Who is your favorite star?

First of all, I have many, many old television shows I DVR and watch... as I was thinking about this blog piece though... Suzanne Sugarbaker of Designing Women popped into my brain!  I love her "no filter" comments, her thoughts, and her being "real".  The writer's of this show did an excellent job of portraying an all-around southern lady with just a little sass and a lot of opinion.   One of my favorite episodes is when she has the Miss Georgia crown taken away from her because of a calculation error from many years ago.  She describes the girl who won as a big ole mean country girl, hugging and kissing, and slopping sugar when the judges were around... but really mean otherwise... she put Suzanne's fire baton in the commode... you can't get much worse than that! 

I love to use her line of "slopping sugar".  I'll admit... I can slop sugar with the best of them!  I do it all the time.  I smile, I nod my head, I make someone feel like they are one hundred percent right when in my head~ I'm saying, "Lord, help them!"  They have no idea what I really think and I don't really know what to say to them.  I'm sure someone else might be the same way.  You know... slopping sugar... being all nice... and really judging from the inside.  I'm convicted of that quite often.  So what should we do? 

Look up... look to the star.  Our favorite star should be the One above... we should look to Him... and be like Him.  So many times I find myself acting like Suzanne Sugarbaker because she gets to say what she wants... when she wants... but is that how I should act?  Nope... a big Nope!  Philippians 2:13 tells us "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose"  I am quite sure that God isn't slopping sugar... He isn't fake.  He isn't saying one thing and doing another.  He is real.  I need to invite Him to my "slopping sugar" party and be real.  BE like Him. 

As you embark on your Christmas holiday visiting relatives who may not think like you do... relatives who may not live like you do... relatives who crawl under your fingernails and make your skin crawl... look at them with a new perspective... don't look at them as what you think about them... look at them as what God thinks about them.  Find the good in them... find the joy in them... and find a peace for the time you spend with them.  Don't ruin your Christmas slopping sugar and being fake.  Be real... be like Jesus... and when the moment comes you want to be ugly... look to the Star... He will fill you with all the sugar you need! 

The Star of the Show

This little one in the picture made her debut into the world on December 21, 1999.  She thinks she is the star of the show at our house... and most of the time she is.... she is coming in from work now and has officially finished her first semester at Clemson.  Her dreams came true when she hoped to attend Clemson... her dreams came true that she would be successful... and her dreams came true that she made it through the semester without crying too much!  I'll share even more on her birthday when things might be official! 

For me, it seems like yesterday that I was holding this three day old baby in the dress that Lolly smocked for her at the last minute.  Who knew I would need a smocked Christmas dress for her??? I was thinking her first one would be for Valentine's Day.  God's plan was different for this little one and she didn't have enough patience to stay put... she wanted to come on out into the big world in the 1900s instead of 2000. 

I'm sorry that I haven't written in the last few days... life has happened for us.... plans have been mixed up... I have been busy with children... and I have had a few extra things pop up!  So....I'm not promising a blog post every night from now until Christmas, but I sure am going to try! 

Of course the last day we will look at Jesus as our character in the Nativity Scene, but for the next few nights... I want to talk about the star.  The star that is in each scene of the birth of Christ.  Stars are mentioned several times in the Bible, and a star was there the night Jesus was born.... and have you ever thought about this.... those same stars are out there tonight for us to look at!  Isn't that amazing?  We are looking at the same skies that Jesus did... and Moses... and Noah... and Adam.  We think it's been so long ago, but it really hasn't.  Time has flown by from their time to now.... just like that baby girl in the picture above has grown in 19 years so quickly.  The stars may fade and explode, but the skies are the exact same!

There was a star that appeared when Jesus was born... according to Matthew... and the wisemen were seeking HIM when they set out under Herod's orders.  The star was their guide.  And that... is where I want to star our discussion on stars! 

Is THE STAR your guide?  I believe with all my heart that the STAR is who we need to be looking to as we travel on this journey of life.  Stars give off light.... they don't burn out... they are above us all the time.  When KB was born... she was the star of our house... she gave us a new aspect on life.  She  grew up... she sinned... she made good choices and bad choices... and she shone brightly and grew dim.... she has brought joy to our lives and made us proud.  I can only imagine the joy that Jesus brought to Mary and Joseph.  I'm sure they were just as proud of him as any parent is of their own children.  But we can't let our children be the star that guides us.... Jesus has to be the star in order for us to be headed in the right directions! 

I think we all know that Mary and Joseph relied on God to guide them in making decisions about Jesus... and I hope that the STAR is the guide for each of you as you make decisions regarding your children.  I challenge you to look into the skies and talk to God... ask him to cover your children with protection, safety, blessings, grace, and mercy... ask him to watch over them and put a hedge of security around them... bathe your children in prayer as they go out into the world making good and bad choices.  Herod was an evil man, but he allowed the astrologers "wisemen" to go out and seek the Messiah.  I think it is very telling that a bad man led this group to a great thing.... For tonight.... I want you to be thankful for something bad that has happened in your life... because later you saw the good of it.  That's your "star" story.  It's amazing to read about those who have bad things that have happened and good came from it.  What if your story makes a difference for someone who is struggling?  Some of you may be going through that bad patch right now and need someone to help you... some of you may have been through a rough patch and just aren't ready to share... and some of you have been through a tough time and lived to tell about it!  There is nothing better than being able to talk about how God used a hopeless situation to make life better for you. 

I'd love to read about how God has made your life better.  You can comment on the blog anonymously or you can send a message...  or you can tell a friend or family member.... but seek him in your situation... Find your star story and share it... let your life experiences help someone else. 

And many of my situations are about this little star who turns 19 this week.  She has taught me so many things about how life isn't controlled by my wishes or hers... it's God's plan... and we are all the better for having been here!  

Which character are you? Herod, Priest/Teacher, or Wiseman

I can't take credit for this devotional... I am stealing it... you know how you steal things off Pinterest or Google... I'm going to give credit where credit is due... Max Lucado in Because of Bethlehem brought this to my attention.  It was very powerful to me... I hope you ask yourself daily which one you are.

In my own words I will recap what he said....

There are three groups to look at...

1.  Herod- the evil king who had ordered all males under two years old be killed
2.  The Priests and Teachers- continued the duties of telling about the history in the Old Testament
3.  The Wisemen- astrologers who weren't really kings and were told to follow the star

Did you know that all three of these knew the story of the Messiah?  No one had heard from God in over 400 years until the birth of Jesus... and John the Baptist.  Herod knew about a Saviour coming, the priests and the teachers knew about the Saviour coming, and the Wisemen knew about the Saviour coming.... THEY ALL KNEW!   Think about what you know already....

Now... what's interesting is what they did with this information.

Herod- He tried to defy everything.... he was going to have this Messiah who was born killed, so he could continue to be king and in charge.  He tried his best to control the situation and make it the way he thought it would be best.

The Priests and the Teachers.... they knew the stories of the prophets, but they did NOTHING... they sat and watched things go on and didn't help in any way.  They didn't act on what they knew or make others understand what was going on any better.

The Wisemen... they left their land and traveled far away to find the baby that would be the Saviour.  They acted and believed on what they had learned and seen.  They sought the newborn baby and took several years to find him.

Where are you tonight?  Are you Herod?  Are you trying to control a situation that really isn't yours to control?  Have you read your Bible and know that what you are trying to do is going to defy what the Bible says?  Let God have your problems.  No matter how small or big... let Him have them!  If you are blessed and don't have any problems... phone a friend and ask how you can pray for them!

Are you the priests and teachers tonight?  Do you know what you need to do, but you are sitting and letting life pass by in a sulky, depressed, poor pitiful me mood?  Are you pushing back the real things you need to be focused on to just hope for the best?  Do you know what you need to know, but you aren't willing to move and act?

Or are you like the Wisemen?  Are you seeking God every day?  Sometimes I think I seek God three and four times a day if it's a crazy day!  Are you looking for him in everything... the good, the bad, and the ugly?  Are you willing to go on a journey to find Him and meet Him where the light is shining?

You have a choice every day to be one of these characters... you can be like Herod, the priests/teachers, or the wisemen.  You know which one you should be, but no one can make you.  It's your choice.  Trust in Him and he will guide you in everything you do!  Give your problems to Him... and most of all... have the willingness to seek Him just like the wisemen did!

Be a wisemen this Christmas season... look for Him!  He is there!

Some of the Wisest Men May Be Gone Already!

They say "the first year is the hardest"... I beg to differ... the second year has been ups and downs of happiness and sadness realizing that Butchie won't be back here with us for Christmas this year either.  As I focus on Wisemen in the Nativity Scene... I have to talk about one of the wisest men I have ever known.  Daddy was smart in so many ways... more ways than I probably know, but I continue to see him daily in Ben and KB... I hear myself saying things he would say... and Mark often says things to remind me of Daddy and in Butch's words he says things that make me laugh.... Daddy left his mark on my family and I'm so glad... except maybe the devilish things Ben does that remind me of him.  Daddy once told me that everyone can have one mistake... Mark's mistake is he went to Clemson.... that makes me smile now... I didn't always agree with Daddy... and I think that Mark's love of Clemson has led us down a path that has made life so much better... I know my Dawg fans won't agree, but in my heart... I know Daddy liked Clemson too! 

The wisemen didn't have much "logical" proof about that baby that was going to be born.  They had read and heard things and acted on that.  They knew what the prophets said and they went with their gut to follow a star.... they knew in their hearts what to do and where to go....

I know Daddy wasn't perfect... in fact, he would tell you that... but in my eyes... I chose to see the good in the man that I called Daddy... and I have never really thought about him being wise... until now... I know I never thought he was wise when he was alive!  I loved him, but I never realized just how much he knew.  He was like those wisemen... he went with his gut and did what he thought was right.... he also did everything he wanted!  I find myself, daily, wishing I could ask him a question or get his opinion because I valued his opinion.  He wasn't one of those men who sat back and let women run all over him.  He was a man who gave his opinion... and if he hurt your feelings... he thought that was even better.  I love to hear stories about things he would say at work to Dianne, Fran, and Mama... one of his greatest qualities was being able to tick them off!  Just like the wisemen... he acted on what he "heard" whether it was true or not!  That could be good or bad! 

Daddy was the first grandchild on the Mattison's side and according to his family... he was the favorite.  My great-grandmother, SueJette, was even known to do his homework... in HER HANDWRITING!  He grew up able to do no wrong... he was spoiled rotten... and he was loved by his grandparents and never did anything ugly in their eyes... Mama blamed all his faults on his grandmother.... and often called him "Pop" who was his granddaddy.  Mama said he was one of the grouchiest men she had ever met... in fact, she says he would sit in his chair and wait for Guille and Jim to come inside the door to yell at them and say, "SHUT THE DOOR!".... Daddy did the same thing to my children... So... Daddy was wise because he let his grandmother do his homework... he had his grandparents eating out the palm of his hands... and he "let" them spoil him rotten!  That's pretty wise if you ask me!

Daddy's next wise choice was marrying Mama... I mean he couldn't have picked a better woman for himself.  She waited on him hand and foot... she ran our household and kept us straight... The three of us are who we are because of her!  He let her be honest with us, tell us when we were right or wrong., and my favorite was one time when Mama and I were arguing and he came to my bedroom and said, "Do y'all want me to get you some knives so you can just cut each other!".... He made me laugh in hard times.... He knew that the tension was thick and needed to do something to fix it!  Dealing with a hard-headed teenager isn't easy.... but he showed me to don't let things get too serious!  Daddy was our friend... except the time that he made me mad and wouldn't let me go to the Georgia Southern vs. Auburn game when I was in college... when I snapped back at him, he told me that I couldn't go because I squatted to pee.... I was furious at him.... If I had had the knife he offered me when Mama and I were arguing I would have cut him!  I didn't realize he was trying to protect me... He didn't mince words... he made sure I knew what he meant.  Now that I have a daughter in college... I agree with his statement... He was wise!  If he didn't agree with something he told us... he didn't let us "Be young and do what we wanted"... he also didn't believe in the "I'm afraid she will run off and do something crazy if we don't let her do this".... I knew better!

Daddy was also wise in his job choice... he "let" Mama run the insurance office and he was the front man... When I tell people that Daddy was an insurance agent... I can immediately see the look in their eyes that he was one of those door to door salesmen who was constantly calling and bothering people.  As far as I know, Daddy didn't have to do any of that... he made deals while playing golf... while going to ballgames... and hanging out with people.  He was often found taking a nap at work... I can say this now that he is gone... but he loved to act like he was reading the paper and shut his eyes for a few minutes after lunch!  People came to him to buy insurance... and he was wise because he let Mama handle all the paperwork!  She would tell him what to do and he did it... he was wise because he listened to her!  Good men listen to their wives! 

Growing up I always heard stories about Jett, his grandmother, doing his homework... so I thought he wasn't smart... but in his last few years... I realized just how smart he was.  I would call and ask a question about politics and he knew so many things.... could give me history from years and years ago!   Once when we were in San Diego I called him and told him we were watching some ship leave port and he knew everything about it.  HE amazed me often... but the thing I was most amazed by was that he watched all news channels.  He said it was important to hear the other sides to things... and you know what.... that's a wise choice.  Sometimes I get wrapped up in a situation or an event and flip the channel to hear another side to the story.  He taught me that I need to have my opinion about things... and most likely, if you agree 100% with a person... you really aren't smart at all... you are just a follower.  That has been so true in the last two years... I don't like to listen to people who are all for everything that Trump does... and I don't like to listen to people who are against everything that Trump does... I've learned they aren't really smart at all.  He was wise because he let facts back up his thoughts. 

Daddy was also wise because he made everyone feel like he loved them the best.  I don't have that trait... but it's something I work on every day... I try so hard not to show my emotions on my face... to put a filter over my mouth... and to worry about something else.... but that gene wasn't passed down to me.... If I could back and ask God for something... it would be Daddy's ability to make others think he loved them so much!  I"m not good being fake....most people look right at me and know what I'm thinking!  That't not wise! 

Life is so much easier when we choose to be wisemen too... I choose to focus on the great characteristics that I saw in the man I called Daddy.... but there are other people I don't choose to do that with... and I'm at fault for that.... As much as I loved Daddy, I know that I should love everyone that much.  I should love people when they hurt my feelings, I should love people when they disappoint me, I should love people when I want to strangle someone!  Wisemen knew what the prophets said and they followed it... I know the Bible says to Love everyone.... so this Christmas....I'm going to do my best to be a Wisemen and love others... even the unlovable in my eyes.  Thanks Butchie for being an example in that area.... Be wise... love others... make good choices... go with your gut (Holy Spirit)... and love your family with all your heart! 

A Wiseman... in more ways than one!

A wiseman... in more ways than one! 

Let me tell you about this wiseman I know.... 

December 21, 1999, after two days of being knocked out.... I gave birth to Katie Britt during an emergency c-section.  I was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome.  The H stands for hemolysis... a breakdown of red blood cells, EL stands for Elevated Liver Enzymes.... liver function, and the LP stands for Low Platelets... platelets help the blood clot.  I decided to include the what was wrong with you part because no one has ever heard of this! 


I felt terrible and knew in my heart that something was wrong.  Right before they put the mask over my face to put me to sleep, my doctor kissed me on the cheek and she whispered that I was going to be fine... and so would the baby.  I closed my eyes and woke up that night with a sweet baby girl.  Later I was told that I was one of the doctor's  top five emergencies in the 3000 plus babies she had delivered... I was black and blue from my chest to my legs in trying to clot my blood... and I was so, so weak.  About 24 hours after the delivery, I had a nurse ask me if she could pray with me because we really needed these blood samples she was sending to come back with higher platelet levels.  I never really knew how sick I was until after it was over.... I've often thought about how God put just the right people in the right place at the right time.... The Christmas Spirit was with me those days in the hospital... it was all around me.  Even when I didn't realize just what a miracle I had in my arms, I was sure that I had a wiseman there!  

Christmas Eve morning we were told that we could head home... by the time all the paperwork and doctors had visited, it was about four in the afternoon when Mark took me home with a beautiful little baby girl in my arms.  As we were riding home, I am sure I put him on high alert because I was worried to death that our sweet little girl wouldn't have a visit from Santa because she was about six weeks early...  I talked non-stop about how stupid it was that I didn't take care of Santa before she came... Santa hadn't even thought about getting her any toys made.  Mark rushed us home and got me settled in bed with KB beside me and he headed to the grocery store to get something for supper.  I'll never forget that he made breakfast quiche for supper after asking me a hundred questions on what he needed to do.....  every Christmas morning since that day, we have had breakfast quiche... I get to make it now though. 

The next morning, Mark came upstairs with a little gift for KB and said that Santa had left it.  He said that Santa had gone to Winn Dixie and found the one little toy that was left on Christmas Eve.  I burst into tears as I saw a little hippopotamus bracelet/dog toy that was pink in color and was perfect in every way.  KB doesn't remember what Santa did that night for her, but for the past 19 years on Christmas morning... she has received some kind of hippopotamus to remind her that Santa doesn't forget you... even if you are early... are unexpected... or untimely!  Her twentieth Christmas will be this year, and Santa will bring her a hippo something again.  Mark took control that first year and did an excellent job of talking to Santa... he didn't want to mess that up, so he has given me the duties of talking to Santa since then!  

I have been blessed with a wiseman... the story above is just one way he has taken care of me... given me gifts that I need and want... as you think about the wisemen in your life... recognize them... tell them thank you for the good and bad in your life!  I don't thank Mark nearly enough for what he does for us... he has ventured out into a new job this past week that has our entire family excited... we have played with Legos and electronic robots during the snowstorm... and I even built a tadpole that moved its legs this weekend.... although his job takes him away from us, I'm thankful for the opportunities he has and what he does for us. 

I guess my message tonight is to the wisest man I know... an appreciation post because sometimes I think I get so busy during the Christmas season I forget to thank the breadwinner of the family.  I encourage you to thank your wiseman too... don't take him for granted... and if you think you might want to jot a few words down to him in a card... DO IT!  That gift doesn't cost anything and sure would mean a lot! 

Do you really BELIEVE?

I"m thankful to be off work today because of the cold weather and slushy roads.  There is nothing I love more than unlimited time to read my devotion and work my way through the Bible.  I BELIEVE that in order to get the most of out of reading my Bible... I need a plan.  Last July I started reading the Bible in chronological order.  I had never really understand that concept until a lady in my Bible study shared it with us.  It changed my life.  It made me BELIEVE even more than I already had!  For something to match up so well in all areas was amazing to me.  This year I've been working on reading the Bible through again with another plan that rotates from the Old Testament to the New Testament.  I BELIEVE because I see God's word every day and see how the predictions and miracles happened.  I BELIEVE because of verses that tell me to have faith.  I BELIEVE because I see what God has done for me. 

BELIEVING is more than just that though... BELIEVING is acting.  I have read the Bible through once and I'm working on the second time, so I'm no expert.... but I have never seen anywhere in the Bible that tells me I have to be at church on Sunday and Wednesday... or every time the door the opens.  BUT... I have seen where the Bible tells us in numerous places to gather together with other believers and to be a part of the body of Christ... I BELIEVE that corporate worship is important.  I BELIEVE that above all else it should be top priority to worship with other BELIEVERS.  Am I at the church every time the doors open?  No, but I do know that my weeks just somehow seem a lot easier when I put God first on my priority list and attend church on Sunday.  It's uplifting and encouraging to be with other members.  If you don't like the music of the church you attend... if you don't like the preacher of the church you attend... if you don't like the order of service of the church you attend... look at yourself first!  Church isn't about you going to be filled up by humans... it's about you allowing the Holy Spirit to be a part of your life.  Don't rely on other humans to make you have Joy.... Joy comes from inviting Jesus in your heart... I have sat through many a sermon that I was bitter... it changes when you have a different perspective... I have sat through many a service where it sounds like someone is playing with their elbows instead of fingers... read the words to the music and don't focus on the sound... and I've sat through many services where I thought "I'm glad such and such is here because they need to hear this and go down to the altar"... WOW... how dare me to think those things... I should be ashamed.  When you BELIEVE, you want to be in church... you want to be with other Christians... and you want to soak in all things dealing with Christ.  I need to be in church for me... not worrying about all the others who are there and their part in the service!  And... Don't be a CEO of the church... you know... Christmas and Easter Only... go to church.... put that as a priority of your life! 

The wisemen believed.... they are in the nativity scene for you and me... they are our models on how to behave just like the other characters.  Are you being wise?  Are you going to church?  It's the hardest thing in the world to walk into a church where you haven't been in a long time... or go to a new church... just DO SOMETHING... BELIEVING is ACTION!  Be wise... read your Bible... attend church... and let your heart be filled with the JOY that Jesus can bring you!   The wisemen acted on their BELIEF... BELIEVE this Christmas season! 


*** My box came from Kirklands... it was on sale for $10.  I really didn't need one more Christmas decoration, but I love a box.... I might turn it around after Christmas and use it as a reminder that even thought I can't see BELIEVE.... even though I can't see JESUS... I know HE is there! 

Believe!

I snapped this picture this morning when I woke up to snow falling and a lot of ice on the deck!  We are snowed/iced in for at least a couple of days, and I have completed a 1000 piece puzzle, cooked vegetable soup and cornbread, and ironed.  I don't do well doing nothing.... but I can honestly say it's been so nice not having to rush all weekend.  I was going to take a nap, but we rode around the area to check the roads instead... KB has been nice enough to snap a quick cat nap I had in the truck... she thinks she is funny, but I'll get her back! 

This week I'd like to focus on the wisemen.  First of all, I didn't learn until a few years ago several things about the wisemen I'd like to share with each of you!  The song, "We Three Kings of Orient Are"... is not true... no where in the Bible does it tell us there were three kings... and you know what else... they weren't really kings... they were astrologers who knew something special... they knew about the prophets and what had been foretold... they knew to look for the star... and they knew to act on the star... they BELIEVED... and they did something about it.  And... they really shouldn't be placed real close to your nativity scene because they didn't show up there!  I challenge you to read your Bible and see this in person!  I can't believe I've been mislead by all these carols! 

I'll be honest, when I went to sleep last night... I wasn't one hundred percent sure I'd wake up to the white stuff on the ground.  I had heard from the weathermen all week long that we would have something, but I know they have been wrong before... and I don't get my hopes up anymore. 

Let's travel down this road with the wisemen for just a moment... I can only imagine what the trip was like... following a star... knowing what they thought they would find almost two years later, but they weren't sure.  They didn't give up though... they kept looking for the child.  They brought gifts and were sure this was the miracle child. 

I heard about this storm all week long, but I doubted... I've been disappointed before in waiting for snow... and wake up to nothing!  I get my hopes up... leave a few extra dirty clothes in the laundry basket... and wake up to a messy house STILL having to go to work!  It's disappointing!  Life is so much better when you prepare for things.  I know sometimes we have times we can't prepare, but for the second coming of Christ... we know it's going to happen... and we need to prepare for it.  How did you prepare today?  What did you do to grow closer in your relationship with Christ?  Have you read the Christmas story this year?  Don't wait until Christmas Eve... read it tonight! 

As you think about the wisemen this week... and the weather... we never have to be disappointed when we wake up and invite Jesus to sit down with us.  He is here every morning... all we have to do is believe.  My faith is based in believing on something I can't see in person... true faith is believing even when it logically doesn't make sense.... Be like the wisemen this week... seek Jesus every day!  And what gifts can you give?  Your time to someone, prayer for someone who is hurting, a kind word to someone who is sick... Believe you can make a difference! 

We are about two weeks away from Christmas.  I hope your heart has "room in the inn" for Jesus each day!  Merry Christmas already!

I thought it was a hook...it's a CROOK!

I read an article about the tool that a shepherd uses.... I have always called it a hook, but it makes more sense to be a crook... and this article said it was a crook... I mean it's crooked!  My children will tell you that I make up words... especially when I sing... I guess this is another case of that! 

Anyway... the article talks about the two things a shepherd's "crook" is used for.... the first is to help the shepherd reach out and have longer arms to control the direction of the sheep.  Without the tool to guide the sheep, the shepherd really doesn't have any control over the sheep.  He can lead them a little ways, but he can't lead them in a group where they need to go. 

The other thing the crook is for is to catch the sheep by the neck to guide them.  From all angles you should be able to "hook" with the "crook" on the sheep's neck.  Once you have the crook around the neck the sheep will go where you lead. 

What's your tool?   What do you use to reach people?  What do you do to guide people?  What do you do to make sure your group, your flock, your herd is heading in the right direction? 

I'd like to think my tool is my Bible.  Sometimes reality slaps you right in the face and you have to make hard decisions about the tools to use.  Tonight, I have dealt with a little sheep in my house.  He emailed me today to come sign a paper for him.  I did it... not really thinking.... but didn't realize that it was supposed to be signed two nights ago.  He was wrong... he had just about escaped trouble but someone told on him!  I'm so glad they did.... whoever it was... they are a blessing to me.  I don't like to cover for my children... I think I have to show them the right thing to do.  When you forget things, you do wrong, or you make bad choices... fess up and take the punishment.  I've shared with his teacher that I have been a victim in this situation... He completely outsmarted me.  I hope I'm not going to be labeled one of those "oh, his mama will let him do anything he wants"!  Tomorrow he will be punished... not for being dishonest, but for trying to be sneaky.  The little sheep is tired of his mama bleating wisdom and discernment into his head tonight.  I'm pulling all kinds of tools out... you know verses, words of wisdom, and a guilt trip!  I hope while he is sitting on silent-lunch tomorrow he will soak in the reason he is sitting and accept his punishment.  Butchie never did his homework, he never had to because his grandmother did it for him.... Daddy also would have probably forged Granny's name to the progress report.  I know it could be a lot worse, but I use this example to say that you can't wait until something happens to find the tool to use.... you will lose the battle every time.  Have a tool ready... use your Bible and know verses to spit right back out in those little sheep's eyes!  If I had a shepherd's hook tonight I'd grab him by the neck and try to lead him in the right direction.  I hope I was able to use the crook to bring my sheep back into the "right thing to do" world tonight... I hope I can show him that doing the right thing is always right... even if it means you suffer a little. 

Of course this wasn't going to be my post when I planned out this week, but in order for us to be shepherds and guide the lost sheep... we have to have a tool... mine is my voice... with words of wisdom to a teenager... I'm just praying it worked! 

Tend to the Flock... But Care for the Individual

Tend to the flock but care for the individual.... I stole this phrase from a passage on the internet.  As a mama... I sometimes need to start my day with this statement..... kind of like those crazy elves who write on the mirrors and picture frames in the houses of children who gets visit from them.  I need to see daily on my bathroom mirror that tending to the flock is good... but care for the individual.  I'm the individual.


I could go lots of places with this phrase, but tonight... I want to go with caring for the individual.  We are sheep.... and we need to be shepherds to others.  How can I be a better sheep and a shepherd... what can I do to better myself? 

I have some ladies who asked me about my Bible Study plan, what I read, what I do, where I start and end...  I'd like to share that with you.... my plan won't be perfect for you...there will be parts that you can do... there will be parts you can't do.... but I think that in order to follow the shepherd... you have to know what the Bible says about Him... and to be a shepherd.... you have to know what the Bible says on doing His will.

Each morning I wake up, hopefully when no one else is up, and come downstairs to my bar/island in the kitchen.  I fix a cup of coffee... grab my Bible and devotional books and pull up a seat at the bar.  I have two seats at my bar, and I am certain that Jesus is sitting right beside me.  I don't want to miss an opportunity to meet with him.  I want to see Him daily. 

I start with my prayer journal/note taking.  I write the date and open my Bible application on my phone.  I have recently started a new one that I love to read.  You can do this individually or you can do it with a group.  If you want to be a part of this... send me a message and I'll be happy to share.  These Bible devotionals have verses, a short story, and a place for response right inside the phone.  I use this time to write down verses or thoughts in my journal that I want to remember. 

When I have finished my Bible plans, I start working on my daily reading of the Bible... right now I am working my way through the Bible with a guide I have where I read an average of three chapters a day.  I take notes on the chapters and try to outline and understand what I'm reading.  I'm on my second year of reading the Bible through, and I learn more and more each time I do it.  If you are wanting to start a plan, I suggest reading the Bible through in chronological order.  It never occurred to me that the Bible wasn't written in that order.... duh.... I guess everyone but me knew!  If you want that option... just print the plan from the internet after you google "read the Bible through in chronological order".  Finally, I work on some type of Bible study.  It might be what we are doing at church... it might be a book I've found and want to read... or it might be just sitting in silence and thinking. 

Time doesn't matter... it's what you can devote to Him.  Several years ago I started getting up earlier because I was too tired to read my Bible at night and didn't.  It has made all the difference in the world to me.   It makes my day better... it gives me a good foundation for the day.... and it gives me time to wake up and think about things with a fresh mind.  I love to learn, so I could spend hours each day reading and studying.... but I average from 30 to 45 minutes a day.  I started much smaller than that.... and have worked my way up to this time... If I am in a valley.... I get up a little earlier in order to pray more and focus more. 

Now what does that have to do with sheep and shepherds?  Everything....  We need to take care of ourselves... we need to make sure we are stable before we start "tending" to someone else!  As you go through these next few weeks before Christmas... tend to yourself first... take time to spend it with Jesus... make a little room for him..... listen for His words to you.... spend time taking care of yourself because if you don't.... you won't be a good shepherd for others.  In order to do well at our place in life... whether it be sheep or shepherd.... we must take care of ourselves!  The best way to do that is through spending time with God. 

I hope you will have refreshed mind and clear heart to start each day... besides... if you don't take care of yourself... you will wear out and be useless as a sheep and a shepherd!

Get Yourself Back on this SIDE of the Fence!

It's not surprising to me at all that shepherds were told of the birth of Jesus by the angels.  Shepherds are discussed throughout the Bible... they were there in the beginning watching sheep... and we have actually formed into shepherds today if we are Christians. 

A shepherd's job is simple... to lead the "lost" sheep back to pasture... back to where they are safe... back to where there is food and water.  God promises that he will leave the 99 to find the lost one every time.  I find great comfort in that.  I'm not sure where those of you who are reading this blog are in your spiritual life, but I'm often lost... I'm often wrapped up into something that doesn't really matter... I'm often worried about things that really don't matter.  I'm often lost in my own world and forget that the world is a much bigger place and I'M NOT THE CENTER! 

Many claim that they are no longer sheep... no longer lost.... well, in that case... then you are a shepherd.  How are doing as a shepherd?  Are you leading the lost further away from the security of the pasture?  Are you leading the sheep closer to God?  Are you causing someone else to stumble?  One of Mark's examples he uses when teaching is that a family tree can be changed... For Mark, he wants to break the limb of alcohol.  He wants KB and Ben to see that a family can have fun and make great memories without alcohol being involved.  He wants to eliminate the worry that they may have the alcohol gene passed down to them.  If they don't drink.... they won't become alcoholics.  I am not naive... I know that at some point one of them is going to try alcohol and learn the hard way when hugging a porcelain toilet... but I will not stop praying that they never take that chance.  I don't want them even risk that being an option. 

It's the same thing with drugs... we often have that conversation... if you don't try them... you won't have to worry about getting addicted to them.  Unfortunately, my children have had knowledge and seen people they know destroy their lives with alcohol or drugs.  One stupid mistake can make all the difference in the world.   I was once told to stop trying to make my children perfect because they wouldn't be.... you know.... that person was exactly right... my children aren't perfect... and I'm sure there will be many more mistakes on their part.... heck.... I'm sure I'll make many more mistakes even at my age.  BUT... I will not stop praying and covering them in prayer that they will steer clear of drugs and alcohol.  I've seen the damage it can do to families firsthand, and I pray they never have to deal with that. 

This all leads back to the home... to your house.... are you being a shepherd?  Are you leading someone down the wrong path?  I admire Mark for trying so diligently to stop the chain of social drinking in his family tree line... it's his desire right now, and I can't help but follow suit as I do my best to be a good example for my children.  I don't want them to do as I do... I want them to do as I say.  I don't want to be the reason one of my "brothers" in Christ stumbles. 

As you go to bed tonight... or get up in the morning and read this... I'll ask you to pray for specific people in your family... for specific situations... for specific problems... and examine your own heart... do you need to change?  It's not fun at first... you are left out of social gatherings... you are looked at as thinking you are "better" than someone else... you are talked about and almost feel lost again.... but let me tell you that the joy you have in knowing that you are not just speaking the Word... but living the Word is better than 1,000 friends. 

I believe the shepherd was at the Nativity Scene because that was me.... I need to be a shepherd... guide those who are lost to the cross... guide those who are straying back to the pasture... and guide those who may be sitting on the fence back to this side! 

I can't tell who all reads my blog... I can just see numbers of hits... but know that I pray for each one of you... I find praying for others takes the pain I might be experiencing away from me.  If you need prayer... send me a message... I'd love to add you to my prayer list.  I hope you will feel the joy in knowing that you can sit right beside the manger every day or at the feet of Jesus and ask for anything you want... there is no better feeling... while we act like sheep sometimes... strive to be that shepherd and build a relationship with Him... there is nothing better than that! 

Ewes Not Fat Ewes Just Fluffy....

   Sheep are mentioned over 500 times in the Bible... Sheep are symbolic of God's people.  It's no surprise that most nativity scenes have the sheep and the shepherd.  BUT... have you ever thought that there are two shepherds in the nativity scene? 

Shepherds were the first to hear from the angels that a baby was to be born... the angels came to them in the fields and delivered the news.  They were told not to be afraid.  It's often been said that sheep need shepherds because they aren't very smart.  We are that way... we know what the Bible says... we know what is right and wrong...and we know what to do in just about every situation.... but we fail every day.  No day is perfect... we pass judgment, we think ugly things, we  let the little green monster come out in us... without a shepherd to guide us.... we would wander around aimlessly without hope.  We need guidance daily. 

The Christmas Story is one of hope for us... we are given a shepherd in the form of a baby to guide us, lead us, and direct our lives.  Are you like the lost sheep that is bleating and can't find your way?  Are you over somewhere you shouldn't be and hoping you don't get in trouble?  Are you bullying a few other sheep to staying in the corner with you?  Are you hurting another sheep by not letting them run when the shepherd calls? 

We are in the Nativity Scene... we are the little sheep that surround the Savior... We only need to follow Him to have eternal life.  As you stare at your nativity scene, I hope you realize your part in that story many years ago. 

The title of this blog is "Ewes not fat~ Ewes just fluffy"... I love this saying because it calls us to look at perspective of situations... When ewes are looked at... people think they may be fat, lazy, dumb.... but from another perspective... we look at a ewe and think they are fluffy... full of warmth... and soft to the touch....

Where are you tonight?  Are you fat or fluffy?  I am somewhere in between the two.... our goal should be "fluffy".... Have you read your Bible today, have you thanked God for your blessings today, have you asked God to show you the good things with the hell you might be dealing with in your life, have you asked God to please lift the sorrow or hurt that is in your life away?  Let Him guide you... let Him be your shepherd.... you can find happiness, your way, and your hope in Him. 

And I'd much rather be known as fluffy instead of fat!

Sheep or a Shepherd?

I apologize for skipping a day!  I didn't realize anyone would even notice!  I hope everyone who texted and messaged and liked and shared was able to be an angel this weekend in some way!  Pay it forward this week if you can! 

Continuing with the story of Christmas and the importance of the parts/characters, I hope someone has learned a new tidbit, thought about Christmas differently, or even reread the Christmas story from a different perspective as we have looked at the stable, Mary, Joseph, and the angel.  This week I'll focus on the Shepherds... I could spend two weeks on them, but I'll do my best to be short and sweet....I may make up for my one day skipped this week with another story about them. 

I was asked several months ago to speak to the church about how much Women's Ministry meant to me.  I'd like to share the video from that service and recap in a just few paragraphs about my journey with being a sheep... and Jesus the shepherd. 

https://www.facebook.com/bellviewbaptistchurchwoodruff/videos/2115200208520971/

My testimony begins about five minutes into the video.

I still have this sheep in the window of the kitchen... each morning I start my day with my thyroid medicine, a cup of coffee, and looking at this sheep.  He has dirtied over the years, but I still keep him... he reminds me that each day I'm like him... lost... not knowing what I'm doing or where I'm going... he reminds me that I need cleansing or I will get dirty if I don't repent of my sin... and he reminds me that I am saved by a shepherd. 

Isaiah 53:cents is a great reminder that we like sheep have gone astray.... we have to rely on our shepherd every day to make it in this mean ugly world!  I'll talk later in the week about the shepherds that were there the night Jesus was born.... but years and years before that the prophets knew that we would need a shepherd.  They actually knew the entire birth story. 

So.... don't try to be a shepherd in a sheep world just yet.... allow yourself to be a sheep.... Be led by the Lord... let Him control things... repent of your sins for today.... be like the sheep in the nativity scene and sit at the feet of Jesus in awe as the animals stared at the manger with newborn baby. 

You can't make it through this world without someone guiding you... let it be Jesus who is the guide.  Don't try to control things... don't try to make things "look" right... don't try to be in charge.... give it God... whatever is dampening your spirit or worrying you.... show your faith by giving your anxieties to Him.  He will guide you and give you a peace like no other! 

Out of curiosity.... what animals are in your nativity scene?  I have a camel, a donkey (or could be a cow), and a sheep.   Just wondering if there are others that I've never seen.... just reply in the comments... and it may take you getting up and going to look... better yet... snap a picture of your nativity scene and share it in the comments!