Thu, 10 May 2012 17:55:48 -0800WeeblyWed, 09 May 2012 09:52:41 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/05/mandatory-fun-time.htmlToday I read a friends email in which her job requires her to take a "mandatory fun time" from work. You see, she is in the marines and I guess, due to the stress of the job, folks can quickly get so engrossed in work that they forget to have fun. That life can get so stressed that we forget to stop and smell the roses.

As I responded to her email I realized how God has the same things in mind for us all. He talks about the Sabbath and the importance of taking that day off to rest and to worship Him. Because God knows, like the marines that we would continue to just work and work and work and never take any down time. Down time that counts. Sure we might take a nap or watch a movie but do we really have any fun. I mean, when is the last time you really laughed? When was the last time you didn't think about work and your unending list of things to do? When is the last time, you rested with a smile across your face. When is the last time you were family or friends and everyone was getting along. And does this down time only have to occur on Sunday. Should we not work this into our daily schedule?

Hmm, I like the idea of a "mandatory fun time" in my life. So what would your fun time look like? Mine would be fishing anywhere, seeing a really funny movie with at least 8 friends, going on a road trip with friends, spending time with my nieces and nephews, swimming anywhere, talking to anyone about the Lord that wants to hear.

Thank you Lord for reminding me about "fun".

Exodus 16:23
He said to them, “This is what the LORD commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’”]]>Tue, 01 May 2012 13:28:43 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/05/perspectiveim-right.htmlPerspective...a little word that has such a huge meaning in life. As i walk this Christian life, I am constantly aware of how all my decisions are made due to how a situation affects me. It's a matter of perspective. Perspective of how I look at a situation, of how its important, of how it will makes me feel, of how it affects my pocket book, my work and ultimately my relationship with others and God. Depending on my perspective, I will do or not do something. My perspective will affect how I vote, how I drive, how I tithe, how I love and how I treat others.

Because of my past, because of my experience, and because of what I know in God's word affects my perspective and ultimately my choices. This has helped me as I minister to others knowing they are also be affected by their past, experience and the Bible. Depending on their knowledge of the Bible, how they interpret the Word, and who is influencing their understanding of the Word will affect their choices too. So what does this all mean?

It means to me how important the role of the Holy Spirit is in our lives. So with all the things I have mentioned, we have the Holy Spirit to affirm or correct. So that all of our perspectives will line up with God's will.

I pray today that even though we are so different, from our past to our present, I pray that we are united in one goal, one direction, one path towards Christ as we are filled and guided by His Holy Spirit.

Well, that is my perspective anyway.

Romans 1: 18-20 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,  since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:24:21 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/04/insideoutside.htmlWhile at Church this past Sunday my pastor was speaking on a series called the "Modern Family." One particular phrase he said got me to thinking. Greater on the inside than on the outside..he used Psalm 139:23-24 as the verse of reference.

As I began to ponder this phrase I thought how this could apply to so many areas of our lives. We know everything we do starts with a thought. Sure, we do some things without thinking but even then, we had to have some knowledge to make a choice. Greater on the inside than on the outside ....my pastor is saying is more about how we can dress up, we can adorn ourselves, we can drive a nice car, we can live in a nice house, we can appear to have it all together (all relative) and still be rotten on the inside. We can still be in so much trouble, so much pain, so much sin. Our goal should be inner greatness because HE IS LIVING IN US. Our thoughts, our minds, our hope, our peace, our hearts should all be greater than anything we possess or live in or drive. Greater because of the Holy Spirit.

So how do we get there......Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. ...

Stop and pray today..as David did....search me Lord, test me and all those areas of distrust, of anxiousness of fear of panic....see if there is anything offensive, that's vile, that turns away from the truth, that hurts me and you, that hurts others...lead me Lord, lead me away from the sin, from the fear, from the anger..lead me only to you...reveal it Lord no matter how horrible it is. I want to know. I want to change. I want to more like you on the inside so the outside will match. Amen]]>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:38:04 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/04/quack-bark-chirp.htmlI have been babysitting my nieces/nephews this week and having a great time. We have spent each day filled with games, field trips, shopping, eating, watching movies, tickling and laughing.

Yesterday we traveled to my cousins working farm near Sanford, NC. She has 24 horses, 14 geese, 32 chickens, 5 rabbits, 5 birds, 12 dogs, 8 peacocks, 12 ducks, and I am sure a bunch of other animals too. We spent the afternoon walking all over the farm, petting the animals, feeding and carefully avoid the occasional poop. I loved watching my 5 year old nephew find an old broken bucket that he hoped would help him capture a chicken. He would run and run and run after those chickens, crying out, I can't get one Aunt Kristine. We would all just laugh.

Later we sat around the living room sharing past memories of those we loved. It had been a while since we had been to cousin Linda's home. As we started to leave, Linda gave us 2 dozens eggs and stack of peacock feathers. My niece Abby was so excited and wanted to make sure she got some to take home.

As we started the drive back, I know there was a list to do at home. I know I have computer stuff and ministry stuff and phone calls to make, etc. But you know, there is nothing outside of my relationship with God that is more important than spending time with those you love.

Today we made memories and you know, the work was waiting when I got home like always.

Take some time to spend with those you love, it could have an eternal impact.
]]>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:25:45 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/04/blessings.htmlI was reading the small commentary at the bottom of my Bible when it was talking about blessings while here on earth. It said that so many things we do on earth lead to destruction. Of how, as Christians we should be focused on eternal things, eternal blessings. But there was a side note that really grabbed my heart. The note said, even though we strive towards our heavenly home, we can also enjoy some of the benefits God wants to give us now, on earth due to our obedience.

Isaiah 2:5 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Hmm, I had to think about this. Do you mean, when I am obedient, I get to enjoy some of what it would be like in heaven? I mean, I always knew when I am obedient life is so much better (not necessarily happier but better due to doing what God has asked of me) but I never equated the goodness with what heaven would be like. It's literally a taste of a fraction of our eternal life. So I am thinking this should motivate us to be obedient, right? Well, it does for me. I know the Lord wants so much more for me and you. I know that this can only happen as we draw closer to Him and do what He ask of us.

Lord, I want to experience all of you, help me to be obedient in ALL things.


]]>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:14:51 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/04/what-do-they-hear-what-do-they-see.htmlLast night at Church, the message was from Isaiah 3:18-26

18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings and bracelets and veils, 20 the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, 21 the signet rings and nose rings, 22 the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses 23 and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.  24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding. 25 Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle. 26 The gates of Zion will lament and mourn;destitute, she will sit on the ground.

As I was listening to the pastor talk about this passage, he reminded me of how quickly we can focus on the things in life that do not matter. These women had started to focus on their bodies, their jewelry and clothes, trying to get the attention of men. They even put bells on their feet so they could be heard and draw even more attention. They had become proud. The rolls of women and men became blurred. In an obsessed effort to have companionship/marriage, these women loss sight of God.

In our desperation to get what we want, we can so easily go down a road of destruction. As you live each day, pray and ask God to reveal the things in your life that you value above God. Maybe its your cell phone, your ipod, your laptop or your car. When people first see you, what do they see? When they first hear you, what do they hear?

]]>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:21:40 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/03/the-mountain-top.htmlI was talking with my mom one day about how I just love being on the mountain top, where life is so grand. Why is this time so very short? Why can't it be longer?  In an almost funny response she simply said, "the top of a mountain is really small." As I started to think about what she said, it hit me. We spend our whole lives trying to get to the really small place. And it is a small place. Only to have to come back down to get back up. As I pondered on this concept, God gave me more to share. As we walk/climb up the mountain, we have time to see around us. We can see others climbing the mountain with or without us. We gather our strength/muscle to go higher and higher, focusing on the goal, the prize ahead. We finally get to the top and we rest, we smile, and we celebrate the amazing victory of all the obstacles we overcame to make it up the mountain. But this time is short lived as our journey on this earth is not to stand still too long. There is a season, a time for all things. Once the rest is over its time to move on. So now we must climb/walk down the mountain. This is not as hard physically but just as treacherous as to what could be in our way. Perhaps regrets and disappointments. While coming down the mountain we can look and see what has worked and what hasn't...carefully pondering our next move. Then comes the valley, uggg. That place we know we grow the most. That place that has all the fertilizer, the water, the vitamen's. That place that can be so low for us in every way, low enough to get us to slowly rely on God fully. But thanks to the Lord we don't stay here either. Thank you Lord for the mountains in our lives. It keeps us connected to you.
Psalm 104:10
He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains.
  ]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:09:40 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/02/i-have-to-walk-how-far.htmlThis past Sunday my pastor , Mike Lee of Hope Community spoke on the subject of money and stuff. He mentioned about how his niece who has everything didn't get the one thing she wanted for Christmas. A frig to put in her room so she doesn't have to walk the 15 steps into the kitchen. The crowd roared with laughter as to agree with the pastor at how ridiculous her request was. But if we were really honest with ourselves, we are all in the same place as his niece. How?

-We look for the closest parking spot, even if it means 10 more minutes of driving around to find it.
-The thought of changing the channels on our TV by hand is crazy.
-We get upset if our microwave is taking longer than we think it should.
-We got nuts and roll our eyes if someone cuts us in line anywhere..the road or at Chick-fil-a.

Well, you get the idea. For me it was the fact that I hate having an office upstairs in the bonus room because I have to come downstairs to use the restroom or to eat. Wow, what a shame I have to walk using my perfectly good legs. What a shame that I have a huge bonus room for my office in a beautiful home...that I have a frig full of food and a bathroom with indoor plumbing.

Thank you God for yet again, reminding me of how blessed I am everyday in every way. I know Father I can come to you with any concern or complaint. Help me Lord to realize when I should keep my mouth shut and just be thankful.

Psalm 102:1
Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. ]]>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:43:49 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/02/god-sustains.htmlThis past weekend I spoke in Salisbury, NC at First Baptist. It was truly and amazing weekend, led by God, focused on God and inspired by God.

I had left Raleigh feeling fairly sick with bronchitis and a back injury. I started calling folks for verbal prayer as I was not sure how I was going to be able to speak without coughing or stand too long with my back pain. Well, it was truly a miracle as God sustained me. He gave me clear speech, energy and enthusiasm to do His will. I had thought all along that the enemy had been attacking me. Well, lives did change as I had so many come up and shared what how God's message had affected them.

Shortly after I finished on Saturday I would barely make it home where I stayed in the bed till this morning. This only goes to show you AGAIN, God's power. This life will bring sickness and pain as our bodies are made up of flesh and we live in this sinful world. However, even in the midst of the devils scheme, God prevails. He prevails in miraculous ways.

Are you trusting the Lord today to go beyond what you can see or feel?

Psalm 3:5
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. ]]>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:22:33 -0800http://www.thesinglesnetwork.org/1/post/2012/01/what-stinks.html_What stinks? Well, that would be me. In 2 Corinthians God tells us we are to be the pleasing aroma of Christ. When things smell good, people are drawn to the smell. Like fresh bread, popcorn at the movie theater, flowers along the highway, etc. But when things stink, we want to run away.

God reminded me this morning that Lazarus, who had been dead a few days stunk. Not because of his sin (like mine) but because that is what happens win the flesh starts to decay, starts to die. But Jesus, in His amazing power brought life back to a very dead Lazarus and he once again smelled of the sweet aroma of the Lord.

Lazarus story reminds me that no matter how far we have fallen away from the Lord; no matter how far we have let things go, ignored, pushed under the carpet; no matter how far we still have not given our all (and stink due to it), God can bring us back. God can restore and renew. When we think you will never change, you will never get it, you will never succeed, etc. God says yes, you will. It's a matter of who you choose. Who or what are we drawn too? The sweet smell of our Lord that brings life or the stench of the things that kill life? The things that weigh us down physically, emotionally, and Spiritually.

I want life, and ALL that God has for me. I want to smell so wonderful others will be drawn to me because they are drawn to HIS sweet Spirit. And through this "drawing," I can share my life, my faith to reach them for Christ.

So if you stink, its not too late!

2 Corinthians 2:15-16 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? ]]>