For Real, Elaine?!

Nannie’s House

March 27, 2021

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Nannie Jackson always had an apron tied around her waist. The apron was always the one she had made herself with two broad pockets in the front. One pocket always held her handkerchief, the other usually contained safety pins, a few clothes pins and a pocket knife.

Her work room was the kitchen. I can still picture her rolling out dough and making pies.

I didn’t realize until she had already moved to live with Jesus that some of God’s greatest ministry work had been done in that small simple country kitchen and home.

Nannie didn’t hold any positions or titles at the United Methodist church she was a member of. She did not attend or participate in local social fund raisers or charity events.

She didn’t visit the sick in the hospitals or nursing homes. She was a poor widow woman who didn’t own a car, she didn’t even know how to drive. She lived off of a small social security check that just barely covered her basic needs. She made her own clothes and was smart at being thrifty and resourceful.

Nannie’s only self indulgence was snuff. She dipped snuff. Similar to chewing tobacco, but dustier. I don’t know anyone personally who still does it now, but back in the 40’s it was popular to do! Yikes!

I do not remember her ever cussing, complaining about being poor or talking about how unhappy she was because she didn’t have fancy dresses, shoes or jewelry. What I do remember is how I and my baby brother felt when we were at her home. She always made us and all of our cousins feel loved and cherished beyond measure. She invested unconditional love and attention in each of us. She cooked us our favorite food with joy and delight and she was never too busy to teach us about loving and sharing.

She always said a blessing over every meal. After lunch was her Bible time everyday, during this time we were to be quiet and listen as she read her Bible study and devotion. No exceptions. When bedtime came it was prayer time. We didn’t pray out loud. Each of us prayed silently, when one of us had finished we would say “Amen” out loud, but remain quiet until everyone had finished with an “Amen.”

Jesus called Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to come be “fishers of men” in Matthew 4:18-22. Not everyone is called to be a Billy Graham, Beth Moore or Jentzen Franklin. I believe my Nannie’s calling was to be an example of faithfulness to God and a giver of love to those close to her. By doing so, she planted seeds of faith and prayers of protection in the lives of her family.

Mark Mobley has a quote I love “The most important small group that you will ever be a part of is the one you sit at the dinner table with every night.”

Who gathers around your table? Being “fishers of men” should begin around our table.

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Misery Remembers

March 26, 2021

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The quiver at the corner of her lips threatened to betray all she’d hoped to conceal.

Karen quickly turned her face toward the airplane window as Phil Lange passed her seat. She did not want him to have an opportunity to see her face.

His tall, six foot four stature had not bent, but his once dark black hair was now mostly gray. He made his way two rows behind her. She still recognized the sound of his voice as he asked the female flight attendant “How soon can I get a drink and your phone number, sweetheart?”

Twenty one years had not been enough time to erase the sea of fear within her. Waves of panic began to erode Karen’s confidence. “Breathe, just breathe!” she said to herself. “Keep calm. You aren’t young and easy to intimidate anymore.”

He was 32 years old and she was only 19 when they met while she was working her way through the University of North Carolina. They both worked at Wilmington Boat Marina, he was a salesman and she a receptionist. His consistent sexual harassment had made going to work miserable for Karen.

The flight from Baltimore to Atlanta seemed to last for eternity. Phil’s voice bounced off the walls of the plane as he laughed and talked, slapping Karen into a fevered resentment. Finally, they landed in Atlanta.

Karen waited for the passengers in her row to leave, then stood facing the front of the plane until Phil exited. Staying several feet behind she followed him as he headed to baggage claim.

Phil’s long leg stride made it hard to keep up with him, but as he neared the escalator leading to the transit train Karen began to speed up coming up close behind him. As Phil stepped forward with his right leg on to the down escalator Karen leaned into the knee of his standing left leg as though she had accidentally slipped. Phil’s body, face first plunged down the escalator, his dress jacket hung in the wedge grids.

Karen was still crumpled down at the top of the escalator. A young man reached to help her up as security was running to help Phil. She dusted off her pants, stood up and walked toward the elevator to transit. As the elevator doors opened Karen smiled and whispered to herself “who needs ‘Me Too!’”

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No Idea

March 19, 2021

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“I don’t want or need anything from you,” Cassie yelled, “You are pathetic to me!”

Beth realized with great heartache, her daughter Cassie had no idea who she really was. The anger and resentment that so easily spewed from her daughters mouth was all the confirmation Beth needed.

Cassie saw Beth as old, weak and out of touch with the real world. Beth feared for Cassie. Her greatest fear was that Cassie would make the same mistakes she had. Love blindly, believe without boundaries and then be abandoned and left to suffer the brutal consequences of her naive and foolish choices.

Beth’s words of warning and advice to Cassie were as futile as trying to drain water out of the pacific ocean one bucket at a time. Cassie had closed her mind and heart. She had decided she never wanted to be anything like her mother. She did not want or need her mother’s advice.

Cassie has no idea that the very things she despises her mother for believing in is what gave her the strength to survive. It doesn’t make Beth weak, but strong. Beth’s faith in God has carried her through more than loss love. It has sustained her through the death of her only sibling, her father, the terror of losing her own child, serious health issues and much, much more. She wishes Cassie could know how much she loves her.

The chapters of Beth’s life were not easy reading. How do you explain living in constant fear. How can your children understand how you really did do better for them? Why does it take so long for us to realize it?

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I encourage you today, dear friends, we all face times of discouragement, but we can be confident in the one who promised, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 20:18

March 16, 2021

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In Matthew chapter 3 John the Baptist had baptized Jesus. “As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’”

We are now reading in Matthew chapter 11. John the Baptist has been put in prison for rebuking Herod in public for marrying his sister-in-law. As John sits in prison, doubt and discouragement begin to plaque his mind. He begins to wonder if Jesus really is the Messiah.

2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting,or should we keep looking for someone else?” Matthew 11 NLT

John must have wondered if Jesus really was the Messiah, then why wasn’t Jesus taking charge and overcoming Herod? Why was he (John) in prison when he could have been out preaching. This was Jesus’ reply back to John:

4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— 5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” Matthew 11 NLT

Jesus answered John’s doubts by quoting prophecies John would have known were being fulfilled by Jesus. Jesus was healing those who were blind, lame, deaf, or had leprosy, raising the dead, and preaching the good news to the poor. With so much evidence, Jesus’ identity as the true Messiah was obvious.

John the Baptist heard the voice of God speak over Jesus Christ as he rose from the waters as he was baptized and yet, Satan was still able to plant the seeds of doubt and discouragement in John’s mind.

How did Jesus counteract John’s doubt? He brought prophecies (scripture) to his remembrance. When the enemy comes to you and tries to fill your mind with doubt and defeat you need to remember what the Word of God says. Look in the Word of God at all Jesus did and reflect on the changes and work he has already done in your life. Remember who Jesus is. Remember he is the true Messiah, the Son of God, Emmanuel.

Be encouraged today, dear friend, we all face times of discouragement, but we can be confident in the one who promised, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 20:18

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What Makes Us Resilient?

March 14, 2021

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If you look at the current research, here are five of the most common factors of resilient people:
- They are resourceful and have good problem-solving skills.
- They are more likely to seek help.
- They hold the belief that they can do something that will help them to manage their feelings and to cope.
  - They have social support available to them.
- They are connected with others, such as family or friends.
  - Brene’ Brown – The Gifts of Imperfection
I believe and know from experience, a great source of resilience is rejoicing! Instead of dwelling on what has gone wrong and thinking about what is not right in our lives–when we start rejoicing and praising God for who HE is and all HE has done for us we become resilient.

“ “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again–rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NLT

David found himself in a situation where he needed to be resilient. His entire army had turned against him.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 NIV

There will be times in all of our lives when we will feel as if we are alone surrounded by the enemy. As David did, we must remember who our God is. We must remember what our purpose is and mostly we must remember God’s Word and promises to us. No matter where you are right this moment, God has not forsaken you. His Word says,

“for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” Matthew 6:8

Psalms 5:11 NIV

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad;

let them ever sing for joy

Spread your protection over them,

that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”
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Matthew 5 & 6 Thoughts

March 9, 2021

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Which is worse:

An alcoholic or a gossip?

A murderer or an adulterer?

Think about it. Seriously, think about it. Is one sin greater than another?

Acts of kindness are easier to do when we gain recognition and praise.

Would we keep doing services for others if no one knew what we were doing?

Prayer should be from the heart not shallow repetition.

Prayers should be honest and sincere.

Fasting should be a private time of self-sacrifice done quietly without drawing attention to yourself or public notification.

We should seek to please God in our giving and in our fulfilling of God’s purpose in everything we do.

Jesus wants us to live happy and feel blessed with whatever we have because we should choose eternal values over earthly treasures? What does that mean? — We should be more concerned about Godly issues than keeping up with the Jones’.

Which is more important to you material gain and how people see you financially or how God sees the true intent of your soul?

Is it a sin to be rich? NO!! Abraham, David, Solomon all were—-and God used them. How you allow money and possessions to affect your relationship with God is the key. God must always be the true ruler of your heart—not the love of money.

WORRY

Do you ever worry?

Worry may:
1. Damage your health.
2. Disrupt your productivity.
3. Negatively affect the way you treat others.
4. Rob your day of joy.
Worry immobilizes you, but concern moves you to action.

Time spent planning for tomorrow is wise, but time spent worrying about tomorrow is

time wasted.

Have faith in the God who created the moon, the stars, heaven and earth. He is more

than able to supply all your needs.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 5: 34
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Dig Deep – Authentic Living

March 9, 2021

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Based on a study of The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene’ Brown, Ph.D.
1. Get Deliberate.
2. Get Inspired.
3. Get Going.
How do you get deliberate?
- Make up your mind – I am going to live authentically!
- Set being authentic as a goal.
- Be determined to stand your ground.
- Be consistent and persistent.
How do you get inspired?
- Read books that educate you.
- Memorize scripture and quotes that encourage you.
- Ignore negativity and naysayers.
- Associate with people who love life and others.
How do you get going?
- Forget about the past.
- Look straight ahead.
- Believe in yourself.
- Ready, set, GO!!!!
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Cultivating Authenticity

March 8, 2021

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LETTING GO OF WHAT PEOPLE THINK

The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene’ Brown , Ph.D.

“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”

Is being authentic with yourself a challenge?

Do you ever find it hard to embrace who you are?

“Authenticity demands Wholehearted living and loving–even when it’s hard, even when we’re wrestling with the shame and fear of not being good enough, and especially when the joy is so intense that we’re afraid to let ourselves feel it.”

I started having some serious medical issues in my forties and was later diagnosed with an incurable neurological condition. I was prescribed several different medications and treatments. I began to gain weight, not just a little weight—a lot. Over a year and a half I gained nearly 80 pounds. I felt so ashamed of myself. I would hide in our home and not leave. I didn’t want anyone to see me. I was afraid of what they would think and say. I was still me inside, just struggling with a debilitating disease. I had no reason to feel shame. I realize that now, but only after I committed to Wholehearted Living. I had to choose to be true to myself and to not live in shame or fear.

“Choosing authenticity is not an easy choice. E. E. Cummings wrote, ‘To be nobody-but-yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody but yourself—means to fight the hardest battle which any being can fight—and never stop fighting.’ ‘Staying real’ is one of the most courageous battles that we will ever fight.”

So what do we need to do to be authentic?
- Don’t sacrifice who you are for the sake of what other people think, it isn’t worth it.
- Have the courage to disagree without being sarcastic.
- Be honest genuinely and politely.
- Don’t just attack and criticize others, have compassion with firm boundaries.
- Remember who you are and what your purpose is!
- Let go of trying to be everything to everyone.
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Matthew 5: 1-12

March 8, 2021

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The Message

1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

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Matthew 4 Highlights

March 6, 2021

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1, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.

2. He fasted for forty days and forty nights.

3. During Jesus’ fast when He was hungry, weary and alone in the wilderness Satan tempts Jesus three times.

4. Satan tempted Jesus in three main ways:
- The physical temptation: do what feels right. Matthew 4:3-4
- The emotional temptation: question God’s love. Matthew 4:5-7
- The control temptation: take over the throne. Matthew 4:8-11
5. Jesus was hungry and weak after fasting for 40 days, but he chose not to use His divine power to fight against Satan. Jesus used scripture. (The Word of God is powerful when spoken by us when temptations come).

6. After hearing of John the Baptist arrest Jesus moved to Capernaum beside the Sea of Galilee.

7. Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven (God) is near.”

8. Jesus called brothers Peter and Andrew (fishermen) to follow Him, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people.” He called brothers James and John, also fishermen.

9. Peter, Andrew, James and John immediately left their jobs and followed Jesus.

10. Jesus begins his ministry teaching, preaching and healing.

11. When word got out about Jesus’ powerful teaching, preaching and healing large crowds came to see Him and followed Him.
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