Lessons Learned

New Year, New Resolution

/ The WheatandTares

This is the day of new chances, new goals, new resolutions, new goals and dreams. So many of us decide on January 1st or 2nd to write a list of resolutions for the new year. We make the decision to change from what we’ve been, and we set out for a better diet, a better home organization, a better attitude or just simply a better outlook on life. This is the day. This is the moment. This is the hour.

So, what is yours for this year? What will you do differently? What will you alter? How will you change?

What if we changed our “resolutions” to “improvements?” Look, I’m not against resolutions, and sometimes, we really do need one or two that we can work hard toward and accomplish only with accountability and daily diligence. Yet, so many resolutions are simply dropped after a few weeks or months, and we go through the disappointment and regrets of those failed achievements. Why don’t we forget trying to change and morph into someone we never can be and just improve some things we are already accomplishing?

For example, I eat veggies now. I don’t eat a lot of them, and I probably will never get awarded the “Best Veggie Eater” award, but you know what? I definitely can improve on the amount of veggies I eat. Another thing on which I can improve is walking. I walk all over the place, but I don’t do as much as I should. So, I can make a point to walk more everyday. I can park my truck a little farther from the store entrance and walk a little farther. I can get off the couch and take a walk around the block. Another thing that I do now is I try to display kindness when I’m able. Well, what if I tried to improve that aspect about myself? Maybe I can stretch myself just a little more with each new day to be more aware of moments in which I can share a little kindness. Maybe I can go the extra mile a little more often to give a little more love to those around me.

So, instead of making so many grand resolutions that we probably won’t keep, what if everyday we all tried to improve on our acts of kindness, our eating habits, our increasing motion (exercise) and, basically, anything else in our lives that we would really like to be different?

“You’ll never be tomorrow what you are not becoming right now.” – Pastor Joey Grizzle

Do You Have Presents or Presence?

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

Taking time out with family and friends does a body good…and the mind and the soul… If you’re the type who has to work, work, work, and you never take time out to relax, to spend time with family and friends, and just to simply take time out to think, you are really robbing yourself and the ones who love you. When you consume your time with “presents” (of wealth, fame and power) with the lack of presence (of people), you will find your life full of emptiness.

It’s so sad to me to watch people who filled their life with agendas and ambitions, and then, when they grow older and aren’t in the work force anymore and aren’t able to accomplish what they once did, they find themselves sitting alone in a room wondering when someone will come to visit. You can simply walk through the assisted living facilities and nursing homes and see countless men and women waiting alone.

The presence of relationships is so important in this life. You don’t have to have a ton, but the ones you have must be deep. They have to be meaningful. They have to be full of love and life. When you have these, you have something to hold on to when the days grow dark and the nights grow lonely.

As this new year approaches, ask yourself, are you ambitious about the presents 🎁 or are you ambitious about the presence (of relationships)? Let’s make this new year meaningful and full of life…

 

 

I Want to Love Him

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

Wow. I was challenged and convicted as I read this blog this morning. I wanted to reboot it, but I couldn’t find that options; so, I’ve cut and pasted the URL for your reading: 

https://gleaningthescriptures.wordpress.com/2016/12/26/love-hate/

This blogger shares how he has found that true love causes a person to sacrifice time, energy and personal comforts, and it will always spur you to action. It leads me to these questions, “How often do we truly sacrifice our time, our energy, maybe our food, our lifestyles of comfort, etc., for Christ?” and “What are my actions portraying to this world about my love for Him?” 

Can you ask yourself that question today? If you find that the answer is a little on the ‘skimpy side,’ and you still believe that you love Jesus, and don’t just need him, maybe you need to reevaluate somethings… I know I do. 

I want to love Him, and I want to show Him that I truly love Him, but I truly need Him as well. I need Him with every breath that I breathe. I don’t think I can ever love Him enough, nor show Him enough love, but I believe, just as a child can show a parent their childlike love, I can try my best to show my Heavenly Father that I love Him more and more each day. ❤

Would you like to join me? 

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The Angels’ Song

/ The WheatandTares

“The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:8-11

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There are so many things in the book of Revelation that I simply do not understand; however, when it talks about the angels praising God all day long, I am definitely in awe. Can you imagine that being your calling in life? Your sole responsibility is to walk around the throne of God calling out praises and glorifying His name…non-stop! I mean, seriously, we get tired and distracted just being in a church service for over an hour.

Yet, the angels think God is truly something. One angel was sent to a young maidservant over 2,000 years ago to tell her she was going to miraculously conceive the Christ child. Just a few months later, they were sent to a bunch of lowly shepherds to proclaim that same child had been born in the city of Bethlehem. Another angel spoke to a man named Joseph in a dream a little earlier about this same baby telling him not to be afraid, to take the girl Mary as his wife, and later on, to tell him to leave the city for the life of his child was in danger. Many years later, angels go to Jesus and minister to Him after a long time of fasting and temptation by the devil. All through Scripture, these angels are constantly talking about this Savior King and glorifying Him with everything they’ve got!

I wonder if, during this Christmas season, we might be able to take a lesson from them? I wonder if we might pause for just a moment, lay down our agendas and ambitions to celebrate the presents, and take in His holy presence. Can we stand with the angels, lift our hands, and sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”?

Let’s praise and honor Him today, for He IS holy! He is Savior, and He is King! Best of all, He left His glorious throne to come to this earth to save us, because HE LOVES US!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS!

WE PRAY YOU HAVE A JOYOUS AND VERY BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

It Is Our Story To Tell

/ The WheatandTares

“…that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

I have a friend who is dealing with the pain and agony of cancer that has spread across her body. Last month, I was notified of a friend who lost her 16 year old son in a house fire. Just last week, I ran across a FB post from a past church member who lost his wife tragically in a car wreck. It seems more and more I hear of friends going through a divorce, family members who are faced with illnesses and children who are lost and undone.

These stories hit close to home. I am a wife. I have a 15 year old and an 11 year old. Living is hard sometimes, and I find myself wondering why it’s so sorrowful at times. Yet, these tragedies make me realize so many around me are hurting. These moments of grief remind me that we weren’t made for this. We weren’t meant for these illnesses, these tragedies, this death. We are here but for a season…  

This world is dying for peace, for healing and for love. If we will just look around us, we will see so many hurting souls right in front of us. Christ came to this earth that their stories might end differently. The story of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection are the very thing that can bring healing to their brokenness. These details don’t somehow miraculously make all things perfect. This account doesn’t instantly change your circumstance or your plight.

Yet, when you find Jesus, and you believe in Him, He does one special thing for you. He brings you HOPE. Hope to face the storm and come out on the other side. Hope to face one more day. Hope to see the sun on the horizon. Hope to breathe again. Hope to live beyond this current life.

His story is one of HOPE, and if we know Him, we should be sharing this with everyone we meet. You never know, that person beside you might very well need it the most!

We Never Know

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

We have no guarantees. We have no promises of long life and happiness in this earthly life. Not one of us can predict what tomorrow might bring.

I read a post today about a friend who lost her sister in a tragic accident. She was a wife of 14 years and a mom to four children still at home. Talked to a young man yesterday who lost his mom 7 seven years ago; he’s just a teenager. Another friend is grieving the loss of her 16 year old who was lost in a house fire last month. Tragedy surrounds us everyday, and we may never know what someone is going through unless they share their story.

Sometimes, especially in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we can get so busy with our ‘to do’ lists, our shopping needs and our holiday parties that we fail to see the hurting who may be standing right next to us. You know, the waiter who seemed to not care about whether you enjoyed your meal today? Maybe she just lost her mom last week, and she’d rather escape responsibilities right now; however, she has to work to pay the bills. The cashier who seemed mad that you were even in her line? Maybe she’s struggling through a divorce and won’t get to see her kids on Christmas Day, because the judge granted visitation to dad this holiday. Or the father in the grocery aisle looking lost and confused, who just won’t get out of your way? Maybe he is distracted, because his beautiful wife of 10 years is lying in a hospital bed suffering from an incurable disease, but he’s here, searching for the cereal that his four year old so wants for breakfast.

The promise of our Savior is one of Hope. Isaiah told us He would be called Wonderful, Counselor, a Mighty God, the Prince of Peace, and He is all of this and SO much more!  I have to ask, “Are we sharing Him with the world around us this Christmas?” Are we looking for those in need and taking the time to listen to their stories?

We never know the stories unless they share them with us. Yet, if we will open our eyes and listen to His voice, sometimes, He will bring them right in front of us. Just a smile, an encouraging word, a helping hand might help them make it through another day. God could have placed them in your path for you to see; so, you could share your story…because you are someone who has found the Hope they desperately need.

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Let us not just be a great church who sits on a hill looking lovely and singing beautiful songs. Let it be our ambition to reach this community, to share the love of Christ to the unloveable and to proclaim His Hope to the hopeless. Let us share our story that has found love and grace and Hope in the only One True God.

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Fear Not

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

An angel appeared to Zechariah and told him to not be afraid for his wife would bear a child in her old age. The angel, Gabriel,  appeared to Mary and said, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Angels appeared to the shepherds out in the fields … “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'” (Luke2:8-11) An angel appeared to Joseph in his dream and told him to not be afraid. 

It seems to be an overriding theme throughout the birth and even life of Christ: Fear Not. Now, so many years past, He still reminds us through Scripture today to fear not. If you’re not personally familiar with Him, you might ask, “Why?”

Prophecies declared He would be the Savior. Angels proclaimed He was Lord. The wise men professed He was King. Scripture reminds us He is our Hope, our Light for darkened times. Throughout the story of Christ, He is the Hope to the nations and the Light of the world, and many who foretold of Him also spoke of the words, “Fear Not.” When you have Hope, you no longer have fear, and when you are in darkness, and you find the light, you no longer fear. 

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That is what Christ does for your life! He brings you Light in a darkened world, and He is the guiding Light that will direct your path. He brings you Hope, regardless, the circumstances you may face; so, you might have peace that surpasses all understanding. 

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As we enter this Christmas season, I encourage you to read the Christmas story again. Maybe you read it a long time ago, maybe you’ve never read it before in your life. I challenge you to pay attention to these two themes and see if they speak to you as they did me. Maybe you’ll take it a step further and look a little deeper throughout Scripture at what He says about not being afraid. Just try it. You may be amazed at what (and Who) you find. 😉

Just Roll With It

/ The WheatandTares

“Roll With The Punches” … Definition: term is used to explain how boxers will often angle themselves in certain ways to help lessen the impact of incoming blows. 

Sometimes, you just roll with the punches. You know what I mean, don’t you? Things just keep piling up, and there seems to be no end to the “punches” that life is doling out. There seems to be no relief to the amount of “adulting” we have to endure. 

I have found there are times when “the rain just won’t let up,” or “”the hits just keep coming,” and if you’re going to survive, you’re just gonna have to roll with it or DIE! You have to make a decision in that moment. Are you going to give up and quit, or are you going to dig in for one more round, one more punch, one more hard blow before the bell rings? 

As Christians, we’re called to roll with the punches. We’re encouraged to endure till the end. We’re to finish the fight, complete the race, and finish it well. Acts 20:24, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Finally, Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

Our ‘commission’ from God to endure, to persevere is not simply so we can suffer through hardships, and it’s not just so we can prove to the next person how tough and strong we are. No, we are encouraged by God to finish so that we might be a witness for Him. 

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We are stirred to continue on so that we might share our story with others and they might see Him through our faithfulness. We are inspired to remain steadfast, regardless of the obstacles or the hinderances, in order to inspire someone else along the way that they might see His goodness, His love and His grace. After all, this earthly home is not our destiny, this is just a season. We have an eternal home to which we look forward with desirous anticipation! 

So, get up! Dust off those gloves. Get that grit back in your eyes. Get ready to swing, and roll with those punches! He will give us strength for each and everything we encounter. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He will always fight for us! With God by our side, we cannot lose!! 

Fight and Win!

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

Do you ever feel unworthy? Like you don’t quite measure up? Like you’ll never be good enough for anything or anybody? 

Can I tell you these are all lies from the PIT OF HELL? Don’t ever allow the devil to convince you these statements are even remotely true! Honestly, I know exactly how you feel. I have been there. I have battled those thoughts, and sometimes, it can be a daily battle that I still fight. 

The Bible says, “…your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) He is a sworn enemy of God and of everyone who serves God. He is constantly seeking ways to devour God’s people. He knows your weaknesses. He knows your struggles, feelings of inferiority, rejection, failure and shame. He works strategies to pull you down, to hinder you from your purpose, and to ultimately destroy you. Don’t let him have his way with your heart and mind. Fight back!


Often, what we fail to realize with this Scripture is the scriptures before and after: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

When we humble ourselves before God, cast all our cares on Him, remain sober and alert, looking for the devil’s schemes, and we resist him when he comes around, we are better able to fight those thoughts and feelings of unworthiness and worthlessness. No, we’re never worthy in our own righteousness, but when we are a child of the King, He makes us worthy. No, we are not worthless, because through Christ we are made joint heirs with Him, which means we are full of worth! 

So, if you’re struggling with feelings of inferiority, insecurity or rejection today, I encourage you to look up! Look to Jesus. If you don’t know Him yet, just say His name. Pull out a Bible and see what He has to say about you. (Try Psalm 139 for starters.😉) Trust Him and simply believe. If you do know Him; then, pick up that Word, find you a Scripture and stand on it! Fight those thoughts and feelings with the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith which He has given you! You can do this! He is on Your side, and if God be for you, then who can be against you (Romans 8:31) 😉 WIN!!

For Unto Us

/ The WheatandTares


This Scripture is used in a song that I was listening to the other day, and as I sang along, I was overwhelmed with emotion. My son asked, “Mom, are you crying? … Why?” The tightening of my throat caused me to not be able to answer for a few seconds, and then I was able to explain to Him why my eyes had welled up with tears. 

You see, I believe in a God who left His heavenly home to come to earth and dwell among us. He didn’t do this because He had to, He did this because He loves me, and He loves you. He left all the glory of heaven to become a baby, to grow into a boy and then a man who would suffer and die for us so that we might be able to join Him again in eternal life. 

It says, “…the government shall rest upon His shoulder…” That means, I don’t have to worry about what’s going on in this crazy world around me, for my God is a Mighty God and He is in control! It says, “…His name shall be called … Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” I don’t have to look for a temporary god to help me, I serve a God who was and is and is to come! I don’t have to worry or fret when there’s chaos all around for my God is the Prince of Peace.

I am so thankful today to be serving a God upon whom I can lean, in whom I can trust, in whom I have a Savior, a King and the Prince of Peace! He IS Wonderful!

 Can you say the same thing about Him today? I encourage you, just try Him. You won’t be disappointed!