Are you functional?

Have you ever wondered if you are functional? What does it even mean? "The flashlight was still functional after it was dropped." I will use this example of the word. Referring to life we have all have taken hard hits in our pasts. Those hits have an effect on us, good and bad. In our homes we are living together effected by life? Those things that have happened to us in our pasts. Maybe you have been abused, betrayed, unloved, or some other situation that affected you. Like being dropped. Are you able to treat others with respect, or are you faithful in your present relationships? Can you love others unconditionally?

God is able to use even those hurts in our lives to form positive attitudes in our lives. God is the best answer for our short comings. If you have not been loved God's love is our perfect example to help us break through the hurt. God will use your pain as part of your foundation in the transformation of your character. When God comes into your life and His fruit begins to grow in you then you will find that you are able to see with eyes of God's love. You will be able to forgive first then love others that have not been good to you. God is good and He wants us to be good. Lives around us will be affected by then seeing God's transforming power working in our lives. Shining out to show a path that can lead other to a God of love. God is amazing. Just let Him do it in your life!

Eyes of the Lord

 

Eyes

You could say that eyes are magical. Eyes can reach into one's soul, seeing things inside or even warming one's soul. Eyes do not speak, but many times seems they do speak. They can easily reflect emotions, and also detect sincerity, honesty, and feelings within someone. 

"The eyes of the Lord move throughout the land seeking hearts that are perfect towards Him." 

2 Chronicles 16:9

I am sure that you have been in a grocery line with a baby in the cart, or in the arms of someone ahead of you. It is hard to not connect with the little one, especially if there are a pair of eyes, like in the picture, staring at you. If you choose to you can easily connect with the child and begin communicating with your eyes, and maybe some words as well. In this case eyes can be very moving. They can speak powerfully. We are created in God's image. God created that power of connecting with others in very simple ways, without words or any type of movements. Have you ever felt that someone was looking at you? God is looking for connections with you and me. Take the time to soak in a God that loves you and is looking at you.  

Dysfunctional "God is Good"

God, I need your help

 I mentioned in my last blog that a dysfunctional life needs God to get involved. Taking the "DYS" from the word and we have functional. Let's turn those 3 letters into three steps. 

1. D- Done (I am done doing it my way)

2. Y- Yes (Yes, I need help me)

3. S- Steady (Stay steady on your new course)

1. Done. It just might be that I am doing things incorrectly. Let God help, and let God use others to help. Put your pride to the side and ask for help. Ask in the right place, a wise friend or profesional. 

2. Say "Yes" to God. God is the best source for help. If you do not have a relationship with God, take the steps to get connected. A Pastor or a Christian friend can help. You can talk to God directly through prayer. God does listen and will respond. Just be open to His response as it may not be in the form that you are expecting. 

3. Stay "Steady" on your renewed course. As you are walking a new path so to speak, stay on course. On this new path you will learn to react differently and respond in more positive ways. Walk with confidence trusting in God.

"We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall." Prov. 16:33 NLT

Don't be afraid to walk. God will guide where that step falls!

DYSFUNCTIONAL

 It's Broken!

I'm sure it's happened to you, when you hear the crash, then in fear look to see the pieces scattered across the floor. Someone's favorite cup, or a cherished item. Now others have appeared to see what happened! As you are picking up the pieces you think about trying to fix it with glue, or maybe just asking for forgiveness then throwing the pieces in the garbage. Whatever you decide, "You" have something to do.

A broken cup is one thing, but when it is a life that is broken it is much more complex. It's not just about you. When lives or hearts get broken what comes from that can be labeled dysfunctional. The brokenness in a home can come in many forms or ways. If help is not sought out a dysfunctional child can grow up into a dysfunctional adult. You need to do something, whether it's your child or it's you. A real relationship with God will be the most important part in piecing a life back together.

Children that are a product of dysfunctional families, either at the time, or as they grow older, may exhibit behavior that is not "normal". If you are a dysfunctional adult change the focus from you to those that are around, you. Focusing on those around you will help you to see where you are in life. We all are different. Accept that you are different and work to love and respect others. In my life I have drawn much help from those around me and knowing God's word. God has accepted me as I was, and am, so it's makes it easier for me to love and accept others. 

A family needs to spend time together, doing things as a family. A family needs to encourage, love, respect, and forgive one another. In our lives there is no greater impact on our lives than our family. Good or bad the home is where we all come from. Work at loving your family.

Today can be a new start. Your pieces can be restored to form a beautiful picture. Today make the best decision to forgive, respect, love, and encourage those in your family. 

 Unplanned times.

Often God brings to us times that become very good and refreshing, and even times that transform us. I love a walk on a trail in the woods. Many great memories of times outdoors with friends. 

Each morning I wake early and put on a pot of coffee. After I put in a piece of toast in the toaster, I sit down to prepare for doing my devotions. Keeping God's word fresh in my mind is so important in my daily walk. God's word keeps kindness, peace, joy, and love fresh in my mind creating a protection from evil influences that are all around. 

When I read God's word I love to pause and meditate on things that I read. In this way God's word grows deep roots in my heart. I have a number of times paused to imagine moments that Jesus spent with His disciples and followers. Often, they journeyed far to visit a city or place. Going on walks with others it helps me to try and imagine what those times walking with Jesus might have been like. Talks about life struggles, maybe a joke, a success in someone's life, or a new relationship, quite times, and listening to a person with some wise words. 

God's word is powerful and transforming. The words Jesus spoke to the crowds that followed him I suspect were often direct words for persons with needs and hurts. Jesus knows our needs. The bible helps us draw closer to Him, where there is healing, direction, and encouragement. Let God work in you by drawing near to Him. Have a wonderful day!

Full Bloom

I came across Isaiah 62 a couple of days ago. The first couple of verses have been on my mind in part because of a splendid looking tree in our large front yard at the children's home. The tree is called a "Jacaranda" and this time of year it fills with purple flowers. The tree is in full bloom and stands out from everything else around it.

These verses of Isaiah talk about praying for Jerusalem fervently until she comes into full bloom and becomes a blessing to all around her. 

Our lives as followers of Jesus should have this characteristic of full bloom. We should (I should) be light and hope for those around us. 

Philippians 1:9 says, "that your love will overflow more and more," and talks about our spiritual growth. This is what our lives are all about. The Jacaranda tree looses flowers continuously while it is in bloom covering the street or place below with a purple covering. Let your life be a blessing that overflows touching those that are around, under, and near you. Where ever you are let your life bloom and overflow! Blessings and have a wonderful April!

Acts of kindness

I look at kindness as a seed. When we plant a seed something grows out of that tiny unnoticeable piece of whatever it is. Totally amazing what comes from that tiny seed.  Just one of God's incredible designs! What I really want to say though is about a different kind of a seed. A seed of kindness is a seed in that when planted in a life can grow. Just as a seed requires soil and water to grow so a seed of kindness needs a life where it can grow. When we are kind we will often think nothing of it because it wasn't anything big or special. Just being kind that's all it was. Kindness though is not forgotten. Remember that kindness is a seed, and seeds grow. I like to remember this because in our children's home we get opportunities to care for children for short periods of time. I have wondered what good we can do in a life that has been so damaged over a span of sometimes several years. With a few days or weeks what can we do. A waste of time I have thought, but no it is not time wasted. I can plant seeds in these lives that will grow. Even if I do not see that growth I can have the assurance that kindness grows. God works through and with the seeds that are planted in a life. Keep planting. Be faithful. Don't loose heart but rather give much love and kindness. Have and be a wonderful day. There is always someone that is watching that could be touched by your radiance. 

Wanted: Family

I saw this picture on social media and it caused me to reflect on my work in Tepic. At our children's home live or have lived many children separated from their parents. The reasons for the separation are distinct, but the fact is they all long for a mom and dad. I had my parents my whole childhood and teen years so I cannot relate to not having a mom and dad, or having but not being present, in these important years. What affect does this have on the life of a child? You probably have seen a tree that just grew around something. The tree just continued growing as children do. Character and behavior of the child are affected. Love and support are needed in a child's life to help them in their development. Where that attention comes from is crucial. 

Words of encouragement along with attention can go a long way in the life of any child. This is where you or I can have a positive affect of the life of a child. Working with children as a church worker, or coach are opportunities to provide needed attention. Time given to a child will have a present and eternal reward. We cannot know when a crucial time of need arises in a life. There may never be a thank you as we give time but you can know that you have done little of more value than give time and encouragement. Be a blessing to those around you and have a wonderful day!

Wonderful life!

I know we all have challenging times, some more than others, but still we all experience dry times in our lives. I live in the central part of Mexico where we have a dry season which last for approximately 7 months. It is rare to have rain during this time so needless to say it becomes quite dry in our natural surroundings. This tree pictured here is common to our area, and their are many flowering trees common to us here. The incredible thing is that they flower mostly in the dry season. Even though it is very dry where we live it is the most beautiful time. I truly soak in the beauty of this tree every time I come to work, and when the tree is in bloom.

Now getting back to dryness of soul. Often in our challenging times we so easily focus on our lack of energy or motivation. Beauty, joy, peace, etc. are always present, not always in plain view, but not hard to find. We can drag on our sorrow and depression by choosing to not see the beauty around us and even within us. These trees contain the flower which is released. We all have inner joy and peace which will be released. You are a beautiful person, I am a beautiful person at all times because I know that God is so good, and will give abundance beautiful joy. 

In God's eyes

The other day I was at my computer working on something, don't remember what it was, and with my office door open to the world. I generally love to connect with the kids. That day a little 3 years old comes running down the sidewalk toward the office. I knew that he was coming to me. Being busy and seeing his dirty body and runny nose I thought to myself not now please! I was correct though as the little happy faced guy stepped up into my office and ran over to me grabbing my leg laughing. Not the nose on my pants I thought as he began to hit the computer keys laughing. A all too common thing in my office as I do try to allow these kinds of interactions. Honestly I have not always received "unwelcomed visits" as I should. 

As I was pondering my fleshly side it dawned on me just how simular this may be to our loving and wonderful God. I go to him just as I am when I want to or need to, barging into His presence. It is moments like these when I can appreciate very much how wonderful, patient, and accepting God is. I need to be more like Him. I cannot ever imagine God feeling that now is not a good moment. 

Blessings to you and have a wonderful week!

Boys

I don't remember a whole lot of when I was very young. Having fun was the main part of life. Working with kids for so many years I have seen and learned that those "boys years" are so very important to the man years that come later. I have also seen how a little good love can go a long way.

The kids here at the Casa are now out of school and look for things to fill up their extra hours of each day. I am using this moment as my inspiration for the post. I try to share love with all that come to us here at Casa de Niños. My actions and words play a part in the future of these kids. Even though I have not reached perfection I have found that many lives have been impacted by my life. 

Maybe like myself you can remember words or phrases that were used positively or negatively toward you when you were young. What sticks with us well are those moments good and bad that left a deep impression in our hearts. School is one place where we often have things said that hurt us. It is inevitable in life that we will get hit by mean words. Home needs to be, but not always is, a place where we can get built up, restored, and prepared for walking in the world where people say or do hurtful things. 

As I got older I learned that with God's help these hard times can actually help me become stronger and a better person. I know that I am loved, and I also know that I am not loved by everyone. I draw my strength and comfort from those around me that love me just as I am. I learned that love is a choice that I make and it is not dependent on moods, frustrations, or struggles that are in my life or in the lives of those around me. Continue loving just as God loves you and cares for you. Love does work. Have a wonderful day!

The Home connection

Being connected is a term that has new meaning in this generation. We can stay connected no matter where we are in the world. With a touch of a button we can communicate by voice or with a video. We can send pictures and videos instantly to friends, family, or coworkers. I have been very impressed by all that we can do through the internet. I have the world in the palm of my hand.

. A sad reality though in this culture is that we connect less personally with family, friends, and coworkers. The temptation of having the world in your hand is great and we give into the temptation of looking into the internet and ignoring the person that is close to us. We miss the little clues that those around us may give saying that they need us, or need someone warm and personal to listen to them. Family, friends, and all those around you begin to feel less important. Not being able to get that personal time with someone leaves them and us more prone to other things around that are not good for us or good for society in general. Society is on a crash course with disaster as we can see many of those signs around us happening now. 

Try leaving more time for others. Leave the phone in the house or in the car. Have some real time with loved ones around you. Invest in others by giving your full attention. Let love shine!

Inside out

Is there a side of you that nobody knows? I do not normally show allot of emotion; I don't laugh much, cry, or get mad too often. To really know me it may take time to see all sides of who I am. What we do here with children and persons is similar to what I mention above in that it takes time to know all sides of a life. To be able to help someone there needs to be a degree of trust, and that takes time. When trust develops people change, well not really change, but rather show the hidden sides of their lives. Seeing the real and whole person makes it possible to have a real conversation. 

Building trust can take many forms depending on the person. Having trust enables us to let our hair down so to speak.

There is a big difference between when someone you trust says something and when a stranger says the same thing. You can joke and clown around with someone you trust, but that is uncomfortable and usually not possible or wise with someone that you do not know. If you get close enough emotionally you can touch someone even to the depth of their heart. At that depth you have the opportunity to move things for the good, but it also comes with the big responsibility of handling with great care an already sensitive heart. 

Trust is a powerful tool that too often is used for wrong motives. It is like a firearm in that by itself it will do no harm, but in the wrong hands can do great harm. Much damage has been caused in lives because of the misuse of trust. That damage can only be undone by the correct use of trust. Trust in God first and let him heal your heart. In his process God may connect you with someone that will put to good use that wonderful tool of trust. Jesus says in John 10:10 "I have come that you might have life, and that you might have it more abundantly." Trust in Him and have a wonderful day!

Let God transform your me.

I ran across a little word the other day that caused me to pause and ponder what I just read. This has not been the first time, in fact many times it has happened. A two letter word that has changed my way of thinking. This little reminder of mine has been a help to me in life causing me to be a better person. The word I am referring to is "us".

In Matthew 6:11 it says, "Give us this day our daily bread." I used to think of this as God providing my needs, but I now see it as meeting our needs. It is normal to feel hunger and say that I am hungry, but it takes compassion and insight to know that many have little or nothing to eat. Compassion should be part of our lives as it will transform us into good hearted people. 

When you pray today give thanks for what God has done and provided for you, and always believe God to provide extra so that you have to give to the needy around you. The verse mentioned above has helped me to think less of myself and more of others around me in need. May God give you a wonderful day, but not just for you but for those around you as well.

A good neighbor to have.

In searching for a place to live I would look for good streets that are clean, where people still respect

one another, sidewalks and a park, hearing laughter rather than shouting, and having a good coffee shop close by. I would want to hear birds singing and to be able to sit on a bench under the shade of a beautiful tree. I like space so having good sized lots to have room for a garden and a few trees. I would not want to feel the coldness of a heartless neighbor, or to be scorched by a nearby hothead. I would like a stop sign on the corner where people stopped and smiled at people crossing in front of them. Just a few things that come to mind. I think we would all love to live in a good neighborhood. 

I was thinking about my neighborhood when I read these words this morning, "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.", the rest of the Lord's prayer we know pretty well. I thought to myself what would God look for and would He want to move next door to me? I hope he would. This thought motivates me to be kind hearted to all, and to love my neighbor even if he or she is not very lovable. I want to be a "good neighbor to have." Hope you have a wonderful day!

Dummy

I probably at some time in my life have been called a dummy.  The word today is not as commonly used as it was a few decades ago. An image of dumb that sticks in my mind is of chickens. Those that handle large numbers of chickens transport them grouped in small cages. I have seen a cage opened expecting the chickens to rush to get out, but to my amazement only seeing an open door, not even one chicken trying to get out. Even after being put out they try to return to the "comfort" of their uncomfortable life. It's sad they learn to live in their own captivity.
Have you known someone in the midst of a struggle or maybe just a rough life, and you being able to see a clear way out for them? Time and time again they bump into the same wall. That's dumb we think.
Maybe though the saddest part of all this is the rest of us that do nothing or little to help, or just being an example and light showing them the way to move ahead.
You are the light of the world. Show others a better way of living. Guide someone to Jesus today.

Every childs dream

Having a family is something that most of us take for granted. You could say too that it is impossible to miss something that you have. Some of you maybe can relate to what I am going to share, but most have not been there, including myself. The picture here depicts a beautiful setting with a complete and happy family. What is it like for a child to have the mom, dad, or both taken from their picture of the good life? This picture for some is only a dream that they have almost every night as the lay in their bed. Only this dream brings pain and distorts the normal development process of a child. Just a couple of days ago this reality hit me hard as a teenage girl from a family that we have just started helping out in our children's home came to me and said, "The other children call you "Papi", can I call you that too?" I told her of course it would be an honor, and immediately she hugged me. A humbling experience that hit hard the reality that there are so many that have not had the important opportunity to have someone that they can call Dad. It's never too late to share love. Blessings to you, and be a blessing to others, especially those in your home!

Learn from a carrot!

Getting dirty makes carrots grow. Like the seed of a carrot, our lives have much contained within that is their only waiting to develop. Staying put in one place does not sound like what most would want to do. Maturity is a stage that is often shortened by our lack of patience. God will complete His plan in our lives, and He really does want to work side by side with us. It is never too late to team up with God and discover all that He has stored up with in you. A carrot can be reduced to it's very end and still sprout new life. God will do a new thing in your life, believe it and receive it. Have a wonderful day!

Do I fit it?

"If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?" I kinda grew up this way as I looked at others, seeing them as; smarter, stronger, better athletes, greater musical ability, more attractive to girls, thinner, better off financially, and the list really never ended. I learned though that when I focused on enjoying life and being thankful to God for the blessings and abilities I have, then I was able to look forward able to move in a direction trusting that the Holy Spirit would be there with me guiding and helping me along the way. 

Now with this attitude I find myself better equipped to be with others. Being at peace with God and myself I have found that God now can use me to be a blessing to others. Envy and being critical of others destroys my ability to enjoy life, and be used in the body of Christ. Being a foot may seem seem to be a lowly position, but yet it is so very important. Smile and be happy with who you are and everything around you will become more beautiful!

Happiness is all that we make it to be.

Happiness is not just for some. I think I have lived long enough and seen enough in life to know that. I have seen the poor and suffering persons with happy faces so I know it is not tied to a condition or status. Happiness is I now believe the most precious thing in life. Sure I would love to have a suitcase full of bills with multiple O's, and a cabin on a lake, but what good is that if I had not that incredible great inner feeling of being happy. Happiness is never far from us, or so hard to grab on to. Hey just give it a try and be happy. It is something that grows and can flourish in your life. Happiness does not have seasons, or up and down roller-coaster highs and lows. When you see this in your life even in hard times you have truly become a wealthy person. Just be happy because it does not get any better than that!