I’ve known people who, when they go into an unfamiliar building, the first thing they do is locate the EXIT signs.  They want to make sure, if something goes wrong, they know the way out. As the world seems to become more and more dangerous, I find myself, to some extent, doing the same sort of thing.  I’ve become more cautious, more aware of my surroundings, more prone to look for the EXIT sign.

Remember the fire drills in school?  The alarm would sound and we had to stop whatever we were doing then quietly, calmly (in single file) go outside.  Most businesses today have an established “evacuation plan”, a pre-determined route for getting out of the building.  Hopefully, you or I will never be in a life-threatening situation, but just in case, it is good to “have a plan”.

There is a danger that every one of us faces daily;  it is the danger of temptation.  And, just as there is an escape route in the movie theater, the bank, the mall, or your office, we assured of a way to escape temptation, one which God will provide.

Paul writes “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Think about the temptations that threaten your spiritual wellbeing.  Maybe you’re prone to overeating, gossip, complaining; you know the temptations that you most struggle with, your danger zone.  Now, what is your Exit Strategy?  Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of a situation and in panic mode.  Make your plan now, while your mind is clear.

These are some things that help me:

• Search Scripture.  Look to God’s word for strength concerning your particular struggle.  I find a lot of help in the Psalms.
• Pray, Pray, Pray.  Pray about it.  Pray through it.  Pray after it passes -prayer of praise. (This is where that scripture can really help – pray it).
• Write It Down.  In a secure place, write down the temptations you seem to constantly struggle with along with the scripture you’ve identified. Post It notes work great.  You can keep them in your bible on the page with your scirpture.
• Accountability Partner.  Ask someone you trust to keep you accountable.  Go to them as soon as the alarm sounds, before the temptation becomes a sin.

Above all, don’t get discouraged.  I belive that there are few things that please the devil more than to see God’s children get discouraged because that’s when we’re most vulnerable.  Keep reminding yourself, you are a work in progress and what the Lord begins, He is faithful to complete.

You may have some other strategies that get you through; if so, I hope you will share them with us.

Until next time,

Sandra

Life is really busy for me right now.  Continue reading →

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Psalm 17:6

I shared on here recently about an upcoming workshop being hosted by Heart2Heart Ministry.  I am overwhelmed when I realize that we will be gathering together, praying together, in just one week from today!

During these past weeks, as I have been preparing my heart and mind for this event, my own prayer life has become more focused and more effective.  I have found that by setting my mind on prayer, by being more “into it”, my prayers have become much more than just uttered words; they have become consistent heart cries.

The workshop teaching is based on the prayer model known as ACTS:

• Acknowledge – Who God is
• Confess – Making a true confession of our sin
• Thanksgiving – For God’s countless blessings
• Supplication – Interceding for the needs of others as well as our own

When you study what is known as “The Lord’s Prayer”, you see that this is the very model Jesus gave His disciples when they came to  Him and said “Lord, teach us to pray”.

Prayer is the seventh, yet I fear one of the most overlooked, weapons in our Spiritual armor; some even arugue whether it is to be considered as part of the whole armor of God.  To those folks I would ask how we could ever even hope to have victory over our enemies without prayer?!!!

If you haven’t registered yet for “Prayer In Motion” Prayer Warriors Boot Camp; I invite you to do so.  To reserve your spot, just follow the link to Heart2Heart Ministry and complete the registration form. (Know someone else who might like to have more motion in their prayers, why not share this with them?)

Until next time,

Sandra

This will be the 7th Mother’s Day without my Mamma, I miss her.  I remember her unselfish spirit, always giving never complaining, never expecting anything in return.  I remember how hard she worked to provide for the needs of her family – not only the physical needs but the heart needs as well.  I remember how she sacrificed for us kids, the many times she went without so we could have.  I remember the many nights she sat with a sick child – nursing, caring, comforting.  I remember her sweet voice as she sang the beautiful old hymns of her childhood faith.  I remember her laughter and her tears.  It seems Mamma always had joy in her heart, even when she was carrying a burden.  Even now I smile as I remember Mamma’s whistling as she went about her tasks; it seems she was always whistling.

The last years of Mamma’s life were not easy.  Alzheimer’s came along and took away most of her memories and eventually, her life.

The year before Mamma passed, I was inspired to write “The Red Purse”.  I like to share it each Mother’s Day in honor of her and as a reminder of how blessed I am to have had her as my Mother.

As you read, it is my hope that you will be “inspired” in some way.  If your Mother is still with you, I urge you to let her know, not only on this Mother’s day but at every opportunity, how much you love her appreciate the memories she gave you.  God bless.

The Red Purse

Sandra Bivens Smith

©2010

Turning 60 had a profound effect on me. It seemed that everything either sagged, wrinkled or just plain quit working. Aside from the changes my body experienced, I notice some changes mentally as well. Thinking more about today and worrying less about tomorrow became easier; after all as one gets older, it becomes a fact of life that today is pretty much all you’ve got.

And, I bought a red purse.

Now, you would have to know me to appreciate what a big step that was. As I am pretty much a black, white, and navy blue kind of gal, purchasing a big red pocket-book was a bold move. Over the past couple years, that red purse has become a dear friend. As constant companions, we have come to know and depend on each other. Like me, she is becoming worn in spots and more than a little frayed around the edges. Her zipper doesn’t work quite as smoothly and her lining is ripped.

My daughter constantly mentions that I need to replace my red purse. “I like it” I tell her, “there is nothing wrong with my purse”. “But Mom”, she says, “the stitching is coming loose and the leather is worn down. It’s all worn out.” She’s right. It is all worn out. But in spite of how frayed it is on the outside, my red purse still serves a purpose. I can still put all my treasures inside with confidence that they will be secure. It still carries my eyeglasses, phone, tissue, lipstick, and a myriad of other “necessities” and it rarely complains about the strain.

We live in a world where the new and improved is mostly preferred over the old and proven. It’s like that with people as well. The world looks at those who have become frayed and worn on the outside and judge that their usefulness is spent. But if they would just take the time to look on the inside, they would discover treasures. They would find a bounty of experience, wisdom, counsel; they would find wealth that can only come from living.

This attitude toward the aged is not new. As King David was in the later years of life and faced his son Absalom’s rebellion to take over the kingdom, David prayed, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent” (Psalms 71:9).

My Mamma now lives in a nursing home with many others who, like her, have lived out the better part of their lives. She has advanced dementia and can barely speak in sentences. Her eyesight has failed so that she can barely see and her legs are so weak they can hardly support her frail frame. It would be easy to spend a few minutes with her and conclude that she has nothing to offer. I know better. All those years of living, learning, and experiencing are still inside her mind. Just because she has lost the ability to express her wisdom, doesn’t mean she no longer has it. Thinking back to Mamma’s advice through the years, advice which most of the time, (regrettably) I ignored, I wish with all my heart, I could ask her just one more time what she thought. You see, it’s now clear; Mamma was right about most everything. It is no longer possible to ask her for her thoughts, but it is not too late to seek her advice. How Mamma lived, how she loved, has taught me more about life than all the world could ever hope to teach me.

Do you want to know what’s important? Spend time with those who have actually lived life. Do you want to learn how to get through the trials of life? Visit with someone who has gone through season after season and survived the storms that came with each one. Do you want to be wise? Watch and learn from those who have gained the wisdom that can only come from the experiences of living through good times and hard times.

Start your own “Red Purse Society”. Seek out those whose leather is worn and whose stitching is loose; look inside and I promise, you will find great treasure.

Happy Mother’s Day.

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19)

but His mother kept all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:51b)

As I reflect on 2017, I can’t help but wonder where the year went.  In truth I want to know “where have all the years gone”?  I know I’ve asked this question before, and no doubt will pose it many more times.  Yet, as many times as I’ve asked, I am no closer to understanding.  The minutes turn to hours, the hours to days, and the days, all too soon, become years.  Kids grow up, I grow old and the generation that came before me passes on.

If only we could learn to grab hold of and cling to those precious moments before they slip away.  But we don’t.  Funny thing about memories, they aren’t memories until the time has passed and all to late we realize that we cant get the time back – no matter how badly we want to, no matter how hard we try.

It’s true that we can’t hold back time but we can make the most of it.  We can leave behind for those we love sweet rememberances of life.  Each day we can do our best to make something better.  It doesn’t have to be anything big – it can be something as “small” as an encouraging word, a special smile, a hug, a token.  And, we can collect memories by looking for and embracing the acts of love we receive from others.  We can open our hearts and minds to each precious moment; grab each one and hold on to it before its gone.

Some sweet memories will be made today – by us and for us; let’s not let them slip away.  If we’re careful, maybe, just maybe, at this time next year, we will look back with a smile and say “that’s where the year went”.

Until next time,

Sandra

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.  [Philippians 4:19]

I’m a little worried about myself this morning.  As I prepared to write in my journal just finding my pencil became a major project.  I looked in the bottom of the bag where I keep my journaling “supplies” and while there I came across an eraser.  Pretty sure that I would need it, I went ahead and took it out of the bag.  I also removed my journal – I knew I would need that; and then I laid the bag to the side.  As I opened my journal and started to write, I realized there was a problem – the only instrument in my hand was a yellow eraser!  This meant that another expedition through the bag was in my future.  Eventually I found the pencil but admit there were flashes of doubt.  For a moment, I thought this was going to be a blue pen kind of morning (a blue pen is my optional writing tool.  Although not my favorite thing to write with, I have found that it does work better than a yellow eraser).

Life.  sometimes we find what we need before we need it.  Sometimes we have to ingnore what’s at hand and keep going until we find what we’re looking for.  And sometimes, we have to write with a blue pen.

Sandra

Good morning!

Before we dig into this week’s study, I would like you to take a moment for a little self-examination.  Ask yourself this question – “what are the 3-5 most important things in my life?”  Don’t be too quick to answer.  Take some time to search your heart and mind; take time to pray.  What we’re going for here is complete honesty with ourselves, even if it hurts.

Now that you’ve made your mental list, write down those most important things you just named.  As you read and study, keep the list in front of you so that you can test your thoughts against the word of God.

In my younger days, especially in my years as a new wife and mother, I stressed over many things.  It seemed Mamma could always tell when I was worried and I can still hear her voice saying to me “a hundred years from now, it won’t make any difference”. Little did I know then that Mamma was trying to teach me eternal thinking.  Now that I’m older and (arguably) wiser, I find myself often replaying Mamma’s words and wishing I had given them more attention.  Paul doesn’t put it in the same way Mamma did, but his message is the same – if we want a fuller life, if we want more joy, we have to know and keep our focus on what matters.  It is my hope that this week’s lesson will help us do that.

Thanks for coming,

Sandra

P.S. Please encourage others by sharing here your own experiences in “Choosing Joy”

Click here to “CHOOSE JOY”  Principal 3 – Awareness of Priorities

“CHOOSE JOY“

 (Living life beyond your circumstances)

As you’ve studied this past week, have you found you’ve been a little more thankful?  As I’ve read about Paul and his struggles, I have to say, I’ve been reminded of how much I have to be thankful for.  With that realization I have also felt a sense of shame.  Watching Paul deal with some pretty difficult people, in some pretty scary situations, I came face to face with my own pettiness.

I have to chuckle.  Remember in the introduction I asked the question “do you want more joy”?  I asked in anticipation that everyone would join with me and say “yes, who doesn’t”!  What I am discovering however, is that its not as easy as I expected.  There is so much self-examination to be done and so many not-so-pretty areas to be uncovered.  As we move along to Principal 2 – “A Humble Mind” I’ve got a feeling we will continue to be challenged.  It would seem there is going to be some personal pain to go through for us to get to joy.  But of this I am confident – once we attain that pefect joy, the joy that Christ wants to give us, His joy, we will say “it was worth it all”.

And so, in the words of Paul, we press on.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full”. (John 15:11)

So glad you’re here,

Sandra

Click here to CHOOSE JOY – Principal 2  “A Humble Mind”