empty nest is comin’…

Have you ever watched baby birds leave the nest not to return? I wonder do those mama birds know it is happening that day. It reminds me of Noah when he sent out the dove and it didn’t return, he then knew the waters receded (Genesis 8.12). Our ‘waters’ as parents must recede. We have trained and taught and fought the battle of raising kids in righteousness. Now we must get out of the way so those babies can fly into their future. Then we must remember, those babies were given to us as a gift for a season that is why it is called the gift of life. God choose us to parent and train, but the time comes to cut the apron strings.

I wrote another post entitled just that – take a look: https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/09/time-to-cut-more-apron-strings/

Remember, mom or dad, in the future, any time you can have with those grown kids of yours is worth any aggravation or inconvenience that might come. Learn to just love and accept them as they are and remember, your work ‘parenting’ is done. Now enjoy coasting as consultants only engaging with advice when asked for it. That’s an order!

And kids, be understanding of the growing pains your folks now are dealing with as they try to grasp the idea of being empty nesters. If unsolicited advice comes, remember this: advice is to be given but not necessarily taken. However, you should at least consider it. Those older than you do have a wealth of experience that might just keep you from failing. It has been said that a wise person learns from their mistakes. But, a wiser person learns from others mistakes and doesn’t make the same ones themsleves.

For everyone in general, just be kind. Try to understand the feelings others in relationship to you are going through. A good practice for any relationship you have – at work, home, school, neighborhood, etc.

Always think of others more highly than yourself (Philippians 2.3).

Just…

be.the.church

to one another.

Kindly, humbly, and loving each other along the way. Always apply the ‘golden’ rule and you will be fine – empty nester or not!

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Matthew 7.12

dream small

Seems a bit underwhelming when referring to dreams or dreaming. Right?

But, every little effort we do to help point others in the right direction is in a sense a small dream being fulfilled.

If you haven’t heard the song by Josh Wilson with the same title as this blog post, take the 3.5 minutes of time to let it speak to you:

Now read the lyrics below and think about what small effort you could perform today to help someone know and see you…

be.the.church

Our small acts of kindness really can reap big results for the Lord.

Dream small

Don’t buy the lie you’ve gotta do it all

Just let Jesus use you where you are

One day at a time

Live well

Loving God and others as yourself

Find little ways where only you can help

With His great love, a tiny rock can make a giant fall

Dream small

It’s visiting the widow down the street

Or dancing on a Friday with your friend with special needs

These simple moments change the world

Of course there’s nothing wrong with bigger dreams

Just don’t miss the minutes on your way to bigger things

These simple moments change the world

Dream small

Don’t buy the lie you’ve gotta do it all

Just let Jesus use you where you are

One day at a time

Live well

Loving God and others as yourself

Find little ways where only you can help

With His great love, a tiny rock can make a giant fall

Dream small

Keep loving, keep serving, keep listening, keep learning

Keep praying, keep hoping, keep seeking, keep searching

Add up the small things and watch them grow bigger

The God who does all things makes oceans from rivers

Dream Small

Don’t buy the lie you’ve gotta do it all

Just let Jesus use you where you are

One day at a time

Live well

Loving God and others as yourself

Find little ways where only you can help

With His great love, a tiny rock can make a giant fall

Five loaves and two fish could feed them all

Dream small, dream small

Be encouraged to live out every day and every moment consistently for our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Here’s the inspiration about the above song:

رمضان

Today marks the half way point of the month of Ramadan. This is the most holy month for the Muslim. They participate in an obligatory fast from sun up to sun down, but I think it a little odd that people will get up early while it is yet dark to eat before the fast begins and go back to sleep after consuming high-protein foods and drinking lots of water. No food or drink is consumed during the day for the whole month including alcohol so eating and drinking establishments do suffer during this time especially in the Middle East. Also, smoking is not allowed or sexual relations during fast hours. The very ‘good’ Muslim is encouraged to refrain from any sinful behavior including bearing false witness and fighting except of course in the case of self defense.

I was surprised to learn that every night brings a festive atmosphere of community when everyone comes together to break fast.

The month is suppose to evoke a time of repentance asking allah for forgiveness, his blessings, and thanking him for life. It is similar to when the Christian fasts except of course the belief that Christ rose from the dead and became our link to salvation is not included in the Islamic religion.

I commend the Muslims for their dedication to setting this time aside for reflection, prayer, and coming together as a community abstaining from all bad deeds and trying to stay humble. To have a whole month dedicated to purifying the body and soul as well as increasing doing good deeds and participating in acts of charity is also commendable.

We could compare it to a Lenten fast where the timing for the Christian centers around Easter and the resurrection of Christ which is the pathway to salvation for the Christians and believed to be the only way to entry heaven.

To my Muslim friends; عيد مبارك – Eid Mubarak – Happy Holiday. My prayer is you have an encounter with The Man in white and find true peace for your soul. كل عام و أنتم بخير – kul ‘am wantum bikhair – may you be well with every passing year.

For those of you that call yourselves Christian, would you pray that Muslims all around the world would have encounters with The Man in white whether it be by visions or dreams. I have a friend who was formerly Muslim but was visited by The Man in white and now is a devout Christian.

Here’s a video that shares one man’s story of finding Jesus. I love that he challenges Muslims to ask Muhammad to reveal himself and ask Jesus to do the same then see who shows up.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I2i824Vq708

The biggest difference in Christianity and Islam is for the Muslim, Jesus is just a messenger from God not the Son of God. For the rest of this holy month, please join me in praying for our Muslim neighbors until the whole world knows Jesus. Amen? Amen!

Today prayer is the answer of how to…

be.the.church

Religion tells us to do. Having a relationship with Christ shows us how to be. I believe we just need to stand on the promises of the Bible.

Friend, if you have done all you can and don’t know what else to do – just stand…

The following book is mentioned in the video and a great resource to the Muslim that is seeking God and wants to know the truth of what happened in history. It will “challenge Christians, Muslims, and all those who are interested in the world’s greatest religions.“* Before just buying it and giving it away, know this: “Christians need to be more informed about their faith and deeply serious about it, since the average Muslim is more so than most Christians.“* Just think for a moment what this month is all about and compare that to your faith walk. In the book, “Nabeel Qureshi opens to us the beauty of a devout Muslim family, their whole lives ordered by their faith and their traditions. Their love for Allah and for one another is palpable in the pages of this book. It is a beautiful picture and one I am grateful to Nabeel for sharing.“*

I look forward to reading it. If you read it, please come back and tell us what you think.

And if you still don’t know what to think, if you don’t know what to pray, if you don’t know what to say, just say Jesus as the man in the above video did. There is power in the name of Jesus.

When we pray in Jesus name, others will come to join us and together we can…

be.the.church

*Quotes are from Amazon description of the book and customer reviews

empire day

Boy, May, you keep surprising me with all these different days. Any Star Wars fans present out there in cyber land?

If so, you probably already know that “The Empire Strikes Back was set to open with a royal premiere in London on May 20, (1980) someone on the promotional team at Lucasfilm or 20th Century Fox was inspired to resurrect the British ‘Empire Day’ holiday, which had been observed by members of the British Empire between 1902 and 1958 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s birthday on May 24.”* I think opening the movie on 24th would have been better but no one asked me.

Empire day got me thinking what empire are you working for? Are you just in the workplace with a dog eat dog attitude? Or are you battling for the Lord?

Remember: “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6.12

Be on God’s side – His is the only ’empire’ that matters.

Eventually

Men will

Praise

I AM who

Reigns

Eternally

Make sure people know you to…

be.the.church

Work for crowns you can one day cast at our Savior’s feet.

“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ” Ephesians 6.10 NIV

To look back on other Star Wars related entries early this month; click the links below:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/04/may-the-fourth-be-with-you/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/06/revenge-of-the-sixth/

*source: https://www.starwars.com/news/an-empire-day-to-remember

it’s almost hummingbird season

I just love to see hummingbirds. Have you ever watched them hover? I try to see them eat but they are ridiculously fast that my naked eyes can’t see a thing. They truly are amazing little creatures that defy gravity laws. They really should not be able to do what they do namely fly backwards or stay stable in stormy conditions.

Yet, God created them to do so and we can learn so much from these tiny, beautiful birds.

What a wonder!

What a marvel!

What a mighty God we serve to bless us with these tiny beings!

Here’s some lessons we can learn from the hummingbird:

They fly and flutter so quickly by. It reminds me to slow down and make sure I spend time filling my soul up before flying off the handle or fluttering around aimlessly. Find purpose in today and check some things off your to do list.

Small in stature; mighty in flight. These miniature specimens, usually weighing less than a nickel, can fly every which way – forwards, backwards, up, down, and all around. Don’t let someone tell you can’t or you or someone else put perceived limitations on you. Find your strengths and go for it! Did you know the hummingbird can fly up to 30 mph and dive up to speeds of 60 mph? Again, find your strengths and use them to your full potential.

It is also wise to step back every once in awhile to access the situation. The hummingbird does this by hovering backwards.

These little guys are fighters. They have been known to attack other larger birds moving in on their turf. I love that! Stand up for what you know is right! Be a hummingbird and don’t let anyone push you around what you know is true and what you believe in! Stand up for your faith! Be a giant even if like the hummingbird you are housed in a small body.

Hummingbirds are efficient. They remember where they fed before and they conserve energy by how they sleep. What we can learn is to work smarter and relax harder. Make the most of your time. Be a hummingbird.

Be speedy. Sometimes the early bird does get the worm (or nectar for the case of the hummingbird.) We can take this to heart and remember sometimes we need to act quickly when opportunities avail themselves or the old saying: ‘you snooze;you loose’ might be the result.

Hummingbirds need to be constantly eating. So they look at all possibilities for food source. Reminds me how we need to look for new ways to do things or a new perspective. Going with the flow and learning to adapt are not always at the forefront of my mind. How about yours?

And all birds, no matter what kind, can remind us not to worry. “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?“ Matthew 6.25-27

Although there is no direct mention of hummingbirds specifically in the Bible, some use them as a symbol of the resurrection. They sleep so lifeless almost as if they were dead, but in the early morn are back to their active and energetic selves.

There is no mistaking their beauty. Did you know their iridescent colors can be adjusted to shine brighter? We should take the lesson from the hummingbird and let our true colors shine through for all to see.

Then, others will know our sincerity and see us…

be.the.church

Be a hummingbird. Have joy and be playful. Be adaptable but stay calm. Learn to enjoy life fully and be your best.

I am reminded of a song we sung years ago:

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,

Each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colours,

He made their tiny wings.

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell,

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.

Want to learn more or see these amazing little critters in flight? Check out these videos:

https://news.berkeley.edu/2019/01/02/feisty-hummingbirds-prioritize-fencing-over-feeding/

happy armed forces day

Not sure if you were aware that today is Armed Forces Day for many nations around the world. It is always the third Saturday in May and all military forces are honored. At one time there were separate days for Army, Navy, and Air Force. Now it is one day to give appreciation to all active duty service members. Who can you thank for keeping you safe and sacrificing for the sake of freedom?

This day is not to be confused with next weekend’s Memorial Day which is a celebration in the United States falling on the last Monday in May. That day’s purpose is to remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives dying while in active duty. Or Veterans’ Day on November 11 which recognizes those who served or have retired from active duty. That day coincides with other holidays Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in countries around the world remembering the end of World War I.

Well, there is your little history lesson for the day. It is funny how we celebrate things without always knowing the full meaning behind.

Today do something to honor an active duty soldier. Send baked goods or care packages. Make a phone call. Send a card or flowers. Or if able, go and spend time with that soldier you know and love.

They are in the trenches everyday and need support not just on the above mentioned holidays set aside to do so, but each and everyday strive to give encouragement to others especially those in active duty.

I was thinking how we are all to be soldiers in the Lord’s army and we should be giving spiritual encouragement to others in the trenches day in and day out bearing witness for the Lord.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:3-5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How can you be a better soldier in the Lord’a army? How can you encourage your circle of influence to do better for the Lord? Give us your ideas in the comments so we all can learn how to…

be.the.church

better!

wedding month – learn to communicate

I am headed to wedding number two of three this month. So, yes, it is true at least for me this year that in the very merrier month of May are many weddings.

Here’s some thoughts on communication in general that can help any relationship you are in.

Talk back on what you hear so the communicator can clarify if what you heard is what they meant. For example, say something like: “What I hear you saying is…”

Give others space for what brings them life. If you are married, let your spouse golf, run, or meet up with friends for coffee. This advice goes for roommates, siblings, co-workers, etc. In any relationship you have with others give them the freedom to do what they need to to fill up so they can in turn give out more. If the he or she in your life needs quiet to think or to re-energize, give the space and time.

Learn the love languages of those in your life. The following link is a recap to the 5 love languages of a previous blog post of mine:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/25/love-language-recap/

You can also look back to posts dating February 19-24 as well to learn more on each individual love language. (These entries are from 2019 and the links are included at the end of this post for your convenience.*)

Want to know more, why not order yourself a copy of the book by Gary Chapman in whatever version you desire – for men, singles, children, teens, etc. You can even read with a companion guide as a small group study.

Not only will understanding the love languages help you be a better communicator of love, but it’s good to understand what type of person you are.

There are three different aspects of God and to quote author Debi Pearl whom I agree with they correlate to three different types of men. “God is dominant – a sovereign and all powerful God. He is also visionary – omniscient and desirous of caring out His plans. And, God is steady – the same yesterday, and today, and forever, our faithful High Priest. Most men epitomize one of these three aspects of God.” It is helpful for you to understand which you are if you are male. And if female, it will help you understand how to communicate better if you understand which type of male it is you are trying to relate to Mr.Command Man, Mr. Visionary, or Mr. Steady.

Obviously men and women communicate differently, but it doesn’t mean communication can’t happen. It is learning the how that will help.

Here’s a few more things I have learned over the years that might help you be a better communicator:

If you are hungry or tired, it is probably not the best time to start a serious conversation. Speak up and say: “Let’s eat first.” or “Can we please talk about this tomorrow?” Don’t forget to use the please and thank yous. Communicating softly helps too.

There is a right and wrong time to communicate so figure that out before you dive in.

Regardless of feelings albeit angry, sad, furious, always (and I mean ALWAYS) kiss goodbye, good night, hello and whatever else you can muster up an excuse to do it.

As humans, we need to be needed and acknowledged. A high five or a side hug may work for some non-touchy types, but I say go all in with a big bear hug often. The experts say to lead an emotionally healthy life you need a minimum of five hugs a day with eight for maintenance and twelve for growth. So, get hugging! You hear me? Give (and get) more hugs. And especially think about this when you are with the single person who lives alone or when visiting a widower. Again let the saying by Virginia Satir, a respected family therapist ring true for you: “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.” Give them and get them. Love in the form of hugs is great medicine. Yes, love is a miracle ‘drug’ we all need daily and can be communicated well through hugs.

The key to communication is to get to know those closest to you. Figure out what makes them tick. What are their preferences? Do they like quiet before coffee? Are they night owls? And don’t try to change another just because they think or do things different than you! Embrace the differences and learn preferences so you can communicate better and better each day.

And if you need to be reminded on how we are to love, read the whole of the ‘love’ chapter of the Bible which is I Corinthians 13. Here’s part of it:

“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:4-8, 13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

When we communicate in love, we will…

be.the.church

*below are the links for the February blog posts about love languages or you can just scroll down and on your way check out other blog titles that peak your interest. I would love to hear your feedback on each and everyone.

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/19/five-love-languages/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/21/to-be-touched-or-not-to-be-touched-that-is-the-question/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/20/who-doesnt-like-a-gift/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/22/everyone-needs-a-little-encouragement/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/23/quality-time/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/02/24/acts-of-service/

be nice

Whatever you are, be a good one.

Whatever you do, do it well.

However you act, just be nice.

“Be nice to people, try to help people if you can. Be fair, honest, considerate, and understanding…help people who are struggling.” Judge Frank Caprio*

Good advice for sure. And guess what, scripture backs it up too.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4.32

“…do good and lend to others expecting nothing in return. ” Luke 6.35

“…get understanding.” Proverbs 4.7b

“An honest witness tells the truth…” Proverbs 12.17a

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7.12

(The Lord) “delights in people who are trustworthy.” Proverbs 12.22b

“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” Philippians 4.5

When we do these things, we will help others not only see us…

be.the.church

but will help them become the church too.

Go, be nice!

When we apply the ‘golden’ rule (see Matthew verse above), the world will be a better place.

*Chief Municipal Court Judge of Providence, Rhode Island on syndicated tv show “Caught in Providence”

you can be whole (again)

I was reading a tag line for a blog. It said: “No matter what you have been through, you can feel good again.”* It is true, but what I did was copied it down and changed it to say: no matter what you have been through, you can be whole again. It is just okay to feel good again, but to be whole well that is whole other level.

Remember, our feelings come and go, but with Jesus taking the wheel we can be whole.

Stand on truth.

And figure out what you need to do if you desire or wish to be whole again.

Distance yourself from those that are not helping you walk in the right direction. Stay in your own lane and limit drama so you can be at peace and whole.

Sometimes a walk in the woods or a shower can refresh.

At other times, a quiet place to sit and contemplate with a coffee or tea works.

An open Bible with a notebook or highlighter handy does wonders to uplift your soul and make you feel whole.

The key ingredient regardless of past hurts or mistakes is letting God in and surrendering your will and wants to His.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4.8

Build your relationship with the Lord.

Daily talk to your heavenly Father.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide each step.

I pray whatever it is that kept you from feeling complete and whole will be replaced with God’s loving embrace.

Seek His plan for your life. Then, step in the direction He is leading. And soon you will feel whole again if you don’t already.

When you do, go walk in confidence and…

be.the.church

so others can feel whole too.

I believe in you and I believe in God’s presence in our lives. Choose joy for the journey and it will help you continually feel whole. May God bless you today as you seek His plan and presence. Amen!

*https://joypassiondesire.com/

April showers bring May flowers

That is how it is suppose to be but why is it still raining and cold?

We were away for a week and I am always amazed this time of year how quickly the terrain changes from barren to fruitful. I missed the magnolia trees in full bloom, cherry blossoms already dropped, and all our walkway whites are beginning to shine bright.

When we lived in other parts of the world daffodils would have bloomed in February or cherry blossoms in March so the ‘April showers bring May flowers‘ saying would not ring true.

However, there is more to that saying than just the surface meaning. Any guesses?

A period of discomfort (the rain) can provide the basis for a period of happiness or joy (the flowers).

So what is it that brings you joy? Can you find beauty even after loss?

God desires us to live happy and content regardless of the circumstance. He didn’t say wait til it stops ‘raining’ to worship Me or just praise Me when the ‘flowers’ bloom. He didn’t say wait til you see the beauty to be thankful.

No, He commanded us to:

“Rejoice always! Pray consistently. And give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭

We could live our whole lives trying to live out these three commands. Just imagine the change in our mindset if we choose joy daily even in the tough moments of the day (the rain), keep an attitude of prayer not just bowing our heads two or three times before meals, and are grateful not just for the good (or flowers) in our lives but for everything. Our attitudes would change, our lives would be more beautiful and fragrant just like after the April showers for those May flowers.

Do it so you can…

be.the.church

Choose to have joy down deep in your soul.