DON'T DEBUNK AMERICA'S HERITAGE

WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

Appreciate what you have before you risk losing it.

 

FAMILIAL
The weekend we celebrated my father's 90th birthday gave me pause. I've reflected on his life, what my father taught me, and why I value my traditional Christian upbringing. My folks were young when their five children were born. Yet they understood the important aspects of parenting. They raised us within a biblical framework. They taught us to be people of character, to value honesty, righteousness, integrity; to do the right thing even when no one is looking. Our family's spiritual beliefs colored everything we did. A Christian heritage blesses when done rightly and lived lovingly. It influences for the good since it is based on godly, gracious principles and loving, unselfish actions.

NATIONAL
What about our country? The beliefs upon which America was founded colored the building blocks of our nation. Often we read and hear degrading comments regarding the USA. America, in times past, was defined by its values, many of which were based on its heritage and the principles of its citizens. People strove to better their lot and to contribute to the American dream. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" predominantly influenced culture at large. Truth and justice were held dear. Hard work and personal achievement were unwritten codes that strengthened people's resolve. The Ten Commandments were guidelines that mattered, that incorporated honorable ways of behavior in people's deeds, actions, and loyalties. Brave people they were in many respects. I believe we should look with favor on the blessings of our country instead of demeaning them.

INTERNAL
God has blessed America. Liberty is tied to the heritage that our founding fathers understood as human rights. Justice for all was not an academic phrase to them. They knew that respect for humanity, respect for God-given principles, respect for law and justice guide a nation well. We were given gifts by the people who went before us. Many lived with a higher purpose tied to divine enabling. Though not perfect, they contributed moral astuteness and strength of character; they were good people whose influence outlasted their lives. I am grateful they stayed the course. May their example not be lost. May we not debunk the blessedness of  our American heritage. May we also determine to correct America's areas of blindness, where Americans have not been treated with equal justice or equal representation; where we as a people have not been loving, kind, or fair.

 

LIFE, LIBERTY and the PURSUIT of HAPPINESS 

The "American Dream" is what people from world over come to America for, and for the "hope" it promises them, a country governed with laws "by the people, for the people." Most in America, even those who criticize her, are in some way participating in this dream. The belief in the goodness inherent in people comes from a belief that every person has intrinsic value. That is one reason why pro-lifers won't ever give up. That is why the marginalized speak up. That is why we must be fair in our dealings. That is why we as a nation believe in liberty and justice for all.

CHRISTIAN LIBERTY

People of faith live out their faith with a responsibility to family, friends, community, co-workers, the government and, ultimately, to God. That responsibility to one another and the communities in which they live, in what is now a divided nation, has been tested in recent months... as the pandemic rages and cuts into people's way of life, as the protests, riots and unrest take a toll, and as the election controversies continue to spew anger, doubt, and discord among us. Do we care? Do we love? Do we respect our leaders? Do we take our mandate seriously? As ordinary citizens it is hard to remain positive when we don't agree with what's coming down, or when we suspicion or are convinced that we are being lied to. We can't just roll over and play dead. That begs the question. What to do?

 

WWJD

What would Jesus do? We are called to love, Christ loved. We are called to respect those in authority, "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's, to God what is God's." I admit to struggling with how our American civil liberties are being treated right now. Some authorities are misusing or abusing them. Some haters are hating, despising, and destroying. Some core values are being compromised and disregarded. Power can be used for the good or for the bad. Nevertheless, I will always defend liberty and justice for all. I will follow God's ways. I will bless them that curse me. I will defend the poor and downtrodden. I will strive to do what is right, even when uncomfortable, like what Jesus did with the money changers while defending His Father's house and God's honor from thieves who were taking advantage. Jesus wasn't soft on the Pharisees, either. Jesus spoke truth. So should we. Jesus sewed love. So should we. Jesus lived justly. So should we. I am convinced there is a way through this season without destroying America's heritage. 

 

What would Jesus do? He would do what He taught.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said,

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 

¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  

¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

-Matthew 5

God Repurposes Our Experiences

 

God Doesn't Waste Anything

 

God does not waste the hard things that have happened to you. Pasts are repurposed. He heals you and then reveals how you can use your experiences to help someone struggling in a similar area.

That’s the way it works, and it is a good thing. The end of a tragedy is often the beginning of a new phase. You may discover a new purpose and a cause to advance after a loss or heartbreak.

Comfort comes in knowing you can be an encouragement to someone else, though the hard times you experienced were not easy. Others benefit from your insights, grace, and acceptance.

Think of all the organizations formed by those who saw a need and knew they were a good fit: Their personal experiences stream-lined with opportunities to minister to others and meet people’s needs.

Those in a crisis mode look for people who understand and empathize. They have a great need to talk and talk, to get it out, and to let the emotion run its course. Their need splashes on others.

What people need is not so much the advice as it is the listening and understanding. Overcomers listen well to hurting individuals. They relate as they offer hope where none existed on the outset.

Care and concern repurpose the bad for the good.  Thank you for caring.


*Photo by Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash

THE SONG OF A SOUL SET FREE

THE GOOD

You have only one life.

I have shared my life with you that it might shed light on the past, on the present, and on the richness of living an intimate life with the Triune God. Life has much to offer the human race.

Life would pass you by without making a dent on your soul, should you not open your heart to the beauty of the natural world, the inner world, and the God world. 

All three impact your soul.

Darkness and evil have tried to choke out the goodness in life like how weeds choke out a fruit bearing crop. One has to push back, fight against the wrong to encourage the right, the best.

What I have written is my attempt to brighten the corner where I am so that it might brighten the corner where you are. Your conscience will be awakened or it will be darkened. 

It is up to you.

Influences impact choices. Choices impact futures. Futures impact the world to come. I think life is worth fighting for, and the future is worth saving. True good gives goodness to the world.

All the natural goods are gifts from God that make life one of beauty. Injuries, hardships, and pain come to everyone. Joy, peace, and love offset life’s tragedies as hope springs eternal. 

A life awakened to God is the song of a soul enlivened and set free.

WHY IT PAYS TO BE SELF-AWARE

SELF - AWARENESS PAYS OFF

You can have a wrong belief about yourself.

I used to believe I had little to offer. I didn’t think I was talented or smart enough. I was wrong. I’ve learned differently. God uses what you have and He grows it. 

You blossom under God's care.

 
THE PROBLEM

The problem surfaces when we are too focused on others’ so-called ‘perfect’ lives. We view others’ successes and accomplishments as better than our own. 

We can view ourselves as “less than.”

We begin to doubt ourselves when there are too many defeats and personal struggles. What we perceive as a failure and defeat may just be a closed door.

But it may be an opportunity for personal growth.

Zoom out and take a bird’s eye view of the whole matter. What do you see? Realistic expectations? Unrealistic expectations? Impatience? 

Are circumstances beyond your control?

THE SOLUTION 

 

Figure out what is true about the circumstance.

The simple formula is doable: learn, grow, and do your best. The requirement is to persevere, make wise decisions, plan ahead, and become resourceful.

Do the hard work and give it your best.

I’ll add one more essential for intentional Christians. Do what God shows, leads and provides. A good thing becomes a bad thing if God isn’t in it. If God says “Stop,” you know what to do.

Simply put, you stop and don't fret or question it.

You bloom where you are planted.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

Dunrobin Castle, Scotland

Christian life is one of progressive spiritual awareness.

 

What in your life needs God’s help ? 

Prayer and planning are powerful tools that help us. We ask for God to guide us as we heal, strengthen, and restore. Maybe we need to release something or someone to His care. Movement forward takes a willingness on our part.

Change what is in your ability to change. Invite God to help you and to go through it with you. Healing of hurts or whatever the issue when addressed through God’s loving intervention prevents you from being filled with resentful bitterness and keeps you from remaining in a wounded state.

I think it’s much like carrying a burden that weighs you down but is unseen by others. Most don’t know what wounds you bear, but God does. He knows your internal suffering and your worries and fears.

One of the nice thing about a relationship with God is He knows us through and through. He knows our concerns and what we bear. When God goes before us He enters the battle to help us overcome and to set us free.

 

The battle belongs to the Lord.

We may not like the imagery but for me it is like a fortress that protects a castle. God is our protector and helper. God never leaves us or forsakes us. We may not be aware of His presence all the time but that’s intentional. He wants us to grow strong in our faith.

We learn to trust through our faith, not by our sight. I’ve had some scary situations where I was in need and I called on God. I was all alone and afraid. I made it out okay. He got me through the difficulty by providing what I needed at just the right time. It was in answer to my prayers.

Deep growth comes according to God’s timetable and our willingness to deal with our struggles. I wouldn’t want you to think it’s easy to move forward for it’s not. Healing and change come in layers. I encourage you to trust God in every situation. Call on Him and He will be found.

Keep moving forward and never stop.
---
Photo by Colin Horn, Unsplash

LIFE BALANCE: Thoughts for Today

~THOUGHTS~

GOD
God lifts me up when I am down,
  holds my hand when I am weak,
    and shelters me when I am afraid.

MEMORIES
Sunday I went to church with my Dad at the retirement home. The pianist played "His eye is on the Sparrow" for the offertory. It's a beautiful old song. How lovely to be like the sparrow. "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me."

LIFE
Be gracious. Be loving. Be kind. Allow your life to minister to others.
Be strong. Be brave. Be resolute. Allow your life to find its strength.
Be aware. Be honest. Be authentic. Allow your life to speak its truth to all you meet.

BALANCE
Spiritual life involves the heart, mind and soul. I suppose that is why scripture says to love God with heart, mind and soul. Doing so initiates and keeps in balance the purity and energy of the Christ life. The mind is often the emphasis, but it is incomplete without the heart.

JOY
Do you ever have feelings of goodness well up in you? I love it when that happens. I could call it, spontaneous joy. While I drive country roads--pass acres of farmland, notice native oaks and plants, view the Western, Eastern, and Sutter Butte mountain ranges--happiness stirs in me.

MOTHER
My mother taught me how--
-to cook, can, clean, and sew,
-to play and appreciate music,
-to take good care of my things,
-to do and be my best,
-to be kind,
-to be courteous and respectful,
-to know about God and to pray,
-to be helpful,
-to serve,
My mother taught by example.

AN UNLIKELY JOURNEY

  AWAKEN

WE SPIRITUALLY AWAKEN in fits and spurts. Not one size fits all. Individual though it may be, how far or deep the awakening rests with the individual. They must want it. The desire then blooms. Once it does, a craving for spiritual truth opens it up. 

To go ‘further still’ requires intention as the pursuit unleashes an energy that loves what is being pursued. 

The more the pursuit intensifies, the more delight it brings, and the more the soul finds its satisfaction. The real kicker is when spirituality becomes more than an intellectual pursuit of knowledge to become a personal pursuit of knowing God. Spiritual living became this to me in 2002, after decades of service in the church.

My spiritual journey is an honest one at least as much as is possible within me. I am a seeker of God and a follower of his way. God has healed me and renewed me. My life is changed because of God. I owe him a debt of gratitude. 

Father God blesses me at his table of grace and fills me with his ever-deepening love. I have received God’s unmerited favor. I experience his unadulterated peace and holy presence. To be God’s child is lovely beyond loveliness. I am safe and secure in my Father’s house.

* * *
For more, visit my author site at nlbrumbaugh.com.

Two Ways to Live Spiritual Life: Intervention no. 11

LIVING SPIRITUAL LIFE 

as it should be lived

Finding God in the Daily

Complexity and simplicity both have their roots in spiritual life. Where you are in the mix is good to know.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH is divided into two groups. One group has found Christ to be real and living and life changing. They have awakened from their slumber and are connected in interactive, intimate relationship with God. Theirs is a deepening faith with a genuine construct in its core.

The other group hopes and wants to find Christ as real and loving and life-changing, but they are still asleep, not fully accessing the life which Christ offers His children. Although they don't realize it, they are missing a life of closeness and meaningful relationship with God due to a perfunctory spirituality or a casual lacking-in-depth spiritual reality.

It need not be this way. Christ’s arms are open wide to all who will come unto Him. Lasting change starts from within and reaches out in faith and honesty. 

It is not just about us. It is also about God.

Life is hard but God is good. What God desires is to be close and complete in us. He may allow or at least use difficult things to gain our attention. He desires for us to reach out to Him that He may help us and offer us comfort and a new and better way. 

God does not want us to live in a wounded state bound in a spirit of fear with unhealed hurt trapped in the interior places. Our lives need the freedom that is found in a life hid in God. He wants to set us free and to restore us to wholeness.

God desires for us to come to Him with the painful stuff 

-that God may minister to our need, 

     -that we may grieve the offense, 

          -that God may enter and heal the hurt as He removes its 

              sharp piercing

              - that God may place peace as a salve 

                      -that brings healing and joy in the soul.

In the areas that have brought much distress, God guides you on a soul journey that, in time, brings you to health and wholeness through a renewal and restorative process.

I know this is true because it happened to me.

Father, Bring Your children close to You. Bless their hearts. Mold them and make them after Your will. Amen

To God be the Glory

† † †

The Stuff of Real Life: Intervention, no. 1 -- Inspiration 40

  Interventions are the Stuff of Real Life

Finding God in the Daily

Commit your way to the Lord; 
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5

  
Who needs a spiritual intervention? Most of us do. You may immerse yourself in your own personally motivated intervention. It may well be the best thing you ever do to get on the bright side of spirituality.

INTERVENTIONS have a purpose. In essence, they put their loved one on notice, to face it, change it, and improve it. Basically, a group stages an intervention to confront the issue and create awareness that something needs to change. Drug addictions and alcoholism are common causes for interventions. Interventions acknowledge the person’s struggle and demonstrate how it affects them and others.

An intervention is an effective 'Come to Jesus' moment with a come-along-side you-need-to-do-this approach.

A soul-changing intervention is for spiritual growth and any area that inhibits healthy spirituality. It provides a process to get to the heart of harmful issues and unhealthy bonds. Christians can be blind to their own stuff and unaware of areas that keep them in bondage. Friends, relatives, or God, may help them face their deal. God is good at this. He awakens people from their slumber.

God may initiate the intervention to address a problem and to show the hiding is over. As the result of a spiritual intervention, the individual takes steps to overcome it, take ownership of it, and institute a plan that aims to alter harmful behavior. The goal is to live free of its control and to become healthy and whole.

An intervention involves a plan of action and loving support. Those who intervene risk discomfort when they participate in an intervention to help their loved one. Their concern supersedes their own personal comfort. Participants encourage necessary changes and offer moral support. 

God is the same way with us.

God initiates an intervention by showing us where we are stuck. He works toward the goal and offers a path to freedom. By the way, this is quite doable. I've experienced it. God showed me what needed to change. Next I went about the business of changing it -- all the time asking Him to guide and help me.

To do this, you see the situation for what it is, and then become an active participant in your own transforming. Healing is accessed by a spiritual transforming in your interior life. This facilitates the ability to live life with spiritual acuity. A side benefit is you grow closer to God.

Dear Father, Help us. We need You to show us our lacks and our abilities. Give us courage to carry on and strength to meet our needs. Amen

To God be the Glory

Who, God? -- Inspiration 14

Is God Real?

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

IS GOD REAL? Lots has been written about the subject of God. This subject is of major importance and is the cause of debate and dissonance in society. It seems people are not in agreement and can be quite oppositional when talking about it. Defend a position: God exists. God doesn't exist. Theism exists with a real but remote Deity. Or there's a broad belief in God that is believed, which speaks of theology, attributes, doctrine, will, redemption, righteous living and all things spiritual. Another belief is that of Intelligent Design as a way Godward aspects are proved. Those who believe in salvation as it is derived from biblical text, set forth to explain who God is and then His relationship to the created world and to humankind in particular. No matter anyone's opinion in the long run. The truth is that God either is or isn't. But it is of consequence. One's belief about God's existence and humans' relationship to Him is exceedingly important. For if God is real then to reject Him has lasting implications. According to the scriptures there is an afterlife and this life is not all there is, and it also gives purpose, meaning, and morality to earthly existence. Divine intervention on the humans behalf is a tremendously important conceptual reality for those who know its truth through the eyes of faith. Do you want to find out if God is real? Are you up for a challenge? You can do this. Begin to seek God in earnest. Ask Him to become real to you. God will reveal who He is. God says that those who seek will find. Keep a Bible handy.

Dear Father in Heaven, Your ways are divine and include Your created world. This is a great blessedness. Reveal Yourself to those who seek you. Thank you. Amen

To God be the Glory

Grace Giver -- Inspiration 10

Grace Gives Grace

Image from the recent Northern California Camp Fire 

-Beauty from Ashes-

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:19

O LOVING GRACE, beautiful grace, bountiful grace. What would the world do without grace? When grace is given it is received but not necessarily deserved. A prodigal son receives grace when he is welcomed home. Sinners are given grace when their sins are forgiven them. A recipient of an act of grace, do welcome it. Grace plays out in a myriad of ways. They could have gotten in trouble but they didn't, they've been given a second chance after a mess-up,  they are forgiven a wrong, or when they are loved just because. That's grace giving from out of its nature, extending grace because that is what grace does. Helping someone who is hard to help, like a person suffering with Alzheimer's Disease, is on the grace side of giving. God's grace is even greater. His grace chooses to redeem rather than punish, to set free rather than encage, to give to rather than to break down. Grace is greater than all our sin. We repent. God forgives. Grace pardons the offense. Grace covers with His feathers. Frequently grace carries an individual through a difficulty. They are given grace when they could have lost their job, a friendship, a relationship, or their reputation. Grace says they are worth it. They were worth a Son to Him. That's a hard understanding. Ultimate grace becomes human reality from its Giver of the divine Gift. Grace grows and blesses as God's grace multiplies in the interior self.

Dear Father in Heaven, spiritual life has many benefits and grace is one of them. You give grace to the humble, You give grace to us, You show us the ways of grace. Thank you for Your grace that welcomes us as part of Your family. Amen

To God be the Glory

Spiritual Life--Inspiration 8

Spiritual Life Speaks Life to the Soul

 

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and Thou shalt be saved. --Acts 16:31 KJV

 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. --Romans 10:10 NIV

SPIRITUAL LIFE is a gift. God offers spiritual life to anyone who by faith believes in Christ's offer of salvation. However, this faith is sincere in its belief. Christians are Christ Followers. They have trusted in Christ, received forgiveness for their sins, and have eternal life. Spiritual life has lasting value according to John 3:16, which says "whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." That which is eternal is in them. It is amazing how this comes to pass. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the three persons of God. Each has their own function and all three are active. In the rebirth of a soul, as the soul comes spiritually alive, it goes from spiritually dead to spiritually alive. As children of God, these baby Christians have a new identity. They are now in Christ. We could say their identity is changed from lost sinners to that of kingdom saints. Life in Christ is of the heart, mind, and soul as the spirit awakens to the truth found in the salvation of their soul. True belief is of heart, mind, and soul and is not an isolated process of intellectual apprehending of belief nor is it mumbling the right words without it involving their heart. Faith that is real believes in the unseen God and knows that without a doubt He lives. God is active in calling, redeeming, setting free, and restoring. Rich are those who are recipients of such a miraculous gift. All are welcome to enter into this blessedness.

 Dear Father God, we are astounded with Your grace. You have given us supernatural life where before we had emptiness and death. Thank you for this great gift. Amen.

To God be the Glory

The Light --Inspiration 2

The Light of the World is Jesus.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." --John 8:12 NIV

JESUS PROMISES His light to the world. In Him is no darkness at all. In fact, He shines His brightest when in the darkness. He exposes sin, unrighteousness, and evil. He makes wise the simple. Jesus Christ purifies those who trust in Him with their stuff. Jesus is the redemptive mystery in Whom we embrace. His love reaches around the world, to all people, countries, and nations. Jesus' grace is free and sufficient for all who believe. He cares about you, your family, your past, present, and future. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." He is the light of life.

Father in Heaven, we are honored to partake of the blessings you've given to the world. Thank you for Your dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the world and our light. Amen.

To God be the Glory

The New Year Starts Well

2019

What's New, 2019

My word for last year was "structure."  2018 ended up being anything but structured. I had high hopes of finishing my various writing projects. Nada. I did get a couple new manuscripts completed though not fully edited. But I did learn something. I learned to go with the flow.

This year? Not so sure. I'm considering a couple of words but not settled on either one. I have one New Year's Resolution, though.  I will keep it to myself for the time being. It's a spiritual discipline, which I intend to be vigilant in keeping regardless of circumstances, Lord willing.

I want to enjoy 2019. I choose to be on the happy side. I 'will' myself to be positive in spirit. The rest will take care of itself. With a cheerful attitude and a 'giving' mindset, and with God's intervention and enabling, it's going to be a good year. 

 

2018, Year in Review

One big positive happened in 2018. I lost 20# last year. I am going for another 20# in 2019. Starting to wear some of the clothing I wore as a teacher back in 2012. Becoming less active physically as a writer was not good for me. I was ignoring my overall physical health.

Changes were needed. Health improvement and its maintenance are becoming a priority with me. It feels pretty nice to be losing weight instead of gaining it.

We also lost Mom. She is with her heavenly family now. I especially missed her during the holidays. I was sensitive to her missing presence as I cooked and prepared the dishes and decor. My mother was at her happiest when entertaining family. I'm glad she is now at peace. Rest In Peace, dear Mama.

Northern California's fires made for suffering and loss. I drove in the dark cloud of ash that day. It was scary around here. In 2018, national crises were playing out as they did, which also caused pain and unpleasantness. The good that came in response was from people helping each other, 'The Helpers' as Mr. Rogers liked to call them. Kind and resilent, we overcame and went forth.

 

And Now What?

I like fresh starts and new beginnings. The beginning of a new year is all that. These days I'm helping my dad a fair amount. I call myself Dad's Personal Assistant. This role keeps me in balance and not so self-focused.

In addition, my friends and I drink a lot of coffee while having one-on-one conversations at one of our homes, or New Earth Market, Starbucks, Maple Garden. I'm thankful they want to meet with me. Our conversations are meaty. Sharing our hearts with each other brings out the best in us.

 

Life is Good. 

You all are wonderful. Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you are well. I can't complain. Now, on to more to be discovered. I'm ready.

How about you?

The Christ-Life Speaks Joy to the Soul

Freedom versus Bondage

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. --John 10:10 NIV

Christ-following is not rule-following. 

Christ is life; not a burden, not working harder, not being buried under a weight of guilt unable to meet all the requirements of "righteous" living. Bondage to an ideal is not the stuff of freedom in Christ, contrary to what many have been taught, and in some ways, as I was taught.

Joy is repressed when the Christ-life is reduced to a list-following duty. You see, Christ came to set us free. We can access that freedom by living in close relationship with Him. He is life. Real life is an over-flowing of Christ in us that is life-giving and real.

Liberating in essence, Christ-following is crying out to Him with your heart and soul, to know Him, to love Him, to being filled with Christ's life now bringing -- and His Life now being -- life in you. Christianity is about Christ, His hope, His love, and His life. Pure and simple, it is all about Christ.

Many Christians live in duty-bound bondage to the religious form that has little to do with the "life" of Christ in their daily living. Christ came to set the captive free. He is life eternal. Through Him we partake of Living Life. His Life brings life with its joy to the soul. We become fully alive in our spirit.

Belief is rooted in what you believe. If it is reduced to a list of rules, traditions, and religious practices, then it will fail to bring life to the soul. Instead, it will cause bondage to the practices. Opening your life to Christ and focusing on Him is what gives life to your inner being. This is freeing and breaks the bonds of do-good-ing religiosity. Trying to achieve holiness in our own strength is not possible though it may be well intentioned. Striving to be godly will fail. Its motivation is from the wrong source. Godliness originates from Christ, in us and transforming us.
.
What goes on in the heart is where we must look to find our true spiritual state. As we are in our heart, so are we. Why we do what we do is important to know. A self-examination is in order. What does your heart love? Therein you will find your spiritual truth. Is it in Christ the Savior or is it in the practices and forms? I mean, really look for what is true in you. The wearing of "spiritual masks" is commonplace. They quite effectively hide the true truth about your spiritual condition. Seek God until He mirrors your soul's condition to you. Then you're ready to access freedom through Christ and in Christ.

Grace, joy, and peace come through Christ living in us. Embracing Christ, loving God, seeking spiritual truth through Father, Son, and Spirit -- through God's Word, and through a life enkindled in its reality through love in Christ, prayer and meditation -- is life-giving goodness. It is then you live spiritual life from a place of light and beauty rather than bondage and servitude.

It doesn't get any better than that.

YOU CAN DO THIS

Be Others-Focused, Just Because

You can do this.

You can. You can do this.

You can find your voice and use it wisely. You can extend grace, show mercy, and be kind. Your life can make a difference in the world. The focus changes when you live to give, not to get; live to help, not to hinder; live to love others and not to hate them.

 Live for the better good. Be a remarkable citizen. Roll up your sleeves and do the hard work to make life better for others in your community, county, country, and world. When you see a problem, do something about it rather than say to yourself, that’s not my problem. 

Lead the way to making a better day. Believe in others, the process, and lead and guide the discussion to motivate action in others. 

Be sincere. Listen to others. Motivate your own actions through love that chooses to bless others.You are given a chance to make a difference in this world. 

Change it up. Get it right for yourself and show how it can be done for others. Be a person of quality and integrity. Rethink what you do and how you come across. Work on your stuff first before advising others. 

Become the person you can be. Address your habits and your purpose. Speak life to others and secure a right relationship to health and well-being for yourself and for others. Don’t sell yourself short. 

You can do this. 

You can’t change someone else but you can change yourself. You can’t make the world become a happier place, but you can make yourself into a happier person. 

I have watched people do that. I did that. I literally changed my focus to an outward focus. Mothers often do this. They put themselves last and others first. It is not because they are weak or ineffectual, it is because they are selfless and caring. They want their family, friends, and others to be happy. Period.

This puts people on notice that somebody’s happy around here. 

How sweet it is!

Seniors: On Picking the Best Utensil

What spoon will I choose?

I looked at the spoons in the tray as I hunted for the kind I wanted. Not wanting just any spoon to scoop my granola with, I was looking for the best to my liking (Oneida flatware). I spotted one of them, and set it to the side. I prefer a quality spoon with just the right curve and weight.

Satisfied, I pour my milk in the bowl and proceed to eat my breakfast. I am aware of this every time I am going to eat with a spoon. When I'm stirring sugar in my coffee or in my iced tea, I don't care which spoon to use. I am less picky because the spoon's function is different.

I think back to my Grandpa long ago when I was a youth. Grandpa liked just the right spoon, too. He preferred a thin-edged, well-worn silver spoon (silverware) with a deep scoop to it, over other types of spoons. He liked using a silver spoon when eating soup, oatmeal, pudding, or ice cream. I remember him saying that he didn't like metal spoons as well.

Does that sound silly? I remember thinking it was sort of silly. A spoon is a spoon, right? Nope. Now that I am older and more decided in my preferences, I am more like my grandfather and more particular in what it takes to satisfy me. I prefer the best tool rather than the adequate or better tool. I am less content with status quo or just okay. I like what I like and choose what I prefer when life affords it.

What does this say about life? about me? about choices I make? I have grown to appreciate certain things more than others. Most of us seniors are that way. We have grown with life. We have become more aware of what works and what doesn't work for us. We gravitate to what serves our purposes and in the best possible way. Our likes have become preferences that now are more pronounced than they used to be. You have learned what works best and you consistently apply certain tools to accomplish defined tasks.

You use what works best for you but you also notice what others are using. It pays to pay attention to what is available. A parent demonstrates to their child the way to proceed and accomplish an undertaking. A sloppy or poorly completed endeavor is an indicator of using the wrong materials, rushing through, or not fully focusing. We don't have time for wasting time. Really.

Make good choices as best as you can. Selecting the spoon I want demonstrates a nonverbal desire to be pleased and satisfied. In life, that is a good thing . . . unless someone else wants the same spoon at the same time -- but that's another story. Choose what works the best for you. I've been indecisive for most of my life, I'm done with that way of living.

I want my next twenty to thirty years to count. I don't want to waste time on what won't deliver the goods, this includes relationships and endeavors. I won't settle for less. Don't you settle for less.