Trenches - Three

Do I love me NOW?  If I looked/ acted like this?  I know, he is so adorable, I think this is such a great photo, such a character!

Well, I hope to have one or two answers.  I am hoping to post this in great Victory!

" call on your God, He will answer you! In that day, when you call on your God, call on your God'. Ted Pearce is singing this now. I think I will, call on God, daily. 

The love we seek, want to feel is found in God. I know our past can confuse us, distort our view, but the Truth remains. God is love. A Pure love. UN conditional love.  Matt. 10: 29-31

I know now that the thing I seek is a better view of this, and since God is love, I know He will answer THIS prayer.  

Just looking at this horse makes me smile, I hope you too. This is such a snapshot of God's smiling at us.

The thing we seek is God, do not think it's found in anything other than His love. I am older than some, and younger than others, but this is true.  I will not argue, I will just share, Love is out there for you to find.  Think about it, why would God give us flowers, rain, birds to sing a love song?  He could have left us all 'alone' and not given us pleasure, but He wanted us to know He loves us.

Whether you are a belly dancer, strip dancer, mom with children and pulling your hair out, a professional boxer, or drug dealer. I don't care what you DO, its Love that we all need and seek. I know the Love and adoration God has for you is REAL. Jeremiah 1:4,5

I have seen it more this week than ever before. God is amazing! 
Gifts from heaven, to light my load. He knows what I need before I even ask.  I hope we ask.

Trenches - Two

This is the second post of three. Self acceptance is so vital, so important. I have a 'brother' in the Faith, and his life is such a shining example of 'God's love, self love' and beauty in the union of the two. Nick Vujick is his name, his ministry is for all and in love to all. If you haven't seen him, I encourage you to look him up and see what God's love is all about. 

This is my desire, my knowing, my purpose. As I look deep within, I seek to find 'why' I believe differently, than what even God says about me.  Yes its true, Yeshua/ Christ followers have doubts too.  I am going to share, because it is in me to do so. I am not afraid of being vulnerable ( I need to be, even if it hurts me ), I find it is the way I grow. I know some of my friends have seen me grow by fits and spurts ( off and on, mostly off ? ), and probably wonder about me and my life.  I have some of the same questions.  Why is it taking me so long in some areas of my life? In other areas, I have a sure 'knowing'. I desire that 'knowing' in all areas of importance.

So, with all this background being said, I ask myself: If a man can love himself, who has no legs or arms, why can't I ?   What is stopping me?  What is the deep, deep thing I believe, that is holding me back from ALL of God's love.  What is it? 

This is the Truth: 
1. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

2.For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

3.But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, evenwhen we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:4-5

4.Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deut. 7:9

5.For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

These are God's Truths. This isn't something a man made up ( let's just say it's God, for those who don't believe ) Lets take the 'high ground' and just 'say' its True. If I believed it, put my trust in the words/ and the Character of the person who said it, then wouldn't I be better off to believe it then NOT?  Of Course!

If you took someones words as 'truth' and they helped you, you would be a better person. Just look at all the success that comes from the man, Anthony Robbins. How much more, God.

Workouts, Healthful Eating - these are my ' problem areas '. They are not as big as some others, like ______________________-- things that get you put in jail or loose your respect.

So, I ask myself, why do I not 'believe' God's love is enough? Well, I do.  I just don't have the answers YET, for why I choose to love ME less- in a few areas.  This isn't in a harmful way, it's in a 'complacent' way. ' For others, they may have such a 'loveless' feeling, they want to harm themselves. I hope and pray you will call me or another if this is you. Pain is temporary, so wait until tomorrow- to off yourself, then wait another day and another.... I have a few answers, others have more- I have lived through a suicide ( my brothers ) and an attempt. LIFE MATTERS- YOURS is given by God. Hang on, laugh, eat, take a nap. Hang on!
...

Decisions in the Trenches

This is post #1 of 3: 

March 2013 brings new things, and new ways. I hope and pray to get to the root of a long time issue. 

I hope to glean some things as I journey together with God. I have high hopes I will learn something, something of value. 

It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25:2

I am searching oh King. 

I find my source of direction is from the Bible, God. I am now sure this is the only way to go. I hear it all the time, " follow your heart ", yet God says of our hearts :

 The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9

The thing I am contemplating is this; Can I REALLY accept myself, and love myself?  I say,  "God loves me, and you". I am able to believe it for you, but wonder if I really believe it for me. If we are to love others, the way we love ourselves, then it behooves us to love ourselves first and well. 

I know this isn't 'selfishly', or in a 'me first' way. It is more like: Alpha Horse Confidence.  KNOWING you are valuable, because your Creator gives you value. 

This is easy for me with you: being crippled, blind, different- any sort of different, over weight, under groomed, over zealous, full of self confidence, believing/acting differently... I get THAT. Yet, when I look in the mirror, I hear: 'change this, change that'.  

Romans 7:21-25 says: "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being I delight in God’s law;  but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.  What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?  Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

The trouble is this: I know what God says, and I hear my own 'voice' in my head. It could be another voice I hear, a mom, a dad, an ex, a neighbor. Anyone who spoke to my heart and added to the 'deception' already there. 

This is why I can't afford to listen to my 'heart'. I may have been told, " Don't act like that ".  When in Truth, God says, ' Be yourself, I will love you no matter what ... and by the way..., try to speak a bit more 'gentle' next time '.  My God is always Truthful, and mostly gentle, but He is also the Lion of Judah!  

Well my post is on my 'self acceptance'. so for starters I will pray this prayer, " Father, please reveal any lies I believe about- loving myself, and how it is affecting my perceived value.  I ask that you show me how to undo the chains in me, Thank you so much, in Yeshua's name, amen. " 

Grapefruit Mentoring

When did it become the norm to eat a good looking fruit, that tastes like 'nothing'?  I guess like many things, it happens over time. 

I am beginning to believe many have never had good- REALLY good tasting fruit and vegetables.  They go to the store, buy apples, grapes, grapefruit, strawberries and so on, but the produce does not have much more than 'good looks'.

They get home, eat the produce and never even think about how it tasted. They are just trying to 'fill themselves' up. I know, I almost forgot myself.

My daughter had a lovely grapefruit, and I thought since it was home grown it would be 'yummy', but she said it was flavor-LESS.  I took the picture to show you. It looked lovely. Color, nicely formed sections, full of juice, but no flavor!

I was not surprised, saddened, but not surprised, but maybe you are surprised - did you grow up with fruits and vegetables that tasted so good you wanted more?

Are you filling yourself up with good foods or 'empty foods'. Processed foods are indeed 'easy foods ', but easy doesn't mean we are getting the best nutrition.  It is hard to switch after having so much 'ease' at our finger tips, but I think we are facing the fact that we need better food. 

If the sweet flavor and nutrition are not there, WHAT are we eating?

I am partial to eating good food, but since we have depleted the lands and over taxed the plants with chemicals, there is not much flavor left. Some brands claim to help your plants grow big and strong, but the chemicals are not always 'bio active' (best used by our bodies)  and not the best thing for the plants or for us either.

You CAN find foods with flavor, but it is work. You might have a 'Farmers Market' or Community Garden near you.  You can grow your own foods, and be more careful with the chemicals than the large farmers can be, but sometimes the flavor is still lacking.

I remember my mom had a peach tree near the back porch, I remember how juicy it was and how much flavor it had. I have to hunt to find that now. I happen to live in So. Cal. so the opportunity is there to find local, fresh grown produce. I know not everyone has that opportunity.  If that's you then the 'food in pill' is the answer.

In fact even if we can get 'good nutrition' there are missing ' nutrients ' in our diet. We CAN'T find them in our food source, so our cells suffer and then 'Turn on us'. The body that is to protect us becomes our enemy. Necessary nutrition means necessary life giving answers.
 

The food supplements I take and tell others about, are FOOD. No synthetics, no fluff, or stuff.  Since I had been sick for so long, I was amazed when my symptoms got better and better, and now gone. 

Now, years later and much study done, I can see WHY the 'foods in the pills' work so well.  They work well because they are of the highest quality, and of the purest source.

The company doesn't dilute the products to stretch the profit, in their behalf. They just package the true nutrition. I know now that is why it works so well.

I wonder what we are doing with our health, are we spend money on vacations, and movies and fun, first?  Do we spend our money on our health and future well being? I prefer my health, but then I grew up with a host of ills.  My pains and aches were never found out, nor diagnosed, they were just something you 'lived with'.

Are we short sighted? Do we just live for now?  I think this 'dovetails' with financial investments. We are not moving forward in a positive direction, so the 'haves' and the 'have nots' are becoming miles and miles apart. 

  I hope some of this makes sense. You can contact me for this product at: www.mymannapages.com/laughmore.  It is the necessary part of life for mental, physical, and spiritual renewal.  God made our bodies to work, we are made in His image, so part of His plan is for better health. WE need to do our part.

Wow, all this because of a simple grapefruit.

Knowing Someone

This post is close to my heart, because learning to know someone takes time and effort and discernment. 
( Oh Lord God, please give discernment to those who read this, to help them see people as they are, not as they hope. )

You may feel you know a person after a few meetings, but in reality, you know their 'structure'/frame and what they choose to let you see.

After a while you may feel you love them, because you have seen them in this same setting and liked the way they lived their life and they made you feel special.

Discernment comes at this time of 'them making you feel special', or just as you get to know each other.  It comes by watching them, seeing them in other situations - outside their comfort zone.
( ask yourself HONESTLY:  "Am I lonely, and they are filling a void", or "are they respecting me, and my feelings?" )

We all can get used to a place, a job, an environment and then become comfortable and predictable.  Now if you really want to know them, watch them with children, with stress, under pressure.  THIS is when their true colors show.

I am not saying, ' if they aren't perfectly well mannered, then leave them to someone else '.  No, I am saying watch for 'Signs/ Red Flags/ Discernment'.

Just like in a building structure, you want to know that the building is stressed, so you know if there is a 'hairline' crack with no problems attached, or if its a structural support crack.

If you don't know how to tell, let me give a few clues.  Like I said, knowing someone is watching, discernment  and grace. ( that's not judging, it's wisdom from God ), if they 'accuse' you of judging them, this is ANOTHER clue, they are not going to change negative behavior.

A few clues: If anger/frustration is heated to a 'high point' for a small thing, like spilled soda, flat tire, things not done 'their way', jealousy, or if you are late and they are 'disjointed' -- any life stress.

At work or school: they get angry/frustrated when their things are used and not put back 'just right'', or when they are caught shoplifting from work (I hope that you would want an Honest partner ), they get angry when they are wrong- but can't shift the blame for problem, they get angry or pout when they don't get credit for minor things - like picking up trash in a classroom/ or rerouting mail in the office. These people do not grow up in this are of their life, unless they wholly surrender their lives to God. ( not normally, because Control is the way they feel 'safe' ).

The problem stems from a lack of love, so they get angry when they don't feel loved or appreciated. YET, they are in such a world of high expectations for themselves, they pass on the 'judgement' to others - that THEY feel.

I am not saying: be perfect - or you are a louse/ flake. I am saying be REAL. Ask forgiveness, if you hurt someone, make it right if you wrong someone, take major responsibility for your words, actions and attitudes. If you have to tell them, ' you never say your sorry, or ask for forgiveness', and their reply is something like, ' just tell me what I did '. They WON'T get it.  This is something called 'common sense'.

Abuse is another subject, but THIS post is pre-abuse, or pre-ventive relationship mentoring.

If you are the person, or you know the person who is constantly saying; ' I didn't do it', or 'you heard me wrong, I didn't say that', ' YOU should do better ', ' you are crazy ', ' I don't know how to do that, I CAN'T ', ' well, if you hadn't done.........I wouldn't be mad'. This is another clue, some people can't take responsibility for their actions, and blame you or 'life'.

For some this is a coping mechanism - still hurtful, for others its a lifestyle of NOT coping with stress.

So, if you fall in love at ''camp''or college or high school..., beware of 'posers, fakers, con men/women, seducers, users, manipulators, power lovers, bullies, whiners, intimidation.   The list goes on, but this is a good start.

I know, I have been a victim of this, and because I didn't respect myself, I got 'caught' in their web.
control is our part, and God doing the changes.
I think knowing someone, takes in to account: what they say, and how well their actions support those words. 

Guard your heart, God want's your BEST, He will heal you from pain, harm and fools.
Psalms 91. , Prov. 18:10.

If you find LATER, you thought you knew someone, and they were faking, cut it off. Cut the thread, chain, or grip.  The sooner you do, the less you will have to recover from. 

Control is a form of 'witchcraft', and I know you don't want to be involved with THAT. Mind control is a serious thing, and it takes some strength to leave it.  God bless you and strengthen you as you see what is happening.  God will be your ever present help in time of need.

So to recap:
Be careful that the cover of a person doesn't fool you, actions can be deceiving, so walk with Jesus so He can show you the way.

Actions can be: Truthful, deceptive, hurtful, controlling, selfish.  Watch and pray. Do not be let astray.

If you are lonely, 'take care' of that first. A hurtful person, will promise to 'protect you', then if you do not respect yourself you get caught in their ' hurtful web'. 

Dress Code 101, Mentoring in Dress

How to dress in a modest way in 2012:

The current style of wearing skirts that accentuate your curves and shape, is fashionable, but if you are asking, a virtuous woman and a woman who wants to attract a man of values, these short skirts are just the thing to attract the wrong man. 

They need to be long enough to cover your leg to your knee when sitting down, comfortable and not skin tight.

" HOW do you tell if a dress or skirt is modest? . "

"Well, after raising four boys, and hearing from them how hard it is on them at church, at a restaurant, or just out at the store, I decided to define 'a dress code' for my daughter when she was old enough to wear dresses with fashion in mind.

 I thought and prayed and came up with some 'guidelines'.  Now, I can't make her dress modest, but I hoped she saw it as a sign of Self Respect and desires to respect herself.  If this information seems like a fit for you, I am glad to be of help.

As a youth I was not told how to dress or what to wear or why. I don't know if you know this, but God made a man to 'see' a woman with his eyes.  Now this might seem obvious, but a woman 'see's' a man with her emotions or heart and also her eyes.


God made men and women different, and to say it as delicately as I know,
 "women are making it hard for men think pure thoughts and not become tempted".  Yes, its our department to 'respect' men.  How can a man learn to love a woman for WHO she is, if his eyes are on her 'clothing, or lack of'.  He will be distracted and he will be looking for what the TV and Magazines tell him, look for a 'sexy body'. 

I am not condemning anyone, because like I said, I was not told, I had to learn by trial and error, lots of error.  

Maybe you are just thinking about this now, so there is nothing to do but move on and do your best.  I really believe God cares how we dress, because He mentions it in His Bible."

I would suggest as your mentor that you think of these 'guidelines' for dress and seek God for His wisdom:

1. Tops/ T shirts/ Sweaters: keep the scoop or opening higher than your eye can see, if you look down, not gaping open. Layering is a wonderful fashion detail, and these days it is so easy to do.

2. Skirts: loose enough to allow your slip ( yes wear a slip ) to move freely. Also, when you sit down the hem needs to be within two inches of your knee cap. ( sit with legs together also, but its not good for your spine to cross your legs, so just cross your ankles).

3. Pants: Never show undies in the back, and keep them loose enough to move without a struggle or jumping up and down to get them on :-)

4. Dresses: Same as a Top/Skirt, just like they are sewn together. 

You may feel 'awkward' at first, but think of the men who will think BETTER, yes better of you. ( as long as your behavior is also modest ).  Men, and boys really do admire a fashionable dresser with modesty as her guide. 



Respect yourself first, no one will if you don't. 

These are general guidelines, and you can mull this over and let me know what you are feeling and thinking.  It will take some adjustment, in what you wear or maybe just a few camisoles layered up and that will put the view higher - on your face

It take  some time, but don't you think you will feel more like a lovely woman or a woman who might be attractive to the 'right' kind of man?   Be the 'flower' you want to be, who God made you to be, and you will attract the right 'bee'.  

I will give some other background information soon, this is really just a snapshot.  When you look at a photo, you don't get the 'whole picture', I will add to this very soon.  It's really some food for thought, I hope you will at least consider what I have suggested. 

Who Spilled the Beans? Can we learn from THIS?

This morning started out bright and early, ready for whatever came my way.  How I praise God for teaching me to Praise Him in ALL things. REALLY. 

You say, " Spilled Beans?!, Praise God?! ". Well in the great words of a person inspired by God, 1 Thes. 5:18 " Praise the Lord in ALL living things. "

Phil. 4:4 " Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I will say Rejoice. "

Spilled Beans, Baby Messes, Flat Tires, Late Appointments, Birth, Death, no money, lots of money, sorrow, joy, kitties on your arms so you can't type! ( Yes the cat thinks I need her comfort on my forearms as I type this! ), I can't think of one situation where God didn't mean it. ( yes, I thought of everything from Auschwitz to Cancer to Prison camp )

He has stated it over and over and over again, so the message sinks into us as we listen. 

Spilled beans at 6:30am

I woke up planning on having coffee, and got the beans out for dinner for us and friends, and my arm caught the bean container and spilled 1/2 of what was in my container. I could have saved them, but they had 'dirt, and dirty floor' in them. 

You see Friday is cleaning day. 
and at 6:30am the job hadn't been done.
last week it didn't get done, because of a busy week - ok--- I just never took time.

doing what we need to do, when we need to do it is prudent. I need more prudence in my life.

Praising God in all things is a great thing to do, I practice this, but need to practice doing the things I 'don't feel like doing'.

spilled beans = spent money, but not wisely/ we are to be wise stewards of Gods resources.

Do not condemn ourselves. 

Laugh.more.   

No Anxiety

No SHAME

These are a few of the lessons I am learning  over and over in Life. My foundation is 'set', but the 'building' needs a 'redo'.

So, join with me, and sing a song, laugh a hearty laugh, because you will see Love and Grace better. God is Able!