Refreshed...

Okay, so my journey in life has been a weird and winding road. Sometimes I am on the right path, narrow and steep but well marked... other times I venture down other paths that lead me no where or completely back to where I started from.

You may see some changes in me, hopefully for the better...

I have quit smoking, and I think quit drinking... the drinking thing was unintentional... LOL
I have just been NOT drinking, not felt like it...

I find myself wanting to search God's WORD more... I have believed for years, but now I feel led to truly try to LIVE what I believe.... anyway... just wanting to share my thoughts on my life... I know some of my current friends may think this is sort of odd...

I am doing a study in the Word of the Holy Spirit... I feel refreshed with every section of the study I complete.

Shackles - Mary Mary

Shackles (Praise You)

(spoken)
(Whoo!)
It sure is hot out here
Ya know?
I don't mind, though.
Just glad to be free.
(Know what I'm saying, uh!)
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
(Whatcha wanna do?)
I just wanna praise you
(Yeah, yeah)
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
(Uh feel me?)
And I'm gonna praise you
(Whatcha gonna do?)
I'm gonna praise you
In the corners of my mind
I just can't seem to find a reason to believe
That I can break free
Cause you see I have been bound for so long
Felt like all hope is gone
But as I lift my hands, I understand
That I should praise you through my circumstance
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
Everything that could go wrong
All went wrong at one time
So much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gonna lose my mind
But I know you wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need you to lift this load
Cause I can't take it no more
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise youI'm gonna praise you
Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
(repeat x3)
Take them off
What'cha gonna do, yeah
Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise youI just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you

A lesson from Wesley

35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.
37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
38 He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,
41 "What do you want me to do for you?""Lord, I want to see," he replied.
42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

Luke 18: 35-43 NIV

Looks like it is that time again. On my heart lays a burden. A very familiar one that I have come to know as if it were an old friend. My heart aches for the Church. The bride that seems to have lost her way to the altar and has thus far left the groom standing. Above, you read a very well used story from Luke.

It is the story of the blind beggar that called out to Jesus as he passed by.

Many times it is taught as a reminder of perseverance, dedication and faith in the Lord. It is taught as a motivator. An under dog story of a man that was in need and was willing to go against the odds to get the help he needed from the only one that could help him, Jesus Christ.

But I do not want to talk to you about the blind man. I do not want to talk to you about Jesus rewarding faith. I want to talk to you about The blind man's handlers. Those that led the way for Jesus and cleared the path for the master. Those that made sure the Lord had a place to walk and that everyone knew He was coming. They were the ones that were responsible for the safety and security of the most important man in history, the very Son of God. What an awesome responsibility they had. The were to lead the way into crowds so that Jesus could get to a place where He could speak to them. Or so that Jesus could get food, lodging or anywhere else He may have needed to go. They were charged with making sure Jesus got from point A to point B. I guess you could call these men Jesus' secrete service or security team. They were disciples and faithful followers that knew where Jesus was going. They were to clear the path so he could get there.

In today's world celebrities are mobbed by paparatizi, fans, stalkers and people that are curious to see what a famous person is "really like". It was not so much different in the time of Jesus. People still wanted to see this miracle man named Jesus. That man that claimed to be divine. People wanted to know who He was and what He was "really like".

I can't blame them. I would have been in that crowd that pressed in to get a better view of the man that claimed to be the Son of God. So sat the blind man, hearing but not seeing. Asking questions to fill in the gaps of understanding. Doing nothing particularly wrong, just being curious like everyone else. Once he realized what was going on, he realized he had a once in a lifetime opportunity to be healed. He had the faith, he just needed to be give the word. So he cried out for Jesus. The leaders rebuked him, scolded him and told him to shut up.

Oh, come on, Jesus, the son of God, The Word made Flesh was trying to be about His father's business and this blind guy was giving him a hard time and trying to bring the whole well oiled machine to a halt just because he was blind and wanted to be more special than all the other people calling out for Jesus that day. Who does this guy think he is? Why should he be more important that anyone or anything else. So the leaders, the security team, the faithful followers of Jesus Christ told him to "Shut Up!

Ever felt like the blind man? Have you ever had a church leader, those that are called of God to show a group of people the path to a better relationship with God, but you felt he wasn't listening? Please do not misunderstand me. I am not attempting to say that ALL leaders are poor or even that most or not compassionate. My focus is on the instances where a leader, who carries the great weight of leading others, being responsible for those that follow their example, teachings and works. That is a huge and awesome responsibility. One that weighs heavily on the mind and heart of those called to lead. BUT, due to that weight, that constant pressure to be the best at all times, we, being human, sometime make mistakes.

We make an offhand comments, a joke that is taken the wrong way or in some cases a misjudgment that in retrospect was not the right thing to do. Much like the leaders mentioned in Luke. They told the man to be quiet and leave the master alone. They were honestly doing their job. They were doing what they thought was right. But like my grand mother used to say, "A moment on the tongue could be a life time in the heart." Take care what you say. They got a little carried away and missed the fact that Jesus was sent to this Earth to help the faithful. To heal men just like the blind beggar. That the heart of God is moved by Faith.

These were not bad men. Just like some of the leaders of churches and groups are not bad people, just because they make a mistake. We are human. We get stressed, we get busy, we go on auto-pilot and just do the job without thinking about every move we make. We all do that from time to time. But when you are a leader, those small mistakes, those indiscretions or "shoot from the hip" comments become huge issues when they are magnified by the number of people it affects. Here is a mathematical analogy: lets say that an everyday person said to the beggar to be quiet. No one hears that but the average Joe and the blind man, the issue is only two times its original impact. But a leader, a person in the spotlight and known to be associated with someone very famous and important makes that comment and it goes from a simple comment to a big failure on the part of the leader because it is multiplied by EVERY person that heard the actual comment or heard about the comment being made. It starts a chain reaction that will continue to multiply with each retellingof the story. One comment causing hundreds of repercussions. So the leaders have to be very careful what they do.

And we as followers have to remember that they are just human beings. The blind man kept crying out for Jesus. Notice that he did NOT argue with the leader. he did not rebuke the leader back. He just stayed focused on Jesus and not on the man that was leading the way. He allowed the leader a mistake. Have you ever allowed your leaders a mistake? A free mulligan. A chance to NOT be hammered for human error? We could learn a lot from that blind man, and not just lesson on faith and perseverance. But on forgiveness and patience for those that carry the weight of the Gospel.

We could learn something from the those that led the way. Think before we act. Not everything is a simple act of duty. We are humans and individuals, lets treat each person individually and like a human being with emotions and feeling and a calling all their own. And of course we could learn from a simple yet profound lesson from Jesus. When He called out to the man, He did not rebuke either parties. He just did the work His father had called Him to do and rewarded true faith and then went back on His way. Sometime we just need to do the job and not focus on who made a mistake or who was right. In the end all that matters is that the work of God be done on the earth and it be done by the tools (US) that he has placed here for HIS purpose.

Father,

Humble our hearts, open us up to your wisdom. Let YOUR word flow in us. Speak to us as we walk this world. Let us be the light set on a hill. Let it not be the focus of our life to watch who places the light, who tends the light, who covers the light: just that the light is shining as a reflection of the love you have for us and those around us. Let us walk in the light, as you are in the light and let us not stop to see what the shadows may hold.

Amen

From Wesley Today

More and More
I look forward to walking in the door.
As I wrap my arms around,
I listen for that tell tale sound.
Of you relaxing and softly sighing.
Hearing children laughing, playing, crying.
More and More
I listen for six small feet on my floor.
Running from place to place,A smile on every face.
More and More
I can’t wait for what’s in store.
The good times and the bad.
Joy, Pain, happy or sad.
I know it will all work out, by and by,
Because we’ll see it through you and I.
So More and More,
It’s always new.
More and More, I love you.

Redneck Goddess

I just found out there is another "Redneck Goddess" out there... She is a bit younger than me.. but her attitude reminds me of a me I once was... Just wanted to let ya'll know in case you run into her blogs, you will definitely notice a difference!

Call of the day

This is Kelly, how may I help you today?

Yesh Cheryl, I need to make an appointment can I get an appointment this morning?

What kind of problem are you having?

My back is killing me, it has been like this for months, I have to see someone TODAY!

Have you seen anyone of our doctors before?

No.

Ma'am, both of our back specialists are booked up today, could I suggest you contact your primary care doctor to see what they recommend?

My insurance doesn't need a referral, why should I call them?

Because they may be able to see you and see what is causing your pain, to see whether it is a strain, or if it's something you may need surgery for.

Look, I cannot deal with this pain, can you see me today?

No, ma'am, I do not think we can work you in today.

What am I going to do, my other doctor can't see me either?

I'm sorry ma'am, I can make you an appointment for next week.

No, I might as well just shoot my self in the head.

(she hung up then)

LIFE at the AOC

How can I help you?

Some one from this number just called me.

Do you know who?

No, I just dialed *69.

Do you see one of our doctors?

What Dr's are there?

Dr's Sorrell, Young, Wolf, Downey and Wade.

I think I see Dr. Wolf.

What is your name sir?

John Smith

Thank you, Mr. Smith, we have 30 people in this office, if they did not leave you a message, they will call you back. Is there anything I can help you with?

No, I'll just wait til they call back.

Ok, thank you, have a good afternoon.

Ciggies

So I am almost done quitting smoking... It has taken me longer than I wanted. I still want to LIGHT the dang things even if I don't want to smoke them! How crazy is that!
I have 4 left. This will be the last 4. I will be buying no more. I cannot bum at wk, wouldn't want to, really. I am on the chantix. It is doing REALLY well. So tomorrow I start my bank of money... everytime I would usually buy smokes, I will drop in $3... which is the ave of what I have been spending.
I feel LOTS better and am much morechipper and energetic... quite annoying actually.
I was supposed to be QUIT for good last week, on Sunday. Then I broke down and bought some Sunday afternoon, gave 12 of the 20 cigs to my ex husband, then bought more on Tuesday. Let someone else bum 5 of those 20, then bought a pack Fri am. So of 43 cigarettes I have had to light over the last week, I have 4 left then that habit is going away for good. NO more.
My grandfather keeps saying he is going to do something for me when he knows I have quit. In a way that makes me NOT want to tell him I have quit. Does that make sense?
I am
NOT DOING THIS FOR
Grandaddy Stella
Daddy Emily
Vinnie Mary
or even
Wesley

DOING THIS FOR ME.... for my health and frankly, for my budget!
So I will be about $20 a week richer and I will breathe easier while I am doing it!