Helping the Devil

In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, there's a heart-wrenching line that should shoot straight to the core of any Christian. Edmond is defending the purpose of the final battle against evil when his older brother wants to send his younger siblings home.

"I've seen what the White Witch can do. And I've helped her do it," Edmond says.

Even when we're blinded by pride, anger, bitterness or jealousy, we generally know when we're helping the devil with his plans for the day. It definitely isn't of God when we apply those evils, hurting those around us and ultimately ourselves.

Oh, the devil hasn't used me for any of his schemes. I'm too mature of a Christian for that.

But have you ever:
* Said something nasty out of anger?
* Accused someone without knowing all the facts?
* Neglected someone's needs even though you knew about them?
* Said, Just this once?
* Treated a loved one disrespectfully?
* Done your day-to-day tasks with less than your best?
* Set someone else up to fail?
* Used words that aren't uplifting and edifying?
* Took someone special for granted?
* Ignored the leading of the Holy Spirit?
* Chosen selfish pursuits instead of following God's Word?

We can all answer yes to some of these, and probably to many more. When we're not solely focused on doing the work of our Heavenly Father, the devil finds ways to use us for his plans. A little nudge there or a little prodding here and soon we've gone down a road we never planned to travel.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9

I pray today that we'll be on the lookout for the devil's evil tactics, staying as close to the Lord as we possibly can. The opportunities will arise, as they always do, to be used for something ungodly. That's when we stop, pray and listen for the guidance we need to stay far away from circumstances better left untouched.

A Weekend of Pressing On

In the middle of winter, it's easy to stay inside where it's warm and cozy. Why venture out if it means getting chilled to the bone?

But if you stay inside, you'll never see the beauty of the world around you. Even on the coldest, darkest winter days, the sun will still rise and add color to everything.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

We have the same choice Paul did - we can stay exactly where we are or we can press on toward the mark.

Make this a weekend of getting out of whatever walls are confining you from being completely committed to your Father's business. Press on instead of pulling back and experience the breathtaking beauty of God's work.

Grooming The Girls

 This is my Bailey dog. Please notice that her fur is all thick and clean and healthy.



This is my Bailey dog's fur. It comes out in great big clumps if she isn't groomed regularly and thoroughly.

This is the Bailey dog after her grooming session. She will sleep quite peacefully for the better part of an hour. She's been bathed, groomed and tucked in for a nap. And that's why we groom our pets.

That and to keep all of that fur off the carpet.

And the furniture.

And the hardwood floors.

And the bedspread.

Grooming is good.

So, What Is Eating Healthy?

The focus everywhere right now, thanks to New Year's resolutions, is living healthy. People promise themselves that they'll eat better, exercise more and live as healthy as they can.

But what does that really mean? When it comes to food, we get bombarded with hundreds of different diets, meal plans and fads that don't last very long. How do you sort through it all and find what's truly healthy?

Let's break healthy eating down to a few really, really simple ideas.

1. Portion control. When I go to a church fellowship, I sample everything on the dessert table. (Yes, I love sweets.) But I don't get whole pieces or large spoonfuls of each treat. I limit myself to one or two bites of each one. Then I get a sampling and don't walk out feeling like my skirt is a tent. Enjoy the food you like, but cut down how much you have at a time.

2. Walk the edges of the grocery store. I've heard this several times lately and I think it's a great idea. Limit your grocery shopping to the produce, meat and dairy departments, doing little shopping from the inner aisles. The fresh foods from the outside edges of the store are much more beneficial to your body than the processed, man-made foods in the middle.

3. Self-control. I've used this word with several people lately and they've all said the same thing. Yeah...that's a problem. I don't know why this lovely fruit of the Spirit is so difficult, but it's one that has to be tamed to eat healthy. If you're prayed up about controlling your mind and your cravings, you can accomplish anything - through Christ which strengtheneth you!

4. Common sense. Fast food every day or a cozy, home-cooked meal? Half a dozen cans of soda or one can and two bottles of water? Greasy pizza or a steak salad? We know the answers, or at least we should by now. The turning point in eating healthy comes when we use the common sense God gave us and make wise decisions.

A Valentine's Gift Box

As unbelievable as it is, there are only three weeks left until Valentine's Day. That's plenty of time, though, to put together a lovely, handmade gift for that special someone.

For example, this gift box was made completely with dollar store finds and scraps from other projects. But the recipient will never know because it's a precious presentation piece for your other gifts.

You'll need:
* Chinese take-away box, or other gift box
* decorator paper
* coordinating card stock
* piece of ribbon
* letter stickers

I found these Chinese take-away boxes at the dollar store in packages of 4. So now I have them in both gold and silver. You can start by looking in the holiday section and then check in the party goods aisle.

1. Cut a piece of card stock to fit one panel of the box. You can do both sides if you like and have enough paper.

2. Mat the decorator paper inside the card stock square.

3. Use your sticker letters to spell out your message. Be as simple or elaborate as you'd like.

4. Attach the square to the side of the box.

5. Tie a short piece of ribbon to the handle of the box. Cut the ends to a point.

And now you've got a beautiful little gift box for your Valentine. You can fill it with other dollar store finds, too. Use tissue paper or basket fill for the packaging. Top it with candy, erasers, candles, notepad and pens, small toys, new MP3 headphones or any other treasures you might stumble upon. Just make it personal and from the heart.

The Undertaker's Wife

I adore being the undertaker's wife. It touches my heart that my husband and I can be a blessing to people during the most difficult times of their lives. Death is not an easy subject for most people, but comfort and encouragement can heal even the most shattered of hearts.

God's Word is the only comfort and encouragement that can do that type of healing. Whether you're going through a death in your family, struggles in your personal or professional life or any other difficulties, Scripture is an everlasting comfort when you need it most.

Here are a few of my favorite verses of comfort and peace.

* Genesis 9:11-17 (The covenant with Noah)
* Exodus 3:13-14 (I AM THAT I AM)
* Numbers 13:25-30 (We are well able to overcome it)
* Deuteronomy 4:30-31 (He will not forsake thee)
* Joshua 1:6-9 (Be strong and of a good courage)
* Ruth 3:11 (Now, my daughter, fear not)
* 1 Samuel 1:19 (And the Lord remembered her)
* 2 Samuel 22 (David's song of praise)
* Job 19:25 (I know my redeemer liveth)
* Psalms (Yes, the entire book!)
* Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (To every thing there is a season)
* Isaiah 30:18-19 (He will answer thee)
* Jeremiah 29:11-13 (thoughts of peace)
* Lamentations 3:20-26 (the Lord's mercies)
* Ezekiel 34:11-16 (The Good Shepherd)
* Daniel 6:26-27 (the power of God)
* Joel 2:26-27 (He hath dealt wonderously with you)
* Jonah 2:7 (I remembered the Lord)
* Habakkuk 2:14 (the glory of the Lord)
* Zechariah 10:1 (Ask ye of the Lord)

* Matthew 5:1-12 (The Beatitudes)
* Mark 4:35-41 (Why are ye so fearful?)
* Luke 12:22-34 (Fear not, little flock)
* John 3:16-18 ( For God so loved)
* Acts 1:11 (why stand ye gazing up into heaven?)
* Romans 5:1-5 (we have peace with God)
* 1 Corinthians 9:24 (run the race)
* 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (the God of all comfort)
* Galatians 2:20 (I am crucified with Christ)
* Ephesians 6:10-20 (the whole armour of God)
* Philippians 1:20-26 (To live is Christ, to die is gain)
* 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (comfort your hearts)
* 1 Timothy 1:14-17 (I obtained mercy)
* 2 Timothy 1:7-12 (I am persuaded)
* Titus 2:11-15 (the grace of God)
* Hebrews 4:14-16 (our great high priest)
* James 1:17-18 (every good and perfect gift)
* 1 Peter 2:21-25 (Christ, our great example)
* 1 John 4:18-19 (no fear in love)
* Revelation 22 (Yes, the entire chapter!)

What are you favorite Scriptures of peace, comfort and encouragement?

A Weekend Of Thirsting

This is the first green plant that I bought for our new home. When I picked it out it was all green and full and vibrant. I knew this bay window was the perfect place for a plant so lovely.

Now, there's no picture of my thumb because it is definitely not green. After just a couple of weeks my poor plant was droopy and sad...not the vibrant plant I brought home. I watered it ever few days, but it just wasn't making it.

So I started watering it more. You could practically hear it slurping up the water through its little roots. Apparently I was doing the right thing, just not enough of it.

My beautiful plant gets watered just about every day of the week now, and it's even greener, fuller and more vibrant than when I found it.

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Psalm 42:1

Make this a weekend of thirsting for God. In the way both the deer and the green plant long for water, we should be panting, thirsting, longing for the presence of the Lord. Let's lay aside the temporary, worldly things that have us all tied up in knots - that will leave us open for the Living Water that will quench our thirst.