Refuge for a Single Mom

Last week, my girl Becki and I were discussing some things.  (And by the way, I just want to publicly say what a wonderful friend, listener and encouragement she’s been to me lately!  Thank you sweetie – you rock!)  In particular, we were talking about relationships, witnessing to others and spreading God’s Word, when finally, she simply says to me, “just let your light shine through”.  How simple – right?

1 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives,

2 as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.

3 Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses;

4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.  I Peter 3:1-4

Yeah, I realize that this refers to wives in particular, and no, I’m not getting at anything…but I think it is sound advice for anyone – especially single moms thrown back out into the dating world of today.

For some of us, we’ve been Christians a long time and it all comes through very naturally, no matter what the social circumstances.

For others of us, we became dedicated Christians during a ‘down time’ (in an incubator of sorts) when we were only concerned with ourselves and our children.  We didn’t have to deal with the mindset of a boyfriend, fiancé, spouse, or any other type of significant other.

But now, all of the sudden we find that we are not only faced with the difficulties of dating in general, but we are inundated by the effects of the sinful world we live in.  Betrayal, lies, deceit, and lust are commonplace.

Love doesn’t always discern.  We may fall in love with someone that believes differently or follows a different doctrine, or worst case scenario, he may not believe at all.

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?  II Corinthians 6:14

What do we do?

The last thing you want to do is to give in to lust and fleshly desires - even if it feels right.  You can’t let persuasion or intimidation control your decisions.  You also can’t be so afraid of being alone that you will do anything (including betray God) to “keep a man”!

I can tell you this, someone who really loves you and respects you, will be considerate of your morals, ideals, principles, opinions, habits, idiosyncrasies, AND your beliefs and faith!  When they choose to be a part of your life, they must realize that your children, your home, your work, your family, your friends and most importantly, your God were there first!

This may sound a little brutal, but my honest opinion is this - - God first!  Everything else that we are blessed with in this life is simply the ‘cherry on top’ (so to speak).  You wouldn’t have your children, home, job, family, friends or any man if weren’t for the grace of God.  Your eternal life depends on your comprehension of that!

There will always be someone in your life, children, family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc., that relies on your ‘light’ for direction.  As single Moms, hopefully we will all find someone very special to spend the rest of our lives with, but in the meantime, we will come in contact with many people, struggling people, and they won’t always be Christians, they may not even be believers!  We should recognize this as one more way to spread the good news of God’s promises!

I Peter 3:4 says: but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.  In other words, “let your light shine through” – in every situation!!!

Labels: Choices, Friendship, Godliness, Righteousness, Way of Thinking

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  I Timothy 6:6

As a new Christian, I’ve learned a lot of very important lessons.  One of them has been to be happy with myself, to be content with who I am and where I am and to enjoy spending time with “me”!

I know so many people that can’t stand to be alone - they aren’t alone without being lonely.  They constantly crave the company and attention of other people or being in public places.

Not me!  No way!  When I finally get a few moments to myself, I immerse myself in the tranquility and serenity of being ALONE!  This is something that God has taught me and it has been an invaluable lesson to learn.

I can remember when my husband and I first separated. My son would go on visitation with him and it drove me crazy to sit here alone.  I was needy and dependant on other people for everything.  I had to get on the phone, get out with friends – anything!  The only thing that mattered was that I was NOT alone!

So many people are like this.  I see guys and gals who would spend their time on people and relationships that are obviously going nowhere or are even lethal.  They impose themselves on others and all around are just lost and lonely.  I want so badly to tell them to find God and find themselves!  It’s the best thing you can do for yourself.  I have so much newfound contentment in who I am in Christ.  I truly enjoy spending time in the Word and cultivating the new me.  It has been the most significant makeover I will ever experience!

As single moms, I think it weighs heavy on us as to whether or not we will find someone else to share our lives with.  A lot of us may even obsess over it.  –I used to.

21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.   Proverbs 19:21 & 23

Once I found my way back to the Lord and spent my time and efforts on growing closer to Him and learning more about who He wanted me to be, who He expected me to be, I realized that I could relax and trust Him with the details.  I enjoy myself, my life, my kids and all of the other blessings that God has so graciously bestowed upon me.  Now, I am more independent and I am better able to truly trust God with the fate of my “love life”!

10 “He opens their ear to instruction, and commands that they return from evil.  
11 “If they hear and serve Him, they will end their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures.  
12 “But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword and they will die without knowledge.  Job 36:10-12

I often joke that if it is God’s will for me to meet someone or even to remarry, that He will drop this man from the heavens right into my lap.  Gone is the day that I am in search of this person or longing for his arrival.  I now know, deep in my heart that God can handle this.  He has a perfect plan for my life and it is up to me to trust Him with it.  That may even mean that I spend the rest of my life alone.  That is okay too!  Life on this Earth is very short it is also very corrupt and distracting.  We have to focus ourselves on the bigger picture and live our lives accordingly.  Live as the Word of God instructs us to.  Live for what you have and be appreciative of your blessings.  Don’t spend your life aching, needing, searching and longing for the things and people that you don’t have!

Labels: Blessings, Choices, Lonliness, Trust, Way of Thinking

Something was mentioned in an e-mail the other day that got me thinking about balance…

So many of us are out of balance – what can we do?  Is it possible to balance ALL of our responsibilities?

I am so out of balance right now.  Not enough sleep, not enough to eat, not enough ‘me’ time, and surely not enough ‘God’ time.

I’ve got a teen that seems to think staying put is a crime, because he is on the move constantly.  I’ve got a pre-schooler that has a selective hearing disorder.  Business is just slow enough to cause financial strain while gaining just enough momentum to create havoc.  My father fell and hurt himself which requires me to help him out and run him to various doctor and orthopedic appointments.  Youth group has begun at church and requires my attention, as do some redecorating issues.  We’re still looking for a house and trying to sell another piece of property.  It’s that season when grass must be mowed and vehicles need washed and vacuumed.  Most frustrating of all, my neighbors will never learn to park, but continue to buy countless vehicles!!!  Oh the joys!  Oh, and did I mention…I just might start dating again…yup…you heard that one right!  (Could it be?  Has the cynical, bitter, ex-wife found herself a man?  We shall see!  *wink*)

There are so many issues, worries, obligations and responsibilities pulling on me right now and I know that it is a time to prune!  I must, must, must prune away the responsibilities and obligations that are fruitless (so to speak).  Someone I love and respect very much talks a lot about this.  (Feel free to visit her at Small Business Moms’ Blog “…for tips, resources and encouragement...especially for newer work at home moms that wish to run their business from a biblical perspective…”)

Anyway, I won’t get into the particulars, but the point is this, we must balance our lives.  None of the things I’ve mentioned can be allowed to overcome or overwhelm us.  When things are out of whack or out of balance, that creates frustration, exhaustion and many other ‘gaps’ for the enemy.  When we are tired or hungry, lonely, harboring hurt feelings, all of these instances create vulnerability and allow the enemy to brutally attack us.

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.  John 15:2

If a branch is not bearing fruit – it is taken away.  I always have a very hard time with this.  I feel like I need to be everywhere I can, doing everything I can to glorify God.  It isn’t necessarily working out that way.  I thought that even if I wasn’t gaining anything that it was my responsibility to ‘give’.  The thing is, the vine is fruitless.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.  John 15:11

“…so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”  Not ‘sort of’ or ‘kind of’ or ‘somewhat’ – but FULL!

We are all just roaming around aimlessly, bogged down by all these wayward, crazy branches.  The other branches are trying to produce fruit, but desperately need pruned back so that they can grow healthier and fuller!

Limit yourselves sisters!  As Moms, we are all so used to doing everything ourselves.  We fix everything and nurture everything.  But the fact remains that we are human and can only do so much – even with God’s help.  Quit trying to be everything to everyone!  Instead, balance, prune and be FULL of His joy!

Labels: Anxiety, Choices, Restoration, Way of Thinking

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;

13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.

18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Philippians 2:1-18


These verses have truly become some of my favorites.  If you look them up in the Online Parallel Bible , they are entitled “Be Like Christ”.  They are pretty much self explanatory and truly lay out the guidelines for living a righteous life.  I came across them last week while hunting for some other ideas and made a note.  This morning, while rifling through papers for the dentist`s phone number, I came across the note again.

Monday night we had the extreme pleasure of having dinner with the pastor, his wife and children and another family from church.  

Ultimately, conversation turned to the issues of forgiveness and Godliness.  (As it often does with this group.)  We also discussed the difference between living for people and living for God and striving to live in a way which is pleasing to Him.  So, obviously, these words were laid on my heart today for a reason.  (The Lord works in mysterious ways.)

Yes, I`ve visited this issue a lot lately, but it is something that I am dealing with and working at and I think, as human beings interacting with other human beings, most of us always will.

In this world, full of fleshly whims and desires, it is impossible to be perfect.  It is impossible for us to be perfect and it is impossible for those around us to be.  (That includes those we love, those we don`t and even those that are seemingly unlovable!)

Personally, I think that if we cease to be amazed by people`s behavior, we have become desensitized, we have succumbed to the sinful world we live in. (I certainly don`t want that to happen to me!)  Initially, the audacity, ignorance, repulsiveness, thoughtlessness, hatefulness, inconsideration, etc., should shock us!

At that point however, it becomes our responsibility to deal with it – to make a choice!  (What a task!)  We can choose to be a part of the ongoing problem or we can choose to be part of the solution!  (By the way, judging, pointing fingers, gossiping, etc. does NOT serve any real purpose!  That type of behavior only lends to the problem!)

We can`t necessarily change the world or the people in it.  We CAN change ourselves!  We are responsible for our own salvation and Godliness!  We can choose to stand up straight and tall, full of the Holy Spirit and deal with the blows the world deals out with composure, grace and class only available by the grace of God!

From there, we can hope and pray that our `rightness` will become infectious!

Be ALL that you can be through Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior!

Labels: Choices, Godliness, Righteousness

For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,` and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.  Matthew 17:20

Around my house, the last couple of weeks have been a bit more trying than usual.  It seems as though we are simply muddling through and `just getting by`.  (Anyone else feel that way?)

Before I explain the details I would like to take a moment and thank God for His many blessings.  Especially pointing out, that I am sincerely grateful to Him for the health and safety of my children, my Mom, myself and the rest of my family and friends.  I realize that things could surely be much worse!

So, I`ve been sizing up this next post and debating what material to use as a `jumping off` point.  This is tough, because I don`t want to gripe or complain!  *wink*

Maybe I`ll start by telling you that I got a bit of a raw deal with my new vehicle.  (Luckily it is only cosmetic.)  There is some body damage that was `hidden` and I didn`t find it until my first thorough washing/waxing attempt.  This could easily be a very costly job and obviously one that I cannot justify the funds for right now.  Can you say `GRRR`?

What`s more, while the nation was reeling in death and suffering, some idiot(s) had the audacity to enter onto our property (through a gated fence) and steal both of my sons peddle bikes.  (Both of which he saved his own money to buy!)  I realize that this is what the `world` has been reduced to, but I still find it hard to understand.  We left something outside, on our patio, propped up against our home, next to our back door, (in plain view) and this justifies someone TAKING what is OURS?  The police really can`t do much.  They did promise to increase their presence in our area, but  I haven`t seen them yet.  Alas, this is how THIS summer has begun with my neighbors.  A girlfriend asked me if I really thought they were involved.  Most definitely!  The effects of the `world` on my neighborhood have been unbelievable.  UNBELIEVABLE!  We just can`t get moved fast enough!

Simply put, there are a lot of `little` things that are building up.  Every once in a while I get a little overwhelmed by it all.  To mention everything individually would probably wander into the realm of complaining and I am doing my very best to stay out of there!  (Even though that little purple bracelet isn`t here yet!)  *wink*

Overall I am just feeling very alone and sad.  Not depressed or anything major like that.  Just that annoying `alone` feeling when you ache for someone to `make it all better`!  You want for those strong arms wrapped around you to soften all the blows.  Perhaps a loving whisper of encouragement in your ear.

Although in the natural we seem to be incredibly alone, we need to refocus, step out of the box, so to speak!  Each one of us has a friend and comforter like no other!  Certainly like no one on this Earth!

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;
7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.  II Corinthians 1:2-7

God is always working to `make it all better`!  His arms are the strongest and He`s always willing to wrap them around you!  He never stops whispering uplifting, encouraging, loving words in your ear – just be willing to listen!

We`re never alone!  Have faith!  Even that of a mustard seed!  (Which by the way, is not quite as big as the top of a pin!)

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the men of old gained approval.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.  Hebrews 11:1-6

Labels: Choices, Encouragement, Faith, Frustration, Growth, Learning, Patience, Tests, Trials, Way of Thinking

Over the weekend, I had the incredible pleasure of being a part of “Walk America”.  It was a wonderful experience that my children and I shared with many other people, some of which, I`d like to think we can now call friends.

When we got involved with “Jenna`s Team” almost two months ago, I had all intentions of printing the shirts and hats, rounding up a few sponsors and that would be that.  As I got to know John and Jennifer better, I suddenly wanted to do everything I could to make their first experience with “Walk America” a huge success.  I couldn`t bring their daughter back or ease their grief in any way, but I could help them support the March of Dimes!

All I can say is WOW!  It was such a glorious day.  God delivered us amazing weather!  It was warm and sunny and not one cloud in the sky! Amidst all the tragedy, fear and sadness of the week before, I was so relieved and encouraged to see so many people pull together for the health and survival of babies!

So, here I was setting out to bless “Jenna`s Team” and immediately, God blessed me by showing me some human behavior that I was beginning to lose hope in!  He showed me that there are still people that wish for nothing more than to spread kindness, love, selflessness, and He blessed me with some wonderful, new friends!

The moral of the story, here is this, do everything you do with your whole heart, for the glory of God.  He will reward you abundantly!

Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.  Hosea 10:12

Do not however, attempt to please or impress `people` with your efforts.  You will always, always, be disheartened.  It is simply impossible to please everyone all of the time.  But, the good news is this, when we are doing everything with and through God and for His glory, He is always pleased and He will reward us richly!

6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.
II Corinthians 9:6-8

Praise God!

Labels: Blessings, Choices, Generosity, Godliness, Way of Thinking

In light of recent events, just within my son`s school district, I wanted to reflect a bit about fear and what the Word says about it.

Just this week, there have been at least 2 bomb threats and 1 shooting threat - within a 25 mile radius!  As I write this, my son is at school under `lock down`.  I only know this because my ex-husband was kind enough to call and inform me!  The school however, does not tell us what in the world is going on!  Rumors and assumptions fly all over the place!  What is a parent to do?

Well, for now, I`m not even going to vent or complain about my views on this for a few reasons!  1) I`m currently attempting to overcome the complaining `addiction` (see previous post) and 2) After several situations, like this, this year, I`m learning to `let go & let God`!  (Both are equally as challenging!)

`Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.`  Isaiah 41:10

It is times like these that I have to rest securely in my faith - in my God!  He is bigger and more powerful than anything that comes against my son or anyone in my family!  I have to believe that whatever the outcome, whether it be intended for good or evil, my God will use it for His glory!

11 But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You.
12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.  Psalm 5:11-12

I mean, I would just crumble if anything happened to one of my kids!  But I have found myself worrying to the point of physical illness!  Enough already!

God promises to protect us!  He promises to have our best interest at heart!  Granted, evil rules this world and it is made more and more obvious to us with each and every terrorist attack and school massacre!

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.  Psalm 140:4

But, for those of us who choose to believe in God`s Word, in His promises – we can have hope and faith in better things!

1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.
8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
9 And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing.
10 The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.  Psalm 64:1-10

Labels: Adversity, Believe, Choices, Decisions, Determination, Perseverance, Way of Thinking

What an endearing thought – right?

Well, evidently, there`s an initiative going on to achieve just that!  Could YOU do it?  Well, I`m about to try and I`m taking my friends and fellow bloggers with me! *smile*

For the next 21 days (or as soon as my bracelet arrives) I will be attempting to NOT complain!  -About anything!  Holy Cow!!!

Scientists say it takes 21 days to break a habit and create a new one.  Whew!


Here`s what you need to do to get started:

1. Click here to order a free purple Complaint Free bracelet.

2. Tag at least 3 people and spread the word. Challenge them to participate.

3. The final step, and most important. STOP COMPLAINING! You put your bracelet on and any time you catch yourself complaining you must switch it to the opposite wrist. The goal is to go 21 days without switching it. If you switch it, your 21 days starts all over again.


7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ`s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  II Corinthians 12:9


I`ve tagged Alicia, Heather, Shera  Have fun with it & Good Luck!!!

Labels: Choices, Decisions, Learning, Positive Thinking, Way of Thinking

(And, Unfortunately, So Has My Pre-Schooler)

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.  Psalm 101:2

Today started like any other Saturday . . . I woke up with a miserable headache, had several t-shirts to print, my pre-schooler was hungry (ALL DAY), my ex-husband needed another favor, blah, blah, blah.  *smile*

So anyway, amidst all of these other fairly `usual` happenings, I had decided to call and cancel one of those crazy things that got added to my credit card simply because, when the salesperson called and gave me the garbley-gook, sales-pitch, I was so desperate to get off of the phone that I took the offer.  Well, I never received the `Welcome` package; however they have faithfully charged me $9.95 per month.  I decided that I`d had enough and needed to cancel it before it was due again this month!

Side note:  I have been working really hard to not take my frustration out on customer service reps, since usually it`s not their fault that I`m dissatisfied!

However . . .

Upon explaining to this girl that I wanted to cancel the service because I never received the information (as promised) and had no real clue what the service even was . . . she proceeded to tell me that she would be happy to cancel it, however, she was sure that I understood the `wonderful` benefits of this service, blah, blah, blah . . .

What?

Can you understand the words that are comin` out of my mouth?

NO! I had absolutely NO clue what the benefits were as I`d NEVER received the `Welcome` package!  -As promised!

So, she proceeds to tell me that if I have an internet connection I could easily look up the information on-line!

Hello?

I`m sorry!  I most definitely SHOULD NOT have to do this!  Basically, I paid for something and did not receive it!  Cancel the darn thing and quit charging my credit card $9.95 per month for NOTHING!

Obviously, she got upset that I still preferred to cancel the `service` and did not even remain on the line long enough for me to wish her a `great weekend`!  *cheesy smile*

Yes, I`m ranting a bit, and I DO apologize.  These blog posts aren`t usually set at this tone!  But honestly, it`s been a frustrating and enlightening day to say the least!

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.  I Timothy 4:15

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  II Timothy 4:2

Right off the bat today, I found that I am learning to stick up for myself.  I refuse to basically get `jipped` out of money that we`ve worked very hard for!  (Money that I could use to buy Disney’s “Over the Hedge”!)

Well, anyway, a bit later in the day, I grabbed my pre-schooler and set off to the wonderful and always colorful trip to the garbage dump!  LOL

After which, we then proceeded to the grocery store.  (Well, after today, I will gladly drag garbage to the dump as to EVER go to the grocery store again!)

First of all, I realize that these stores can`t be held accountable for the behavior of their customers.  Got that!

And, it wasn`t bad enough that this one particular family was stretched the length of the entire `meat` section (prohibiting other customers from perusing the selection) and that every other word out of their mouths was a cuss word and spoken loudly at that.  

Sadly, I`m growing accustomed to that junk in the parking lots, etc.  (I find it inexcusable, but it is everywhere and I have yet to figure out how to avoid it.  We`ve even had to listen to it at the dentist`s office!)

It wasn`t even the fact that I had to bag my own groceries because the `bagger` fellas were busy helping men bag their groceries.  Or even the fact that a customer entering the store confused me with an employee and asked ME where to find charcoal!  (That part is actually a bit funny and he DID apologize later!)

The kicker was this . . .

The customer in the next isle asked the cashier for a blow job!  WHAT?  Holy cow!  Right smack dab in front of my child, God and EVERYBODY!

I was so disgusted!  I blurted out, “There ARE children present!”  I could not even believe my ears!  I was so mad that I could have puked – right there!

This is the kind of trash talk that you`d expect to hear in a bar!

The worst part of all was when I realized that the cashier was NOT repulsed, NOT embarrassed, NOT even shaken by this!  She was `flirting` back with this man!  Ugh!

This just makes me so sick to even think about it!

Thus, I`ve learned something else about myself today!  I`m becoming a `prude`!

Once upon a time, I may not have even noticed this kind of talk.  Today, however, I find it reprehensible, repulsive, vile, disgusting, obnoxious and quite frankly, I think that cashier should be reprimanded!  In fact, I may never return to this store!

Gone is the day when customer service was courteous and respectful!

I may step on some toes with this post and if so, I am really sorry, but tough!  My children and I are forced to listen to discussions of drunken parties and happenings, sexual conduct and God knows what else, just to do something as mundane and essential as to buy groceries, cat food and sidewalk chalk!

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.  Romans 12:17

If perhaps, I have made you mad, here are some suggestions:

• Don`t read my blog!  I am a Christian woman doing my best to raise my children as such – some might leak out in my blog!

• Watch what kind of garbage you spew out in public!

• Get right with God!

(I highly recommend the latter!)

1 “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

2 “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God:

3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

4 “Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.

5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

7 “The LORD shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways.

8 “The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God gives you.

9 “The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He swore to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways.

10 “So all the peoples of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will be afraid of you.

11 “The LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your beast and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you.

12 “The LORD will open for you His good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand; and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

13 “The LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the LORD your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully,

14 and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.  Deuteronomy 28:1-14

Labels: Choices, Godliness, Righteousness, Tolerance

So, we`ve talked about forgiving and being loyal, passing tests and surviving trials. Those are conscious choices we make. Tough ones too!

When adversity rears its ugly head, what do we do? Well, personally, I used to go back to bed! *smile* Seriously! Things were so bad at one time, that after I got my son to school, I crawled my behind right back into bed and stayed there until he got home at 4:00! A strenuous day included watching `Judging Amy` and `Law and Order` back-to-back-to-back!

Conquering adversity is a conscious decision we make to push on! He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. Psalm 10:16

It says NEVER girls! Never be IN adversity! It may come! It may be nasty! But you don`t have to stay there! You can consciously and willfully choose to overcome it!

What conscious decisions are you making? Well, thank God, I now get up at 6:00 am and I`m awake AND working until Midnight! -The same day! I barely watch any TV, unless it`s `Blue`s Clues`, `Backyardigans` or `Spongebob Squarepants`! I now chase after a 3 1/2 year old pre-schooler, run my own home business and run my household!

I decided, chose, willed, and PRAYED A LOT to persevere! I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities Psalm 31:7

Our Savior knows our hearts and souls! He knows our pain and suffering and mostly, He feels it! He wants nothing more than to comfort us and bring us through whatever it is that we face! Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.II Corinthians 1:4

Trust in Him! He is the only one that is there for us ALL the time and EVERY time! If you don`t believe me, say a prayer around 2:00 am! He`s listening! *wink*

Love, Hugs and Prayers to my Sisters! Have a Great Weekend!

Labels: Adversity, Choices, Comfort, Decisions