Wednesday, June 15, 2016

3 NAILS & 1 CROSS

I was just reading an article about George Straight and listening to one of his songs I never heard before.  I'm not a big country western fan.  Most of the songs seem to simply be about lost loves, cheating hearts, etc.  They are slow, melodic and often sad.  I'm not a rap fan either...most of these encourage sex, violence or vulgar language.  Then there are religious songs.  The current "praise" songs often repeat the same lyrics over and over.  Not that they aren't worth repeating, but I prefer verses with different phrases of praise instead of repetitious ones.  I'm more a rock or pop fan myself.  Granted, some of these also encourage sex and vulgar language.  But most are pretty good and I love the beat.  Sometimes, when singing along with a love song, I pretend I'm singing to the love of my life, the Lord.  Remember "You Light Up My Life", by Debbie Boone?  Most thought it was just a love song.  When interviewed, she admitted it was a song about the Lord.

As I was listening to this song of George Straight's, I began to cry.  Songs often point us to events in  our lives, longings for love and affection, missed opportunities we regret and so forth.  But George's song hit to the heart of my soul.  It is about forgiveness and root of forgiveness.  The song is titled, "Three Nails and a Cross".  The picture displayed representing this song is:

1 Cross + 3 Nails = 4 Giveness

Now you can see why I began to cry.  During times of hurt, anger, bitterness, frustration and loneliness, what is needed is Forgiveness.  And Forgiveness begins with 3 nails and 1 cross.  God teaches us Christ came to this earth, to hang on 1 cross by 3 nails in order that we would be forgiven.  And during His perfect life, Christ command us to forgive as He forgave us first.

In the midst of all the current tragedy, I believe each day should begin with 1 Cross and 3 Nails.  Begin with me Lord, you paid the price.  Give me heart that forgives and encourages forgiveness, not hate.  Give me a heart to "pay forward" the love, kindness and forgiveness you gave first.

I am grateful for 3 Nails and 1 Cross...the reminder of God's ultimate love we are to "pay forward".

Look up and listen to George's song...you too, will weep with joy and desire to "pay it forward!"

Monday, June 13, 2016

BIRTHDAYS






Whooh!  I'm exhausted!  This weekend I hosted my granddaughter's 9th birthday party.  Eight little girls for 3 full hours can really tire a grandma out!  However, I must say, I think I had as much fun as the little girls did.

I planned the party for months, wanting to make it very special for Emery.  We had painting, Bingo, Match games and more.  There was plenty of adult help to go around, but I think we were all as tired as the girls were.  One little girl went home and told her mom, "Emery's party was 'Epic'!"  I felt great that I could give my precious granddaughter a special day just for her.

My husband's grandfather used to say that "every day is someone's birthday"....meaning it's no big deal.  But as a child with a Christmas Eve  birthday, and not ever really having a "special day" for my birthday, it always seemed like a big deal to me.

It made me start thinking about the special birthdays we celebrate in our country...our country's birthday, important people's birthday (i.e. Lincoln, MLK, etc), even the birthdays for important events that happened in our country (i.e.  9/11).  But there is one birthday that started out great and has been slowly degraded to just a "holiday", instead of it's original birthday celebration.  That birthday is Christmas.  Yes, we used to celebrate the birth of the One who really deserves to be recognized in this world.  The One, who chose to come to this earth, live perfectly in love and obedience to the Lord.  The One, who chose to hang on a cross and take the punishments for all the evil of mankind in our place.  The One who has prepared a place in eternity for those who love and believe in Him.  Yes, we now are encouraged to simply say, "Happy Holiday" instead of "Merry Christ's Day" in celebration His memorial birth!

Yes, every day is someone's birthday.  But Christmas is some ONE's birthday and should be recognized as such.

I am grateful for birthdays as a reminder of the One who was born to take my sins on His shoulders on a cross, shed His blood for mine, so I may live eternally with Him one day.  Therefore, I celebrate birthdays in grand fashion as a reminder to me to celebrate His in the GRANDEST of all.

Happy Birthday sweet Emery!

Friday, June 3, 2016

RENOVATION AND SANCTIFICATION





The floors in our home have needed replacing for some time now.  The "new" carpet, three years ago hasn't worn well at all.  I picked a carpet that was "supposed" to be almost commercial grade.  It wasn't!!!  The narrow 2", red wood floors were a bone of contention with me.  So....this year, we decided to put wood flooring throughout the down stairs and staircase.  

If you've never lived through replacing flooring, you have missed a true learning experience in patience.  However, I must say, it was worth all the blood, sweat and tears in packing, living in dust, early morning workers and unpacking and cleaning.  Everything is now back in it's place and looking good.  I am grateful we were able to do this little "reno".

I've discovered, when redoing parts of a home, I seem to want to change things up a little.  Move pictures in different locations, add a piece of furniture or a mirror, replace an accessory with one stored in the closet or paint a little in a needed area.  This time, I've ordered a new mirror for my entrance hall and moved a painting from upstairs to over my entrance hall chest.  I love the look (as you can see above) and enjoy answering my front door just to walk through and see the revived little space.

Renovating makes me think about sanctification.  The Holy Spirit sanctifies us and makes us clean, holy, more Christlike.  We aren't replaced, just made pure, clean and acceptable to our Lord.  Think of how He must feel when we are sanctified, as I do my new renovated little space?  Does He say, "Ahhh, now that's beautiful - just as I created her?"  My old space was tired and needed refreshing.  I need cleansing and refreshing through sanctification.  Do you need to be cleansed and refreshed too?  Ask the Master to sanctify you through repentance and grace.

I'm grateful for my "reno", at home and in my heart.