Smile and Be Joyful

  July 29,2020 I am thoroughly enjoying a few days away at the beach with my sisters. I’m seeing so many things that inspire me.     I will be home Friday and will pick up my blog on Saturday.     1 Thessalonians 5:16:     “Always be joyful.” God bless.     Smile and be joyful!    

July 26, 2020 If it is raining outside, most people use an umbrella to stay dry.   When it’s cold, we put on a coat.   If we are removing something from the oven, we grab an oven mitt.   When there is a pandemic, we wear a mask.   We do these things to protect our physical selves.   They are automatic and considered common sense.   But are we protecting our spiritual and emotional selves?   As we leap out into the world and the busyness of our day, are we equipping ourselves with a parachute of faith?   We look both ways before we cross the street, but are we looking upward and inward to be sure that we are proceeding with our life according to God’s plan?   We check Google maps before we head out to a new destination, but are we reading our Bible before we navigate a new challenge?   Many people have a fire extinguisher in their kitchen and know how to use it.   Each day when Satan aims his fiery arrows at us to wreck our day, do w...

July 24, 2020 Today there is a tropical storm brewing in the Gulf.   It does not seem to be headed for us but is predicted to make landfall farther south.   However, being a lifelong Texan, I still feel the need to pay attention, because storms like this can strengthen, change direction, make landfall, go back out and come back in again.   There is no 100% prediction when it comes to weather.   Sometimes we prepare (board up windows, buy canned goods and batteries, fill the bathtub with water) and then nothing happens.   But a true coastal Texan knows “better safe than sorry” is the order of the day.   Preventive measures are also wise for financial emergencies and threats to our health (hello, Corona virus).   What are we doing every day to protect what matters most?   Our relationships with our loved ones and our Lord should be safeguarded and defended above all else, fortified and strengthened by our words and actions.   Kind words and car...

July 23, 2020 When I was 13 all I wanted for Christmas was a 10-speed bicycle.   It was the “big thing” that everyone my age was getting.   It had gears (that no one really knew how to change), curled under handlebars and hand brakes for front and back that would throw you over the front of the bike if you used them wrong.   But it was COOL, and I wanted one.   There was a double empty lot on our street that my friends and I called “the trails”.   It was just brushy enough to make us feel like we were “out in the country” and had piles of dirt here and there that made great “ramps” to add excitement to our course.   Even as I type this, I realize that the bike I already had was much better suited to this activity than the bike I was “dying to have”.   Christmas morning came and I did get a new bike, but it was NOT a 10-speed.   It had the body shape, curled under handlebars, big skinny wheels and uncomfortable seat but not the gears or hand brakes...

July 22, 2020 I am a morning person.   What I like about morning is the prospect of a new day before me that feels like a fresh start.   Maybe yesterday I didn’t get much done, but today is a new day.   Maybe yesterday I cheated on my diet, but today is a new day.   Granted, some days are structured and full of responsibilities while others are wide open wastelands of empty time, but no matter which kind of day lies before me, I get to choose how I respond to its unique challenges and unexpected blessings. Each day is a gift that God has given me.   How will I spend it?   Here is my new favorite quote by (you guessed it) Max Lucado, from his book, “On the Anvil”:   “ I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. While it is here, I will u...

July 20, 2020 When our car or something in our home is broken, we usually call on an expert to fix it.   I would not have the slightest idea how to repair my car on my own.   My husband is officially banned from plumbing endeavors after we had a geyser in our bathroom when he tried to replace the toilet many years ago.   We know our limits on things like this, yet as humans we still think we can oversee “fixing” our own lives.   While action may be required on our part, we will have better results if we first consult “the manual”.   (read our Bible)   Praying and studying God’s word is how we consult an expert when it comes to working out our life’s problems.   God knows the plan, including not just the what, where and why but the all important WHEN.   We ask what we should do, or we ask God to do something.   We pray for wisdom, understanding and peace.   Sometimes his answers are quick and obvious, other times we wonder if He even hear...

July 19, 2020 I was thinking about some earlier blogs that I posted and thought that perhaps I needed to clarify something that I wrote.   I have “talked about” praying for help with situations and worries and then leaving them with God, as in, walk away and don’t think about them anymore.   Of course, that is easier said than done.   If we are praying about something that causes us anxiety and it continues to plague us, then we must continue to pray about it.   Anxiety is not a sin.   Feelings are not sinful.   But improperly handled they can cause us to sin.   Whatever we are worrying about or feeling we should always pray about it.   God already knows what our worries are so trying to hide them from Him or handle them on our own is foolish.   If we keep praying about something with faith and trust, it will eventually work itself out in some way.   We shouldn’t hide our fears but should bring them out into the light of God.   In h...

July 17, 2020 I don’t think that I have ever faced a more uncertain time in my life.   (Ok, maybe a few times come to mind.)   But this time the whole world seems to be facing many of the same uncertainties at the same time.   And then, of course, we each have our own unique set of circumstances to add to the stress.   It is the perfect time for those of us who have faith in God to share it with others.   If we are too shy or afraid to share our beliefs with words and conversations, we can still share our source of joy and peace through our actions.   When times are hard and life is stressful, our faith can really shine.   The way(s) we deal with the pressure and uncertainty of these crazy times can be a blessing to others.   When we say things like “God has a plan” or “I’m trusting God to see me through all of this”, we are sharing our faith with others.   If we find ways to help others who need assistance, we are sharing God’s love with oth...

July 16, 2020 I’ve been helping my 3 youngest daughters move out of their college apartment for the last couple of days. I’ve rediscovered something I knew before but forgot. It is much easier to go up and down stairs if you aren’t carrying something. The same is true for our everyday life. It’s easier to navigate if we are not burdened with worries and anxiety. God designed us to live one day at a time and trust Him to carry the rest. If we can shed the boxes and baggage of our worries, we can walk with a lighter step. We will always have ups and downs (our stairs) but if we let God handle the future, we have a moving partner who can carry any load. (And He never gets tired.)   Matthew 11:28 (ESV) says:   “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ”   Isaiah 40:29 (NIV) says:   “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”   And don’t forget to help each other.   Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) says:   “Anxi...

July 14, 2020 The word “multitasking” first appeared in an IBM report in 1965 talking about the capabilities of its latest computer.   I don’t remember it being a big part of everyday life and conversation until maybe five or six years ago.   The truth is that the human brain is not capable of multitasking because it is not a computer.   Here are some things I found on Google about multitasking.   Multitasking  reduces your efficiency and performance because your  brain  can only focus on one thing at a time.   Because the  brain  cannot fully focus when multitasking, people take longer to complete tasks and are predisposed to error. Resea rch shows that people who multitask all the time cannot filter out irrelevancy or manage a working memory. They are chronically distracted.   The effect of multitasking can be an overall sense of  anxiety  because the brain is trying to juggle too many things at once, when it's naturall...

July 13, 2020 Most of us are usually working on something.   Things like learning to play the ukulele, watercolor painting, taking college classes online, cleaning out closets and cabinets, working out and exercising, and trying to get in “better shape” are some of our household’s latest projects.     Whatever our goal, it always feels nice to hear encouraging words.   I find “You can do it!” to be much more uplifting than “Just do it!”.   I also enjoy, “Can I help you with that?” and “Wow, you are doing a great job!”.   I find personal satisfaction in a “job well done”.   The hardest part is usually step 1: getting started.   For some activities, it is keeping it going that is the struggle.   I have walked a mile in my neighborhood 2 days in a row about 3 times now and as the saying goes, “If you see me running, you better run too, because something is probably chasing me.”   In my defense, it is VERY HOT outside right now.   In th...

July 11, 2020 God speaks to me and blesses me daily through music.   Just the perfect words at the perfect time or an upbeat positive tune can make me feel more joyful about my day.   That is why I try to attach a link to a song every day with my blog.   If you enjoy these uplifting songs, please download the KSBJ app to your phone.   You can listen to my favorite (only) radio station which is always commercial free and guaranteed to bless you with something to brighten your day.   (You can also listen in the car at 89.3 in Houston.)   Singing is a form of worship.   So, sing loud and praise the Lord!   Psalm 95:2 (ESV) says:   “ Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! ”   Colossians 3:16 (MSG) says:   “Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the ...

July 10, 2020 B ob Ross was a painter and art instructor who hosted a TV show called “The Joy of Painting” from 1983 to 1994.  He would begin his program with a blank canvas and by the time he finished a beautiful painting was created, right before the viewers’ eyes.  I remember the first few times I watched this process, I had my doubts about how the painting would turn out.  But after a few episodes, I was a believer.  He would brush and dab at the canvas, instructing others how to follow along, and he never seemed to falter or lack inspiration.  If he made a mistake he would always say, “There are no mistakes, just happy little accidents.”  Then he would use it to create something that was not a part of his original plan, but always just flowed right in to the finished piece.  What I liked about watching Bob Ross was that he really did find joy in painting.  I am sure he was proud of his finished masterpieces, but he truly enjoyed the process o...

July 9, 2020 As a kid, I didn’t get in trouble a lot.   My parents made the rules and expectations clear and I never wanted to disappoint them.   But every now and then, my temper would get me in trouble.   My younger sister and I were 3 ½ years apart so we played together most of the time.   Arguments were inevitable because we are both bossy.   One time she made me mad and I called her a “fatty”.   I am not sure why this made my mother so mad except maybe because my sister was a little chubby, but boy, was my mom mad!   She told my dad and I was “grounded” for the first time in my life.   (Nothing too horrible… I had to play only in my room, alone, for a few days.   It made me appreciate playing with my sister.)   That consequence is not what made an impression on me.   It was what my mother said.   She said, “Did you stop to think how that might have hurt Charla’s feelings?”   That made me cry and regret my words. ...

July 8, 2020 This song that I heard this morning on the radio I have heard before, but today I really listened to the lyrics.   What God said to me through this song is that when I am going through hard times and I am asking Him to change the circumstances and he doesn’t, it is not because he doesn’t hear my prayer.   When I can’t fix a problem and God won’t, there is a greater purpose.   So, instead, I must ask God to change my mind and my heart to not only accept what is going on, but to find the blessing in it.   If the situation can’t be changed, then I must pray that God will change me so that I can move through it with grace and give the glory to Him.   A quote from Walt Whitman: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”   When we turn toward God with our problems, maybe he won’t change the problems but trusting Him will change us.   Psalm 51:10 (ESV) says:   “ Create in me a clean heart, O God, and rene...

July 7, 2020 If we are lucky in life, we have a person or even people that we can call on, no matter what is happening or what we need.   It might be our spouse, a parent, a sibling, a cousin or a friend.   Someone we can call with good news, who will celebrate and rejoice with us.   That same person may be the one we call when things aren’t so good, and we need counseling or consoling.   Who is the first person you call when you want to share something great that has happened to you?   You call that person because you know that they care about you.   Have you ever wanted to call a friend, but you hesitated because you haven’t talked to them in a real long time?   Or maybe the last time you were together something didn’t go quite right, and you’re worried they will reject your attempt to make contact?   It happens.   People are imperfect and sometimes unforgiving.   But God’s motto as a friend is “I am here.   Always.   No matt...

July 6, 2020 You know those rare moments when “all is right with the world” (at least our little part of it)?   They are fleeting moments to be cherished.   For me those moments are when “everything is done”, I have enough time and money to feel comfortable, and most importantly, all my loved ones are safe and happy.   I think these are little foretastes of heaven.   When we get to heaven, all our work will be complete, and our worries will evaporate.   We won’t need money (that will go a long way toward the not worrying thing) and time, well, time will be irrelevant.   Our physical struggles will be over, and every day will be glorious.   I still have many goals and dreams to accomplish in this life and I pray that God will allow me many years to do so, but it is nice knowing what waits for me when my time here is over.   I pray, also, that the faith I have gained from my many struggles will help lead others to Christ.   1 Corinthians 13:12 ...

July 5, 2020 There is an old Garth Brooks song where he “thanks God for unanswered prayer”.   It is a lot easier, sometimes, in hindsight to see why God did not answer a prayer in the way we had hoped.   We can see His handiwork in the way things turned out and think, “Oh, I understand now.”   (As Garth sings, “I guess the Lord knows what He’s doin’ after all.”)   The problem with unanswered prayer in the present is that we can’t see God’s reason for not answering it.   This is where trust must take hold.      We must trust that God has a plan for our life and that it is for our good.   We can’t see the “why” or the “why not” from where we are because we are not God.   And, of course, there are some things that happen in our lives that we will never understand, until we are in heaven.   Today I am thankful for my many obvious blessings and, also, for the blessings that God has in store.   I will continue to strive to worry less...

July 4, 2020 Today is Independence Day!  This is a July 4 th like no other I can remember and hope to never experience again.  For the first time in my life, I will not spend the day with large groups of family and friends celebrating, eating hot dogs and apple pie.  But I am still free to spend the day in some other enjoyable way, so I will make the best of it.  I have a grocery pick up later for (you guessed it) hot dogs, buns, chili, etc. and apple pie (the frozen kind that is better than I could make myself… go Marie Callender!).  I am also free to have my quiet time with God and write my blog.  We, as Americans, are all still free to worship God the way we choose and enjoy many other liberties that do no exist in other countries.  So, I hope you have on your red, white and blue today and that you hung out your flag if you have one.  Even though this July 4 th is unusual, we can still celebrate all that we have and are free to do.  ...

July 3, 2020  I learned something while reading today that I thought was interesting.   The most common term used in the Bible for “worry” is a Greek word, merimnate .   It sounds a lot like marinate, as in getting meat ready to cook, by letting it soak in something.   Isn’t that what we do when we worry?   We soak our brain in fear and anxiety, which breaks it down and makes it weaker.   Also, interesting (at least to me), merimnate comes from merimnao which is made up of two words: divide and mind.   So, when we worry, our mind is divided.   (rather than in one piece)   So, the solution is simple: Don’t worry! (Be happy!)   If only it was that simple.   Maybe we could change our “marinade” to praise, joy, you know, good things!   If we could let God’s love and hope for us soak into our brains and make it all the way to our heart, we could probably have a better day.   The base of this marinade would be gratefulness, be...

July 2, 2020 Relationships can be like canoes.   Everything is fine if both people are calm and seated.   But if someone suddenly stands up and “rocks the boat”, the whole thing can flip over, and everyone gets wet.   That is not what anyone wants when they are in a canoe.   In a relationship, when the “canoe flips over”, quick decisions must be made.   Do we laugh or get mad?   Do we sink or swim?   Do we turn the canoe over and help each other get back in or swim our separate ways?   There is also the difficulty that arises when two people in the same canoe are rowing in different directions or not in sync.   That can cause some serious “canoe chaos”!   In either scenario, who did you picture being in the canoe with?   Your spouse, your sibling, your child or parent?   Did you picture a smooth ride or white-water rafting?   Is the ride a partnership or a one-man-show?   (one person putting forth all the effort…) ...