God saying, "Rebecca, for Pete's sake, will you just let Me love you?"

That is why He came, you know. Why else would He leave His dream job, His dream home, His best friends? He did it so we could be in relationship with Him. He is such a humble, sacrificial God! Let that wash over you today!

Jeremiah 31:3 "... I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

So I ask you..."Will you ever just let Him love you?"

Hope & Glory! To You ~ Love

Rebecca

This is it!

2011-12-22T07:05:00.004-05:00

Hey All ~

Its not like their assistants could just pick up the phone and call the travel agent to book their trip. In fact they didn’t even have the convenience of a phone or an airport. They only possessed a hunch…and lots of power to act upon it. They gathered their resources and made the arrangements; all the while looking up each night to make sure that star was not some crazy figment of their imagination.

The hired guides mapped out the safest route. Moving high profile men through the desert with minimal protection proved to be no small feat. This gig could be the big brake these escorts have been looking for! Imagine the business they’d pick up if all went well…then again, one little misstep and they wouldn’t have to worry their little turban heads about where their next job would come from. They probably won’t even have a head to worry about! The royal chefs and bakers whipped up some of their respective king’s favorite comfort foods. The members of the entourage kissed their loved ones good- bye as the date for departure arrived. And the gift…yeah, the gift…what to bring the newborn king? Each wise man secured the exquisite gift they chose and delivered it to the hands of their most trusted servant.

After days of grueling journey, they found themselves in the outskirts of a humble village. The night sky seemed black as midnight with the exception of a single starry diamond illuminating planet earth. Tonight felt different. Maybe this would be the day all of their effort and sacrifice would be worth it. Perhaps this would be the night they could find the king they had come so far to honor. Suddenly the head guide shouted, “Hold up everyone.” The command passed back through the group and the camels slowed, circling the area. “This is it! ”

The Wise men looked around and then glanced at each other with a raised eyebrow and repeated, “This is it? This? Are you certain?” One could almost hear the dust mites in their snug dirt huts as everyone held their breath for the confirmation. The guides hopped off their beasts, spread out the map holding the torch close enough to see. Instinctively the head guide looked up to the heavenly marker as the rest of the group followed suit. “Yep. No mistake folks. This is it!”

This…is it? This is the chosen destination?

The countless hours, the manpower and the risk lead us to “this”? I honestly don’t know what the Wise men expected, but I think it’s pretty safe to say they didn’t exactly expect “this”. Were they expecting to be greeted and courted to a fine feast and luxurious accommodations? After all they had sacrificed to make the journey, it hardly seems an unreasonable wish. While we don’t know all that happened, we do know they didn’t let the “this” in their life stop them from giving their very best. We know they didn’t turn around in a huff and go home. We know they found the Christ Child and offered their very best; gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Can you relate? You’ve had times you’ve given and sacrificed. And although you don’t really say it out loud, deep in your heart you wish God had something better up his sleeve for you; a better role, a more exciting task, a greater influence, a prettier spot, a better salary, a happier marriage or even just a husband! But you find yourself with wrinkled forehead as you ask, “This is it?”

May the example of the Wise men encourage us not to hold back our best when our “this” is not what we expected. What I love about this thought is that the Wise men understood the gift for Jesus would mean the same to Him in “this” spot as in the one they had imagined. So it is with us. Don’t hold back for a better day or a better “this”. Give Him your all in “this” place today!

Merry Christmas everyone! As you give and receive gifts this year, let them each be a humble token of the greatest gift ever given.

Hope & Glory to You!

Rebecca

Who are "they"?

2011-12-06T12:50:00.003-05:00

Hello All ~

I've spent a big chunk of the afternoon composing an article that in the end I decided it was in everyone's best interest not to post :) So I will go with plan B, which in reality, I discovered is God's plan A. So here it is ~ God's plan A for this post:

They "...meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."

Joseph declared that statement to his brothers regarding their loving, brotherly decision to throw him in a pit, sell him to some foreigners, fake his death and lie to their father about his whereabouts. If you don't know the story, Joseph ends up being a super powerful guy, in a super important role and the story ends with basically, "and they lived happily ever after." I love this story mainly due to the blissful way it all turns out and my shameless fetish for happy endings!

But we also know that much of Joe's life consisted of immense heartache, disappointment and betrayal. Yet somehow in the midst of all the disillusionment and setbacks he discovered comfort and strength in the sovereignty of his God.

I just have a simple question for you today... who or what is the "they" in your life? You know, the person or temptation or circumstance that threatens your well being, your emotional health, your relational stability, your financial position, your spiritual status... I don't know about you but I need to be reminded that "they" are not in control. "They" can mean fierce destruction and ruin for me, but what "they" meant for evil, God meant for good. "If God be for you, who can be against you?" Romans 8:31

May you find comfort in that simple truth today :)

Hope & Glory! To You ~Love

Rebecca

Phewwwyyyyy!

2011-11-29T07:28:00.006-05:00

Hello Everyone ~

I have plenty of days I feel like a lousy wife and housekeeper, but every now and then I get the sense that I've done it right that day. Those days usually consist of clean clothes in my husband’s drawer and a luscious aroma from my kitchen, greeting all who enter through the door. I don't know if smells mean that much to other people, but I love things to smell good! A pleasant fragrance gives me the illusion that all is right with the world.

The other day I took my mom and my aunt to a well-known restaurant to celebrate my mom's birthday. The restaurant's rave revues amped up my expectation of the occasion. I couldn't wait to try it!

We pulled into the back lot and the three of us split up to begin our search for the entrance. I wondered down a side corridor to a large wooden door. Through the glass pane I my eye caught sight a stately old fountain surrounded by a charming terrace. I could see the water gently cascading over the sides splashing into the basin below. The late morning sun soaked the space with a happy glow casting gentle shadows from the large tropical plants scattered about. Oh, how lovely. I walked back toward the my dinner partners and yelled, "Hey, I think I found it!" Yeah, we were almost in!

My mom and aunt quickly made their way to my secret side entrance and I pulled open the brown wooden door. Then it hit me...Phhheweyyyy... this place stinks! I'm not sure what instigated the smell. I suppose it could have been the old building or sulfur water or actually who knows what. But all of my information had failed to mention the foul odor that would take your breath away the minute you stepped inside.

Despite my first impression, I must say we did thoroughly enjoy our time there. The food and the service matched its reputation and I would definitely go back, but next time I'll take a deep breath before I enter. (I did notice the smell was worse in that side corridor. When we left I saw an employee spraying room freshener along that hall!)

That experience made such an impression on me it caused me to ask myself, "What smells do I emit when people enter into my life?"On a side note, I have a perplexing question I like to ask people. “If you were meeting the President would you rather look good and smell bad or smell good and look bad.” It’s so interesting to hear people’s answers and reasons! (I'd love to hear your choice too!)

The other day Ronnie was helping me find something on the Internet so I had leaned in close to him. After a few seconds, he pulled away from me and started sniffing...(I hate it when he starts sniffing!) Then he wrinkled his nose and asked with a tinge of disgust, "Have you eaten some garlic today?" Truth is I could have, but I honestly didn't know. Apparently I had eaten something pungent!

Here is what I realized. Whatever we put in our lives will eventually come through some way. II Corinthians 2:14 - 16 talks about us being a sweet savor unto God... but am I? I guess it depends on what I allow into my life. Maybe I have garlic in my soul. What do I feed on? (not just physically but spiritually, emotionally, socially speaking...) What do I dwell on? What am I living for? Who or what do I truly love? Am I full of pride and self? Am I not dealing with things I need to deal with? If any of those answers are contrary to what the Bible says than chances are I could be like the restaurant; nothing out of the norm from outside the door, but open it up and pheweyyy...I stink!

I don't want to stink when someone gets up close or opens the door to my home or my life. I want to be a sweet smelling savor unto the Lord... I plan on taking some time this weekend to ask Him. I wonder what He will say... Whatever it is, at least I know it doesn't have to stay stinking! I can make it right and be that sweet savor He desires and deserves.

Hope & Glory! To You ~ Love

Rebecca

P.S. I love hearing from you! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. We need each other :) You are like iron that sharpens iron to me and I appreciate you taking the time to write!

One Big Idea...

2011-11-15T07:52:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone ~

I’ve had one big idea sort of …how shall I say it…STAMPEDING through my thoughts this week. It may seem silly to you because it’s certainly not rocket science. In fact it’s quite basic and in a sense I guess I’ve known it all along, but the reality of it just hit me afresh this week. Remember the old fashioned Polaroid film that you could watch develop before your eyes? Yeah, that’s how I felt as the big picture of life came into clearer view.

It all started with a couple of – again – simple questions. Here’s the first one. Who was God’s physical body on earth? Duh…this in not a trick question. Yes, the answer is Jesus. But if you know your Bible, you know that in Acts 1 the disciples watched as Jesus descended into Heaven…so no more God on earth. Just saying that makes me feel empty and hopeless. I wouldn’t want to live one second without Him.

But we also know that the story doesn’t end there. God sent His Spirit to indwell every person who has trusted Him as Savior. (Ephesians 1:13) So question number two: Now who is God’s physical body on earth? This is the big idea that I am just laser stuck on! It’s you and me! We have replaced Jesus…yikes, right? Well, no. Not yikes; more like “Oh my stars!” This is the cool part. When you accepted Christ as your Savior, God gave you a specific gift to use to accomplish His purpose in the body of Christ.

I love how God gives us tangible examples to help us understand spiritual truth. Enter the example from Romans 12:4 – 8 explaining how each member of our physical body is needed for you and me to function at full capacity. We get that; I mean which part of your body would you like to chop off? (ok maybe a few fat cells but…you get the point) He translates that picture into a spiritual truth. Together with other believers we make up the body of Christ. We do not have to be Christ all by ourselves, but we unite together with the other parts of the body to enhance and grow His Kingdom!

Now the body of Christ has parts different from our physical body parts. Instead of hands and bones and internal organs etc…God’s body consists of parts like teaching, exhorting, mercy, administration, giving, helps and the list goes on.

So suddenly this week I get it…I have a huge purpose. I’ve been equipped by God, gifted if you will, to participate in replacing His physical body on this earth. Whoa. But, I don’t have to replace Him by myself. I’m not the only part of the body…in fact I’m only part of the body. If I use my gifts and you use yours…together we make a powerful and beautiful body of Christ.

Do you know what your gifts are? If not, find out! You’ll never be more satisfied and fulfilled then when you fulfill the purpose God has given you! You may be just the hand to go with my fingers. You may be the foot that leads the rest of the body to our place of ministry.

Let’s not leave each other hanging! Together we work ToGetHer! …Or him J

I want to be one of those...

2011-11-08T06:54:00.005-05:00

Howdy All ~

I've been dealing with a wart this week. Yuk. I know. Not the skin kind; the worry kind. I'm ashamed to admit that. You'd think after all I know about God and all I know about His word, I wouldn't get caught up in it anymore...but I did this week, even messing up my sleep. Generally all I have to do is get near my pillow and I'm out! But not this week. Why? I was trying to solve all my concerns by myself without factoring in my God who loves me and has sufficient grace to supply my need.

One of my issues has been the barrage of bad news about some dear people around me; people who know God but choosing to walk away ...breaks my heart. But even in the midst of disappointment, God will always have His remnant. Like a bright splash of color in a dull black & white picture, I heard the following true story recently.

An ice cream shop up North provided a great local hangout for kids wanting something fun to do without getting in trouble. The only problem was this shop, along with many other local businesses, took a huge economic hit with the financial down turn. The owner struggled as long as he could but finally announced he just couldn't make it anymore. He'd have to close up shop.

A local youth group heard about this man's dilemma and came up with a plan to help. They agreed to work for the man without pay to help ease his financial burden until he could get back on his feet. A local business man, Inspired by the young people's example and kindness, wanted to join in the blessing. He sent a check to pay for a month's rent. Together, this community pulled the shop through the lean months and the man managed to get his head above water and keep his business afloat! What a great story, eh?

I encourage you this week to remember even in the midst of a wacko world, God has His remnant of people who will still do right, who will still sacrifice their own comfort for the well being of another, who will still love the Lord with all their heart, all their soul and all their mind!

I want to be one of those, don't you? :)

Hope & Glory! To You ~ Love

Rebecca

PS ~ Love on someone today :) You never know what it may mean to them!

2011-10-24T06:56:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone ~

I've been struggling lately. I don't know what my problem is. Ok...maybe I know a little what it is, but when the truth pops up, I shake my head and say, "Oh that's stupid!" I don't want something so minor to have such a major impact on me... Listen to my friend Stephanie from her new book Ecclesiastes: Understanding What Matters Most. It hit me hard. Shook me out of my funk. Put the fear of God in me. My discontent isn't a minor issue. Left unchecked it has destructive potential. Time to dethrone it's seat!

"As I sit here with my pen in hand and my own heart ready for a little self- examination, I'm reminded of several women I know who have paid a high price for 'being discontent.' Oh sister, hear my heart! I may not have seen the cause, but I've often seen the effects and I truly want to convey how rocky the road can be when it begins with a discontent heart...the grass is never greener on the other side...in fact, it's just as weed infested over there as it is where you are right now. I've seen too many women hurting , too many homes in financial mess, and too many marriages suffering needlessly at the hands of a discontent heart. It may seem extreme, but if a discontent heart can cause Israel to cry our for a king at its own peril, what can it make you and me cry our for, and at what cost?"

Stephanie's right...The great nation of Israel began it's downfall because they were discontent with what God had given them...yikes. I appreciate the warning, Stephanie! I don't want to follow Israel's path.

One more quote from the first lesson of Stephanie's new 6 week Bible study book, "When our path seems more appealing to us than God's, it is evident we don't really understand His love." I love that truth. I needed to be reminded of that today :)

Thanks Stephanie! Check out her book ~ Ecclesiastes: Understanding What Matters Most

http://www.stephanieshott.com

POST PURCHASE LINKS:

http://tinyurl.com/6j9vqby (Amazon)

http://tinyurl.com/6cj2elt (Christianbook.com)

http://tinyurl.com/63obfhr (Barnes and Noble)

http://tinyurl.com/3kxhgql (Booksamillion.com)

Hope & Glory To You! Love

Rebecca

Rocky For Short

2011-10-10T07:40:00.000-04:00

Rocky For Short

Psalm 23: 4-6

Happy Day All ~

I gritted my teeth and tried to remain as calm and "adult like" as possible while I hollered out, "Rocky, COME here!" Rockingham is the full name of my parent's sassy little yorky, who we call Rocky for short. (My sweet little nephew Thomas used to yell, "Here, Rocky for short. Here boy!" Thinking his nickname was "Rocky for Short".) The itsy bitsy dog is way too big for his britches and darts here and there faster than a pinball flicked by the rubber flippers. Rocky and I were supposed to be taking a walk, but he decided running all over, paying absolutely no attention to my frequent calls to come back and wreaking havoc in the neighborhood fit more to his agenda. (I know what you're thinking, "Why didn't you just use a leash?" Yeah, that is a good question I suppose, but we never needed one for my dog, Pandora. My mom & dad didn’t even own one. So, habit I guess...)

When suddenly, out of nowhere, Rocky heard the deep, threatening barks from a dog quadruple his size. He came bounding to my side like I was his long lost buddy and why hadn’t I called or written? I picked up the scrawny little guy and his quivering body snuggled into my shoulder and neck like we were made for each other.

I love that silly dog. It didn’t matter to me that he had been ignoring my every command all morning. Ain’t no way (to all you English teachers; pardon my language) I was going to let that big dog get him or even intimidate him. At that moment, my main goal was to make sure that Rocky knew he was safe with me! I snuggled him right back and carried him the whole way through the scary part of our walk.

That seems like an unimportant event in the routine of life, yet that day God used it to speak a life lesson to me. He showed me the big ole dog in my life may not go away, but He would walk with me and even hold me tight through the scary part! I know sometimes it feels you are walking it alone, but rest assured you have never left His sight, not even for a second! He's holding you, interceding for you, and making a way where there seems to be no way!

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23:4-6

The ole ego...tough stuff

2011-10-04T11:22:00.000-04:00

Psalm 51:17

Hi Ya Gang ~

I would not describe this as a good week for the ole ego... Don’t feel bad for me. (You had no intention of doing that, did you!) It’s been a great thing for me. It brought me face down...literally.

With my face on the carpet before God, I reflected back to more frantic days in my life. Desperate described my most current state back then. Those were bittersweet times for me. Bitter because they hurt so much; sweet because God seemed almost tangible. I wanted that same humbleness back in my life. So this week I repented of my self- sufficiency. I told God I want to choose a broken spirit. I want to embrace my need and His ability to satisfy it.

It felt good to have nothing to offer God, to be totally abandon and in desperate need of Him. Here is the amazing thing. Since I’ve stopped trying to be a one-woman show, God has kicked it up a notch in my life! It’s almost like He’s enjoying “showing off” on my behalf.

That’s just like Him though. You can never out give Him, out sacrifice Him, or out surrender Him. Psalm 51:17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Your humbleness He cannot resist!” Psalm 37:18 reminds us, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

May you know the pure joy of utter surrender and brokenness today!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

It's Crazy Like That...

2011-09-26T07:20:00.002-04:00

Psalm 100

Hey Everybody ~

I heard a guy say: Imagine everything you own and everyone you love being removed from you life (pause a minute to really imagine that devastation – all you own, all your relationships, freedoms, pleasures, comforts) …and then you received it all back. Just how thankful would you be?

Is there any part of that statement you can relate to? Boy, I can. I bet you can too. In reality, I can’t say I’ve lost everything, but I have experienced periods of enormous loss. And by God’s mercy I’ve received many things restored back into my life. Those reclaimed losses are usually the first things that come to mind when someone asks me what I’m grateful for: my eyesight, hot water, my own home, a husband who comes home at night…you get the point.

Do you remember the Bible story in Luke 17 of the ten lepers? All ten received complete healing, but only one came back to thank Jesus. I love to imagine the scene. This motely looking crew shouts from several feet away, “Master have mercy!” Jesus instructs them to make their way to the priest. I see them one by one look down at their hands and other limbs, then up to Jesus and then down at their hands again. They give each other a sly sideways expression as if to say, “Is it my imagination or are my hands as soft as a baby’s bottom?” As their new reality begins sinking in, from the guttural depths of their being they let out a long, loud “whoop!”. After slapping a few high fives and passing out a hug to the nearest comrade, one by one they turn to run toward the Temple. Soon the whole group’s back is to Jesus with dust billowing up behind them.

Then in the midst of the commotion it appears as if one of the pack has slowed and is falling behind. Soon he comes to a dead stop. While almost being trampled by those passing him by, the man turns back slowly as if some miraculous discovery has dawned on him. For a few seconds he seems frozen in time oblivious to the ruckus surrounding him. In the midst of his joy and relief he almost failed to thank the One who changed his life forever. Through the dust cloud he notices Jesus still standing there. It’s not too late! And then like a ball shot from a cannon, he sprints toward the feet of Jesus! His knees hit the earth first and the rest of his body follows suit. His words mingle with sand and dirt as his face bows as low to the ground as possible and spill out thanks to the One who restored what he thought he had lost. An amazing scene indeed.

God has done some pretty miraculous things in my life and yet like the other nine how easily I forget. I have a tendency to remember all the things I’ve lost – but today – I want to be the one who remembers what I’ve received. Granted, many people and things may have been removed from your life as well, but I’d venture to say that countless blessings have been added too. Thank him for all that you have! “Come into his presence with singing and into His courts with praise.” Psalm 100. God loves a thankful heart. He notices them.

Maybe you’ll find like I did, the more you thank God, the more you discover you have to be thankful for! Thankfulness; it’s crazy like that!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Courage

2011-09-19T09:29:00.001-04:00

Song of Solomon 7:10

Hello Everyone ~

Several weeks ago a special speaker challenged a group of women with a statement I haven’t been able to forget. He said, “I pray God will grant you the courage to believe every single thing God says about you...(My heart cringed a little because I knew I needed the guts to take a good hard look at my heart and remove or add whatever didn’t match His words) - but then he continued, “…no matter how good it is”. What? Believe every single thing God says about me, no matter how good it is? Wow, I hadn’t thought of that before. I suppose believing the good things merits equal importance to believing the corrective words, right? So what exactly does God say about you & me? Here are just a few:

Zephaniah 3:17~ “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Ever sang over someone or to someone? Can you just picture God singing over you? Wonder what it sounds like!

Jeremiah 31:3 ~ “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Wish you felt worthy to be PURSED by someone important? The God of the universe loves you and wants you...that’s why He Draws you...don’t resist Him!

Isaiah 54:17 ~ “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.” Vulnerable & Alone? No! Your heritage, as a servant of God, is not destruction...no matter how it may look

Isaiah 49:15 &16 ~ “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of [my] hands; thy walls [are] continually before me.” If you have no paper (or I-phone!) where you do write down something important? On the palm of your hand! You are engraved on God’s!
Your family may forget you, but God will NOT!

Psalm 138:8 ~ “The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” Perfection takes time and commitment. God will not leave you 1/2 done or unfinished! He is committed to you till the end.

Romans 8:26 ~ “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” When was the last time someone groaned out intercession on your behalf? Did you realize the Spirit does this for you?

Song of Solomon 7:10 ~ “I am beloved’s and his desire is toward me.” ‘ nough said!

May God give us the courage to believe every single thing He says about us...no matter how good it is.

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love Rebecca

It’s So…Daily

2011-09-12T07:12:00.001-04:00

II Corinthians 12:9

Hello All ~
Life is so...daily, isn’t it? I mean, just about the time you get all the laundry done, it’s time to mop the floor. When the floor is done the bushes need trimming. After the bushes are done, you discover there’s no food in the house so it’s a trip to the grocery store. (Why do I hate the grocery store so much? Anybody else?) You get the groceries put away just in time to iron that shirt. Then before you know it, the laundry basket is full again! And that’s just an example of homecare duties; it says nothing to all the other “hats” we wear.
Those burdens all sounds so trivial compared to the recent conversation I had with one of my dearest friends in world. She’s facing surgery, intense radiation and six weeks of chemotherapy. She will undoubtedly loose all her hair...again. Yes, she’s been through this before. But my friend has decided to depend on God. She’s been focused on a principle Corrie Ten Boom learned when she was a little girl.

As Corrie prepared to take a train ride with her father, she worried daily about not having her ticket in her possession. She nearly pestered her father to death. Finally, her dad had had enough. He sat her down and explained, “Corrie, stop fretting. I’ve got it covered. When you get ready to board the train, I will give you your ticket. I promise. You don’t need it till then.”

Sometimes, like Corrie, we get twanged out because we don’t have enough strength or resources for the future obstacles in our lives. (guilty)We can’t possibly see how we can make it through the week or the months ahead. But my friend reminded me that just as Corrie’s father would give her the train ticket at the essential moment, God would deliver the ticket of grace to her exactly when she needs it...and not one minute before.

So whether you’re conquering a full laundry basket, dealing with a difficult relationship, or loosing your hair, His ticket of grace is so... daily. Wait for it. He will not fail. He promised, “My grace is sufficient for you…” II Corinthians 12:9
Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love
Rebecca

Confession

2011-08-29T09:03:00.001-04:00

Revelation 4:11

Happy Day to You~

I have a confession to make. I realized doing a Bible study question this week, that as much as I cringe to admit it, I view the world revolving around me. Yes, that is embarrassing to disclose, but it also explains a few things. That’s why I feel self conscious sometimes…I think everyone and everything is looking at me. That’s why I don’t always worship the way I feel in my heart…I think I’m surrounded by everyone focused on me. That’s why I find myself worrying about what other think. Me me me me me me me…

In case you’re wondering if you have the same problem, here is a good diagnostic question. Who do you look for first in the family photo? Maybe if you stop to think about it you would join me in that confession.

Do you know what Revelation 4 says about God’s throne? The 24 elders surround the throne. The beasts are around the throne crying, “Worthy, worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” A rainbow encircles the throne. It is quite frightening to realize sometime I put myself there instead of God…eek

It has helped this week to picture myself as just one around the throne…not on it. It has freed me up from worrying what others think when I worship God, when I present myself to Him. He is so worthy of every ounce of praise and sacrifice I offer. I don’t want to waste time being anxious about what others think.

So… who or what will your world revolve around today? There is only room for one.

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

What Was My Problem? Simple...

2011-08-22T07:09:00.000-04:00

What Was My problem? Simple…

Psalm 119:105

Hello All ~

It was dark:30 a.m. (I don’t know the exact time, but it was early and it was dark!) Ronnie and I both awoke to the sound of Herschel’s tail beating on the side of the bed like a drum. Ronnie sprang up out of bed and I followed! We needed to figure out how our dog escaped the kitchen barricade. Ronnie glided noiselessly through the doorway towards the kitchen. Like Robin partners with Batman, I shadowed close behind him…until my body mass collided with the sheet rock of our bedroom wall, bunging me dead in my tracks. I stopped (obviously) dazed and brainless for a few seconds trying to figure out what just happened. I think God must get a kick out of times like that.

Now generally (I say generally, because I cannot in clear conscious claim that it never happens) I have no problem making it through the doorway without running into the wall. So what was my problem this morning? Simple. It was dark. I had no light. I couldn’t see a thing. (I know Ronnie couldn’t either, but …he’s sort of like Spiderman. One time he slipped into the pool and no lie – he caught himself before he got wet! I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes) If only I’d had just a little light I’m pretty sure I would have managed through the doorway without a hitch.

Believe it or not, this silly incident excites me about knowing and memorizing scripture. The Word of God is just like the light I needed this morning. “Thy Word is a lamp unto me feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

See, this morning I just crashed into the wall. There were no injuries, no after affects. But life is not always like that. We cannot make it through life without the light of God’s word to warn us of harm and keep us from evil. “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11

All that to say, memorize God’s word. Use it to fight off the Enemy! “The word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…” Hebrews 4:12

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

I Spy...

2011-08-08T09:35:00.003-04:00

I Spy…

Matthew 5:16

Hey, Got A Question For You ~

Do you agree with this statement: “Everybody is being watched by somebody”? Let me ask it another way: “Who do you notice or watch?”

In the office, do you note how a coworker or employer conducts business? Do you notice if your neighbor faithfully walks the dog or if they always wave hello when they check the mail? What about how others eat, how much salt they use or if they don’t eat the bread? Do you observe if someone is consistently friendly or sour, even if you don’t know them very well? Parents, do you watch how other parents, parent? Married couples, do you notice how other married couples treat each other? Do girls watch boys? And on and on it goes…news flash ~ People watch you, just like you watch them! Even my dog, Herschel, loves to go up on the top porch of our house and spy on all the neighbors in their backyards.

Be encouraged today. What you do matters. It matters to someone. I don’t know who it matters to, and more than likely neither do you, but I can tell you it does. I love this quote: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring – all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

My prayer for us is that we would be so full of the love and peace of God that we will spill out all over the place! Someone is watching! “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

Frozen or Fresh?

2011-08-01T09:41:00.001-04:00

Frozen Or Fresh?

Psalm 19

Hey Everyone

I have a question for you. Would you rather have a frozen TV dinner or a home cooked meal with fresh ingredients? Duh…I know that’s a stupid question. Another stupid question – which one is the healthiest, most nutritious? Of course the fresh meal is going to be. But so many of us choose the quick food solution, right? Right. Why? It’s quick. It requires very little effort on our part. The clean up is a snap…chunk it in the trash when you’re done, dish and all. I just wonder how differently we’d feel if we ate better. (I said I just wondered. I didn’t say I was going to try it!)

I couldn’t help but think about the spiritual food I eat. How much of it is fast food, prepared ahead of time by someone else? How much of it am I preparing on my own? In studying for Sunday’s lesson I very nearly made a huge mistake. I almost skipped my own digging into the passage and jumped right in to what someone else had already prepared. It sure would be quicker. The clean up would be a snap. The only problem…it may be rubbery or stale or frost bitten, but most of all, not very nutritious.

What about you? I love Bible studies – I’ve been highly enriched by them and they most definitely have their place, but sometimes you just need to leave off all the extras and see what God wants to give you…fresh…directly from His Spirit to yours. Take the time – It’s worth it. “…the law of the LORD…sweeter also then honey and the honeycomb.” Psalm 19

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

2011-07-25T07:19:00.002-04:00

James 1:15

Howdy ~

A few weeks ago, glancing out my window, I spotted something growing in one of my poolside flowerpots. I hadn’t planted anything there, but I didn’t think much of it. My curiosity piqued. I wondered what it would be so I decided to leave it alone; besides I didn’t really have time to fool with it. A few days later I noticed this “thing” getting bigger. It appeared to be some type of weed or maybe even a tree. The snarly thing looked long and branchy with defined edges. It was an obvious eye sore to the rest of the pretty flowers by the pool. It reminded me of the picture puzzles we saw when we were kids in the doctor’s office magazines that asked, “What’s wrong with this picture”. But it could wait. That pesky thing was the least of my worries.

A week or so passed and I noticed the blasted thing again. As I walked by, I nonchalantly grabbed it to pull it out, but quickly yanked my hand away. My mystery plant didn’t intend to go away quietly. Whatever this vegetation’s name, it included little baby thorns all up and down its stalk. I tried again this time being much more deliberate in where I placed my hand, but to no avail. I needed my gloves to get rid of this thing. Ah… I didn’t want to mess with it now. I’d take care of it later.

Every time I’d look out my window all I could see was this “thing” growing bigger. I’d have this nagging thought “You know you’ve got to get that out of there”. Every time I’d tell myself, “Ah yeah, I know. I don’t want to deal with it now. I’ll do it later.”

Finally I could not ignore the “thing” any longer. By now it grown as tall as the shrubs around it. Finally I grabbed hold of myself and said, “Doggone it Rebecca. Take care of it…right now! Take 5 minutes. Dig out your little garden gloves and pluck the crazy thing out!”

So I did…. or at least I tried. The initial little sprig had developed into a full-blown branch, and its roots had run deep into my pot. I tugged and grunted and tugged some more trying to loosen the plant’s grip on its illegally gained territory. No doubt I was a darling sight! I just kicked myself (interesting imagery, eh!) for not taking the 2 extra seconds that first day to grab my gloves and pull the little fiend out. Now instead of a quick fix, I needed garden tool reinforcements. After several minutes of wrenching and tugging it finally surrendered! Victory at last!

As I flung the thing into the pond, I thought, “What an unnecessary ordeal this had become.” If I had pulled it out when it was small it would have been quick and painless, not to mention all that wasted energy I used warding off the nagging thoughts to take care of it. Instead, I waited till it was so out of control, special measures had to be taken to rid myself of the problem. Wow. What a life lesson.

How many things do I ignore because I don’t want to deal with it now? When will I learn that it’s only going to get more difficult and zap more energy the longer I wait? Who says weeds don’t have a purpose? This weed sure did. I should have dealt with it right away. It would have been easier on both of us! May I never forget my lesson from the weed!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca

If I Had Been Creator...

2011-07-11T10:04:00.001-04:00

If I Had Been Creator…

Revelation 4:11b

Good Morning~
The gorgeous day enticed me do it. I decided to bite the bullet, put off my “to do” list and enjoy one of my all-time favorite things. It had been awhile since I’d been, so I packed up my stuff and cruised on down JTB to the beach. It did not disappoint me. The bright hot sun with a nice cool breeze that felt like a fan blowing on you the whole time created the perfect day! Is Florida great or what!
I rarely get in the water, but I do usually venture down to the shoreline to feel the intensity of the ocean’s presence. I don’t know that I ever stand there, tide splashing around my feet, sand rushing out from under me, that I don’t feel a sense of awe at such a magnificent and powerful God. I am reminded of how glad I am to be on His side! (Can I get a witness!)
This particular day I had been standing there simply staring out into the vastness, swishing my feet back and forth, when a wave came in and I witnessed one little shell float in and then burrow down under the sand as the tide dissipated.

And this thought occurred to me: If I hadn’t been standing here, it’s very likely that no one in this whole wide world would ever have seen that shell. Then I looked out into the mass of water and tried to imagine all the creatures and activity in the ocean depths that no man will ever see. Next my mind took flight to the Amazon and then great forests and mountains. I couldn’t help but ask, “God, why have you created so many amazing things that no one will ever see?!”
If I had been creator, the world would probably look a lot like my Christmas tree. You know, splashing all the jazz on the sides of the tree that everyone sees, but the backside? Not so much. That’s where all the homemade or school project ornaments go, a few lights and a holly or two, just to ease your conscious...or worse yet, nothing at all!
But God isn’t me (and we can all say AMEN to that!) He did fashion mind-boggling creatures that only He would see. Why? I don’t know all the reasons but I do believe one explanation is because – He likes it! Yes...God delights. “...for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11b
Hey, guess what? You know all those things you do that seems that no one sees?

Times when you feel you did a good job,
but no one will ever know?
Times when your hair turned out just great,
but you’ve got no place to go?
There is One who enjoys, no, delights!
in watching your every move.
No matter what anyone else will say
Guess what? He’s loving your groove!

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love
Rebecca

Ahh...relax

2011-06-15T13:55:00.002-04:00

Relax

Ecclesiastes 11:4-6

Hello All ~

Just curious…any perfectionist out there? A perfectionist is someone who only wants to do something if they think it will be perfect. If it’s not going to be perfect, than they will either procrastinate or not do it. For example, if they can’t get their house cleaned perfectly - they won’t do it at all. (Oh! So that’s why you’re house is a wreck! See, you knew there was a logical reason.) Or if that project cannot be done to it’s fullest potential, they want no part of it.

I must admit; I have these tendencies…OK, Ok…maybe it’s more than tendencies, but I’m making progress. There are a lot of things I could say about perfectionism, most of it bad. But actually, the idea of wanting to do things right is good and from God. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” The problem comes when I become out of balance and demand that the outcome be to my liking and control. My fear of failure urges me to reject any bit of vulnerability I may sense. And I fail in trusting the results to God to do as He sees fit. Anybody else?

Ecclesiastes 11 says that if we observe the wind we’ll never sow and he that regards the clouds will not reap…meaning if you have to wait for every condition to be right - you’ll never do it. It goes on to say, “In the morning sow your seed and at night go out and reap…for how do you know what God will make good?”

Exactly. So you know what…just go for it! Just do your best with what you’ve got. Not the best you’ve ever had - more energy in the past, more resources - just the energy and resources you have right this moment. Who but God knows what will happen! Whew…once you’ve obeyed…relax.

Hope & Glory! to You ~ Love

Rebecca