Forty-Something-Ish , Who Cares?

 I last had Facebook on my phone a couple of months ago. It was hacked, which super annoyed me, and I deleted it. 

 Who cares, right? Turns out, some of you do. Several people called or texted asking if I was "okay'.   

Today is my birthday. I'm forty-something-ish. I wasn't near my laptop to show appreciation for the birthday posts. Normally, I try to stay on top of the "thank you' s," because I genuinely appreciate the sentiment.   I received concerned texts asking, "Where are you?"

Say all the negative things you want about social media; however, there are positives. 

Like you, for example. There are plenty of people I engage with on social media that I rarely can engage with in day-to-day life.  It is a great way to stay in touch.

The Apostle Paul wrote letters to his people so why shouldn't we?  Paul from the Bible would have loved social media. (At least I think so.)  I'd like to hear what Luke the Physician would post on a few hot topics! 

Sure, it is impossible to say the right thing. You will get made fun of if you gain weight, lose weight, wear too much make-up, don't wear enough make-up, spell something wrong, use poor grammar, are too proper, etc.   People will tell lies about you and other people will believe them. To those I say, have at it! 

 If you do care, I am "Okay".   Thanks for caring.  I care about you, too!  I'm praying for you and I'm cheering for you.  I seriously want you to win at life.  

Honestly, I am better than okay. Jesus loves me!  He loves you, too, btw.  My only son welcomed his daughter this year in March. Her name is Ruby. She's perfect, of course. I have family, friends, and people who care that I exist in person and online. (I even added my Facebook back to my phone)

I am healthy, besides gaining the hormonal weight that comes with being forty-something-ish,.  I'm working, and I have a pretty cool ministry idea. More about that later. The most drama I tolerate these days is the underwire in my bra fighting with my flesh.  I know the Bible talks about having a thorn in the side, but I didn't think mine would be so literal.  😆

Life is nothing like I imagined. I'm not where I thought I would be at this stage of life, and some days are hard. My Mom has some health problems.  We lost my brother last year, and so on and on. Any of you who are forty-something-ish know what I mean because we have all faced battles and jumped hurdles.  

Life beats up on us all and nobody has an Insta-perfect life.  Well, maybe you do, but I for sure do not. I put Alex, Tabathia, and Ruby in my photo for the post because at forty-something-ish it is the selfies of others that you care the most about.  Also, I used a terrible picture of myself, I pretty much hate that photo.   It seemed fitting, I am forty-something-ish...

God moves in chaos and my life has plenty of it. There is joy in the chaos.  I pray to focus more on living my moments and being thankful for every single second. 

I'm forty-something-ish, and I am happy, thankful, and blessed, but who cares?  😊

Problem Solved?

I was trying to solve a family problem early this morning.    I hadn't had my coffee or my talk with Jesus, but I was still trying.   It seemed futile and utterly impossible to come up with an effective solution. 

Anything that is broken can be fixed with enough effort, right?  

Math doesn't change...

1+1 = 2, 2+2=4, E=MC²  

The formula doesn't change, but we do not always understand. The truth is there are some problems that we cannot solve no matter how hard we try. 

Problems + Effort ≠ Solutions

God reminded me that it doesn't matter how hard I work, or how hard you work. There are some problems that only He can solve. There are other problems that someone else will need to solve.  There are some mountain-sized problems that do not have a solution. God will have to move the mountain. 

Just the other day I was praying about a mountain-sized problem.  God sent the solution in the most unexpected way.    The help, the answer was there all along and I didn't realize it because I was trying to solve it my way. 

• I must do what I can do for my problems.
• I must accept that many problems are beyond my control. 
• I must be there for people without trying to fix them or their situation. 
• I must focus on Jesus and my calling. 
• I must remember that when I focus on Jesus, He will handle the problems.
• I must surrender knowing that it is Jesus, not I who is in control.

Be encouraged.  Focus on whatever it is that God calls you to, and he will handle your problems. 

 

Problems + Jesus = Peace 

Truth is... I'm sorry

 Your truth. My truth. They/Them/Their truth. Is truth subjective?  What is truth? 

Truth: 

A person somewhere at some time hurt you.  A person claiming to be a Christian disappointed you. The church failed.  It was not a little mistake, and it was not one mistake.   I'm sorry. 

Truth:

 Christians and religious people have been messing up since the beginning of time.  I'm sorry.

Truth:

The founders of the United States did great things, but they were also called "men of the night."  That means exactly what you think it does.   Our country, a land built on the premise of religious freedom, was built by men who were less than wholesome.   I'm sorry. 

Truth:

During the Great Awakening, evangelical ministers opposed slavery, but by the early decades of the 19th century, they got it twisted.  Leaders convinced slave owners that converting their slaves would make them more obedient.   They should have taken a stand for freedom in Christ, and instead, they enabled slave owners. I'm sorry. 

Truth:

The Civil Rights Movement was a time for the love of Christ to reign through darkness. Instead, some denominational leaders taught that African Americans resulted from the "Curse of Ham." I'm sorry.

Truth:

Some churches seem judgemental, others fake, and a few even cultish. I'm sorry.  The purpose of organized worship is to worship Jesus as a group, not to worship other humans.   

Truth:

Jesus.  The Bible says that "..the word became flesh." (John 1:14). Jesus became the embodiment of the Bible.   Jesus brought the Bible to life.  Jesus is truth.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6)  The Bible is the truth.  I'm sorry if someone who was supposed to show you the love of Christ failed. 

Truth:

People hurt each other, and it is hard to tell the truth from a lie.  I'm sorry.

 When you search for your bearing, your truth, remember - Jesus is the truth.  The Bible is the truth. Anything that contradicts the Word of God is untruth.  God does not lie. 

An Adventure for Carlena

 Carlena was a busy woman.  She owned a small business, and she ran it well. She kept her house in perfect order. She did all the things that she thought were expected of her. The problem is that she was tired of being predictable, dependable, and stuck in the same rut.  She wanted an adventure.  As Reba McEntyre would say, she wanted a little adventure with some security.  She prayed that God would send her an adventure.

               Carlena went to a park in the city to take a walk.   The world’s fair was there in 1982.  There is a giant ball, the Sunsphere, which stands tall in the sky. You can take an elevator to the top and look over the town.  It is surrounded by walkways and water features.  The city is filled with the kind of noisy peace that is exactly what Carlena needed.  It was easy for Carlena to be alone with God when she was seemingly lost in the crowd.

               She parked her car in the public lot.  The smell of food trucks filled her nose as she closed her door. She scurried across the street and started up the walkway.  Carlena could not believe her eyes. There was a brown suitcase.  It was probably at least fifty years old. It was made from wood and looked a little rough. It was sitting against a concrete wall.  She was curious about what was inside.  She thought about opening it, but that would be rude.  She thought about calling for help, but it was not any of her business. She shrugged it off and moved on.

               Carlena was headed for the water fountain.  It is beautiful.  Carlena wanted to sit there, but there were people there filming something.   She wasn’t sure what was going on, but it seemed like a big deal.  The cameraman smiled at her.  The crew seemed open and receptive.  Carlena was curious. She thought about asking what was going on.   The director looked at her and said, “Hi!” Carlena nodded, put her head down, and went on about her way. She didn’t want to make them think she was trying to be nosy.

 

               Carlena decided the amphitheater would be a better option. She got there and took a seat on the stage looking out at the water.  A gentleman walked up behind her and said, “Nice view! I might have to join you.”  She smiled and said, “I was leaving.  It is all yours!”  As she walked away, she thought, “That guy looked like Bon Jovi!  I’m sure he hears that all the time.”

 

               Click click was the sound her car made as she walked up.  She cranked up the air and sat inside. She cried out to God in a loud voice, “Do you ever listen to me?!  I asked you for an adventure. I knew I couldn’t have one and I was going to settle for some time alone with you.  Did I even get that, no?  I came to this park and every step of the way, I got interru...- “
God interrupted her audibly.

 

               “STOP! My stubborn little girl.  I love you.  I sent you three adventures and you ignored them all.  The suitcase contained a mystery, one that you would have never forgotten, and it would have been great fun!”  The film crew was filming a commercial for a new restaurant that Bon Jovi is opening in your city.  One of the actors didn’t show up. They needed someone to be an extra.  You would have been paid, gotten free concerts tickets, a VIP invitation for the restaurant opening, and an experience of a lifetime.   You guessed it, that man on the stage, that was Bon Jovi.   He did come over to sit and enjoy the view.  He also needed someone to manage the events at his restaurant. If you had sat there, you could have talked.  You would have been offered that job.”

 

               “My daughter, adventure is everywhere just as I am everywhere.  Keep your eyes open.  You miss a lot because you are afraid, or you are sticking to a schedule.  I do not fit inside a box.  Follow me, listen to and for me.  I will guide you.   Life with me is always an adventure.  I’m your father and I love you.”

Why did I dream that?

 You are shook! That dream felt real. You jot down the details before you forget, but you still can’t shake it. What does it mean? Is there anything to it?

The Bible mentions dreams in many places.  

Spiritual dreams are real.

When I first started to have dreams from God, I didn’t understand them. I will share some of my dream stories another time.  

 God has used my dreams to warn me, protect me, and alter my decisions.  

You know for sure if a dream is from God. 

I put dreams into 4 main classes

1)      Dreams from God

·         These dreams always coincide with scripture

·         They never fail to correct

·         The symbolism is consistent

2)      Dreams from excess thoughts and worries

3)      Dreams from stimulation (TV or Conversations)

4)      Dreams from the enemy or flesh   

Symbol	Meaning
Dirty Water	Trouble
Snakes	Enemy – Satan
Clean water	Blessing, Goodness, peace
Waterfall	Holy Spirit
Car	Your life (Like what’s driving you, your flesh)
House	You
Baby	Sometimes death
Poop	The word in the Bible is dung but the meaning doesn’t change…
Bridge	Change
Road	Direction
Mountain	Obstacles or journey

 To better understand your dreams

• Ask God to help
• Journal your dreams (Write what you saw, what you felt, and what you immediately took that to mean)
• Look for consistency or repetitive dreams
• If suddenly a dream comes back to your mind, write it down.
• A lot of spiritual dreams happen between 3am-6am
• God will provide a way for you to understand the dreams He sends in His time.
• If your dreams are from God, pay attention! 

DREAMS FROM GOD AND HIS INSTRUCTIONS NEVER GO AGAINST THE BIBLE! 

Prophets often say God came to them in a dream. God does send messages through dreams. Some prophets are honest, some are not.  

Do not be afraid of your dreams. God will show you what they mean, how they apply to your life, and what action you should take. 

And again:

DREAMS FROM GOD AND HIS INSTRUCTIONS NEVER GO AGAINST THE BIBLE! 

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY JESUS...

 “Let me tell you about my Jesus…” That’s more than the title of one of my favorite songs it is something I feel like shouting as loud as I can. 

I wish everyone knew my Jesus!

He loves me every day, unconditionally, even when I make the worst messes!!!

I need you to know: 

Jesus is the ONLY begotten son of God. There is not a first or second son. He is the only begotten son. A relationship with Jesus is the only way to access Heaven. Think about it, if there had been another way, another religion, any other option would God have sacrificed His son? No, of course not, God is a good Father. God is also our father, and He loves us. God’s love for us is why He allowed Jesus to be born to save us. 

There are religions, secular movements, entertainment, and other outlets that try to counterfeit the Bible or discount Jesus. There is none like Jesus.  

Entertainment that makes Jesus less than the savior of the world and the only way to Heaven, is not entertainment, it is blasphemy. Entertainment that makes a joke out of the Bible is a mockery to almighty God. 

Religions that take the Bible and God’s principles and twist them will be dealt with by God Himself. See, “ 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22-23, NIV

There are many stories from religious persons throughout history who were able to tap into miracles through a variety of outlets. That does not mean they were followers of Jesus. We are never to follow people. We only follow Jesus and God’s infallible living word. 

BE CAREFUL

As a kid at church, I used to hear a song that went something like, “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little ears what you hear…” Wow, I never realized how powerful that was until I grew up and had a child myself.  

 Don’t be deceived. There are a lot of things that seem “good” and “godly-ish” that are not at all. Read the Bible, pray, and ask God – He will show you.  

Extreme?

I may sound like an extremist. I’ve even wondered at times if my words, my blogs, my faith mattered to anyone else. 

It does. Last night, I heard my son talk about stopping a game he was involved in because it was a Buddhist practice and that goes against his faith.  He heard me, he has faith!   

It made my heart bubble over. 

Today, I got an email from someone I love.  What they sent reminded me that they don't share my love for Jesus and it breaks my heart.  If you just knew my Jesus, you would love Him, too! 

Jesus saved me, is with me always, makes sure I have peace, comforts me, gives me the sweetest gifts and so much more!  “Let me tell you about my Jesus”!!!

Church ain't the building, why go?

I keep hearing people say "Church ain't the building, we can have church anywhere because we are The Church.

That is true.  The Church is the body of believers and you don't need a building to worship.

BUT... 

• Are you?  Are you really having worship consistently away from the church building?
• Are you called to preach? 
• Are you called to prophesy?
•  Are you studied up?  
• Do you feel qualified to lead the service? (I don't mean education, I mean spiritually)
• Speaking of education, how much Bible do you know? 
• How's your focus on faith been without going to church? 
• Would you rather listen to music live or via device? 

AND...

• Ever been to a sporting event, concert, or other outings and felt the energy of the crowd?
• Ever needed a hug? 
• Ever left an event feeling motivated and focused? 
• Ever needed a close connection to others? 

We want to hear music live! We want to go to sporting events live! There is energy and power when you get people together.  

It is not likely you are as consistent with worship away from the church.  We aren't all called to preach, prophesy, or lead services.   Our church leaders have dedicated their lives to knowing God's word.  The entirety of their focus is to encourage us in Christ.   Do you really think you don't need a pastor? 

Do you remember the Bible stories about the Shepherds?  Yes, of course, Jesus is the Good Shepherd but God set forth pastors and leaders to watch over the congregation.  We are fighting spiritual warfare. The spirit of fear is an excellent example.  That spirit is not of God and it is running rampant. 

PLUS...

You can think of it as coaching.  All would agree that athletes need coaches. Pastors are to the congregation what coaches are to athletes.  I saw an illustration yesterday where a coach handed an athlete a piece of tape and asked him to place it as high above his head as he could.  The athlete did so.  Then the coach asked the athlete to place it a little higher.  The athlete did by at least three inches!   The coach said, "You will do what you think is your best, my job is to encourage you to more."

BE REAL...

We need interaction with the body of believers.  We need to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.  We need our church family and the world needs THE CHURCH.   Congregations are a great way to pool resources and achieve things for the Kingdom. How much traction would a gang or the mafia have if they separated?   They stick together because they are out to achieve a mission.   We can go further together! 

PLEASE...

Be careful is saying we don't need a church.  We do need it and so do our communities!  What would our nation look like if the churches closed?  

Photo Credit: https://www.wrvo.org/post/closing-church-auctions-not-only-items-memories