Great Expectations

Have you ever heard the phrase, "unfulfilled expectations lead to upset"? You hear it a lot in the business world. We actually apply this concept in our office to improve staff relations and customer service. So what does it mean, you ask? Think of it this way. If you don't know what is expected of you, you will eventually find yourself dissatisfied and disappointed. The expectations you have for yourself aren't always what others expect from you.

The relationship between a husband and wife is the perfect example. Ladies, your husbands can't read your mind. You have to communicate with them and let them know what you are thinking. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need help with the kids, you have to express your feelings and let your husbands know what they can do to help relieve the stress. I promise they will be more than willing to help, if they know what you expect of them.

Expectations give you a road map and help direct your path. As Christians, our expectations are laid out in God's word. While society argues that the Bible is a washed up book with inaccurate stories, I beg to differ. I believe the Bible to be full of promise and suggestions for living a fulfilling life.

"All scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching us how to live right. Using the scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work" 2nd Timothy 3:16-17.

What kind of life do you want to live? Fulfilled and forgiven or empty without expectations?

Give Thanks!

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to your name, O Most High." Psalm 92:1



Vacation is over and it's back to reality. Schedules...jobs...the daily balancing act. All of which I am thankful for. As I returned to work this week, I was thanking God I had a job to return to. Many parents I consulted this week about dental care for their kids were either about to loose their jobs, had already been working less hours, or just simply could not afford to have another bill. If you haven't heard, times are tough for a lot of people right now. When you have to make a decision between paying for gas and food or taking your child to the dentist, you know things aren't good.



Feeling the burden of financial strain is one of the most difficult situations many people face today. It's hard to fathom that you work 40 hours a week and your pay check is gone before it gets to the bank. Believe me, I've been there. Not so long ago, I lost a house and vehicle because of poor planning, bad judgment, and not living in God's will. The divorce from my 1st husband left me broken and in bankruptcy. During that time, I can't say I was living for Christ, but I can tell you I was thankful for what I still had.



Looking back, I don't know why Christ chose to keep his hand on my life and bless me. I never became homeless and always had reliable transportation to get back and forth to work. I remember praying and crying out to God - why me? But I never said forgive me, I am a sinner.



The last thought in our fleshy minds is to say "thanks" when times are hard. I know now, I needed to get to a low point so I could look up and seek God. I can't do things on my own. I need the Lord to give me strength and stability. If you are going through a situation that you can't work out on your own, maybe it's time to allow Christ to intervene in your situation. Thank him for what your have, pray for forgiveness, ask him into your heart, and surrender your life to the King. What can you loose?

Something Majestic

"In the beginning God created the sky and the earth."  Genesis 1:1

I recently watched a movie where the main character, who was dying of cancer, created a list of all the things he wanted to do before he died.  One of the things on his list was to witness "something majestic".  The something he was referring to was Mount Everest.

As I sit on the back porch of our rental cabin in the mountains, I feel I've witnessed something majestic...God's creation.  From where I'm sitting, I see mountains for miles.  I see the still waters of the lake that show the reflection of the trees in the illuminating sun.  I feel the cool brisk breeze sweeping across my face.  It's so peaceful!

If you haven't taken the time to enjoy the outdoors and witness the beauty of God's creation, you have to put it on your list of things to do.  Whether you are in the mountains, at the beach, or even taking a walk in your neighborhood, remember to thank God for this beautiful land we call home and for all of the blessings he has bestowed upon you!

Get Thirsty!

"I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land." Psalm 143:6

How often do you thirst for God? Is it when times are tough? Is it when you have no hope? Why is it that most of us wait until we are at our wits end to cry out to God...especially when he loves us sooooo much.

If we truly know God, he is our comforter and friend. He is the deepest well we could ever find to quench the thirst of our soul. As I draw closer to God, I find that I'm at peace in his presence. For me, that's reason enough to spread my hands out to him on a daily basis.

It's not always easy though. I am human after all. I struggle with my flesh just like most of you. That's why we need to surround ourselves with other believers that can remind us to get focused on God's word and get back in his presence.

LaBrena and I have a rule....5 minute pity party, when necessary. Get it out and get back to God. He loves you and me and longs for us to have a close relationship with him. After all, he is God. Don't you think we owe it to him?

Saving A Household

Did you know that it's God's will for our loved ones to be saved? 2nd Peter 3:9 tells us that God doesn't want anyone to be lost. It's his desire that people change their hearts and come to repentance.

Many times family members ask Jesus to come into their hearts because of the prayers and example of just one individual. How does your walk and talk speak to your family? Are you luke warm and riding the fence or can they see your desire to be Christ like and serve him?

Here are somethings that we can do to encourage our family members to find Jesus:

1. Live righteous (1st Timothy 4:12; 1st Peter 3:1)
2. Intercede on their behalf (Ezekiel 22:30-31; Job 22:29)
3. Obey God (Matthew 28:18-20)
4. Claim the scriptures for them (Acts 2:39; Psalm 102:28; Jeremiah 31:16-17)
5. Share the Gospel (Romans 10:14-15)
6. Take authority over Satan (2nd Corinthians 4:3-4)

Remember, as much as you love your unsaved loved ones, God loves them even more!

Getting A Heart Transplant

Scott always says that when Christ came into his heart, he received a heart transplant. I can attest to that. I watched my husband change before my eyes. Past hurts, disappointment, and conflict were gone. Christ replaced those feelings with forgiveness, peace, and immeasurable joy.

Our hearts are very telling. They tell others who we are and what we believe. If we truly want Christ to do something powerful in our lives, we need pray that our hearts will be changed, conformed, and molded into the likeness of his image. Here are some scriptures to help us do so:

Believe with all your heart. (Romans 10:10)
Above all else, guard your heart. (Proverbs 4:23)
Love God with all your heart. (Matthew 22:37)
Set apart Christ as Lord in your heart. (1 Peter 3:15)
Observe God's decrees and laws with all your heart. (Deuteronomy 26:16)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. (Proverbs 3:5)
Don't cherish sin in our heart. (Psalm 66:18)
Do God's will from your heart. (Ephesians 6:6)

GET A HEART TRANSPLANT! It will save your life!

Who's Your Daddy?

Father's Day is the perfect time to remember that we have a father in Jesus Christ.

For those of you that have never had a relationship with your biological father (like me) or have recently lost a father that was the center of your world, I have some encouraging words for you! GOD LOVES YOU and is the "Ultimate Father"! Isaiah 44:2 tells us that "I am your creator. You were in my care even before you were born." God knows everything about us and desires to have a loving fatherly relationship with us. All we have to do is let him in!

One of my favorite praise songs goes like this:

He knows my name.
He knows my every thought.
He sees each tear that falls
and he hears me when I call.

Remember, you are not an accident! That's my favorite chapter in "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. In Chapter 2 there is a poem by Russell Kelfer that reminds me of God's love and that he knew me before I was born.

You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No, the trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's Rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God!

Call out to Christ and allow him to be your comforter, your friend, and your father. You'll never regret a relationship with him!