JUST A "SMALL" LEAK??

Saga.

"A long, involved story, account, or series of incidents."

And every good story starts with a single event, a seemingly innocuous incident that starts the ball rolling.

Like a snowflake starts an avalanche.

Like a water droplet starts a flood.

I have a good story for you.


It began a couple of weeks ago when my mother said to my brother and I...

"Can I show you something?"

Those words sound harmless enough, right?

But it occurs to me that they are ominously portentous – like saying to someone:

"Can we talk about something?"

So, my brother followed my mom into her bathroom area.

A few minutes later, I wandered in, only to meet my brother halfway.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Go look," he replied, with a rather grim expression on his face.

I poked my head into her bathroom, and instantly felt like I had entered a horror movie.

There were winged bugs all over her floor, all over her toilet, all over…

As I stood there aghast, my brother returned.

My mom's bathroom has a little window with shutters in front of it.

Shut shutters.

My brother and I knew we needed to look.  So we gingerly opened the shutters…

(If this was indeed a horror movie, this is the point when the audience starts screaming, "Don't open the shutters!  Don't do it!!)

Oh my.

A literal mound of bugs was heaped behind those shutters.  A hive of winged insects.  A pile of grossness.

And if there was a *queen* inside, she would have been the size of a baseball, I'm sure about that.  (Needless to say, we did NOT go looking for her...)

"What are those?" I whispered to my brother.

"I think they're termites."

Well, we *RAIDed* that pile, and cleaned up carcasses, and called a termite company.   They came out about a week later for an inspection.  And yup, Mom's house was infested.

Treatment Day was scheduled.

Fortunately, this company uses a non-toxic way to treat termites.  No tenting, no need for anyone to leave the house (though we did arrange for Mom to be gone for the day).

Treatment Day arrived.

So, this non-toxic method entailed drilling holes every foot around the entire perimeter of the house, down to the soil, treating every square inch of the attic and fascia board around the garage, and injecting an orange oil concoction into each hole.

The noise, the dust, the inconvenience, the disruption – feet in the attic, drills and hammers pounding, cement dust flying.

Ugh.

At one point, one of the workers said that he was having trouble drilling down to the soil in the patio.  His drill bit got stuck, and they were awaiting a new, longer one to arrive.

This is the point in the story where the plot twists…


Mid-morning my brother was called outside.  And then came back inside with one of "those" faces – oh no, bad news coming.

"We've had to turn off the water.  They hit a pipe somewhere, and there's a leak."

And so began a 58-hour ordeal.

We had to have the water turned off – except for momentary moments in order to wash hands, brush teeth, and use the restroom.  However, each time we did that, a fountain of water erupted in the patio, and poured out ($$$) all over!

At the mercy of the termite company, because repair work was now in their court, it was 48 hours until their plumber came.

He proceeded to jackhammer the patio to locate and cap the broken pipe.

Except he didn't.

Turns out this guy's "regular" job was heating and air conditioning.  And he only did plumbing "on the side."

So, after an hour of futile and destructive work, he informed me that he couldn't fix it.

Multiple phone calls ensued.

Miscommunication, delays, double-bookings, faulty promises – finally, a guy arrived at our house.  And worked for hours in a valiant effort to remedy our problem.

He did.

At the cost of removing drywall from several areas inside the house in an effort to locate the source of the leak.  And cutting and capping off pipes that compromised the water supply to downstairs.

Needless to say, we were grateful to have running water, finally, at 9:00 PM that night.

This saga is not yet done – as there are more calls and negotiations for leak-plugging, piping restoration, drywall repair, concrete re-pouring, patio re-tiling, etc.

But the whole experience showed me something…


One "small" incident can lead to a whole lot of suffering.

One "small" leak can be anything but…

Have you ever fooled yourself into thinking that a "small" sin is OK?

A fib.

A minor cheat.

A harmless flirtation.

A quick look.

A snap judgment.

I know you're like me (you are, right?!) – and I have been guilty of committing "small" sins, sins that I deemed innocuous, sins that hardly seemed worth the effort of thinking about.

Sins that could hardly be called sins.

Except…

Those sins were just the beginning – the first domino tipping over and starting a chain of events that tumbled out of control.

We humans are funny creatures.

And I think it's a temptation all in itself to *rank* our sins.  

Some are not-so-bad, some are oh-that-wasn't-so-good, and others are really-and-truly-terrible.

And when we are guilty of committing "little" sins, it's easy to dismiss them, to ignore them.

Until a "small" leak turns into a flood.

We must not be fooled.

Small leaks have a way of permeating our souls.  

Every sin costs something.

Consciences can be dulled, integrity can be jeopardized, honesty can be compromised, relationships can be broken, and trust can be demolished.

And more than anything, any kind of sin diminishes and threatens our relationship with God.

You see, in God's eyes, there is no ranking of sins.

There is only SIN – a fatal condition of the human heart.

Yes, sin manifests itself in a million different ways – a million different wrongdoings.

But God's holiness is perfect.

And it doesn't matter if we fall short by an inch or a trillion miles.

WE. ALL. FALL. SHORT.


Oh, dear ones, we cannot afford to be casual about the "small" sins.

We must be ruthless in our determination to find them and eliminate them in our single-minded pursuit of God.

But let us not be like the plumber who thought he could fix the problem himself, and couldn't, because he wasn't a professional.

We are like that – only amateurs in this sin business.

Therefore, we must allow, we must invite the Holy Spirit to do the work that only He can do.

He knows our hearts intimately, better than we do, and He is the only one who can stop the leaky "small" sins before they escalate into something bigger and more damaging.

It might take some jack-hammering, some digging behind walls, some exposing of hidden leaks, some capping off of pipelines that are the source of sinful behavior.

It might take some time, and it might be expensive, costly.

For it will involve dying to self.

But in the end, it's worth it.

Let LIVING WATER flow again!!

Oh Lord,
it seems I've sprung a leak,
I am not displaying
the holiness You seek.

So please search my heart
where sin doth lurk,
And let Your Holy Spirit
do His work.

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(A lot of Scripture today, but let it have a *domino* effect in your heart!)


"For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." (Romans 3:23, NLT)

"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." (James 2:10, NASB)

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2, NIV)

"I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3, Berean Bible)

"You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God." (Hebrews 3:13, NLT)

"For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness – my sinful capacity].  For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.  For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want…For I joyfully delight in the law of God in my inner self [with my new nature], but I see a different law and rule of action in the members of my body [in its appetites and desires], waging war against the law of my mind and subduing me and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is within my members.  Wretched and miserable man that I am!  Who will [rescue me and] set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]?  Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:18-19, 22-25, AMP)

"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.  But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." (1 John 1:8-9, NLT)

"'The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?  But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.'" (Jeremiah 17:9-10, NLT)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10, AMP)

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God…Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry…In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.  But now you must put them all away…" (Colossians 3:2-3, 5, 7-8, ESV)                                   

"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls." (James 1:21, NLT)

"We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives.  We are no longer slaves to sin." (Romans 6:6, NLT)

"I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.  And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)



Have you sprung a "small" sin leak?



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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE MASKS WE WEAR

Halloween in our small town was so much fun.  

Everyone met up at the top of our main street, and then at 4:15 PM (more or less), a fire engine started rolling down the hill, and the costume parade started!  All along the parade route, people in lawn chairs, or people with the trunks of their vehicles open, or local businesses – handed out treats!

It was a fun and safe way to celebrate.

"The Hub" and I dressed up in our Western regalia.  I still can't believe how often he got stopped for a photo – but, after all, he does look like a pretty authentic Virgil Earp!

Oh, the sights we saw!!

I continue to be amazed at the creativity of people.

Homemade costumes, store-bought costumes, barely-a-costume costumes – we saw it all!  There were scads of cute, scary, creepy, pretty, clever, that's-funny, that's-disgusting, what-is-that, costumes.

I saw a dog dressed up like a squirrel.

I saw a squirrel dressed up like a dog – (not really, but wouldn't that be hysterical??)

Then, when we arrived in town, there was music and booths and food galore!

We went with our neighbors, who dressed up as 80's rockers.  I joked that we were representing a century of fashion – all the way from 1880 to 1980.

After the parade, we went out to dinner.

Most of the employees were dressed up, including a very persistent Smurf who kept asking us if we were warm enough – (we were seated outside, and his upper body was covered with only blue paint!)

The strangest moment came when a guy dressed in a full-body skeleton leotard came up and asked us if we were having a good evening.  A crazy conversation followed – including "The Hub" asking if he had any ribs for our dinner – before he scampered off down the street.

Gotta admit, I just love dressing up.  It's fun pretending you're someone else for an evening.  

But, it also got me thinking about the masks we wear in our *regular lives.*

Masquerade.

This is the word from which we have derived the word "mask."  The origin of this word is Middle French, from the Old Italian dialect mascarada – (from Old Italian maschera – mask).  Its first known use was in 1587.

We're all familiar with the idea of a masquerade ball, a costume party.  I suppose in some ways, our parade was just that sort of thing.  But the word masquerade can also mean this:

A way of appearing or behaving that is not true or real.

Oh.

This is what I'm talking about.

Not being who we are, not doing what we should, not saying what we mean.

Now, I'm not gonna lie (irony here), there are two instances when I think husbands can be allowed a little forgivable fibbing.  

When answering these two questions:

1. Does this make me look fat?

2. Do you think that woman is prettier than I am?

Might I just say…powder keg.

These answers, though honest, might not be advisable:

1. You're beautiful no matter what size you are.

2. You're so pretty for your age.

Might I humbly suggest these alternative answers:

1. No.  (Or better yet – "Of course not!")

2. No.  (Or better yet – "What woman?")

But I digress. 

Wearing masks, living a masquerade life.

We all do it.  

The reasons why we do it are as diverse as we are ourselves.

Lack of self-esteem, fear of rejection, ulterior motives, jealousy, pride, stubbornness, shame, avoiding confrontation…this list could go on and on.  

And you know what's on your list.

In the end, wearing masks all comes down to hiding.

I remember years ago a very wise person said to me that if the way I was living on the outside didn't match the person I was on the inside, then I'd never find good mental health.

He talked about the idea of congruence – (agreement or harmony; compatibility).

In math, two objects are congruent if they have the same dimensions and shape.  

Might it also be said that we are living a congruent life, a real and authentic and transparent life, when the shape of what we do and say matches the shape of our hearts.

Alternatively, hiding behind masks alters the shape of who we are.

Jesus is the only person who has ever lived that is completely and actually and honestly HIMSELF.

With Him, what you see is what you get.

No hidden agenda, no ulterior motives, no scheming or conniving, nothing but the Truth.

Therefore, He is our example of what it means to live with integrity.

And it is only by allowing the Holy Spirit to completely infuse us that we can become more like Him.

You see, living without masks is easier said than done, and the challenge is often made more difficult because we might not even be aware of the masks we're wearing.

The human heart is deceitful.  

We are skillful in the art of hiding from ourselves.

And if we're not careful, we can start believing the charade, the sham, the façade.

We can look oh-so-good-and-holy on the outside, while the inside is languishing in a self-made, whitewashed tomb.

Such contradictory living, such a lack of integrity, takes a huge toll.

I know.

There was a period of time when I was living an incongruent life.

And finding all sorts of creative ways to fool myself.

But, inside I was dying.

For if you belong to the Lord, masks become suffocating.

I finally changed when I got tired of smothering.

Halloween is fun, and I like dressing up as someone else.

But in my real life, I want to live life real.

I want no masks, no masquerade.

I want to be the real *me* – inside and out – and I want Jesus to shine through.

It's not an easy path.

It might require some really difficult work, as the Holy Spirit must be given full access to the innermost person.

He must explore and expose the hidden places.  

He must uncover the secret and darkened corners.  

He must remove the closet doors of deception, and throw open the windows of Truth.

His light might be blinding, and what He reveals may be painful to face.

But, it is the only way to have any hope of becoming someone different, someone better, someone whole.

Jesus wore no masks – (except maybe the veil of humanity that "masked" His glorious majesty.  Remember that one time He glowed?!)

Jesus lived a life true to Himself, true to others, true to God.

This is what I want, don't you?

Lord, remove the masks that I wear to look better, to impress others, to get what I want, to deceive myself.  Reveal to me the innermost parts of myself that You want to change, to transform.  Shape me into the person that You created me to be.  Teach me to live out the virtues and values that You have placed within me.  Produce transparency and honesty and integrity in everything I do and say.  

Make my outside match my inside – and make my inside match You.

When Someone loves you
for a long, long time,
REALLY loves you,
then you become
REAL.

And once you are Real
you can't become
unreal again.
It lasts
for
always.


(Paraphrased from "The Velveteen Rabbit")

WE WEAR THE MASK

We wear the mask that grins and lies,

It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,

This debt we pay to human guile;

With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,

And mouth with myriad subtleties...

We smile, but, O great Christ, our cries

To thee from tortured souls arise...

-- Paul Laurence Dunbar 
"Lyrics of Lowly Life" (1896)

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13, NIV)

"For your ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all your paths." (Proverbs 5:21, NIV)

"'...I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person.'" (Revelation 2:23, NLT)

"Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!" (Psalm 139:23, ESV)

"Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart.  For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth." 
(Psalm 26:2-3, NASB)

"You have tested us, O God; you have purified us like silver." 
(Psalm 66:10, NLT)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:10-12, AMP)

"'I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you.  I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.'" 
(Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

"...put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new self [the regenerated and renewed nature], created in God's image, [godlike] in the righteousness and holiness of the truth [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]." 
(Ephesians 4:22-24, AMP)

"I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there." (1 Chronicles 29:17, NLT)


"Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?  
Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,
and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person
but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
will never be shaken."

(Psalm 15, NIV)



Are you wearing any masks?



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MY WILD WEST VACATION

"The Hub" and I just got back from a few days' vacation in southern Utah.

There is some beautiful scenery in this area.

Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are all within driving distance.

Beautiful red rock vistas, crystal-clear rivers, secret canyons and waterfalls, towering mountains, and wide-open spaces – a feast for the eyes!  We've visited them all, and reveled in the beauty of God's creation.

But, this trip we were on a different sort of adventure.

We *journeyed* to the Old West instead!!

Once a year, "The Hub" and I make the trek to Kanab, Utah, to attend a Western Festival.

It's such a great time!  

Four days of music, movies, shopping, food, and fun!

And, just to make our time more "authentic," we dress up!  "The Hub" – who many think bears a striking resemblance to Sam Elliott – puts on his Virgil Earp garb.  And I wear my city-girl lavender satin dress.

What a pair!!  (Check out the photos of us at the end of this post!)

One of our favorite things to do at this event is visit with the *stars.*

Many of you will probably remember such movie and TV stars as Bruce Boxleitner, Don Collier, Barry Corbin, Cheryl Rogers Barnett (daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), Wyatt McCrea (grandson of Joel McCrea), and Clint Walker.

Well, we got to visit with them all!

And the one thing that always impresses us is how very kind, polite, and respectful these people are.  They are genuinely interested in what you have to say, and they are very generous with their time.

These people portrayed characters from a different time who truly embodied something called, "The Code of the West."


A little background on the "Code":

It was first chronicled by the famous western writer, Zane Grey, in his 1934 novel "The Code of the West."  Although no actual, written code ever existed, the tough and hardy pioneers who lived in the West abided by a set of "rules" – rules that centered on hospitality, fair play, loyalty, and respect for the land.

Ramon Adams, a Western historian, explained it best in his 1969 book, "The Cowman and His Code of Ethics," saying:

"Back in the days when the cowman with his herds made a new frontier, there was no law on the range.  Lack of written law made it necessary for him to frame some of his own, thus developing a rule of behavior, which became known as the "Code of the West."  These homespun laws, being merely a gentleman's agreement to certain rules of conduct for survival, were never written into statutes, but were respected everywhere on the range."

There are many versions of the "Code" – but they all have one thing in common.

They closely parallel Biblical principles.


So, without further ado, here's a short version of "The Code of the West" – and some spiritual *rules* I think we can all follow:


1. Live Each Day with Courage

We are called to be courageous, and exhorted often to "Fear not."  I find it so difficult to be fear-less, but I think it's crucial as believers not to be fear-ruled. The enemy's kingdom is dominated by fear.  But God's Kingdom is ruled by love.

As children of the King, we should live like it!

"…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)


2. Take Pride in Your Work

My dad always said, "If it it's worth doing, it's worth doing well."  A great work ethic, but an even better spiritual principle to live by.  We speak volumes to others when we take our duties, our jobs, our responsibilities seriously. Displaying a thoughtful attitude about everything we do is crucial to our witness.

For in fact, we work for the Lord, and for His Kingdom.

"Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord…" (Colossians 3:23)


3. Always Finish What you Start

Lazy, irresponsible people do not make good Christian witnesses.  We are called to integrity and excellence in all we do.  God does not want tepid, half-hearted workers for the great harvest He is preparing.  He calls us to persevere and endure, to complete the tasks He assigns.

So, let's be strong to the finish of the race of faith.

"Now you should finish what you started.  Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now…" (2 Corinthians 8:11)


4. Do What Has to Be Done

The walk of faith is not easy.  It can be full of hardship and suffering. Following the Lord takes dedication and devotion.  And sometimes we are called to do difficult things.  In all of this, God calls us to do what has to be done – always giving of our time, our resources, ourselves.

Let's strive to be good and faithful servants.

"Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty." 
(Ecclesiastes 12:13)


5. Be Tough, But Fair

Tough love.  Every parent knows that it is sometimes required.  And in the Body of Christ, we are also called to confront sin.  We are not to be conformed to this world, and that means we are to stand firm on issues of Truth.  Let us do everything in the name of love, but let's never slide down the slippery slope of compromise.

Pray for wisdom and discernment, and when called to do so, stand tall!

"This is what the LORD says: Be fair-minded and just.  Do what is right!" (Jeremiah 22:3)


6. When You Make a Promise, Keep It

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that fewer and fewer people value the virtues of honesty, honor, and sincerity.  Never is this more apparent than when this country approaches election year.  Do you believe anything anyone says anymore?!  God calls us to something greater.  He calls us to Truth.

Therefore, we should be people of our word, because we are People of His Word!

"The godly are directed by honesty…" (Proverbs 11:5)


7. Ride for the Brand

When I look around me, when I look within me, I sometimes question God's plan to make us His representatives.  What was He thinking?!  We are all too often very poor reflections of his Son.  We must realize that being a Christian is much more than just a title.  It is a responsibility to the Lord to let Him do His work through us.

Pray for the will and the power to represent Him well.

"So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.  We speak for Christ…" (2 Corinthians 5:20)


8. Talk Less and Say More

Can anyone tame the tongue?!  (Correct answer = NO!)  In fact, we must constantly be aware of our tendency to speak too much.  We must be aware of our power to hurt and wound with careless words.  Rather, we must allow the Holy Spirit to direct this mighty weapon.

May we allow the Lord to speak through us, and to silence us when we should not speak.

"…I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say.  I will hold my tongue…" (Psalm 39:1)


9. Remember That Some Things Are Not For Sale

We must never forget that we are a redeemed people, purchased and bought with the blood of Christ.  Therefore, we must be oh-so-careful to remember that we are living temples of the Holy Spirit – and we are admonished to behave accordingly.

Guard your heart, protect your reputation, shield your mind, respect your body.

"You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)


10. Know Where to Draw the Line

The very best *roadmap* in life is The Word of God.  Full of wise counsel, its words will guide us.  No, we are no longer living under the tyranny of the Law – the Lord has set us free from slavery to sin.  However, He has not given us a license to exercise bad behavior!

Know His rules, obey His regulations, and freedom will reign.

"Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation." 
(Matthew 26:41)


Yup, we would do well to follow the "Code of the West" – but it's much better to follow the "Code of the Word."

Which just might be summed up by Paul's words in Philippians:

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing.  Then the God of peace will be with you." 
(Philippians 4:8-9, AMP)


Happy Trails, pardners…

See you on down the road!

If it's not yours,
don't take it.
If it's not true,
don't say it.
If it's not right,
don't do it. 

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, NLT)

"This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior..." (1 Timothy 4:10, NLT)

"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." (Acts 20:24, NIV)

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.  Enter into the joy of your master.'" (Matthew 25:23, ESV)

"...we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church...So stop telling lies.  Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body." 
(Ephesians 4:15, 24, NASB)

"A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it.  He must do exactly what he said he would do." 
(Numbers 30:2, NLT)

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:5-6, ESV)

"In the same way, the tongue is a small thing...the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.  It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself...If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:5-6, 13, NLT)

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body.  We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." (Romans 12:4-5, NLT)

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)




Are you living by "The Code of the Word"?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, WORDS WITH WINTER, MOM 2 MOM MONDAY, WORDS OF COMFORT MONDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, UNITE, RA RA LINKUP, TUESDAY TALK, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SO MUCH AT HOME, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THEOCENTRIC THURSDAYS, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, LOOKING UP LINKUP, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, DANCE WITH JESUS, SATURDAY SOIREE, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, LIVING PROVERBS, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" AND A FOTO FRIDAY

"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

"Fan the Flame" has been a feature on my blog for a long time.  I've enjoyed it, and have always loved reading your insightful comments.

So, this week I'm returning to "Fan the Flame" and asking all of you to *weigh in* on this week's word - HEART.

(Too easy???  Well, it IS Valentine's Day, after all...)


Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, just for fun, I'm adding a *foto* - add a caption, a verse, or a thought to go along with it!

Still "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)


Today's word: heart

How would you define the concept of a person's *heart*?

Why is the condition of one's *heart* so crucial to the way we live our lives?

What are some ways the *heart* can be attacked, broken, lost, or hardened? And how can we guard against that?

What is the one thing that comes to your mind when you think about the *heart* of God?


Let me know what you think!!

THE FOTO:

(Don't forget to add your caption, a verse, or a thought!!)

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8, NIV)

"Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (Matthew 6:21, NLT)

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29, NIV)

"A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart..." (Matthew 12:35, NLT)

"And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." (Mark 12:30, NLT)

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart.  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.  So don't be troubled or afraid." 

(John 14:27, NLT)

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NLT)

"Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." (Proverbs 4:23, NLT)

***HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!***

*(My silly caption?  "WOOD you be mine?")


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

THE GOOD OL' DAYS

Here I am in Utah!

"The Hub" and I love all things western – western, as in the Old West.  And twice a year we venture out to western festivals where we enjoy shopping, dressing up (photos of us below!), and visiting with old western TV and movie stars.

Here's a few of the names that are at this year's Western Legends Roundup:

James Drury from The Virginian
Clint Walker from Cheyenne
Dan Haggerty from Grizzly Adams
Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, daughter of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
Wyatt McCrea, grandson of Joel McCrea and Frances Dee
Johnny Crawford from The Rifleman
Peter Ford, son of Glenn Ford
Robert Fuller from Wagon Train (and Emergency!)
James Hampton from F Troop (he was the bugler)


Do any of these names ring a bell and make you take a walk down Memory Lane?!

Well, let me tell you, we're sure experiencing a second childhood!

One of things we love is how nice people are.  Friendly, polite, accommodating.  "The Hub" and I are always bemoaning how sad it is that progress and technology seem to be gradually (or not-so-gradually) eroding good old-fashioned values.

The "Code of the West" has disappeared.  Three years ago, I blogged about that code, and I thought I'd reprint my thoughts on that here:

There are many versions of the "Code" – but they all have one thing in common.

They closely parallel Biblical principles.

So, without further ado, here's a short version of "The Code of the West" – and a verse from Scripture that corresponds with it:


1. Live Each Day with Courage – "…be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

2. Take Pride in Your Work – "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord…" (Colossians 3:23)

3. Always Finish What you Start – "Now you should finish what you started.  Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now…" 
(2 Corinthians 8:11)

4. Do What Has to Be Done – "Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

5. Be Tough, But Fair – "This is what the LORD says: Be fair-minded and just.  Do what is right!" (Jeremiah 22:3)

6. When You Make a Promise, Keep It – "The godly are directed by honesty…" (Proverbs 11:5)

7. Ride for the Brand – "So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.  We speak for Christ…" (2 Corinthians 5:20)

8. Talk Less and Say More – "…I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say.  I will hold my tongue…" (Psalm 39:1)

9. Remember That Some Things Are Not For Sale – "You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.  So you must honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)

10. Know Where to Draw the Line – "Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation." (Matthew 26:41)


If it's not yours, don't take it.
If it's not true, don't say it.
If it's not right, don't do it.

"Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable." (Philippians 4:8)


Advice that SHOULD stand the test of time, huh?

The other thing I'm pondering tonight is how much "The Hub" and I wax nostalgic for those good ol' days.  We often think it would be so much fun to have been able to live in the Old West.  However, granted, we look backward with romantic eyes.  

The ACTUAL Old West was a tough frontier.  

Lives were hard and often short-lived.  Making a living was thankless toil. Hard work was the rule, from sunup to sundown.  And I'm not exactly sure I would have fit in real well – (for instance, in my leisure time I don't smoke cigars, play the game of Faro, nor gulp shots of whiskey).  

Also, I'm not thinking that I would have done well in the real reality of being a homesteader.

I collect old irons – (as in ironing clothes, not golf clubs!)  And those things weigh a TON!  I can't imagine hoisting those things to get out wrinkles – I would have had true Biceps of Steel – (instead of these flabby things made of crepe paper that I call upper arms).

And that's not even considering washboard-clothes-cleaning, butter-churning, wood-splitting, horse-shoeing, or a thousand other chores.

But…

"The Hub" and I have the luxury of looking back in fondness, without all the tough stuff.

I think about this.

Sometimes we look back at our own lives, our own memories, and we long for the good ol’ days.  Maybe for the blissful and carefree days of childhood.  Or the giddy moments of a first love.  Or the reckless freedom of adolescence.  Or the wonder-full joys of early parenthood.

But, if you think about it, for those of us who believe in Jesus Christ and long for His return, the good ol' days don't lie behind us…

…they hover on the horizon of hope!

Hope for a future in eternity with the Lord!

Hope for a place where the values of the Code of the West will be fulfilled in perfection.  Where there will be no more drudgery or heavy-laden hearts.

A timeless time when all will be well, all will be truly well…forever.


Having fun in Utah right now, yes.

But oh, so longing for the Good Ol' Days that await me in the future!


Yee Haw and Yippee Ki Yay!!

Marshal Virgil Earp... 

...and His Wife 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice..." (1 Peter 1:3-6, NIV)

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared...And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven...I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God's home is now among his people!  He will live with them, and they will be his people.  God himself will be with them.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'  And the one sitting on the throne said, 'Look, I am making everything new!'" (Revelation 21:1-5, NLT)


So what are you looking forward to the most in the Good Ol' Days to come in Heaven?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Jen at UNITE
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Shari at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Wanda at FRIDAY FIVE FELLOWSHIP
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"