It Could Happen

"The race is not for the swift,
Nor the battle for the strong,
Nor bread for the wise,
Nor riches for men of understanding,
Nor favor for men of skill,
But time and chance happen to them all."  Ecc. 9:11
(or shall I say is "given" to us all.)

There are things to be done, and battles, to be won. Friend - God not only wants to use us but surely, he needs to use us as well (no matter our capacity). "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land ..."
Ezekiel 22:30

The Bible also says, "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."
John 15:5

So, time and chance are given to us all and God is seeking us for help. And, with the Grace of God, we can produce much fruit.

Do you live like a mule or do you live like a race horse? Sadly, many of us choose to live like, a mule. I know at times, I do.  Kenneth Hagin has compared a mule to a race horse saying "You could file the mules teeth and polish his hooves. You could feed him the finest food; run him around the track every day; and house him in the finest stable.  But on the day of the race when the gun sounds, all he'll do is lope off down the track -- because he is a mule. Yet you can take a racehorse, and not give him the same quality of care, but when you put him on the starting line, and the gun sounds, he's Gone! Because he is a racehorse!"

May I submit to you the need to understand that within you rests the Spirit of God -- a racehorse!
There's a racehorse in you! There are times you feel it, why, I think it's safe to say there are times you know it!

It's time to make it happen, don't you think. All that needs to be done now is simply positioning ones-self at the starting line. Picture yourself in the gate. Your head cocks, hooves kicking and stomping, your nostrils flaring and your rider -Jesus Christ- holding tight and keeping you steady. Pray and clearly see what your gift, calling, desire, is. Once your heart, soul, and mind have come to understand, receive it. (See it as your finish line.)

And then ...

Sound the gun girlfriend!
Take a chance!
Run your race!

"Happy trails to you, until we meet again."

Jodi

Unleash Your Gifts

“Being confident in this very thing,

That He who has begun a good work in you, Will complete it until the day of Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Make no mistake, God is working in you and He is committed to completion.  The question is... are you?

God is willing to move, however, God is not going anywhere without you. Remember, God's promises fulfilled always require action on our part. The Bible reads, “Every place your foot shall trod, I have given thee.” - Joshua 1:3. The verb trod is important here because it is the action word. According to this verse everything is sitting right in front of our face, nevertheless, we must with deliberation forge ahead.

I believe it is God's intent that His purpose and plans for your life should prevail. Your Creator is willing to complete, and willing to continue working in you on your gifting’s till your last day, again the question begs  … are you?

If you're anything like me you can easily be side tracked with everyday tasks, like cleaning floors again and again (I have four dogs), shopping, organizing and reorganizing, over committing, and simply working yourself to exhaustion. 

Perhaps gravity keeps your rear-end to closely knit to the couch while you plug yourself into the silly things of this world, like television, chit-chatting on the phone, and social media to name a few. Such things only leave us feeling tired, sluggish, and unmotivated, but most importantly they leave us lacking.

Don’t get me wrong. It’s good to keep things in order. It’s good to do all things with excellence.  And who can argue with “healthy” down time. The problem is - this stuff can trap us. Dr. Tony Evans wrote, and I paraphrase, "Anything that keeps you from doing what you’re called to do or prevents you from living out your God given gifts could be the devil himself'."

Sooo ...  what's needed? Possibly some confidence; self control; determination. Maybe all three.The Bible encourages us with these words, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13. I'd like to suggest a few things.  First, try wrapping yourself up in God's confidence ( Read The Bible daily!). Secondly, take control of your schedule, prioritize and make time to operate in your gifts if only 30 minutes a day to start (it's going to feel good). Lastly, unplug yourself from the unhealthy stuff, and then  ... TROD!

I bid you happy gifting!

Good Mercy Everyone!

The sun shone bright, the morning tasks accomplished without a hitch.  The day held much promise, and the park was calling out my name. It was then, while  trotting around the green with sweet little Chloe Lu that I stepped into a hole and twisted my ankle. I went down in pain and was unable to get up.

Now,  Chloe Lu is two years old, and honestly I had concern that should she take off running I would not be able to catch-up with her (at this point I could hardly move). But Chloe didn’t run - nor did she leave me behind. Instead, this little angel, with whom I get to weekly share my love,  immediately took to my side, cupped her knees with her hands, and stooped to make sure I was okay.

 “You okay?”
"Not really", I said.
“ You okay?”
To which I replied, "I'll be fine, I just need a minute."
And again, “You okay?”
"Not quite yet sweet thing, but I will be."

Waiting patiently, never hurrying me, Chloe squatted by my side and watched until I was able to stand up. When I did finally take to my feet, she took my finger in her hand and together we walked to the play area. Well, she walked. I hobbled.

What a beautiful picture of God’s Love.

You see, God does call us to be strong and of good courage, but He goes before us.

He does ask us to be doers of the Word, and not just hearers, but His still small voice leads us.

We are going to stumble, in word, thought and deed, but be assured of this one thing – Our God of mercy isn’t going anywhere.

In fact - the truth is -  He will immediately take to your side and patiently wait while you muster the strength it might take to get back up.

 Hugs and Blessings,
Jodi
"They (His mercies) are new every morning!" - Lam 3:23
 

I'm Still Learning

I’ve made an observation. Those of us who let life steal our peace tend to operate out of fear and anger, neither of which is rational.

I find myself there from time-to-time, and each time the entrance is subtle, quite deceiving. I’m thankful for Grace, as for without it, I might continue to be stuck in that vast space in time which exists without any true joy, only spurts now-and-again.

I believe it’s called depression, that period in time when everything is so difficult. When for no good reason (as far as the eye can see) one has to hold back sorrowful tears. I’ve experienced this most of my life and have done well to pray and shake it off as something else. What? I don’t know, just something else.

I’ve come to terms with it and have found that acknowledging it is probably the healthiest thing I can do. So, again, I am grateful for His Grace. I am able to admit and lift this area of my life into His hands. It sounds simple, because to me, it is.

The difficult part is touching on the reasons why I struggle with this pain. Sin has hurt me. Not my sin alone (and believe me I’ve played my part), but the sins committed against me. These sins have made a lasting impression and have played a significant role in my life, but Gods Grace has shown me that they can only define me, in-so-much-as, I will allow.

I’ll share more on this later. Maybe. Whenever. Or, maybe not.  As the only reason I wrote any of this in the first place was to explain my periodic absences from the things I love.

One of which is writing.

^“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” -  John 14:27

Ahh, still learning this one...

Pedaling With Peace

It was an extremely cold and windy day. The sun shone bright, but it alone was unable to warm my wimpy southern California frame. It had to be 55 degrees out, and with the wind chill it might have been as low as 49.

One of my goals this year is to regularly ride my bike. I want to ride 100 miles a week. I want to do 2-4 events a year. I would love to ride to San Francisco in the next year.

The best days on my bike would include blue skies, winds from the south at about ONE mile per hour and temperatures as low as 65 no higher than 70 - I’m flexible, if nothing else. That was not going to be the case today. I was just finishing tidying up the backyard while trying, with all my might, to mentally prepare for today’s ride. It wasn't going to be easy.

Goal for the day: 26 miles at a rate of 12-13 mph. (I’m fairly new to this and currently have a mountain bike with thicker wheels so this is a fair challenge).

As I pull out of the drive I swing my right leg over the seat, adjust the volume on my iPod and set out for a 26 mile ride. I have already managed to pedal 25, well maybe 10. Okay, here's the thing,  I've pedaled three “feet” when I realize I need another pair of cycling pants because the ones I own hit just below the knees and my calves are freezing!  My face is cold too. It is so windy one could lean into the wind without falling. The fact that I've made it this far is impressive, and were I to turn around right now and call it a day, no one could blame me. Unfortunately – or shall  I say fortunately - I had recently watched The Biggest Loser’s opening show for the 2013 season and all I can hear is a voice in my head that sounds much like the voice of  Jillian Michael's  yelling, “What are you, a wimp?!” and  “I’ll personally kick your bleep if you get off that bike!”   So I pedal up the street to the riverbed opening and assure myself that once I get pumping my legs will warm up. If I can actually pump!  Because it’s SO flipping WINDY!

I’m at my start point. I reset my bike computer, click on my iPod and take off … slowly, and with great effort, and I’m thankful for the voice of determination as-well-as the voice of Peace.   The wind howls. I’m frustrated and I feel burdened because there is no way I am going to be able do 12-13 mph. I’m angry and feel defeated.  Just then, the sweet voice of Peace saves me with the reminder that all I have to do is; pedal. “It may take longer, but you’ll still do your twenty-six. Just pedal and ENJOY this ride." 

Some days, weeks, even months are like that aren't they?  It’s all we can do to put one foot in front of the other.  The beauty is … that’s all He asks.

So, in pursuing our dreams and visions, let’s stay the course. Be it, one lyric; one page; one stroke of the brush; one customer; one call; one close; one class; one pound; one meal; one prayer; one day; one mile; one step;  or, one pedal at a time.  It is, after all, one more than we had before.

I am learning that most of the burdens/obstacles in my life are merely a figment of my imagination.

“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” - Matthew 11:30

A Good Witness

Two weeks have passed and I’m still walking in the afterglow of the New Year with a desire, which will not yield, to encourage others.  I remember reading an article a year or so ago about a guy who’s website became a great success with people reporting stupid, mean, rude, and embarrassing moments about others. I was astounded by the delight these people took in degrading others. This motivated me to start seeking the good, kind, polite, and proud moments in life. I wondered what kind of change I would undergo if I, with intent, sought only these qualities in people.

   

Unfortunately, one need not search out the repugnant and crude for they pursue with avidity. One must pull their eyes, ears and heart away from the adverse in order to clearly focus on the positive.  I will tell you now – it’s a heart thing.  For in each lies good and bad, strength and weakness – the choice is ours.

Along with giving thanks, I’m pledging each day to make a conscientious effort to take notice of something good --  whether it is an act of kindness, or be it something I read about someone doing -- and share it with others.  I’m not talking just heroics, but also, the ordinary day-to-day nice things people do.

I would love it if you would join me in posting the kind acts you've witnessed done by others, and then personally share it with someone else.  A trickle effect awaits us!

A good witness:  The other day on the bike path a fellow rider was repairing a flat tire when I witnessed another rider slow down and ask if he had everything he needed. 

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live.” – Amos 5:14

Stepping Out And Taking 2013

Saying goodbye to a passing year comes easy for me. I love the feeling of a clean slate. Like shaking an Etch-a-Sketch until it reveals no evidence of past designs and configurations, I am ready to step out into 2013 with a renewed mind and spirit.

I have determined that 2013 will be a year of minimal waste. My goal is to leave 2013 behind with little regret and many accomplishments. I resolve to make the most of every single day.  

So today I am, “Writing the vision and I’m making it plain, that I may run with it!” – Habakkuk 2:2.

I hope you are encouraged to do the same. If there is something God has put on your heart I implore you too to step out in faith and just do it. It’s scary, at least it is for me, yet I don’t want to come to the end of the line with a big bag of, “I wish I’d done.”  

One of the most encouraging verses for me comes from Joshua 1:31, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you.” It’s actually sitting there waiting for us! All we have to do is step out and take it.

Happy 2013!

Are Your Shoes On Wrong?

While on a visit with my grand kids a winter or two ago, my daughter-in-love, Melissa, and I decided to take the tots outside for some fresh air and some good old “energy burning” time. As usual we went out the kitchen door to the garage landing.  We all grabbed our jackets and slipped into our shoes.  A quick trot down to the bottom of the wooden stairs would land us right at the opening of the garage door. The kids knew the drill and went directly to their toy of choice and before we knew it the sounds of plastic wheels rolling over the cement floor reverberated to the outdoors. Metal shovels scraped along the driveway as the children pushed back some of the last remaining spots of snow.

Now, just as kids are drawn to the sounds of laughter from a nearby park or carnival, so too did the rumbling of toys and kids at play draw the girls from across the street.  The breeze was cool so the baby and I settled down in a sunny spot for warmth. As Sawyer slept in my arms I was content to watch and listen as the now two moms stood in the drive gabbing and supervising while the four children darted here-there-and-everywhere with the periodic banding together as a team to make circles around the two.  Abby, who was a little older, came over to keep me company and share with me her secrets of riding, stopping, and doing some pretty nifty tricks on the prided scooter she had with her. I made mental notes.

After about an hour or so, as time and energy started to wind-down, I joined my then - three year old grandson Troy -under the nearby tree and listened as he eagerly apprised me on how to properly shovel dirt (this was proving to be quite an educational day for me). With all confidence, his child size shovel in hand, he looked up at me and said, “You have to push the shovel like this nonni.” He then, with all his might, dug into the hard ground to fill the little red blade. Once the blade was full he lifted it with a grunt and said, “And then you just pick it uuupah like this, and throw it! Like that!”

Although impressed I still had to chuckle. After skillfully instructing me on the how-to of shoveling dirt, Troy was now standing before me with a look of shear accomplishment. He had his esteemed tool in hand and, from what I could tell, he was ready to take on the world! It was then that I noticed his blue Vans were on the wrong feet! He’s three years old. He’s as proud as can be - AND - he is totally unaware that his shoes are on wrong.

I wonder how many times I’ve had my shoes on wrong.

I wonder how many times I’ve had on the wrong shoes!

I do know this.

When I run, I’d better have on my running shoes. Putting them on the right feet is beneficial too.

When I go into a river full of rocks, it’s wise to slip into a pair of river shoes.

When I hike, nothing works better than a pair of hiking boots.

I love wearing my every day pair of sneakers for running around and getting errands done, but I’ve got to tell you they clash like crazy with the black velvet dress I bought for a wedding.  I opted, rather, for a sharp pair of black, low-heeled sling-backs.

I also know that I have, on more than one occasion, forced my feet into shoes that were too small. And I have endured shoes that were too big. I gained nothing but blisters from these decisions.

This whole shoe thing, it really got me to thinking   …  

How many times have I had on the wrong shoes in life? I mean, have I been running in heels?

Have I been climbing in flip-flops?

 It’s no wonder, really, that my “walk” sometimes gets tripped-up.

How many times have I had a mountain to climb and collapsed because I never bothered to put on hiking boots?

While I would never really go hiking in heels - why is it in my everyday living I do?

Why is it in everyday living I sometimes neglect to even bother putting on any shoes at all?

You see, I believe we have a God given purpose. We sense it. We desire it. The Word proclaims it. We know the Lords purpose and plans will prevail! (Isaiah 46:10 and Proverbs 19:21)

I think for me, I sometimes jump out ahead of Him. I can be impatient and thus take off running when God simply wants to walk.

And then when it’s time to run I stumble because rather than putting on God’s running shoes, I’ve slipped my feet into doubt, and I lace up with my own understanding.

The problem isn’t in running or walking, jogging or trotting, climbing or dancing. There is a time for all of that, and we have a very patient God, it’s just that if we want to be in alignment with His purpose and timing, we need to FIRST seek Him,  “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness … and then all these things (our desires) shall be added unto thee”. (Matthew 6:33)

We are to, “Lean NOT onto our own understanding” (Proverbs 3: 5-6).  When God puts that call on our heart we need to not only have full faith in Him, but we need to step out with our “boots of faith and courage”, knowing that, “Every place your foot shall trod, I have given thee” (Joshua 1:3 and Deuteronomy 11:24).

And His promises … yeah ... they always require action, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).

It comes down to this. We need to believe the desire and gifts He has placed within us .We need to believe His still small voice.

And then … after we have properly shod our feet with the correct shoes, making certain we have placed them on the right feet, and after double checking to make sure they are securely tied with faith… we will be ready!

And then … all we have to do is, “Pick it uuupah like this, and throw it! Like that!”

 … said the sweetest little boy with his shoes on wrong.

Blessings,
Jodi

From beginning to end it’s all that I’ve known,

Redeemed by the brave this place I call home.

Ever safe in my speech never had to beware,

Except to say that - some don’t really care.

I won’t take it for granted all the lives lost,

Or ever forget - nor ignore the cost.

Many heartfelt blessings and expressed gratitude,

Freedom! For freedom, and The Red, White, and Blue.

- J. Arndt

Saying Goodbye Is Never Easy

It was short and sweet.  “Good bye, I can’t take the abuse anymore”, and with an about-face I stomped off to meet my new love.

Yes, I’m one of those. I dropped one for the other. Oh don’t be too critical of me until you hear my story.

You see I’ve been trying my best to be faithful and committed.  I’ve invested time, money, and heart and soul.  But no matter how much I tried I always walked away hurt. Sometimes the pain would linger for days, even weeks. We did not seek professional help, but I have spent countless hours reading what experts had to say about our kind of situation and what they suggested for healing.

Some suggested taking a break. So we took “breaks”, but we never failed to fall right back into the same pattern, and you guessed it, me walking away in pain.

My summer was a season of mixed emotions. I was able to enjoy my granddaughters’ annual visit, but I must admit, I just wasn’t myself. I had pulled back from my love and it proved difficult.

Unable to resist temptation any longer I made the choice to spend one afternoon together. It was a great day, but when my daughter found out about it, she was all over me.  I argued my point of view with her again and asked that she just let me enjoy the beautiful day I had had, but deep down I knew she was right and I started giving a permanent break up serious thought.

Separation is difficult, especially the initial stage. Over time one gets stronger, and I was lucky enough to have my girls here with me to keep me company, but summer is merely a season and although I was sprinkled with dashes of their love, it was just a few weeks before they too were gone.

After watching my girls ascend to 5,000 something feet I pulled away. I wasn’t out of the parking lot when sadness came upon me, it always does. “I’ll see them in the fall” I tell myself, and I turn up the radio to block out the noises in my head.

 It’s been weeks since the girls left and I have remained strong. However, I’m tired, kind-of depressed and I’ve put on a few pounds.  I know what I need to do.  I need to stop toying with this separation ordeal and make it final. I have to look my love in the face and say goodbye, and mean it, before I can start anew. It’s a difficult decision.  I really was willing to go the distance, but how can I endure when the relationship causes such debilitating pain? I’m tired of hurting! Yet I know I can’t quit cold turkey. So after much contemplation I made what I think to be a wise and educated decision. I replaced my love with another! That’s right. I found a new love first. I found one that supports me, takes me places, and doesn't leave me to do all the work. My new love is strong and moves at a pace that I’m comfortable with, and I have to admit after only a few dates, I have no pain, and I'm feeling great, as-well-as energized!

It wasn’t easy, but I finally stood my ground. I wasn’t even nervous.  I simply grabbed my running shoes by the laces and said, “I can’t take the abuse!”  “My feet can run no more” and with a sad heart I said, “Goodbye running shoes”.

 “Hello bicycle!”

Teachers, I Give A Care.

(Note to readers. I wrote this months ago and have just transferred this to my Just Saying page)

I don't know a lot about all of this stuff, what I do know is that our government misspends, and mishandles money. They are the ones who should take responsibility for the mess we are in. In California they have found that over the last two years our government has spent 7.2 million on "gifts", like key chains and other ridiculous items to give out for the heck of it! They are referred to as SWAG - Stuff We All Get! (Isn't that cute) Our new governor is removing that from the "budget". Pahleez. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there are many other areas where they can cut back without tapping into teachers and other hardworking, much needed and underpaid individuals.

My daughter- in- love, nephew and aunt are teachers. And I have a few friends that are teachers too. They are honest, hardworking people. These highly educated individuals have invested much time and money in earning their degrees, and they truly care about their classrooms. They are ALWAYS working. They bring it home, they grade papers and plan assignments well into the evening after their own kids are in bed, and I watch them on soccer fields doing the same. That's not to mention, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Back to School Night, Open House and concerts they must attend.

I think it was Thursday or Friday when I heard John of "John and Ken" imply that the teachers striking in Madison were doing so because, in his words, "They don't give a crap about your kids!". I was outraged! I thought to myself, we (some of the people and the government)  are the ones who don't give a crap otherwise we would treat and pay them like they were doing something we value!!! I could go on- and- on but suffice it to say, I support any drastic measures teachers (not unions) but teachers take.

Just Saying

The Devil Made Me Do It! Or Did He?

I know temptation is all around us.  The temptation to over eat, and to over spend are just a couple of things I have to personally come against on a regular basis. We all rush around from one thing to the next,  and in our daily travels people cut us off, tempting us to pull up along-side and give them the “what the” look. They move too slow, tempting us to honk viciously because we want to make the next light. And some talk too much, tempting us to turn the other cheek because we just don’t have time for idle chit-chat. Someone insults or offends us and we’re tempted to not only cling onto the offense, but we’re also tempted to share the dirty little offense that’s been done to us.

For the most part the temptations I’ve listed above are minor, and fact is, I really can’t blame the devil for my eating half a pack of my favorite Girl Scout cookies instead of eating just one or two cookies, but the Bible does make it clear that temptation can and will come from the devil. The first successful attack of temptation is found in Genesis. And then there was the infamous attack on Jesus (Luke 4:1-13) where Satan tries his best to trip Jesus up with one temptation after another.  Satan is, however, unsuccessful in his endeavor because Jesus knows the Word of God.

There are layers of incredible lessons in these verses, but let’s just take a look at a few of the obvious ones. First, notice in verse 4:2, “Afterward He hungered” (He hadn’t eaten in forty days). And Satan, knowing this, is right there tempting Jesus with, of all things, bread! Satan is dirty, he knows our weak spots and he will attack.

Jesus, once again sets the stage for us, he is prepared and unwavering as He responds with, “It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” verse 4:4.  Jesus addresses something of much more importance, not our natural hunger, but our spiritual hunger. He is “full” of the Word. Are you? I have to ask myself this very question every time I read these passages. Am I full of the word? Am I able to withstand whatever the devil brings my way? Just as it is not wise for me to walk the grocery store on a hungry stomach, it is not wise that I walk the world on a hungry spirit.

Finally, verse 4:13, “And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he (the devil) departed from him (Jesus) for a season”. Take note, “for a season!”  -  Newer translations say, “until an opportune time”. In other words,   “He’ll be baaaaack!”  You can count on it.
Remember, it is “an opportune time” that the devil is looking for.  Furthermore, he not only tempts us to do wrong , or lead us astray, but seriously, I’m convinced that it is he who tempts me to do NOTHING at all! God puts something on my heart and I cave into fatigue, too many other things to do, and worse yet I listen to the negative thoughts that fill my mind with inadequacies and then instead of MOVING  …  I do nothing!  

If the devil gets his way and we do nothing he wins and the lives that God wants to touch and change through us will not happen. If the devil gets his way and we never open a Bible, attend church, or never pray for a personal relationship with Christ, the devil wins. But, what if we do open the Bible, go to church, and pray for a relationship with Christ? And, what if we do keep ourselves full of “every word of God”?

And what if we do   …  MOVE  …   at Gods prompting?  

Just Saying