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.

STOP PLAYING 'DRESS UP'!!

hyp·o·crite
[hip-uh-krit]  
–noun
1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, especially one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.
or the sake of your tradition.

I am so sick of hypocrites!! ~They give us Christians a BAD Name!

Would it surprise you to discover that Jesus didn't like hypocrites either? Not only were they insincere, He said, but they made a mockery of true faith and brought disgrace to it.
JESUS CHRIST did not mince words when it came to religious hypocrisy. That, more than anything else, is what got Him killed. His death was a staged assassination by a few religious hypocrites who The Lord was very effectively exposing to the people under their authority.
In fact, some of Jesus' strongest words were directed at people who claimed to follow God but in reality weren't obeying Him but were selfish and unloving and evil. On one occasion, He boldly condemned some of the religious leaders of His day with these words: "On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" (Matthew 23:28). God knows our hearts and minds, He was reminding them - and nothing is hidden from Him.
Jesus: "..you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites!... 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; in VAIN do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'" (Matthew 15:1-9 RSV)

Jesus was so straight up and direct, he was eventually killed for speaking against them. (Although we know he purposely laid down His life, thier intentions at the time were obviously to 'silence' him)

Taming the Tongue!

This past Friday in our family bible study, we discussed controlling our mouths. This is important for those who profess to be 'Christians' on Sunday's, but Monday thru Saturday say whatever comes out of thier mouths, no matter how hateful, disrespectful, or rebellious.
 
The Bible warns that believers who do not bring restraint to their tongue and speech have been deceived — and without such control over their words, their religious acts are worthless and hypocritical. “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). It is a deception for any of us to think that Jesus can be Lord over our life, without also becoming Lord over our tongue.
……So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites (James 3:5).

What I have learned too is that the more you start to operate in the 'Fruits of the Spirit' of Galatians, you will feel the need less and less to live by the flesh. It is hard to Break old habits, but easier when you REPLACE them with new habits.

Grown Ups that need to...Grow up!

How many times have we heard the words "Im Grown!" From some young person, as they disrespect an elder, or even some grown person who uses it to justify thier outlandish behavior. If you are truly GROWN, as you state.. you shouldnt need to declare it to everyone who will listen. It should be obvious in the way you walk, talk, act, and carry yourself.

Let's get it straight: There is a big difference between being 'Grown' and being 'Mature'! You HAVE to grow up (older) due to time passing, but Maturity is gained by Wisdom, Self-Control, and doing the Right thing: even when no one us looking! QOTD: Are you a Real Woman/Man...or still just a big KID!? I see alot of 30-50 year old who are still immature, and have seen some teens who are respectful, mature, and extremely wise.

See...most time it's the people who love to say 'Im 'grown'' that are still behaving like 6 year olds:
Throwing temper tantrums, lying, and gossiping even well into their 30's and 40's. How can we expect the next generation to learn what it is to be mature if we don't role model it ourselves!? WE have grown men who refuse to work, sit around playing video games all day, and allow themselves to be supported by the women in thier lives. I know women who leave thier kids home and party at the club, dress younger than thier teen daughters, and fight in the streets like female hoodlums at 40.

...WHY ME?!?!

For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

‘Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom...but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” ~ 1 Cor 1: 19-31

From the time I was young, I have felt the hand of the Lord on my life. Although I wasn’t raised around Christians, God always seemed to send Godly people along my path.  I felt that His hands were always there, leading and guiding me, even when I didn’t want to be led or guided...even through my teen rebellious years.  At age 18, I was basically homeless and pregnant, with a one year old, and went to live with a white family, who taught me about the Lord, and showed me love. It was my own personal ‘Different Strokes’ story. These people initially were strange to me- they sang, talked, walked and lived for Jesus. I had never seen or experienced anything like them. Their love enveloped me, and they totally accepted me, regardless of what I did. They patiently answered my many questions about God and His ways, and  for 6 months they were there...all the way through the birth of my daughter, to my wedding day. And I knew the entire time that God had orchestrated the whole thing. And still I asked...Why me?

The Heartwood Conception...

"When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce! Yet if we have problems with our friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well...like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and arguments. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding (of the root issue)."

-- Thich Nhat Hahn

This concept of planting and reaping is what I have decided to base my 'Heartwood Project' program on. I was originally trying to find a Public speaking niche that was unique, and looking to create a market for myself in speaking. I already speak about abstinence, Abortion, etc. But I felt that there was something that I could address that was different. So, a while back, I asked my Facebook friends 'What would you PAY to hear someone do a seminar about?' I figured that this would inspire me to come up with a topic that was needed. Interestingly, the overwhelming majority said 'How to overcome the pain of your past so it doesnt affect the future.' And it was then that I relaized that alot of people out there want to get OVER stuff, and really dont know how to do it.