Is Your Life A Maze?

As I journey through this life, I often wonder, "how is this going to turn out"????

Life can be like a "maze". God doesn't just drop us here on earth for no good reason - we are chosen! He knows before we do that difficulties may come our way, but that is just part of His plan for us - to help us trust Him and grow in His Grace!

I thought this morning, as I was gearing up for my day, that difficulties are going to come my way, but God will use each one for my good - and yours - He allows things to help us grow. God is watching us and knows exactly where we are and where we are going. It's as though this journey on earth can sometimes resemble a "maze". We think we are going in the right direction, only to come to a dead end. But, God will guide us if we let Him - He is always with us telling us to go to the right or go to the left. We have a free will to make a choice of the direction we will go, but if we let God guide us, we will have so much peace, that others will not understand it. We can spend a lifetime in the maze of life, trying to figure out the best route, or we can let God lead the way.

Have you ever been in a situation only to see no way out? Again, we have to keep trudging along, having faith God will lead us to His destination. We must never give up. God is with us - we may not be able to see the end - but He does. We just have to quiet ourselves, listen, and be open to His way. He wants only His best for each of us!

As you begin each day, let God be your guide, know that He is with you, and already knew where you would be, at this time ......

Everything is filtered through His Love! .... Learn through His Love and Grow in His Grace!

Growing with you .....

The Chic-Fil-A Controversy-2

-Final Thoughts-

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous (harsh) words stir up anger.



As I've prayed over this entire situation, I have come to know that my opinion is not needed! It doesn't matter what I (or anyone) think about someone else or their actions - God loves each and everyone of us the same! So, I will finish "part two" with a few scriptures and leave it at that. I don't want to help in keeping anything stirred up - - I want to always do my best, in being a the kind of witness that will bring glory and honor to the Lord......


Romans 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. (KJV)


Romans 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (KJV)


Romans 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)


Romans 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)


Ephesians 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. (KJV)


Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (KJV)


I am not the "judge" of anyone - nor is anyone else. We will all be judged one day, so it's not for me to pass judgement on anyone's actions. It is only my duty to live out my faith - obeying God, loving others and being a good witness.


Matthew 7:1  Judge not, that ye be not judged. (KJV)

In His Love...................

The Chic-Fil-A Controversy

- Part One -

All of this controversy started over a man stating his beliefs - which we are all entitled to. He was and is stating his belief in "traditional" marriage and family values. We all must stand for something. But, I am saddened at some of the ways I've seen "Christians" acting through all of this.

As Christians, we are to "love one another" and "pray for our enemies", which I would suspect the Cathy's do. He started his business on "biblical principles" and is standing by that. He has not stated he "hates" anyone - only stated what he stands on. He will serve any and everyone that enters one of his establishments and I believe he would never "discriminate" against anyone.

When he took his stance on family values and "traditional marriage", others that disagreed with him, began the "boycott" talk, which in turn brought about the "appreciation day". Everyone has a choice - Boycott or Appreciate - that is clearly anyone's choice. Which ever way one chooses is their right. And, that seems to be this entire argument - RIGHTS. And, we do ALL have them.

In James 4:17, the Bible states, "therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is a sin." (KJV) This, my friend, means ANY right thing we know to do and do not do it, it is a sin! From keeping mis-given change to unforgiveness, and anything in between. A simple "white lie" is a sin.

God NEVER said He hates the sinner - He hates the sin! .......... "God is love" (1 John)

Proverbs 6:16-19 ..... 16 "These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (KJV)

**The Holman Christian Standard Bible reads - 16 "The Lord hates six things, in fact, seven are detestable to Him: 17 arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that plots wicked schemes, feet eager to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up trouble among brothers."

I, personally, do not know anyone that is perfect. I've known and know people that fall into some of these very catagories, from the above passage of scripture (and I've told a lie or two and thought wicked thoughts, in my past). I have learned to love them all - God has taught me that - it's called spiritual growth. He loves them, also - He just hates what they do. I can't point a finger at anyone, without 3 being pointed back at me. This being said, we are commanded to love one another - we, as Christians, can stand for our values, but we don't have to "judge" - until we've walked someone's journey with them, we don't really know why they think or act the way they do.

I stood with Chic-Fil-A today, agreeing on "traditional" marriage and family values - I was not standing for "hate" against anyone. I found it very exciting to see the out-pouring of support that was given to a great eatery and it's founder, today. I believe everyone has "rights" - it is the way in which some handle (or mis-handle) that right, that disturbs me. When Christians become "obnoxious", "proud", "wicked", etc., that is what I do not want to be a part of. Beware of the person that says, "I'm religious" - it's not about a religion - it's about a "relationship" - with the Lord!

Let's all be the Christians God intends for us to be - stand on what we believe, hate the sin, but love the sinner. Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us". We are all sinners, saved by His Grace! We don't have to "Bible Thump" people and that will never work, in leading them to the Lord - we must "love" them, to the Lord.

You've heard it said, "Stand for something or you will fall for anything" - so true! So, as we stand for what we believe to be right and true, let's not forget at sometime, somewhere, someone "loved" us to the Lord. And we should do the same for someone else.


Stand For the Lord - Love For the Lord! - You will make a difference!




Written as my thoughts & opinion.

All Choked Up

The soil in our yard is a real challenge for planting...most of our plants and flowers are in pots and containers, and I have noticed even they aren't doing so well.

In Luke 8, we find the parable of the "soil" and are reminded how the thorns and roots, etc. 'choke out' the growth and nourishment of the seed, and eventually - its life. At one time I planted some hosta lillies by our front porch in fresh new soil - they were beautiful for several years and then they just seemed to dwindle to nothing. I bought new ones this year to replace them. I began to dig the holes with the shovel for the new plants and was met with great resistance. The roots were so thick I could hardly get through...it was like a thick mesh web and I never reached any good soil. -- No wonder the lillies looked like they did -- weak, skimpy and sparse......

What a picture of our lives when the "thickness" of the roots of sin and this world hinder our spiritual roots from freedom to anchor strong and deep in the soil where we find strength, security, vitality and nourishment to be able to withstand the "winds", "floods", "heat", and "cold" of this life. I asked a master gardener and he said that you need fresh new soil every time you plant. You even need to pour out the old soil in your containers because the roots from the old plants choke out the new ones trying to take hold.

I really don't want to invest the time and energy into removing the old....it's so much easier to just pour a little new soil on top of the old - BUT - when the roots pass through the new soil and hit the old roots that have not been removed....a slow dying process begins.

Are there thick roots compacted in your "soil" from "old" plants...hindering the growth of the Lord's harvest of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness.....temperance? Try emptying your "containers" of the old rooted soil and replace it with some new rich soil that has conditioners like the Holy Spirit...bet you will soon have a beautiful new harvest unto Him!!


Luke 8:7 ... And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. - (KJV)



(Written by my friend, Marsha - - Posted with permission)

Which Track Are You On?

As I run this race, this journey in life, I tend to think alot about roller coasters. We all have times, of ups and downs, when we feel as though life is out of control. We get the "highs" when things are on the up-swing and we get the "lows" when things spiral down, feeling out of control or filled with fear.

Not to say life is a roller coaster, but we do tend to have many "ups" and "downs". Some come with life and some come from us. God will allow things in our life that we have no control over and other times He will allow us to have control. Allowing us control, and we abuse it, is when fear sets in. But, when this happens, we must not make excuses, we just need to do the next right thing and get back on track, giving control back to God.

Have you ever been there, when a roller coaster gets off track? It's not an easy fix - the cars of the roller coaster do not just get placed back on track. It takes time and work. Same with us, we may get stalled for a while, waiting and trying to get back on the right track, but, it can get done!

Psalms 46:10 ..... Be still and know that I am God .....

Waiting is not a fun thing - No, this is not an "up" time, but it is something we all have to do from time to time. When we slow down, quit worrying and being fearful, God will speak and we will be able to hear Him. When we do, we can get back on track - with God - in order to continue on the journey.....In Peace!!

2 Timothy 1:7 ..... For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

As I am getting back on track, which has taken months - I'm not there yet - I have learned a great deal about myself and God. He has taught me many things during my "off track" time. He teaches us during all seasons, but if we really learn during the off track times, we can let go of the fear and begin to live in power and love, knowing we are following God's track. We will still have "ups" and "downs", but when they are placed where God wants them, the ride is much better.

Stay on track and enjoy the ride - It can be amazing!

Rollin' with you .... and Him!!