Monday, May 30, 2011

Judging

I had an interesting weekend. I went out with friends, which was fun, but it turned into one of the worse nights out ever.

A very close friend of mine got extreme intoxicated, which then lead her to be extremely inappropriate. I was actually embarrassed of her and that has never happened to me before. I actually apologized to my other friends for her behavior. In my opinion she went over the line and "cheated" on her husband. You can cheat without having sex. The way she talked and the way she hung on other men, to me equalled cheating. If the tables were turned and her husband was acting in such a way, she would have his bags packed without a question.
I was the designated driver and due to getting home so late, I slept over her house. I was awoke by her and her husband arguing. What was said I am not sure, but when he drove me home in the morning he told me he was done. He told my friend that if she didn't stop drinking he would leave her.  He also asked me to talk to her about it.

How could I do that? I can't judge her. I am no better then she is. The more I thought about it and prayed about it I knew what I had to do. I was not going to judge her, but love her and tell her the truth. She is one of my best friends, but it is a complicated relationship. If and when she is mad at you, it is like being at war, so in the past I would avoid confrintaion at all costs. But enough was enough.

I talked to her and started by saying, "I love you, I am not judging you, but I am worried about you."
I continued to tell her how I saw her become a different person with every drink more and more. I told her I was embarassed by her actions, I told her things she did that she did not remember and I told her in my eyes she cheated on her husband the night before.

I was not judging her I truely have deep concern for her. I believe she is an alcoholic, there have been many situation similar to this, and she is in denial.

We are not to judge others, Matthew 7:1, "Do not judge or you too will be judged" (NIV) however, we are also called as Christians to inform others of their wrong ways and to show them with God's help they can be forgiven and healed; Jonah 1:2,"Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."

I explained to my friend that she was addicted and that it had a hold on her, but she could over come it. At the same time I was saying these things, God showed me I struggle with other addictions. No one is perfect, and we will never be. All we can do is our best.

I looked at it this way. If I didn't say anything to my friend, didn't offer my love, consern and help and if something were to ever happen to her I would never forgive myself.

Before you open your mouth to correct someone, pray first for guidance.

I contiue to pray for you. Please lift my friend in prayer and anyone who has an addiction.

Happy Memorial Day!

I just wanted to take a minute and say thank you to all the men and women who serve our Country. It is the  bravest and most honorable profession. Thank you for all that you do everyday to make our lives possible. For those of you that might have lost a love one in active duty, my prayers go out to you. I ask we all take a minute to say a prayer for the safe return of all our military men and women. May God be with us in this war againest terror and I pray we stay united as a Country with God leading us.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Where is God?

My last post talked about the destruction of the recent tornadoes in the South. Many people ask, where is God in all of this? It is hard to explain. Why did this happen? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why didn't God protect us? These questions are valid, and I am not sure we will ever have a true answer to these questions.
It was explained to me that when Adam and Eve sinned the first time that all of creation fell with them. There were no tornadoes or floods in the Garden of Eden. There were no animal attacks or famine.
As hard as this is to believe or comprehend, sometimes it is what it is. There will always be things and situations we will not be able to understand, but God knows. If you can live and trust in God completely it will bring you peace.

After the tornado in Tuscaloosa AL passed and the pictures started to hit the internet, I came across an interesting picture. There is a strip mall in Tuscaloosa that housed many stores, and all but one were gone like they had never been there. The one store that remained was the Hobby Lobby. The Hobby Lobby chain is owned by Steve Green who is very open about his love for God. The store is not open on Sundays. Green was featured on the 700 Club and his story is amazing.

The store still standing, although destroyed, rings clear to me: bad things are going to happen to you, but God will never leave you.
As always, you are in my prayers.

Prayer Request for Tornado Victims

The spring of 2011, so far, has been full of destruction due to tornadoes ripping across the South. My heart absolutely goes out to these victims. The pictures of the devastation brings tears to my eyes. I ask anyone who might be reading this to take a moment and say a prayer for all who were in the wake of these horrific storms.
On April 27, 2011 a mile wide tornado tore through Tuscaloosa Alabama. Usually, I would see the news, and of course start praying, but this storm was different for myself. My sister lives in Tuscaloosa. My family and I have visited there many times. She is fine, and by the grace of God her home was not touched.
She told me, she and her husband were in their "safe place," a closet under the stairs, watching the tornado on the local cable sky cam. Then, they lost power. All they could do is wait. They had no idea what was going on outside. They held hands in silence and prayed for the storm to pass.
They were not directly affected, thank God, but so many in Tuscaloosa were. Due to having family there and visiting the area several times, my other sister started a plan of action.
We started a clothing and food drive at our children's schools and our church homes. The out pour has been tremendous. I was skeptical at first, but the more people we informed about this cause, the more was donated. A man even donated the use of his box truck so the items could be driven down.
Who would have thought two woman up in MA could make such a difference.
God's timing is perfect, even in the wake of destruction. Our plan was to go to Tuscaloosa, however, after the most recent storm in Joplin, MO that is now the destination.
I pray for all who have lost someone or who are now homeless. I pray for God's peace and love to be with you.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 13:5(NIV) "...never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
I have often heard this quote from the Bible, but I wasn't sure what forsake meant. According to the Webster's online dictionary to forsake means "to renounce or turn away from entirely." Some of  the synonyms for forsake are: abandon, desert, leave, quit and strand.
How awesome is God? We do what we want and live in sin, yet, He will never leave us or turn away from us. We can leave Him whenever we want and go about our merry way, but He won't do the same to us. Not only will He not leave us, but He will not give up on us either.
It doesn't matter where you are in your walk with Christ, you might not even have a relationship with Him, but He is there always. He will never leave you. He will forgive you of any sin. He loves you and wants a relationship with you.
Don't give up on God, He will never give up on you.
I will keep you in my prayers.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Jeremiah 29:11

Ever feel like you are floating along on a breeze with no idea where you or your life is going?
I often feel like that. I am not sure what I should be doing with my life. I second guess myself that I am living the life God has intended for me. I question if I am living my life in God's will and purpose.
You could drive yourself crazy asking these questions. I have. At the same time of asking the questions I also don't do anything in fear it is the wrong choice. The days have turned into weeks, into months, into years and before you know it your life has passed you by. I have decided to not live in fear anymore. I pray constantly for God to guide me and I must now live with the assurance that He will.
Jeremiah 29:11 has brought me great comfort and peace about my life. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'"
God has a plan for every ones life. So ask Him. Pray for guidance. Pray that He opens the doors He wants you to go through and to firmly close the ones He doesn't. Also pray for the wisdom to know the difference.
Your life is going to pass you by if you choose not to do anything. Ask God and He will lead you there.
As always you are in my prayers.