It's Almost Midnight

It's almost midnight.
Why can't I sleep?
Thoughts are racing through my mind.
Why won't they stop?
Probably because I'm trying to figure out how to "fix" things, how to handle things, how to make it all better.
But, that isn't my job... my job is to pray...to pray without ceasing. To pray boldly and to pray with great expectation. God will handle the rest.
Why is that so hard to do?
Why do I pray and not expect God to answer?
Why do I come to the Father like a scared little girl?
I want to "Let Go and Let God" - I really do!
So why don't I?
I don't know.

Today my heart was broken...
I was given information that hurt deeply.
Information that I should have known...but didn't.
What's done is done, so why do the thoughts still linger?

Tonight Satan was up to his conniving, manipulative ways.
Using unsuspecting people. Or were they?
I don't mean to be cruel. Or do I?
The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that Satan might win this battle,
BUT he won't win the war!

None of this makes sense to anyone but me...
but isn't that what a blog is - letting people in on what is on my mind?

It's almost midnight.
I think I can fall asleep now.
Goodnight.

I Will Dioko!

In my "former life,"  I used to actually take some time for myself. (that seems like forever ago!) There was this group of "church ladies" that I would go to the beach with once a year. We had a lot of fun!  We'd bask in the sun, eat, laugh, eat, shop, eat... you get the picture. We weren't the "best" of friends, but we had a lot in common and enjoyed each others company.  I looked forward to it every year.

One year we had an extra bed so this young lady, who was twenty-something and fairly new at our church was invited to join us. She accepted. I'm not sure what she expected, but she tagged along.  On the Sunday morning of our trip the "church ladies" got up, put on swimsuits, grabbed a chair, a towel and a diet coke and headed out; just another day at the beach!  The "twenty-something" young lady walked out in a cute summer dress with Bible in hand and asked, "Who's going to church with me?"  Huh?

Well, the "church ladies" started making comments like;
"We're on vacation, you don't go to church when you're on vacation!"
"I worship just fine watching the waves roll in."
"The beach is my sanctuary! I'll worship right here."

The young lady smiled and turned to walk down the beach toward the beach-front church.  The "church ladies", they remained on the beach.  The young lady didn't ask for reasons or excuses, all she said was "Who's going to church with me?"  Why do you suppose the "church ladies" made the comments they did?  Conviction would be my guess. Yes, it is possible to worship on the beach. It's an amazing display of God's creation. But the question is - is that what they were planning on doing?  What I find the most disappointing is - it didn't change the outcome, the "church ladies" didn't move, they stayed right where they were.

Fast forward to today...
I'm finishing up a study called "not a fan." and it is really making me think!  I've been a "born-again Christian" for 39 years - but have I been a follower for 39 years?  Following Jesus Christ means to daily deny self, and follow Him. He doesn't say it will be comfortable. He doesn't say that it will produce lots and lots of friends, as a matter of fact He says just the opposite.  People will make fun of you, laugh at you, talk behind your back, say and do hurtful things, and yes, there will be sacrifices. I can pat myself on the back because I do a different devotion book each month, go to bible studies, go to church and Sunday school - but if what I'm hearing doesn't change me, the way I think, the things I do, what I say and where I go... what's the point?

What I'm learning...
...God doesn't beg anyone to come to Him. He gives us the choice to choose Him.
...God doesn't promise that people will like me, but He does promise that He will ALWAYS love me.
...Following Jesus Christ isn't easy, if it were easy everyone would do it!
...Following is for the weak, those who realize that their life would be empty and lost without Him.
...God promised that if we follow Him today, in our human "tents", that it will be OH, SO Worth it in the end!

I don't want to be a "church lady" and stay right where I am; I have decided to "Dioko" Jesus!
(Greek word Dioko means to passionately follow!)

Five Smooth Stones

Have you ever prayed and prayed for God to give you direction and when He does you have such a peace that walking in that direction doesn't seem very difficult at all?

Well, recently I experienced that very thing. I prayed. God's answer was “go ahead”. So, I did and I knew God was going to bless. As I set out to do as God directed I felt peace, I found answers I was looking for and I was able to accomplish much. I was feeling really good about how I had listened and followed through. That should have been my first warning sign!

What seemed like only moments after the task had been completed, Satan began to prowl.

The positive steps that had been taken were quickly brought crumbling down in the blink of an eye! He caused me to begin to second guess that I heard God clearly.  I was crushed. I was angry. I was ready to throw in the towel. I let Satan get in my head, and he loved it!  I reacted exactly how he wanted and expected me to! 

I began to question why.  Why would this be something he would choose to use against me? It didn't seem like that big of a deal. Unfortunately the answer was ...because he could. The last thing Satan wants is for God to be glorified; so instead of allowing me the opportunity to enjoy the "fruit" of the accomplishments, he torn me down.  He knows my weaknesses and he uses them whenever I let my guard down.  1 Peter 5:8 says to "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."  I can see him now, licking his chops planning on Roasted Patty for dinner!  What makes me really mad is he can't do that without my permission and I apparently gave up very easily. BUT… that’s not the end to this story!

What lesson did I learn?  To practice what I preach!  

A couple of weeks ago I taught our youth Sunday School class. We talked about the story of David killing Goliath with five smooth stones. As we continued our conversation we discussed that we all have "giants" we face every day and what do we use to "kill" them.  I suggested that each student choose five smooth stones - five scripture passages that they can use to "kill" the giants that Satan uses against us.  I then gave them time to search the scripture and find their “stones”.  They took my challenge seriously and they began digging into God's word - it was an amazing site.  Some of the students found many more than five... isn't that awesome?

The next time Satan comes along and tries to get me to second guess what I'm doing and tries to make me think that I wasn’t hearing God clearly - I'm gonna start throwing stones!

1. Philippians 4:13 - HE gives me strength!

2. Proverbs 16:3 - Commit everything to HIM!

3. Jeremiah 29:11 - HE has the plan!

4. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in HIM, not in myself.

5. Psalm 46:10 - Be still and listen, He is God and HE will give me direction. 

I challenge you to dig into God's word and find your five smooth stones.

Do unto others...

Did you know that is a Bible verse?
Yes, the “Golden Rule” is a Bible verse!  Yep, it’s found in Luke 6:31.
The King James Version says it this way:  “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” 
Huh?  I guess I prefer the plain and simple.  
God’s Word Translation says it this way: “Do for other people everything you want them to do for you.”

Case in point…
Recently I was driving home from Tuscaloosa and I made the mistake of going through Birmingham.  I’ve found it really doesn’t matter what time of day it is, you’re going to get stuck in traffic!!!  Anyway, as I was sitting still watching the cars in front of me I had to laugh.

Let me explain…   
I was in the off ramp to merge from 459 to 65. It was bumper to bumper and we were barely moving. The cars that were in front of me were intent on getting in the line of traffic, no matter the cost. They would inch and inch ever so slowly until the person they were getting in front of had to stop and let them in.  I just smiled and wondered what they were thinking.  Well, when several of us, who I might add were being very patient, needed to merge into the line of traffic - those who inched and worked their way in were not even thinking about letting someone get in front of them!!!  NO WAY!!!  They would have rather bumped into the car in front of them than to have let someone get ahead of them!  It seems they have paraphrased the Golden Rule to say – I expect you to do for me, but don’t expect me to return the kindness! And where did it get them?  Well, once I got into the main line of traffic – I passed them! In all their maneuvering to get ahead, they found they were left behind.

I noticed this while at camp too. It was ok when playing a game to “hit” someone – until they did it to you. It was ok to trip someone and laugh, until they did it to you. It was ok to talk about someone behind their back, until you heard they were talking about you.  The list can go on and on.  My question is this, where do children/people learn to be that way?  We can’t serve two masters, yet it seems like every day we try.

Imagine what this world would be like if all true believers of Jesus Christ actually lived by the Golden Rule - what would this world be like if we loved God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength - what would this world be like if we treated others as well as we treat ourselves... I think it might just be pretty awesome! 

Lord, help me every day to see everybody as your creation, deserving to be treated with respect, kindness & love. 

More than Enough

I got back from camp yesterday.
It was a very interesting week, to say the least! Spending five days with 13 kids all under the age of 13 tends to give new insight to just about every situation!

I noticed something very interesting, people prayed for the weather to be "not too hot". So God answered with much cooler temps. How did He answer? With rain, much needed rain!
So, then the people complained because it was raining.
Once the rain stopped, the complaints of it being too hot started up again!
What's up with that? God answered the prayers of His people, He gave them what they asked for, yet they still weren't satisfied!

It reminds me of the Israelite's. They complained about the way they were treated, so God moved them; but then they complained because the journey was taking too long. They complained they were hungry, so God provided food; yet they complain because it's the same thing day after day! (just to name a couple!) Unfortunately, such is life. God provides yet we, HIS Children, don't appreciate! God is our Great Provider,He gives freely and we take, and take, and take. But, what do we give back? Too often it's complaints that it wasn't exactly what we asked for, or it wasn't enough, or someone got better or more than us.

Last week at camp I re-learned something that I hope to NEVER forget again... God is ALWAYS ENOUGH!
In the words of Chris Tomlin...

All of You is more than enough for all of me

For every thirst and every need 

You satisfy me with Your love 

And all I have in You is more than enough

The last night of worship at camp Matt, the camp pastor, gave us a index card and pencil. He told us to write something on the card that worried us, scared us, upset us... you get the point. Then he had us place it on the floor. He began his message for the evening ...

• Moses went from a baby in a basket ...
• to the Prince of Egypt who had everything he could ever want ...
• to a shepherd - who to some looked like he had lost everything, 
• yet in reality he now had everything!

In every difficult situation that Moses found himself in, God was there - providing more than enough! After the message Matt asked us to hold our card in our hands. He asked us if we believed, truly believed that God was enough to handle the situation that we had written - if yes, his said to tear the card up into pieces and throw it on the floor. I did and what a freeing experience it was!

As I sat there looking at the kids that were with me, I saw tears and sadness. I saw them take their cards and tear them up and throw them on the floor. I then started thinking about the other 500 kids in the room and I wondered, what do 10-13 year olds have in their life that they need God to be enough for?
God very quickly gave me answers:

• Divorce
• Parents fighting at home
• Mental & Verbal abuse
• Physical & sexual abuse
• Self-hate & lack of self confidence
• Parents with serious illnesses
• Parents who have passed away
• Physical disabilities
• Mental disabilities
• Being Bullied
• Parents who give more negative than positive attention
• I could go on and on and on and on...   

My heart breaks for them.  God's heart breaks too.
So I guess my question to you would be... What are you holding on to? Do you need to write it on an index card, pray for God to be more than enough, tear it up and throw it on the floor?
Well, what are you waiting for?
Daddy God, the Creator of the Universe, the One who calls me His masterpiece,
Thank you for all you have given me; the blessings because they are more than I ever could have ever imagined and the afflictions because they are so much less than I deserve. Whenever I start to complain, Lord, please remind me of this camp experience. Help me to see You in all situations and to be grateful that in each and every one You are more than enough for me. I love you and I want to bring glory and honor to your name!

I Remember When...

Last week was Vacation Bible School at my church and it was great! The Big Apple Adventure was indeed an adventure. As I sit here, still pretty exhausted, reflecting on the week I can't help but think back to the days when I went to VBS as a child. (yes, they had it way back then!)

I remember when...

... we had Vacation Bible School parades.

... our VBS snack was butter cookies (that we wore like rings on our fingers), and Kool-aid.

... the craft was a week long project and we usually needed cigar boxes, macaroni and gold spray paint.

... the songs were simple, there wasn't a theme - and as for the decorations... none! 

... we had the sit down and stand up chords.

... nothing competed with VBS week - it seemed like the world came to a screeching halt. 

... the aisle at church the Sunday after VBS was flooded with kids who had accepted Christ during week. 

I also remember when...

... we never asked "Are we going to church tomorrow?" because we already knew the answer.

... we never left for Sunday School without our Bible and offering envelope in our hands.

... we had to miss "The Wonderful World of Disney" because it always came on Sunday night while we were at church.

... we had to eat lunch at grandma's because restaurants weren't open, but we didn't mind because after we ate we'd go outside and play with the cousins.

... kids didn't know what it meant to be bored.

...we had lemonade stands in the front yard and sold it for a nickel a glass.

... Sunday's were devoted to family and church.

... God and church came first.

I remember life seemed so simple back then. (my parents might disagree!) Summertime was all about chasing fireflies, playing in the sprinkler, riding our bikes, family vacations, visiting relatives who lived far away, & playing outside until it was so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face.

Those were the days... 

WOW, I sound really OLD!!! Maybe so, but I wonder what happened? 

Why does the world think that MORE of this and BIGGER that, is BETTER?                                            Is it really? 

Are people happier today than they were back then? Does busy equal happy? 

Do you ever wish you could just take a day off from the busyness?

Psalm 46:10 says; Be still and know I am God. 

When was the last time you sat down, alone, in a quiet place, and you were still before God? I mean really spend time with Him - not just  a few seconds with a 911 prayers, but earnestly and passionately seeking time with Him. God has something for us and sometimes our lives are so busy and loud that we forget to be still and listen for His whisper. 

I want to be still. I want to listen. I want to hear you Lord. 

Longer Than...

Twenty-nine years ago today I became Mrs. Ronald V. Burns, Jr.  It was one of the most frightening yet calming days of my life. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and tears. At twenty years old I left the safety of my Mom and Dad who had taken care of me, provided for me, loved and protected me for all my life and entered into a world of the unknown.  Would Ronald be able to take care of me the way my Daddy did? Would he be able to provide for my every need like my Daddy did?  Would he protect me like my Daddy did...for the rest of my life???

As a little girl I saw what a husband & wife relationship was supposed to look like. I can remember my Momma and Daddy dancing in the kitchen, I can still see Daddy reaching out his hand as Momma passed by his chair, just to touch her. I can remember stolen kisses here and there. My Daddy held Momma's hand, told her she was beautiful, and treated her like a queen.  But, I also remember not so happy times - hearing them argue and disagree. Somehow, someway things always got better. They have now been married for fifty-two years, and I still see and hear these things! I am blessed to have parents who taught me through their actions, not just their words.

So what is the secret? 
My parents allowed God to connect the dots!!! I love my Daddy very much, but why did I feel safe, loved, provided for and protected?  Because my earthly Daddy knew where to go to find strength, energy, patience, and understanding.  My parents allowed God to connect the dots of their lives, which in turn showed me how to let God do the same for me.

When the time came for me to step out of the comfort of my home and into a new life with my husband, I knew it was going to take more strength, energy, patience and understanding than Ronald or I had to give - so we've tried very hard to keep the pen in God's hands.  It isn't always easy, and occasionally we take it and try things our way, but God is always there very willing and ready to take it back and make something beautiful of our mess.

So, I ask you to think about who holds the pen in your relationships?  Whether it is your marriage, friendships, children, or co-workers, are you experiencing smooth sailing or rough waters?  Maybe it's time to give the pen back and let the Creator take over.

So, to answer the earlier question... YES!!! My Heavenly Daddy has blessed me with a husband, who like my earthly Daddy, has loved, provided and protected me for the past twenty-nine years and I'm sure he will continue "until death we do part."

"Longer than there've been fishes in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there've been stars up in the heavens
I've been in love with you."

To my best friend... Happy Anniversary!

I love you...p