RE-LEASING MY BURDENS

Lately I've been doing a lot of reading.

Seems like being sick has a way of slowing life down, and reading is a good way to pass the time.

So I've been learning, listening, lounging –

And I read something that I wrote four years ago that really spoke to me again.

I thought I'd share it with you today…

I had just read something that a friend wrote that triggered a deep response in my heart.  She was talking about *letting go* of a particularly difficult situation in her life.

About how hard it was for her to do that.  

How relinquishing control was often a moment-by-moment process.

How well I related.

So tired, wanting and waiting to release the burden of care that she was carrying.

Yes, I got it.

Those of us who are parents will totally understand the weight of love and concern that we have for our children.  (By the way, those of you who aren't parents still care for other people deeply – you will also understand what I'm talking about).

And we should care.

If we ever took that job of parenting seriously, we will care…deeply.

But sometimes we can get overburdened, overwhelmed, overcome by the things we care about.  Especially when we face the ugly fact that we have little control over another person's circumstances, pain and suffering, thoughts and feelings.

I often find myself being the "emotional burro" of the family.

Might I just say in my defense that I come by that role naturally.

I am the first-born child, and oldest daughter of a first-born son and an only child (my parents).  I am also the first-born grandchild of two first-born sons (my grandfathers) – and the oldest cousin in my family.  (Might I just add that both of my parents were also the oldest grandchildren and oldest cousins on one side of their families).

Yup.

Overly responsible.
Overly conscientious.
Overly…everything.

(Sign me up for Overachievers Anonymous)

The weight I carry for others – especially for my sons, my family – can be heavy, heavy at times.

Now, as a believer and a follower of Jesus, I know that I am not in charge.  (I'm not, right?  Funny how I keep having to check on that…)

The Lord is in infinite control of all things, and all people.

So, I know that my spiritual mandate is to allow Him to have that control.

To exhibit my yielding to His sovereignty by trusting and obeying Him.

I really, really try to do that.

But I am struck by the spiritual irony that I am now actually striving to rest. 

Silly, huh?


As I pondered what my friend wrote, I thought about that word *release*.

The definition of lease is this (taking out the specific legal stuff so it makes sense emotionally!):

A contract by which one party conveys (transfers) [something or someone] to another...

In that sense, God is asking me, inviting me, even commanding me, to do just that.

To make a contract with Him to convey all my *stuff* to Him.

When I thought about that, releasing my burden actually becomes...

RE-leasing. 

Stopping once again to hand over to Him all those things that burden me.

To once again move into that place where I abide with Him.

Where I allow the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to comfort and calm me.

I re-lease in order to once again find peace.


It's not easy for this crazy first-born.  

Very often I find myself *taking back* all the people and situations that I thought I had given to the Lord.

(Evidently, some of the things that I think I "nail to the cross" are actually just thumb-tacked…or loosely held on with Post-It notes…just sayin').

But, God is calling this overly responsible, overly conscientious mother to give it ALL to Him.

Yes.


Today, though with a troubled heart and an anxious spirit, I will re-lease it all to Him who loves me. 

I will transfer my troubles, my worries, my situations and circumstances, my health, my finances, my family – my past, my present, and my future – every detail, every moment – into His loving and capable hands.

Praying you will, too.


Lord, to whom would we go? 

You have the words that give eternal life.




Is there a burden that God is asking you to re-lease to Him?

One more time
He lightens up my load,
In the night of deep despair
my faith keeps telling me
He's there,
Waiting to answer prayer
one more time.


(From "One More Time" by the Downings)

A Conversation with Jesus (based on Scripture):


"I know that you are weary and carry heavy burdens, Sharon."

"Oh Lord, yes, my burdens are heavy and I am so very tired, so weighed down by the worry and care and concerns that I bear."

"This is why I bid you to come to Me.

I will give you rest."

"Rest sounds so nice, Lord.  And yet, it seems impossible to my weary soul."

"Then take My yoke upon you.  Let me share the burden.

Let Me teach you the meaning of true peace.

I am humble and gentle, and I will be tender-hearted as I lead you, and you will find rest for your soul.

My yoke is easy to bear."

"Lord, what do you mean?  Yokes are heavy and confining, they weigh you down.  And the yoke of caring right now is overpowering to me."

"Oh Sharon, don't you understand?  The yoke is not a symbol of pain, but of partnership.  I will carry the load if you align yourself with Me."

"Yes, Lord, I do strive to walk on my own path."

"Sharon, the Father has entrusted everything to Me.

Including every detail, every moment of your life.

So cast the whole of your care – all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns – once and for all, on Me.

For I care for you affectionately and I care about you watchfully.

I love you."

"I love You, too, my Jesus, my Friend."

"Then cast your cares on Me, and I will sustain you.  I will never let you be shaken.  I will not permit you to slip and fall.  I will never allow you to be moved.

Follow Me.

And all will be well.

Trust Me."

"Yes, Lord..."

(Based on Matthew 11:27-30, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 55:22)



"Thus it is the duty and interest of weary and heavy-laden sinners, to come to Jesus Christ…Whoever will, let him come.  All who thus come will receive rest as Christ's gift, and obtain peace and comfort in their hearts. 

But in coming to him they must take his yoke, and submit to his authority. They must learn of him all things, as to their comfort and obedience.  He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect the services.  Here we may find rest for our souls, and here only. 

Nor need we fear his yoke. His commandments are holy, just, and good.  It requires self-denial, and exposes to difficulties, but this is abundantly repaid, even in this world, by inward peace and joy.  It is a yoke that is lined with love.

So powerful are the assistances he gives us, so suitable the encouragements, and so strong the consolations to be found in the way of duty, that we may truly say, it is a yoke of pleasantness.  The way of duty is the way of rest.  The truths Christ teaches are such as we may venture our souls upon.  Such is the Redeemer's mercy; and why should the labouring and burdened sinner seek for rest from any other quarter? 

Let us come to him daily, for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from all our cares, fears, and sorrows."

(Matthew Henry Commentary)



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

CUSTOMER SERVICE WOES

WARNING:

Pet peeve rant ensuing…

Customer service.

I hate to say this, but sometimes the two words don't go together.

I have had recent experience with this.

A couple of weeks ago, I received a letter.

A letter that necessitated action on my part.

And so, of course, since Murphy rules the world sometimes, the letter arrived after hours, on Friday, so I had to wait all weekend to do something about it.

This is one of my nightmares.

I'm a *get it resolved as quickly as possible or I'm not going to be able to stop obsessing thinking about it* kind of girl.

And so, anything that comes to my attention that I can't fix right away, well, it niggles at my mind…

ALL. THE. TIME.

Finally, Monday morning arrived, and I was ready for action.

Evidently, the customer service department was not.

To my great dismay, I could not get past the automated voice system.

I am sorry, but I like talking to a live person!

And usually, I'm able to thwart the system.

Sometimes I'll just keep hitting "0" until Annie Automated gets frustrated with me – (HA – tables turned!) – and transfers me.

Or, sometimes I'll just refuse to press ANY button.

After a handful of repetitions, Annie gets her circuits all twisted – and transfers me.

But this morning, I must have been dealing with Annie's sister, a much savvier and impatient woman named Agatha.

I tried my multiple-0-pushing method.

I tried my sit-and-do-nothing tactic.

I tried.  

And tried.  

And tried.

Nothing worked.

All I got was a disembodied voice that said, "We're sorry you're having trouble. Please try calling again later."

And then the call was disconnected.

GRRR!!!

Unwilling to give up so easily, I actually ended up calling back several times.

Like I wasn't able to fully believe that I was beat.

Until I finally realized how ridiculous it was to keep doing the same thing, with the same futile result, over and over (and perhaps over and over) again.

I finally hunted down another number associated with the company, and tried that.

Imagine my great relief when an automated voice (oh, the irony) told me to wait for the *next available representative*.

That sounded like a person, so I waited.

(Take that, Annie and Agatha…)

I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

For at least 15-20 minutes.

But finally, I was rewarded with a voice.

A real, live, actual, person's voice.

"Can I help you?"

Oh yes indeed, you can.

And, wonder of wonders, this person was actually very helpful (thanks, Nicole!)

When all was said and done, I had spent more than two hours resolving the problem.

Why on earth, you ask?

Let me tell you.


1. Calling "The Hub" to direct him where to find the pertinent paperwork.  (I was out of town at the time).

2. Waiting for him to find the proper paperwork.

(This in itself was like negotiating a peace treaty, in two languages):

"Where is it?"
"In that green file in the second drawer in the filing cabinet."
"Ok, give me a minute..."

(Insert the sound of opening drawers, and rustling paper)

"Is it the file that says_______?"
"No, it's the other one."
"In front of that one?"
"No, behind."
"The one that says_______?"
"Yes!"
"Ok, what do you need?"
"The envelope stapled to the letter."
"Which envelope?"
"The one with my notes on the front."

(More rustling...)

"The one that says_______?"
"Yes!  My hero!!"

(I think you get the picture.  No slam on "The Hub" – it's just that I'm the filing person in our household, and I know exactly where things are.  Trying to convey that information over the phone was challenging for both of us!)

3. Writing down the information he gave me.

4. Double-checking the details (as I wasn't able to look at it…in person!)

5. Multiple phone calls.

6. Wrestling with Annie and Agatha.

7. Searching on the Internet for alternative customer service numbers to call.

8. A coffee break.

9. One phone call, multiple minutes on hold.

10. Yakking about the problem.

11. Writing down everything that transpired.

12. Double-checking that everything was indeed in order so that I wouldn't have to start this time-wasting, mind-numbing process again!!


Suffice it to say, when the problem was finally resolved (thank you!), it was after lunchtime.

Sigh.


OK, I will officially step down from my soapbox now, but the whole situation got me thinking about service in general.

How is the word service defined?

Service – something done to help, be of benefit, or contribute to the welfare of others; useful labor; to wait on

As believers, we are called to service, right?

Well, actually, the more I thought about it, the more I began to realize that we are called to more – not just to give service to others, but to become servants.

Because God is always more concerned with what we are than what we do.

A servant is a person who is devoted to or guided by something – or, in our case, Someone.

Jesus calls us to follow Him, to follow His example.

And He certainly led the way in teaching us what it means to be a servant.


I think of some important things:


1. Be humble

Jesus purposefully, humbly set aside many of the privileges and power of being God.  He deigned to inhabit flesh, condescending to lower Himself to become one of us.

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant…" 
(Philippians 2:5-7, ESV)


2. Be unselfish

Servanthood implies an *other-person* orientation in our thoughts and attitudes.  It is the intentional act of looking outward, inside of myopically focusing inward.

Jesus was all about other people.

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)


3. Be available

There’s nothing worse than needing help and not being able to find it.  Being a servant means being accessible, ready, reachable.

Just like Jesus was.

"'Give to everyone who asks you…Do to others as you would have them do to you.'" (Luke 6:30-31, NIV)


4. Be knowledgeable

Part of being a good servant is knowing the Master – what He's like, what He expects, and how best to accomplish His purposes.

Jesus had a close, intimate relationship with the Father.

Being a good servant to others demands that we also know our Lord well.

"But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." (2 Peter 3:18, AMP)


5. Be helpful

This might sound like a no-brainer, but think about it.  How often are we inclined to offer advice, point out flaws, do things our way, fix and fiddle, judge and condemn – all in the name of "serving"?

Jesus always took the time to find out what the other person truly needed.

"…give generously to others in need…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (Ephesians 4:28-29, NLT)


6. Be patient

Helping others is sometimes very difficult.  People can be stubborn, and they can work against our best efforts.  They can test us and try us and drive us to distraction.

But Jesus didn't give up on others.

We shouldn't either.

"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]." 
(1 Corinthians 13:7, AMP)


7. Be kind

Have you ever thought about this – Jesus was a gentleman, a gentle man.

His heart was tender and compassionate, merciful and forgiving.  There was a kindness in all His dealings.

We will be much more effective when we serve others if we use honey instead of vinegar.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander…Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32, NLT)


Customer service.

Sometimes it drives me crazy, because I am anything but served well.

I don't want to be like that…

For I am called to follow Jesus.

Called to be a servant like He was.

Called to acts of service to others as a manifestation of my devotion to Him.

I want to do it well.

I want to be humble, unselfish, available, knowledgeable, helpful, patient, and kind.

I want to lose my life for His sake.


And, just for the record, I am totally looking forward to eternity – when the only customer service I'm planning to deal with will be serving the Lord forever...

...alive and IN PERSON!



Are you busy doing acts of service, or learning how to be a servant?

Anticipation,
anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'...

(by Carly Simon) 

"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.  Use them well to serve one another." (1 Peter 4:10, NLT)

"…use your freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" 
(Galatians 5:13-14, NLT)

"…we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35, NIV)

"…one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant." (Luke 22:26, NASB)

"'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" (Mark 10:45, NLT)

"'And he sat down and called the twelve.  And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'" (Mark 9:35, ESV)

"'Give, and you will receive.  Your gift will return to you in full – pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.  The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.'" 
(Luke 6:38, NLT)

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

"If someone…sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God's love be in that person?  Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions." (1 John 3:17-18, NLT)

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" 
(Matthew 25:40, NLT)

"Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God.  So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin.  Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him." (John 13:3-5, NLT)



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

TALK TO ME

Conversation.

I think it's a dying art.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about communication.

We have plenty of that!

Technology has made it possible to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world.

And the wonders of social media aren't all bad.

Personally, I'm not on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, or any number of other avenues of social media communication.

But, I do love the *instant-ness* of texting – (especially the world of emojis that has opened up for me with the purchase of my new phone!)

And, I am grateful for Blog Land.

I appreciate the gift of written words and the power of their impact.

But, there's a downside to this culture of instant communication.  I believe we've lost the art of face-to-face conversation.  (Though I am encouraged when I see people conversing over their $25 cups of coffee at *$'s…)


I looked up the definitions:

Communication: the imparting or exchanging of information or news; means of connection between people

Conversation: verbal talk between two or more people in which thoughts, feelings, and ideas are expressed, questions are asked and answered, implying a close familiarity

Conversation is more intentional.

Conversation is more personal.

Conversation is more meaningful.


I recently read a blog post about prayer.

It talked about paying attention to it, and questioning whether we're really conversing with God or just going through the motions.

It convicted me.

Sure, conversation with God is a bit more challenging because He's invisible.

But this doesn't make Him less real.

So as I pondered my relationship with Him, specifically as it concerns prayer, I discovered some things.


First of all, prayer should be a priority.

It's not meant to be an afterthought or an add-on to all the other "spiritual" things I do.

It must be an intentional pursuit.

Jesus didn't take prayer lightly.

He made it the cornerstone of His faith walk with the Father.

And, it often took priority over more "pressing" matters – like noisy crowds and complaining disciples.

Am I concentrating on removing myself for intentional time in prayer?

You know, I could really do with some improvement in this area.

Yes, there is a time and place for *arrow* prayers, and for short snippets of communication with God.

It's OK to kinda *text* Him throughout the day.

But prayer must never be at the bottom of my to-do list.


Second, prayer should be conversation, not just communication.

It's meant to be personal.

God desires that we talk WITH Him, not just AT Him.

He wants a dialogue, not a monologue.

It really helps me to picture the Lord sitting beside me when I talk to Him, just like any other friend.  I picture looking into His eyes, and really being transparent and honest.

Being real…myself.

Sharing my innermost thoughts and most intimate feelings.

But again, conversation is not meant to be a one-way street.

This means that part of prayer is listening to God speak.

For He is an active partner in my prayer life.

He has things to say.  

He wants to be transparent and honest.  He wants to share His innermost thoughts and intimate feelings.

He wants to be real…Himself.

Am I doing all the talking, or am I having a personal, give-and-take conversation with God?

I can do better.


Finally, prayer should be meaningful.

I don't know about you, but in my opinion communication these days seems to be fluff – lots of content, but little substance.

In an instant, we can see a selfie, read a tweet, place a message on a wall.

But honestly, does it really enhance my life to know that so-and-so is doing this-and-that and going here-and-there?

And am I doing that sort of thing with God?

Am I only giving Him tossed-out fragments of my life?

And is that meaning anything to me (or Him) at all?

I've always been a person who enjoys serious conversation.  I'd much rather talk with one person than mingle with a crowd.  And, I don't enjoy staying on the surface – I like my conversations to go beyond superficial or frivolous trading of information.

I want my conversations to go deeply inward.

I want meaning.

And of course, this is how my prayer life should be.


You know, as I ponder this whole thing about prayer, there is one thing that really helps me understand it.

It's putting myself in the place of God.

How does HE feel about it all?

I can only liken it to my relationship with my own children.

And as I ponder what I want out of my relationship with them, and how I want our communication to be, I believe that I gain some valuable insight into how God feels about prayer.

(If you don't have children, try to picture someone in your life that you love, that you're in a relationship with.  I know you can ask the same questions…)


How hard would it be if they rarely talked to me at all?

And what if they were always too busy, in a rush, or distracted when we finally did speak to one another?

What if I wasn't a priority?

Wouldn't I feel lonely and ignored?


How might I feel if they talked to me like I was a stranger?

Or if they did all the talking and never let me share myself?

Wouldn't I feel sad?


And what would it feel like if they only talked to me when they needed or wanted something from me?

What if they never talked to me just for the delight of conversation?

And honestly, wouldn't I grow tired if every time we spoke they were upset, complaining, slightly angry with me, disappointed in something, impatient, or any other negative feeling?

Wouldn't I wish to also hear their joy, and excitement, and laughter?


How much would it hurt to think that they took me for granted?  

("Oh yeah, Mom's always there")

And what if they never spoke about their appreciation for my presence in their lives?

Or never told me they loved me?

Wouldn’t I feel dejected by that?


Thinking this way really makes me stop and think about how I talk to God.

And then I begin to understand how our conversations are supposed to be.

Intentional.

Personal.

Meaningful.

God wants to hear from me just the way I want to hear from my own children.

Frequently, in appreciation, just for fun, in need or want, honestly, and affectionately.


Yes, when it comes right down to it, prayer really isn't that mysterious.

It's just God and us and open hearts.

Quick chats and deep dialogue.

One-on-one, back-and-forth, give-and-take, talking and listening.

Two people who deeply love each other, desiring each other's company, just sitting down to share with one another.


Talk to God.

Listen to Him.

And be forever changed by the conversation!



How's your prayer life – are you having real conversation with God?

I just called to say
I love you.
I just called to say
how much I care.
I just called to say
I love you.
And I mean it
from the bottom
of my heart.

My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them.


(Lyrics by Stevie Wonder)

This is a lot of Scripture, but it's oh-so-good!


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
(Philippians 4:6, NIV)

"Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, NLT)

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." (1 John 5:14, NIV)

"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
(Hebrews 4:16, NLT)

"'Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.'" (Jeremiah 29:12-13, ESV)

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving…" (Colossians 4:2, NASB)

"'And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.'" (Matthew 6:7-8, NIV)

"'But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.  Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.'" (Matthew 6:6, NLT)

"'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV)

"In my distress [when seemingly closed in] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple (heavenly dwelling place), and my cry came before Him, into His [very] ears." (Psalm 18:6, AMP)

"In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27, NASB)

"The end of all things is near.  Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." (1 Peter 4:7, NIV)

"The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God – it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]." (James 5:16, AMP)

"Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.  Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:3, NLT)

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night…" (Psalm 92:1-2, NASB)

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17, KJV)

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14, AMP)


"Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.
And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen."

(Matthew 6:9-13, AMP)



Linked with: 

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TUESDAY'S RUBIES, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, GRACE MOMENTS, THE LOFT LINKUP, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, & FAITH, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, WEEKEND WHISPERS, REFLECT LINKUP, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WOULD JESUS WEAR JEANS?

It's a good question.

Now, hold on…

I don't mean this question to be facetious, flippant, disrespectful, or sacrilegious.

I want it to spur us on to some serious thought.


When my sons were young, they asked me questions about Jesus all the time.

Did He get tired and hungry?

Did He get sick?

Did He get blisters?

Did He ever have a headache?

Did He ever trip and fall?

On and on the questions went.  

At first, I was tempted to think that they were being impertinent.  But then I realized that they were very sincere, and that what they were really asking was this:

"Is Jesus like me?"

All these questions gave me a wonderful opportunity to tell my boys that yes, indeed, Jesus was just like us – except with no sin.


Sometimes I think about what it would be like if Jesus walked the earth today.  

I like thinking about that...

What would He look like and wear?

Where would He go, and who would He talk to?

What would make Him angry, and what would break His heart?

And who would rise up against Him?

It's interesting to me to contemplate these things.

And based on what we read about Him in the Bible, I think we can make some educated guesses to answer those questions.


What would He look like and wear?

I don't think that Jesus would look like a movie star or fashion model.

I don't think He'd be dressed in designer suits, stylish sunglasses, or fancy shoes. 

I don't think He'd be driving a Ferrari. 

Jesus was humble and simple.

Isaiah described Jesus as looking like an ordinary man, and that there was nothing special in His appearance that would make Him stand out.  

"He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2, NIV)

So sure, He might be wearing jeans or cargo pants!

And maybe Birkenstock sandals???


Where would Jesus go?

I think we might be surprised at the answer to that.

I don't think He'd expect to be eating at gourmet restaurants or staying in five-star hotels.

I don't think He'd be seeking center-stage, or hungry for the spotlight.

I don't think He'd worry about crowds flocking to Him, or desire to perform in front of cheering throngs.

I don't think He'd be running for office.

Rather, I have a strong feeling that Jesus would go to places where He could encounter people in an intimate way.

(Maybe He'd find His way to the local Starbuck's, and wait for the opportunity to speak to someone?!)

He would quietly go about the business of His Father, wherever that led Him.

"'For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.'" (John 6:36, NLT)


Who would He talk to?

Again, I think we might be surprised.

Jesus was always reaching out to the marginalized, the ostracized, the minimalized, the victimized – the persecuted, the mistreated, the abused – the weak, frail, and infirm.

When I think about it, I can picture Jesus speaking to those same people today.

I can see Him on Skid Row or working in a soup kitchen.  I can see Him at the feet of a homeless person.

I can see Him in hospitals and hospice care centers – with the sick and dying.

At nursing and assisted living facilities – with the old and forgotten.  

On a college campus – with the seekers and the skeptics.  

In a prison – with the angry and hopeless.  

At a rehab clinic – with the addicted and broken.

I can see Him talking to the people that are so easily vilified by society…(and sometimes by Christians??).

People who persecute us, or whose lifestyles or religious beliefs are different than ours, or who do hateful and ugly things.

Jesus would be found in the company of those who needed Him most.

Even if it was politically incorrect, unacceptable, or scandalous.

"'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" (Mark 2:17, NIV)


What would make Jesus angry?

This is an interesting question to ponder.

Of course, my first inclination is to think that Jesus would be angry about the things that make me angry.

Injustice, hatred, cruelty.

And yes, Jesus would be angered by these things.

But He would also be angered by things He might see in me.

Hypocrisy, self-righteousness, pride.

And Jesus would also be angered by the things He might observe within His church.

By white-washed tombs of impurity, and empty words, and prideful boasting, and false piety, and critical spirits, and unforgiving hearts, and sanctimonious posturing.

By misinterpretation and misrepresentation of God's Word.

By anything and anyone who thwarts the cause of the Gospel.

"Do not cause anyone to stumble…even as I try to please everyone in every way.  For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:32-33, NIV)

Jesus would be angered by the *log-in-the-eye folks* who spend so much time pointing out the *specks* in others.


What would break the heart of Jesus?

I think it's easy to think of some things – disease, affliction, suffering, loss of innocence, and the like.

He would be saddened by the way His beautiful world is broken and filled with sin.

But, I think He would also be saddened by apathy and complacency amongst His beloved followers.

As I write this, it is Palm Sunday, the remembrance of Jesus' triumphal procession into Jerusalem.

But as Jesus approaches the city, we see a most unusual reaction:

"...as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep." (Luke 19:41, NLT)

Why did He cry?

Surely not for His own sake, though He knew He was approaching the crucifixion.  

No, He wept for His own:

"'How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes…because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.'" (Luke 19:42, 44, NLT)

Jesus was anguished by those who were not saved – and His heart still bleeds for them today.

He is grieved when we who do know Him do not obey Him, when we shirk the responsibility of bringing His Gospel to others.

He is troubled when we remain in our comfort zones.


And finally, who would rise up against Him?

Truth be told, I don't think it would just be the "bad guys."

Because I think Jesus, the Person, would rail against all the artifice of "religion."

He would single-mindedly oppose counterfeit teachers and false doctrine.

He would speak out against idolatry, and all of the myriad ways that it manifests itself – fame, fortune, reputation, beauty, possessions, people.

He would hate everything fake and conceited and pretentious.

Jesus is still the two-edged sword, the One who divides households and nations. 

The One who brings controversy and contention, because He stands for Truth.

He would not win a popularity contest.

"'Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.'" (Matthew 10:34, NIV)

If Jesus walked the earth today, would He still be crucified?

Sadly, my friends, I believe He would.

Because Jesus would not remain quiet.

And the world would want to silence Him.

For the heart of mankind is still proud, selfish, stubborn, and cruel.


Next Sunday is Easter.

The day when we celebrate the greatest day on earth.

The day when Jesus rose from the grave, paying our sin debt, and conquering death.

But just 40 short days later, He returned to heaven, sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.

So, in every real and mysterious and overwhelming way, He now walks the earth in us.

Therefore, we must go where He would go, talk to who He would talk to, be angry at what would make Him angry, and let our hearts be broken by what would break His.

We must be courageous and brave, determined and resolute, when others rise up against us.

We must open ourselves to His work in our lives, and seek to obey His calling.

We must venture out of our comfort zones.

We must represent Him well.


Would Jesus wear jeans?

Maybe.

But let me just say this – 

Truthfully, He's wearing what YOU put on this morning…

Now go and be His hands and feet!!



How can you *wear* Jesus this week?

I'll be Your hands
I'll be Your feet
I'll go
where You send me
And I'll try
to touch the world
like You
touched my life.



(From the lyrics to "Hands and Feet" - songwriters:
Tyler Burkum, Bob Herdman, Charlie Peacock,
William McGinniss, Mark Stuart) 

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15, NLT)

"For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering." (Romans 8:13, NIV)

"Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God.  Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:17, NLT)

"Because God's children are human beings – made of flesh and blood – the Son also became flesh and blood.  For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." (Hebrews 2:14, NLT)

"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 
(2 Corinthians 5:18-20, ESV)

"As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it." (2 Corinthians 6:1, NLT)

"'You are the salt of the earth.  But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again?  It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.  You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.  Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.'" (Matthew 5:13-16, NLT)

"'…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.  And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere – to the ends of the earth.'" (Acts 1:8, NLT)

"…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…" 
(1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, NLT)

"Sing to the LORD; praise his name.  Each day proclaim the good news that he saves." (Psalm 96:2, NLT)

"I will tell everyone about your righteousness.  All day long I will proclaim your saving power…" (Psalm 71:15, NLT)



HAPPY EASTER!  


HE IS RISEN!  HE IS RISEN INDEED!!



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INSPIRE ME MONDAY, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAY, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TITUS 2SDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WISE WOMAN, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, TUESDAY'S RUBIES, THE LOFT LINKUP, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, & FAITH, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A CROWN FOR CHRISTMAS

It's not what you think.

Well, it will be…eventually.

But first, an entertaining little story about my teeth!!

So, earlier this year, I noticed that something was *weird* with one of my back molars.  I was having all sorts of trouble keeping it clean, and flossing it – (You know what flossing is, right?  That thing that you do a week before getting your teeth cleaned??) – flossing was becoming a futile chore.

That's when I noticed that part of an old filling, and a goodly portion of the tooth, had chipped off.

Oh phooey.

(Can't imagine why a 50+ year-old filling was so weak…ahem).

Well, at my next teeth cleaning in June, I mentioned it to my hygienist.

She said, "Well, let's clean your teeth, and then I'll have the dentist look at it."

OK.

Said dentist then came in, and in utter horror, informed me that the gums surrounding this tooth, and his backyard molar neighbor, were in serious need of repair.

"Lucky for you, we now have a periodontist in the office every other Thursday, and he's here today."

Yes, lucky me.

Well, this guy opened my mouth and uttered another expression of horror, and dropped the hatchet of verdict – (that's what I like to call it).

I needed gum surgery.

"Oh, and by the way, there's decay in that tooth, too."

Double-lucky me.


Well, I had the gum surgery in July.

And healed for the next six weeks. 

And put the cavity/filling on the back burner.

After all, the tooth wasn't bothering me.

Fast forward…

Remembering that my dentist was retiring at the end of this year, I called and made an appointment to take care of this.

It was about six weeks off.

I figured that would be fine.  The tooth still wasn't bothering me, and there were countless other things going on that I thought took precedence over a stupid filling.

Uh, yeah.

You know how this story goes…

The tooth started bothering me.

A little bit – and then A. LOT.

And so I lumbered through the remaining three weeks until my appointment.

I went in last Wednesday, now eagerly (??) looking forward to having this dumb molar taken care of…

If wishes were pennies, I'd be a rich girl.

They took x-rays so my dentist would have an accurate idea of where the decay was, and how he was going to proceed.

That's when I was informed that the tooth had *exploded* in the last six months, and he couldn't fill it, and he was going to try to pull some strings and get me into an endodontist for an emergency root canal.

Say what???

He showed me the x-ray, and almost the entire tooth was now consumed with decay.

No wonder it was bothering me.

Well, to cut to the chase, the endodontist was kind enough to stay extra hours to fit me in.  At 5:30 that evening, after close to two hours in the chair, I walked out into the cold evening and muttered to myself…

"What just happened?"

It's kinda good that it happened this way so I didn't have to fret and worry about it ahead of time.  I am not a dental hero, I've never had a root canal, and needles frighten me.  So, having less time to ponder was probably a good thing.

But, we're not done yet.

Next week I have to go in to get my first crown.

And, oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I'm still going to the same dental office that I've been going to for years – you know, the one that's 2 ½ hours away from our mountain town – so now each visit requires five hours of traveling time.

Yeah, that office.

Sigh.


All I can say is that I'm humming my own version of that classic cute song, "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth."  My version goes like this:

All I want for Christmas
Is one really good crown
A lovely crown
A beautifully functioning crown
Gee, I if I could only have a totally repaired tooth
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas…

CODA:
Except I won't be able
To buy you a gift
For my bank account is empty now, ow...
Yes, my bank account is empty now.
Tra la.


Yup, my version isn't nearly as cute and endearing.

But as I was driving back up the mountain the other day, the Lord revealed to me three things that were true about my root canal and upcoming crown procedure – and how they parallel Christ's arrival upon the earth.

And yes, there's a Christmas devotional in it all.


1) It was unexpected

When I walked into the dentist's office that afternoon at 2 PM, I was expecting an easy, straightforward *drilling & filling* experience.  I was prepared for a short visit, but what I got was an odyssey.

In similar fashion, the arrival of the Messiah didn't happen like expected.

The Jewish people had been looking for a Messiah for hundreds and hundreds of years.  He had been talked about, wondered about – anticipated, sought, and longed for.

Of course, they were expecting a vanquishing King, a mighty Deliverer.

Someone who would swoop into their world and rescue them in overpowering fashion…quickly.

Perhaps he would be a rebel, a revolutionary, a righteous warrior.

A whirlwind.

What they got was a whisper.

A baby.

Unexpected…


2) It was expensive

Any of you who have had gum surgery, or a root canal, or a crown know that all of these procedures are very expensive.  And, adding the expense of my tooth travails to the already hefty costs of all the other medical stuff we've had this year, well, let's just say that it's been taxing on the budget.

Yeah, our Christmas gifts to each other might involve just paying bills…

In like manner, the coming of Christ was expensive, a costly venture that would eventually require the greatest payment of all…

A life.

People were counting on a quick fix, an *in-and-out-and-Israel-is-restored* kind of Messiah.  They would never have guessed that delivering them would cost him his very life.

And certainly not in the way it happened.

On a cross.

Gone was their vision of the hero, the strong and powerful King.

What they got was a beat-up, mangled, bloodied, humiliated, weak, taunted and rejected and abandoned man.

They did not understand that this man was also God.

Yes, the coming of Christ was expensive, for it cost Him so much…

Willingly giving up His place of honor in Heaven, emptying himself of His God-ness, relinquishing His power and majesty, He deigned to become a cell, an embryo, a fetus, a baby.

Helpless and completely reliant on His earthly parents to preserve and nurture His life.

Just so He could one day give it up.

Expensive…


3) It was necessary

Tiny pockets of decay can be fixed with a simple filling.

But decay that has completely invaded and consumed a tooth requires drastic measures.  For if the problem is not remedied, the poison could invade the bloodstream and multiply in rampant fashion.

An out-of-control situation that could one day become fatal.

As much as I tried to stall my treatment, as much as I wanted the *simple fix,* in the end my dental problem required extensive and necessary work.

Why?

Because it was the only way to bring healing.

Is this not the perfect metaphor for sin?

We might look at sin as a minor pocket of decay.  Causing a little aggravation sometimes, occasionally a moment of pain – but easily taken care of with minor correction.

God saw it different.

He saw a pervasive, virulent, poisonous corruption of the very essence of man.

He knew that it was going to require something painful to restore His beloved children to spiritual health, to give them eternal life.

And because of His love, He did what was necessary.

He gave His only begotten Son.

And Jesus willingly gave Himself, and chose to die.

Alas, sometimes the cure requires more brokenness, more agony, more suffering, more misery.

But Jesus did what He did because it's what had to be done to keep sin from killing us.

He literally saved our lives.

Necessary…


So, yes, I've been on a dental odyssey lately.  

And when the title for this blog post came to my mind – "A Crown for Christmas" – I was only thinking about the upcoming "awesome" gift of a new crown for my pesky molar.

But then I got thinking about the King, about Jesus –

About how He laid aside His glorious crown in exchange for a crown of thorns.

About how the whole mission of salvation was unexpected, expensive, and necessary.

I got pondering...

He deserves a crown, but He gave it up…

We do not, but He gave us one anyway…

A crown of life.

An awesome gift!

Oh joy!

Forever live the King!!



MERRY CHRISTMAS, ONE AND ALL!!

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down...
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

"Don't be afraid...Look, your King is coming…" (John 12:15, NLT)

"Because God's children are human beings – made of flesh and blood – the Son also became flesh and blood.  For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." (Hebrews 2:14, NLT)

"Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor.  'Are you the king of the Jews?' the governor asked him.  Jesus replied, 'You have said it.'" (Matthew 27:11, NLT)

"The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head."  
(John 19:2, NIV)

"…Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.   Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Philippians 2:5-11, AMP)

"They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14, NIV)

"And behold, on the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him.  And to Him (the Messiah) was given dominion (supreme authority), glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and speakers of every language should serve and worship Him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed." 
(Daniel 7:13-14, AMP)

"'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.'" (Hebrews 1:8, ESV)

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.  His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.  From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.  And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.'" (Revelation 19:11-16, NASB)

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, NIV)



This Christmas let's celebrate our Lord Jesus' journey – cradle, cross, crown – and thank Him for giving us the gift of eternal life!!



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"