Embrace the Bump!

Today was the day. The day we finally said good-bye to "Bibbles". Well over 7 months ago my youngest, Eden, got a little bump on her face. It actually looked like a zit. Like the little white kind that make a bump popping woman like me crazy just to look at it. Eden guarded herself against me if I even looked at it wrong. I guess you could say she had trust issues probably because she witnessed me torturing  her sister at the sight of any blemishes. I don't know where my obsession with this started but I just never could stand the thought of leaving one to go away without my efforts to relieve the puss on the other side. Gross I know , but stay with me...

God spoke to me today and reminded me of how even life's aggravating situations are not by mistake.  We all strive to get our lives in order just the way we want them and it never fails... Just when we think we've finally got it all together there it is.."BUMP".  

We all have had bumps to deal with and the more we try to deal with them on our own the worse it gets. I believe there is a purpose in the bumps in our lives. Bibbles for example landed my daughter a trampoline and  a barbie.(Don't judge me for bribing. I have a real problem!) I had to try to pop it before seeking a professional after all I am a pro! It also gave me a great excuse to work a half day and leave early for the appointment which led to a lunch with my baby and my husband at Chick Fil A before the divine appointment. All I could think was if it wasn't for Bibbles I would be working missing this blessing of the here and now. God used this opportunity to bless and I am so glad. Eden got picked on and almost everyone asked her about Bibbles yet she handled it with grace. She learned tolerance and compassion and did not let it get to her. 

When I was just 11 my mom got cancer. 2 years later my dad got cancer and somewhere in between my Grandmother passed while living with us. I was too young to understand the fear that was penetrating through the brick mortar of our home. While I hated seeing my parents sick it was one of the sweetest times in our family. I got to see a man lovingly care for his bride and see what true love looked like. I ate the best chicken and cabbage in the world that Mrs. Shaw and every other member of Galatia church brought over and it was food for my soul . The love of family and friends was overwhelming in our home and there  was a peace inside me that I came to recognize as the Holy Spirit of God and I will never be he same. We were blessed and my parents have had many years of health, grandchildren and I pray many more years to come. 

Sometimes my perspective is clouded by my feelings, impatience and selfish motives that I forget that all things work for the good. It's easy to do. I guess we can all look back in hind sight and see the blessings that we missed, but it's just not the same as knowing and grabbing ahold of the blessing when it's happening.  My prayer is that we can all start to live in a way that embraces even the bumps. I guess Bibbles will always be a special memory in the May house. 

Once again thanks for taking time to read  my thoughts . 

Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Blessings, 

Paula 

Dear Satan

Here's a little piece of my mind ... So you think you can come in my home and sneak your way into the heart and mind of my children? Which, by the way, belong to Jesus Christ! I am on to you and your shananagans and let me tell you my guards not going down. You show your face on the TV, tablet, phone and radio. You come sometimes through a friend. Oh your good.. But I got your number and I will be damned if you are getting my most prized possessions . You may wanna eat your wheaties cause this mama ain't going down without a fight. See I am equipped by almighty God ! The same power that he has lives in me and I am under the authority to use it. Think I am crazy? Well maybe just crazy enough to test the word that says your days are numbered. I realize you aren't gonna give up and I am here to tell you I am not either. I will lay down my life before letting you take theirs. Atleast I know where my eternity waits. So have a great night. Stock up on some aloe vera cause your day is coming! "JESUS!!!!" Now flee!!!

Sincerely, 

Mom 

New Years Declaration

   It's that time again. Time to get the vision of what we want life to look like and vow to change our habits. New Years resolutions!! 

    So I decided to put mine in writing so I can refer to it when my life gets off balance. Here it goes. In 2015 I want to become a healthier me. Not just physically but spiritually and mentally. My plan is to start making time for myself to exercise and have devotion time. I want to read all the books I have bought that I started and never finished. I want to organize my home and say goodbye to things that just clutter up my life. I want to get my finances in order. I want to save and tithe the way I should be. I want more date nights and conversations with my husband and less Facebook. More cuddles with my children and less stressing over my house, my job, etc. I want to get more involved in Restore One, a wonderful local ministry that is helping victims of human trafficking. I want to walk with Jesus in my daily life instead of sitting him on the sidelines. I want to be more thankful, less anxious, and have more of a servants heart than ever before. I want to serve in my church better. I want to spend time with my children talking about Jesus and praying more together. I want to spend more time with my family.. My parents especially... I want to make memories that are unrushed and special with everyone I love. I want more girl time. Girlfriends suffer when you take a working girl and give her a house, husband, 2 kids, and a dog. I want to say "yes" when I should and "NO" when I should. I want to love better...everyone.. Even the ones that test me. I want to live consciously , waste less, buy less, and in the fullness of the JOY that has been heired to me for a costly price on a cross. 

     Well , as you can see I don't want much. I am going to need a lot of help with these . I hope all my friends have a wonderful New Year! Love to all of you and yours.

Paula

Psalm 20:4 ”May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”

"Just a thought from the carpool line"

God is good! When you are in line with his heart he can take you to a place where you can't hold hate for others anymore.. He will teach you how to love even those who you don't agree with or understand. We all fail at looking like Jesus in our daily walk.. But we should never quit trying to be the light.. There are a million people who are waiting to criticize you .. Find fault with you and twist truths to condemn you so they can live any way they want to.Faith is not an easy task these days. That's why the bible talks much about how the world will hate you as a believer. It's hard not to react in these moments.. Just remember the war has already been won! If God is for you then who can stand against! Blessings,

Paula 

You don't "like" me?

Have you noticed that today's technology is centered around the word "like"? Well my obsession with the word "like" started long before Facebook invented a button for it. I have spent a good amount of time and energy over the past 38 years in the people pleasing business. After all , I have been doing hair almost 20 years and my job is pleasing. Imagine my disappointment when I learned that I can't please everyone. I can recall in my early years as a stylist lying in bed wondering if Jane, a made up person, liked her hair cut. Another time I recall I offended a long term friend as she took what was meant to be a compliment as an insult... Of course I did not know this til 2 years after since she no longer spoke to me. I could not understand how one phrase could end a friendship of 19 years. 

Now, that I am an official adult you would think life would be easier, but even now this mother, wife , daughter, salon owner and stylist still finds time to dwell on the the ones who don't like me. 

 

If we are all honest we want the approval of others and some of us may even be addicted . Have you ever compared yourself to someone? Envy their success and their seemingly "having it together"? I found myself doing just that this week. I was watching a YouTube video of famous  Christian speaker, Beth Moore, thinking wow..everyone loves her. She's funny, really cute , so intelligent & she has God's direct phone number. After listening to her I saw she had several comments below and something just made me click on the list and low and behold I was taken back and really sickened by the rude judgmental comments I read. That's when it clicked... If Beth let the negative opinions of others stick to her it would paralyze her for the calling of sharing the Gospel she is so passionate about. I was ready to go to bat for her but hating confrontation I avoided adding to the heated discussion. 

So I made a list of lies the enemy has sold me... Bought with lots of my valuable time. I then found a scripture that counteracts the lie. 

Lie#1 To be a good Christian everybody has to like you. 

This is such a dangerous lie because as I mentioned earlier it's impossible. If we find our worth in this will ultimately wind up not measuring up. 

Galatians 1:10 

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Lie#2 .. If I am a good Christian I must like everyone. 

This too is a dangerous lie because it may lead to un genuine gestures that are more guilt ridden than from a heart of love.  It is unrealistic to believe that you will be friends with everyone. But the word tells us that we must LOVE one another. Forgive one another as we are forgiven. This does not mean we have to be besties . 

1 John 4:8 

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Lie# 3 .. You have to be perfect for God to use you for his kingdom. 

Ever think to yourself .. Wow! I blew it!? I was put to the test and I blew it...literally. You just exploded and it was a reaction and pity party that left you wishing you could go back and play the cool , calm and collected one? Why would God want to use me? Maybe I am a fake? Well I have been there and have asked God search my heart many times over it. The answer is pride.. It's pride that would have us believe that our performance has any affect on what God can do in and through us. Nothing about us is perfect...EVER!! Except for JESUS!! Remember , there is a battle and  it's not flesh and blood. Sometimes we are not gonna get it right, but God's grace is there to cover us and teach us for future situations. He can use our mess for a message.

 New International Version

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Lie #4... You can have more than one BEST friend .

I always have had several best friends for different reasons. I could never pick just one. I am blessed with real friends who love me in spite if myself and I am so thankful to God for them. But, through life I have learned that people will let you down and sometimes you just need to fall into the arms of the one who knows you best. After all, he created you.

John 15:15 

No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Last but not least....

Lie # 5... You will be alone.

This perhaps is the biggest fear of all. That we would be shunned forever by our peers, ourselves, our family , and even worse God. Satan loves this lie because if he can make you believe it then all your joy, peace and happiness is gone allowing depression , anxiety and loads of guilt to rob you of all your life was intended to be. 

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

Blessings,

Paula

Don't sweat it!!

Life is so short... Make everyday sweet ! Love the people in your life with all you have and try not to sweat the small stuff. That is my thought for the day. Yesterday my 34 year old client, mother of 3 small boys, sat in my chair and proceeded to tell me that she may have throat cancer. She seemed pretty convinced and I was speechless. It really made me think of what is most important. I can't even imagine what lies ahead of her. Made me wanna come home and hold my children and embrace this sweet short time. Please join me in praying for her and her family. Have a blessed day friends.

TAKE THIS WORLD AND GIVE ME JESUS!

       So, I haven't blogged in a while because of lack of concentration, the spirit just has not moved lately and has left me to wonder where all my creative inspiration went to. This month has been a overwhelmingly busy and stressful time for me and I seriously have been in a funk. Have you ever been there?? Overwhelmed, distracted, maybe even borderline depression? Is it possible to ADD and OCD at the same time?? There is so much noise around us that our minds between our normal obligations, texts, emails,& social media. My brain is starting to function as a news feed .
       I really don't know how we got here, but my only question now is , how do we fix it? A dear friend of mine, Lisa, and I were discussing this and we concluded that we needed to be in our bible more. Sounds simple right..??
        The enemy knows what he is doing and loves distracting us from God's presence in our lives. Wether it's our drive to push our kids to be the best, Facebook, TV, shopping, reading series of books, or maybe even a hobby that seems harmless. Where is our treasure? This same friend made a statement..".Why do we say we are not going to do something because we want to set an example for our children? Can't we just say that we want to please Jesus!"
         There is war raging around you and your soul is at stake. Do not be deceived the enemy is lurking and he wants nothing more than to steal your witness and make a hypocrite of us all. He doesn't just want you, he wants your marriage, your children, you finances, your heart and mind! So you might be in denial, such as I, but if you are not chasing God , unfortunately you are chasing the world. I could confess to you a long list of what has been standing in the gap from me and my relationship with Jesus, so I am not condemning anyone. I say Lord, begin with me!! Maybe being complacent doesn't seem like a bad place to be, but I refer to this scripture...

Revelation 3:16New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

     I don't know about you but this does not sound like a safe place to be. I can honestly say that is where I have been recently and I am thankful that through the scripture I am made aware and can push through. Here's to a new day! A fresh beginning!! Let's use it wisely so the world can see the difference. Life is better with Jesus!!

Ephesians 4:20The Message (MSG)

^20-24 But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.