Grace and Mercy...even for the 'Christian'!

                                                            John 8:1-11:  

 "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.He straightens up again, and speaks to her. 'Where are your accusers?' he asks. 'Has no-one seen fit to condemn you?' She simply answers 'No-one, sir.' 'Then I do not condemn you either' says Jesus. 'Go on your way, and do not sin anymore.'"

This story always causes me to deeply reflect, and examine my heart when it comes to sin. It is a very well-known, familiar story, but whenever I read it, It still causes me to sit back and take a look at my own actions and realize that none of us are above judging ourselves. It is not just the story of some, but of all of us. I'm especially talking to fellow Christians. 

This week in one of our family bible studies, a young man proceeded to talk about adultery. He said that adultery was a sin on the top of God's list of hates. He claimed that it makes you unacceptable in the eyes of your spouse and God, and that it is hugely immoral. What he said seemed as if it made sense, and many of the listeners probably agreed with him, understandably. But I just felt there was something missing in His theory...at the time, I couldn't put my finger on it....and then later I realized...it was 'Grace' and 'Mercy'. 

Grace and Mercy are two different things. Grace is when you get something you don't deserve, like a unexpected blessing or gift. Mercy is when you don't get something that you do deserve, like a 'get out of jail free' card when you've done wrong. 

Both are God's attributes and given freely to those who seek Him.   

Little Miss Strawberry Shortcake...

'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,  "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11

When I was growing up, I would read huge books, write novels, and make up characters, and act them out. In the fourth grade, I was tested and determined to have a 12th grade reading level. I was placed in gifted classes, and went to Montessori school at one point. I would create board games from scratch, put together detailed ‘school plans’ and stay up for hours into the night, making fake school lessons. (replicating each page dozens of times, because I had no copier) Its pleased me to see people take something I had put together and learn something. I spent lots of time alone and to me it make no sense.  I loved to tell long stories, and hear long stories. People would get aggravated with my endless questions "and then what happened? And how did you LOOK while you said that to her? What was her response?" I loved to paint mental pictures. I spent alot of time alone in isolation, but it gave me time to develop my imagination. 

I constantly read books and among my favorite was Helen Keller, and usually other stories of people who had difficult upbringing and overcame the odds. I loved Strawberry Shortcake (I owned everything from her clothing to every toy that came out to the point where my Grandmother called me 'Strawberry Shortcake' sometimes), Pippi Longstocking, and Annie... all examples to me of independent children who lived on their own and were happy and thrived. Why was I drawn to these stories? Perhaps because in my own life I spent alot of time alone, raising myself, and was unknowingly soon to overcome great challenges. I used those stories to give me strength. How did I know I would eventually write scripts and teach drama, and work with girls and women in a teaching capacity, helping them to overcome their own temptations and challenges?. When I was younger, making my own plans, I said I wanted to be a Veterinarian, but God had other plans for me. I always said ‘Anything but a teacher!” Sometimes the last thing you think you want to do, is right where God places you!

Making Progress....through the Wilderness

       
Here is the completed Logo for my new Program, 'The Heartwood Project'. 
...Aint it beautiful?
What I love about it, is that it shows the heart of the tree, the roots, the branches and growth all at once. It's perfect! The entire program is designed to help others learn how to cut off the 'dead roots' of their past, re-generate new roots, and cultivate a healthy legacy for themselves and the next generation. The entire seminar will be done in a 'gardening' context, which will make it fun and interactive. At the same time, you will be required to 'dig up' some painful things that you will be able to finally overcome...for good, if you complete the entire course...which goes on for 40 days afterwards.

I can just about guarantee that it will be truly life-changing for those who attend! 

Mother's Day...for the True Mother 2's

In Memory of Patricia Lyle Smith: My 1st Substitute Mother...

On Mothers Day, I was truly grieved. Of course, I kept on the smiles, and pretended to be fine...but this is a blog, right? So...I have to write my inner feelings. Hopefully this will help someone else.

I just want to say that all Mothers dont deserve celebration just because they gave birth. I know this may sound rude and controversial...but there are some of us that grew up without hugs, kisses, affection, love, feelings of worth and acceptance....some of us who had mothers who were in the clubs and in the streets, and on drugs, and allowed all sorts of vile things to happen to thier children. Some of us who were not protected by the ones who were supposed to protect, or help by the arms designed to hold. Some who never looked out into the audience at a play or game and saw thier mother sitting there, proudly smiling and cheering them on.

...Some of us to whom Mother's Day has a whole nother meaning.

The Heat is On....

At my job, they are aware that I have ministry involvements. As a matter of  fact, upon hiring, I stated them up front. I let them know that I am the Drama Director at my church, and that I will be required to be there Wednesday nights, and Saturday and Sunday mornings. Also, Thursday nights I lead a Women's WOW phone bible study. This was put into the computer as my 'default availability'.

I noticed on my schedule last week that they had me scheduled for a meeting on Sunday morning. I promptly went to my supervisor and let her know tht I would not be able to attend the meeting, and that it is already stated on my default that I cant work Sundays. She asked me why, and I explained. At that point nothing else was said.

Monday, then I came in, three managers pulled me aside and asked why I wasnt at the meeting.