It's H-O-T in N Central Texas with temperatures nearing or over 100 degrees. I tend to spend more time inside than outside during the month of August. There are times when it would be nice to pack my bag and head North for a visit. It would be such a treat to rent a little boat to do some fishing, swim in the lake fed by springs, and bask in the nightlife at the local spots. I can dream, can't I??
Quite some time ago, I took a class entitled the Mind of Christ. It really was one of those classes and studies that transformed my thinking and living. The church I attended also sent me to a conference on transformation. Both involved a recreation of my thoughts and priorities. So often we think that to be like-minded in Christ is impossible but I'm not sure that's true. The truth is more like, "I don't want to give up 'my' way of thinking." We read the Bible and make excuses that it's too difficult to understand when, in fact, we don't really want to be convicted. True? Truth be known, when I hit my bottom and was ready to do anything to be a better person my life began to take on a different persona. I had a wonderful mentor (Janene) who prayed with me, fed me books to read, and offered pearls of wisdom.
Ask and the door will be opened unto you. Seek and you will find.
Knock and the door will be opened to you.
~Matthew 7:7
A few days ago, my neighbor invited me to go with her to Burleson. As usual, we shared different parts of our lives as we traveled and she kept asking me questions. Over lunch, she looked me straight in the eye and said, "The Universe has certainly favored you and opened doors." I replied, "The Universe had nothing to do with it, it was Jesus Christ."
I truly believe that the Lord God has had his hand on me from the day I was born. Have I lived a charmed life? Absolutely not! I've been molested, beaten physically and emotionally, felt the sting of betrayal, and gone from living in a place of splendor to a shelter. The tapes of a broken childhood played long into my adult years breeding unknown thoughts of "you are unworthy" which resulted in my making decisions that weren't good for me. My decisions resulted in more tapes of, "See, you are unworthy." When I stand up and sing the song Redeemed with the Open Range Band, I feel so grateful to have been set free from those horrible chains that kept me captive for so many years. A couple times a week I listen to Big Daddy sing as I lift my hands in thanksgiving!! Listen for yourself...
Now, you're probably asking, "If all those things happened to you, why do you feel God's hand upon you?" Well... God doesn't lie and Romans 8:28 says,
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose."
God took those horrible things in my life and made me a compassionate, caring person. The beatings led me to being on the Board that established the very first women's shelter in Collin County. My divorce led me to being a Stephen's Minister. The betrayals led me to opening my Bible and being able to forgive. Being a single mom with 3 children who needed the basics of life led me to careers where I was able to provide. Yes, doors did swing open for me and I found the courage to walk through.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths."
~Proverbs 3:5-6
When I meet people they are often drawn to my bubbly nature and ready smile. I am filled with joy and hope ~ always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear. I simply love people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and walks of life. Oh, I have some regrets but no bitterness ... I wish things were different in my life yet more often than not, I am content.
"...I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation ~ to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength..."
~Philippians 4:11-13
Lord God, as I celebrate my redemption in You, I pray for others who are walking the paths of destruction, anger, and hopelessness. Lift those up who cry out to you and those whose hearts don't know You ... yet. Help us to have the Mind of Christ, to walk in your ways, and to celebrate the freedom we have in You. As this day unfolds, be with us healing our broken bodies, minds, and spirits. Like Job, let us never give up ~ let us get up, trust in your abundant grace, and know that You truly are our provider and protector. So many are on my heart today, Father. As I walk through my day help me to be your servant as you open doors. I am forever yours...In Jesus name I pray as... Miss Dottie PS "Make a daily, definitive, audible consecration of yourself to God. Say it aloud: 'Lord, today I give myself anew to you.'" ~FB Meyer
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