we need some ben franklin quotes

Every once in awhile we need some Ben Franklin quotes in our lives even if his personal life did not leave the best example. The quotes can still challenge us in the right direction.

Facts.

Truth.

And in case you are wondering, he did indeed leave more of a legacy then just being one of the founding fathers of the United States and an inventor. He was also an author, printer, postmaster, diplomat, and so much more. Perhaps, he is most famous for the lightening rod experiment and bringing us electricity, but his wisdom lives on in the many quotes worthy of taking some time to ponder. So let’s just do that today so we can be better versions of ourselves.

Then, we will…

be.the.church

in greater, kinder, more wiser ways.

First, before some Mr. Franklin quotes, here’s some scripture to help us be greater, kinder, and wiser:

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1.17

“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” I Corinthians 15.33

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger“ James 1.19

“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

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15.1

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4.8

Now some Benjamin Franklin quotes:

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

“Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.”

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

“He that can have patience can have what he will.”

Probably one of his most famous is: “A penny saved is a penny earn.”

Think long and hard about this next one and don’t let it be you: “Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five.”

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”

And I hope this rings true for you as you read my posts: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”

If you ever find yourself in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania take some time to discover the Ben Franklin marks left in this patriotic city. And if you happen to have to use bifocals while visiting the museum, you can thank Mr. Franklin for inventing them. He indeed was a true polymath (jack of all trades).

reactions define you

The following is excerpts from a book by Debi Pearl riddled with my thoughts and of course scripture. A good way to start the new month off by considering how you act and react because your reactions can define you for good or hurt your Christian witness.

Be joyful and content in your present circumstances. Life is not always going to go the way you planned, and you can’t always continue to act or react the way you always have. Reactions do define you.

Reactions are not premeditated actions springing from our best motives, carefully thought out, planned, and weighed. They are emotional responses, breaking loose like wild horses when we feel hurt, cheated, used, or misunderstood.

They are often retaliatory, sometimes condemning, confrontational, or adversarial, and eventually vengeful and punishing. Your reactions break you lose from your social inhibitions and manifest who you really are inside and what you really believe at your core level.

We lose our carefully preserved ‘front’ when we are pressed beyond calculated thinking. Then, who we really are is made manifest.

“Where your treasure is your heart will be” (Matthew 6.21) and “out of the abundance of your heart your mouth will speak.” (Matthew 12.34) You can control your future reactions considerably by changing the way you think before you’re pressed into a response.

The way you think every day determines the way you feel, and it will determine how you will react in stressful situations. Researchers have determined that the average person thinks over 40,000 thoughts each day.

The heart is filled with thoughts, and it is out of that reservoir of thoughts that the mouth speaks words of praise or bitterness. Speak life not death.

When the pressure is on, and the dam of reservation breaks loose, you cannot control what you say, because you will speak from the abundance of your heart – from the 40,000 thoughts you had that day, and all the days before.

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil, for out of the abundance of your heart your mouth will speak.” (Luke 6.34)

If you are going to change the way you have been speaking, it’s not a matter of will power; it’s a matter of thought power. “For as you think in your heart so you are.”

You must bring into captivity every thought (I Corinthians 10.5) for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts so be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12.2) and taking those evil thoughts by replacing them with good, positive ones.

Speak life.

Speak words of encouragement.

Choose positive thoughts to dwell on.

Practice the pause to renew your mind with love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, then self control will abound. (Galatians 5.22-23) Having a heart of gratitude and thankful lips helps too.

If I were at an airport baggage pick up area waiting for my red suitcase and I saw someone snatch it and run, I would be very upset until I learned that my spouse sent him to get it for me. When my thinking changes, my feelings change.

What can you do to change your thoughts? You are what you think, and God tells you how to think: Think the truth!

This is not the power of positive thinking; this is the power of the truth as God defines it.

Remember, feelings are not our friends and often lie.

Stand on truth!

Keep your relationships in right standing. When you develop an adversarial relationship with others, you do so on the premise that you are right and others are wrong. You are also assuming that you have the duty to resist, confront, and challenge others.

You might think you’re more spiritual, more wiser, more discerning, more sacrificial, etc. All this adds up to the obvious conclusion that you have assumed the role of leadership, teacher, or judge.

This is sinful and odious (detestable) and it displeases God greatly. You will not have peace or joy until your mind is filled with goodwill towards others and you are committed to serving others before self.

Ask yourself: is much of my life a reaction to real or perceived wrongs?

Am I truly as wise as I think?

Now take this simple wisdom test to see how you rate. Do I have enough fear of God to not question His word?

If you can say, “not my will, but Yours be done,” then you can know that your prayer is based on the fear of God. This is the beginning of wisdom.

Ask God to give you the beginning of wisdom by asking Him to teach you to fear Him.

May the joy of the Lord be your strength (Nehemiah 8.10) and know that a merry heart is a real asset in becoming more Godly.

Keep smiling and showing others you have true joy. Remember, wisdom is a gift that God promises to anyone who asks. (James 1.5)

Through wisdom, we can discover that we are made in the image of God and our lives can be a reflection of His joy and love. Ask for wisdom, learn to understand and appreciate others, and be flexible.

Remember, reactions define you; so, change your thinking and your feelings can change too.

We can’t control how others act; only how we react. React Godly by taking those 40,000 thoughts a day captive and dwell on the positive.

Again, if you are going to change the way you have been speaking, it’s not a matter of will power; it’s a matter of thought power. When my thinking changes, my feelings can change too.

Learn to apply and remember the following. I would even suggest memorizing each one or take one and dwell on it till it penetrates your heart completely then move on to the next.

“Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18.21

“Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you.” I Thessalonians 5.16-18

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4.32

“Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.” Luke 6.29-30

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6.45

Make sure your reactions make it so others can truly see you…

be.the.church

funeral clothes

I was not expecting to attend a funeral nor speak at one but that is how the day went. And guess what? I was in the ‘right’ clothes, but is there a right or wrong clothes choice for funerals these days?

I think not. Brighter, more cheery clothes are a good welcome change especially for a home going service for a Christian saint. Gone are the black suit days in my book.

This day, however, I just happen to be wearing black dress pants, black shoes, and a grey shirt. It was the right choice for funeral speaking as that is what I walked into upon arrival.

If you can say a funeral was enjoyable, this one was; although, the circumstance of the deceased was awful. I always hone in on the words “died unexpectedly” when in an obit. This family, however, choose to expose the reason why which was addiction and cause of death, an overdose.

It was the third funeral of its kind for me this month, but I was right where God needed me to be used to bring comfort, make connections, and pray for those I had never met prior to their most devastating loss.

I connected with the funeral director and we made plans to speak again for elementary aged advocacy for awareness of the whys of not ever using drugs. We have to do better and start younger before the pattern of addiction hits these young lives.

This day was a sad reminder of another life lost to the opioid pandemic. All 3 funerals this month the deceased died from a drug overdose.

What a privilege to pray and offer hope to so many non-church goers, but what sorrow in their hearts and mine as we contemplated lives cut too short.

I read the following verses at the service from Revelation 21: “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”

for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”

I pray the words of scripture brought comfort, intrigue, and understanding.

That is how I could…

be.the.church

today.

How can you? Please comment and let us know how God uses you right where you are at. We may not know how the day will go or end up, but God has a plan if we are open to it; He will use us.

can i have another

Greed. It consumes the hearts of man. Commercialism promotes it and God loathes it. But, I think it is satan’s tool to keep our eyes on things of earth instead of what will be found in our heavenly home.

I work with underprivileged individuals. Often, a sense of entitlement surrounds them. If we are at an event and pens are at the table to take, they won’t just take one but will take two or three or even ten and I have even seen them all be swiped. If there is a dish of sweets out to help yourselves to, again, they won’t just take one but take two or three or a handful.

If I hand out chocolates after leading groups, I inevitably hear someone ask: “Can I have another.” Sometimes I concede, but most of the time, I respond that I don’t have enough for everyone else. Without skipping a beat the response will be: “But I’m the only one who asked.”

More.

More!

MORE!

More. I have to have more.

Can I have another?

These words and unhealthy thinking need to stop before everything becomes an obsession and desire.

“Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say. “More, more. I have God’s more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day.” Psalm‬ ‭4:6 MSG

God, in His infinite wisdom, revealed this long ago through Solomon the wisest man who ever lived yet he had a greed problem in my book and his heart was torn. Our lesson: don’t be double minded. Imagine his house. He took on 700 wives and 300 concubines. How could he even keep all that straight? Did he have in his heart: ‘Can I have another?’ I think so. He acquired more wealth than any other Israeli king. He had a palace built but before the wall of Jerusalem was erected or the temple built which should have been those things done first. Seems there may have been a me problem or his eyes green with greed. Yet in the end deep down he knew none of that could bring true happiness as his book of Ecclesiastes says: “Meaningless. Meaningless. Everything is meaningless.” There is so much we do and spend our time, talent, energies, and funds that truly are meaningless activities. Do what will last. Think about what you want to be remembered for (see two posts from this week that expound on this:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/27/what-will-you-remember/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/28/what-will-you-remember-part-2/

Live for more than what meets our earthly eye. Solomon’s equest to God was not for more things, but for wisdom to govern so he could have discernment as he administered justice. Commendable – yes! Greedy – I think not!

“Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong” I Kings 3:9

Let that be our prayer. Let that be our goal. Let us reign with wisdom and diminish the greed that can flood and control our thoughts, minds, and heart.

Can I have another dose of wisdom, Lord?

When I walk in wisdom, I can…

be.the.church

don’t leave before the cake is cut

Not sure if it is wedding etiquette or not, but in my book I say stay to see the cake cut and eat some too.

It was the third wedding of the month I attended and the second I didn’t have cake. So, I was so looking forward to having some. It was not just eating it, but watching the traditional moment where the newlyweds feed each other symbolizing commitment to each other to privide for on another. As they show love and affection, this should be sweet, romantic gesture. If they choose to smash in the face then we see a display of male dominance and playfulness. However they choose to eat the cake, it is a moment not to be missed. But, I missed it!

My spouse, who wasn’t planning on eating cake anyways, was ready to go. I yielded my rights and conceded knowing what the week ahead looked like but, silently I wanted to take a cupcake or wait to see the cake cut so I could try a piece even if neither of us weight wise need any extra calories. (Shh, I didn’t just say that!)

We left with ‘let them eat cake’ ringing in my mind.

What’s the point?

Well, it is not to refer to the times where rich French did not understand the depravity of the peasants and said this callous statement in ignorance. But, rather a reminder of taking in every moment of that perfectly planned wedding including what the cake would look like and taste.

Often we think about our time and what we need to do next, but for one day it is their time and you were invited because they thought you were an important part of their lives.

So…

stay for the cake

and the last dance

and the send off

and whatever else takes place before they head out.

If we were created for community and God Himself delights in marriage then shouldn’t we have the decency to stay til the end or at least to have some cake?

Think if it was your day or your child’s. It is only proper to let them have their cake and eat it too!

So, my advice to you is: don’t leave before the cake is cut!

If you do, you might make the bride a wee bit sad as we did the day we left before the cake was cut.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4.3

When you do, others will see you…

be.the.church

Ecclesiastes 3 talks about how there is a season and time for everything. Do you think that can mean staying for the time of cake cutting? I sure do.

Since we didn’t have any cake that day. I just may have to make one!

Just for fun here is a recipe for ‘hurry up and wait coconut cake.’* Since I missed cake at the wedding, I may as well wait to eat this one because it has to rest 3 days in the frig before consuming. I love the number 3. It reminds me of our God’s triune presence. And this cake reminds me of Christ’s 3 days in the tomb. So why not wait 3 more days after missing cake at wedding 3! Let me know what you think if you try it.

Ingredients:

1 yellow cake mix

3 eggs

1 stick butter or margarine

3/4 water

16oz sour cream

12oz frozen coconut, thawed and drained

1.5 cups whipped topping

1 cup sugar

Blend together sour cream, sugar, and coconut.

Separate 1 cup of the mixture and place in a separate bowl. Refrigerate both portions overnight.

The next day, prepare cake mix according to package directions and bake in two 8″ or 9″ round cake pans.

After cakes have cooled completely, use a serrated knife to split both layers. This is important for this recipe! Often this step is ignored because of the extra mess or just being lazy, but it really is essential for this cake. Just give it your best shot and don’t worry if it isn’t perfect. The Cool Whip will cover a multitude of crumbs.

Place one layer of the four on a cake stand or cake saver that has a lid. Using the larger portion of coconut mixture, spread some of the mixture on top of the first layer. Add the second layer and continue adding layers and spreading coconut mixture on top until you’ve used all four layers.

Mix the whipped topping with the reserved 1 cup coconut mixture and frost the top and sides of cake with it.

Now here comes the hard part. Cover the cake and leave it in the refrigerator for three days before serving.

*https://sweettmakesthree.com/hurry-up-and-wait-coconut-cake/

what will you remember part 2

So statistics say that the average male life expectancy is 76 years old. While the average female life expectancy is 81 years old.

I think we can all agree that if we knew our final day or hour was approaching, we would do things differently.

I heard it said once that a retired man would like to have spent all his money and even bounced his first check right before he left this earth and died. Sounds like a good plan, however, there is one glitch; we don’t know the day or hour that our time will be up.

If we do indeed live as expected, then we will have:

been sleeping for 25 or more of those years
been in the bathroom flossing or flushing for 7 years
spent 6 years eating
5 years in lines at banks or stores
3 years in meetings
2 years on the telephone or computer*
and over 8 months sorting through junk mail!

How are we living life? We can waste life spending our time on useless endeavors or we can invest in our life doing things that will matter eternally.

God doesn’t want us just stuck in a moment of time, He wants us to live a life that will last beyond our earthly days.

Will you be able to say as Paul did: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I do hope you remember something from this post and yesterday’s. Life is too short not to have the end goal in mind.

Consider what God’s purpose is and live it out.

Be available to God.

Allow Him to use you.

Anticipate the end and keep your eyes on the future.

Then you will hear the great words from our Lord: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25.21

And others will truly see you…

be.the.church

*but that is always increasing as presently the average smartphone user is on it 1/4 of their waking time – yikes, we need to put the phones down

FYI: Parts of this blog were inspired by or from my sermon notes.

what will you remember

Memorial Day conjures up stories of days gone by. War heroes returning solemnly without their comrades.

What will you remember today? Or maybe more like it is whom will you remember today? Pause and silently give thanks to God for the sacrifices made on our behalf in the past. The ultimate one being Christ’s death, but don’t forget that story doesn’t end in sorrow. Because of Jesus’ death and more importantly His resurrection, we can live!

On Memorial Day parades, flag waving, and speeches all happen of course.

It got me thinking: what do I want to be remembered for?

What will be said at my funeral?

Who will come?

What impact and legacy will I leave on the world?

We all have great potential to leave a mark even if just on one other individual whose heart changes and who makes a decision to accept the free gift of salvation. Just for one, our life on earth is worth it.

So stop for a minute and ask yourself: What will others remember me for?

I say: be a seed planter and sower.

Think about what your end-of-life expectations are and live them out today.

Consider what God’s purpose is in your life and purpose now to be remembered for that!

“Be available to God. Allow God to work through. Set your eyes on the future. Live the next life which is to come.”*

Some live life and some just exist. Which is it for you?

What will you be remembered for?

“…stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” I Corinthians 16.13

And…

be.the.church

*BTW

lessons from a neglected mother-in-law

Warning: Rant ahead but I promise there will be truth and a Godly application or my name is not Mr. Clearberry!

I was at a wedding recently. From the outside looking in, all seemed happy and the smiles in the photos real except some were masking deep hurt that may take years to undo.

I am sure you have heard of bridezilla and monster-in-laws, but I was shocked at what happened and want you all to learn what not to do or how to encourage a poor neglected mother-in-law to be if you ever come across one.

Like I said, I knew monster-in-laws existed but never thought I would see one with my own eyes and that should never be the case. I honestly thought it was a term for reality tv and never in a million years thought these creatures are a true reality. We can give some slack to her and the bride, but no mother of the groom (the bride’s future mother-in-law I might add) should ever be made to feel neglected.

That day, my observations left me shaking my head seeing grown ‘Christian’ women acting badly. There is never an excuse for it, especially any ill will towards the groom’s parents especially his mom. Simply put: uncalled for, unnecessary, and so unbecoming on them both.

Bridezilla and monster-in-law, let it be known I am coining this phrase: southern charm is often southern harm. And you both were full of it!

How dare you neglect the mother of the groom and push her off leaving her feeling rejected, dejected, and in the way. How rude!

It is just as much the groom and her day as the bride and her mother themselves. And what was the root: selfishness!

Isn’t that how sin always begins?

Yes, selfishness, self-centeredness, and sabotage should not be apart of your game. I say a game for that is what it seemed to be with the ‘my way or the highway’ mentality that left shaken emotions in its wake. From hurting feelings of a bride’s maid to pushing off the groom’s mom to get ready till bare moments before the ceremony to being upset that the videographer wasn’t there to capture a moment when that mom brought a sweet gift to the bride from her son that he wanted her to deliver. How was she suppose to know that the videographer should be accompanying? And again, just plain rude! What a selfish and inconsiderate response.

Here’s a piece of advice for all of us: Enjoy living the moments, not just capturing them.

Shame on you when you don’t!

Shame on you, bride, and more shame on you, mother of the bride, for making the day so much about you that that poor mother-in-law left happy that the day was over rather than enjoying what should have been a beautiful day sad to see end.

Here’s the lady that raised that man you love, bride, and some of the things you love about him are because of her influence. She helped him be better than he would have been. She trained him in self control and righteousness, but you didn’t see any of that. Instead that poor, neglected mother-in-law was demeaned, unreasonable demands were made of her, and by you neglecting the other woman in his life that will always have a place in his heart, you should repent.

But, what else did I see? Let me tell you…

Here’s some lessons from a neglected mother-in-law we can all learn from:

That mom stood tall for the sake of her son’s happiness. She smiled through the hurt. She did not retaliate or seek her own desires, but did her best to concede to the wishes of that self-righteous bride.

Bottom line: do as she did and yield your rights even in the face of adversity.

That mom was not trying to cause trouble, but for goodness sake future brides let her wear what she wants, do her hair the way she will feel most beautiful, and don’t reject her feelings for the sake of saying “It’s my day!” Again, how rude! The old saying: ‘marry a daughter gain a son, marry a son, loose a son’ she knows all too well and is cutting the apron strings. Let this day be hers as well as yours. You, bride, can make it much easier by just being kind.

And it is not just for brides that this advice rings true. We all should have the joy of the Lord beaming through our veins even when feeling rejected or treated as a castaway.

God, please bring healing and restoration, but more importantly a change of heart. That neglected mother-in-law told me her prayer was she could win the bride’s heart. That shouldn’t be the prayer at all but rather ‘Lord, change that girl’s heart to show love, respect, and not be so self-centered.’

We are called to love (I Corinthians 16.13) so that mother-in-law will continue to do so.

We are called to defer and yield our rights (Romans 6.16). She will do this as well.

We are called to forgive (Colossians 3.13) and she will desperately try to do that.

She will do her best to apply this verse which we should use in the midst of hurt feelings:

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” I Peter 4.8

That hurting mama told me she promises to love, cherish, and respect that new daughter. I pray that bride will do the same and see her new mom’s efforts. It’s God first, family second.

And, bride, don’t worry, it is not a competition. That mom knows she is second fiddle now but, she should never, ever be made to feel that way. The power is in your hands to do something about it.

Again, remember, bride, there is nothing you can ever do to change the fact that she will always be his mama. Where’s the respect and admiration for that? He would not exist without her choosing life and loving him so fiercely through the years.

Bride, she is smart and has a wealth of experience to share if you let her. Don’t make her feel belittled, beneath, or ignorant when you talk to her.

And always be real! Your fake southern charm really will do more harm then good.

People: Don’t let the wedding day be more about capturing moments then living them.

That mom’s prayer went from: “Lord, let me win her heart” to “Lord, let her heart be so wrapped in you that you change it if need be.”

What a great way to pray, but sometimes we need to pray this instead: “God, help me love and accept others just as they are because if they don’t change; I need to still love them just as they are.”

Sort of like the old Billy Joel song. Listen to the words thinking as if God was saying them directly into your heart about you.

Neglected? Or feeling rejected? Know God loves and accepts you just the way you are.

It is always best to pray God changes us as we can only control ourselves and not others. A saying we would often say around here lots when the kids were growing up and still rings true today was: you can’t control how others act – only how you react.

So let’s be people who temper their responses even when treated unkind, unfair, and are neglected like this mother-in-law. You know what that will help us do?

be.the.church

of course!

And if you are feeling any of the above, let the God of the universe soothe your soul.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11.28

geek pride day

Really, it is a thing. Originating in Spain in 2006, this worldwide initiative to promote everything geeky spread like wildfire through the internet of course. Now all over the world you will see parades, cosplay, and other role-playing games on this day or the weekends close to it.

Now you are in the know, but the point is there is always something to celebrate.

Aren’t you glad that God created us all unique and different. Yet, there are still others similar in likes and dislikes that we can connect with for we were created and made for community.

Here’s some verses to ponder that say just that:

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” I John 1.7

“so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12.5

“How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133.1

When we do, others will see us…

be.the.church

texas rain

“Texas Rain!”

Loud. Rushing. Flooding. Running off.

Deep crevices in tracks.

How can bayous not crack?

Water, water literally everywhere.

The earth can not contain it.

No where for it to go.

Texas rain!

If you ever been or lived somewhere where the rain is massive and the storms loud, you know what I am talking about. And of course since everything is big in Texas; the storms must be too.

The state itself is a massive chunk of land. It is half the size of Alaska but 60 times its population! And it is larger than several small countries.

Its cities are huge. 3 make the top 10 list of largest cities in the whole United States.

Not so long ago when the world’s population was 5 billion, it was said all of it could fit comfortably in the big ol state of Texas.

It is home to at least 58 of the 500 fortune companies.

And let’s face it, if you ask a Texan where they are from no matter where in the world they may be, they will answer Texas not the U.S.

Oil was first discovered in Texas, beef is big business, and the love of high school football is unrivaled.

Oh, to be a proud, stand up tall y’all, with your ten gallon hat and spur studded cowboy boots, rodeo goin’, truck drivin’, dirt kickin’, mud slingin’, country lovin’, big hug givin’, Texan!

As a Christian, we should be just as bold and proud. We should stand up taller when we talk of our Saviour. We should walk straighter, sing louder, and make our God prouder in how we carry ourselves.

Let the Holy Spirit reign so big in your life so that no Texas rain could ever come close to how the Holy Ghost is keeping you afloat.

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.” Ezekiel 36.27

Do so and others will see you…

be.the.church