Busy, Happy Woman LLC

No, today's blog is not about personal hygiene. Today we will look at folks who have the annoying habit of pointing out what they believe is wrong with everyone else, without ever acknowledging their own short-comings. Do you know someone like that?  Many years ago a woman, who I had never met before, walked up to me and told me that my hair wasn't the right color for my skin tone and that I should not have chosen that color for my hair. I don't know why I bothered, but I explained to the woman that my hair was not dyed; the color was my natural color. Her response basically called me a liar: she emphatically said there was no way the color was natural and walked off in a huff. She was upset with me because I would not admit my hair was dyed...when it wasn't. The fact that she approached a total stranger (me) with her erroneous opinion made it clear that she was used to telling others what she thought, without considering that what she thought might not be true . Jesus ...

This morning I woke up to a thick blanket of snow on our central North Carolina yard. The snow was so deep our miniature poodle was up to his neck in snow when he decided to very briefly test out the new element. The view of the neighborhood was so pretty. Common things like barbecue grills, trash cans and cars were transformed by the beautiful whiteness. The snow covered every imperfection. As I took in the transformation, a thought came to me: God's love is like that blanket of snow. Imperfections are everywhere. We don't have to look long or hard to find them. In fact, it is almost impossible to go through any given day without encountering some kind of imperfection: instead of the call being transferred the system hung up; at the checkout there is no price on the item you want to purchase; the car tire is flat and you have an appointment; the kids are getting on your nerves and your spouse... God created a perfect world, created the first humans and gave them instructions...

Certain parts of North Carolina are experiencing a winter storm today...I live in one of those parts. The meteorologists have been watching the weather patterns and warnings came out early that allowed people time to prepare. Life is not like that. Life has a variety of storms that pop up: health challenges, financial concerns, family conflict...the list is long. Believers (Christians) are not exempt from experiencing storms. Jesus clearly spoke of what to expect, and what believers will experience, as the time of his return gets closer (Mark 13). Fortunately, Jesus also spoke of what believers can do to be prepared. Matthew 7: 24 & 25 gives us the "recipe" for making it safely through anything that may come our way. "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it wa...

The idea of a fresh start at the beginning of the New Year is very appealing. Reflection on the past year, thoughts of "What could I have done differently?" and a desire for something better, are often the foundation for the "fresh start" focus that often comes along with January 1st. Some people set "resolutions," some set "goals," and some simply say "I'm going to do better this year." All are well-meaning and heartfelt at the time.  However, there is an "enemy" lurking in the shadows, waiting to trip up every fresh focus. The demise of almost every resolution, goal, or "do better" is the "Old You." Most of us know someone (and it may be the person in the mirror) who has changed jobs, changed location, changed relationships, etc. only to find that the day to day has not changed. The dissatisfaction, the nagging discontent, the frustration...the list could go on...is still there; and may be even more p...

 So much has happened in the past couple of years.  Today marks the beginning of a New Year but that doesn't mean all challenges are suddenly gone. However, there is a way--in spite of any challenges--to experience happiness in this new year. The Bible gives us the recipe for positively impacting our personal and spiritual wellbeing and how to encourage those around us. Below is a portion of a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Philippi. You will see how relevant this except from Paul's letter is to what the world is facing right now. "Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be know to all people. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.  And th...