Locked Out

I locked myself out.  Years ago, my parent’s converted their garage into a family room thus; there is a lock on the door.  I was cleaning up when I decided the door was obstructing my way so I slammed it shut.  I knew right then I was in trouble. I had locked myself in the family room with no way out and no one in the house but me.  But knowing my father, I was certain there was a screw driver in the room.  I just needed to calmly look for my escape.  I found the kit with the smallest of tools in his desk drawer.  Mind you, I have never popped a lock before, but with persistence and strength, I unlocked the door by unscrewing the door knob.  I was set free using my father’s toolkit. I was able to walk through the door and enjoy the entirety of my father's home.

Revelation 3:7-8

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth and shutteth, and no man openeth.  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior has the key that unlocks the door.  He opens the door and invites us to walk through.  No man can shut the door and keep us out of God’s Kingdom.  We were each born locked out by sin.  We can remain locked in our sins and out of God's kingdom when we refuse to walk through the open door.  The key has been provided. If you have not put your faith in Jesus, do so now because the door will eventually be shut.  Once shut, this door’s lock cannot be popped or picked.

 

 

There is Hope

I am spending the next several days with my Mom while my Dad spends time with his siblings in South Carolina.  Dad has been at his wife’s side combing her hair, massaging her stiff neck, taking her to doctor’s appointments and feeding her since she fell ill several years ago.  September 8, 2014 will mark sixty years together.  Alzheimer’s may have taken my Mom’s memory but it has had no effect on her warm smile nor the twinkle in her eye that can still turn my Dad’s darkest days into joy.  God has been faithful to them both.  He continues to provide a glimmer of hope and compassion to can carry them through one more day. He dispenses a fresh supply of mercy each morning.  Great is His faithfulness.  Whatever your circumstance, your trial or burden, place your hope in Him. He will never leave you or forsake you. Commit Lamentations 3:22-24 to memory.  My parents, Bruce & Katie Hall can attest to His faithfulness.

²² Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
²³ They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
 

Our Plans

A few weeks ago, my plans were to drop by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at North Central Baptist Hospital to check on a sick newborn then head to the office. I was flustered because I had gone to the wrong floor, and then my badge would not work to get into the NICU.  After seeing the baby, I could not find someone to let me out of the secured unit.  I was more than hot, losing ten minutes, blocked at every conceivable point just to see one baby.  I finally made it to the elevator along with another physician.  He went to the back of the elevator, turned around and his badge with his name and sub-specialty caught my eye.  Earlier that morning I had dropped in to visit a friend hospitalized at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital.  My friend was in severe pain waiting on a subspecialist to manage his care.  The doctor I was standing with in the elevator was the specialist my friend needed.  I asked him about consulting on my friend’s case.  This doctor scrolled his text messages and there my friend’s name was in black and white.  The specialist had not gotten the formal request yet, but he was more than happy to assist with the care of my friend.  The ten minutes I had been held up, God used to place me at the right place at the right time.

                                                                   

                                                                            Proverbs 16:9                                                                    

 A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.

We make plans, but thanks be to God, He directs our steps.  My plan was to be in that elevator ten minutes earlier, but God had a plan that allowed me to meet the doctor who could help my friend.  I was aggravated that my day was not going according to plan.  My aggravation was turned to joy when I realized God was at work providing just what I needed.  Doors open and close at preordained times.  Be patient until the door opens and allow God to direct your steps.

 

 

Smile :)

I’m having a girl!!  Finally, after two sons and four nephews on my side of the family, I can say, it’s a girl. I had to wait for the second generation to finally have the opportunity to shop in the little girl’s section.  I will no longer be limited to two turn styles with a choice of navy blue, black or khaki slacks. Do you know how many rough-hewn sterling silver cross I have purchased?  I can now have a legitimate reason to browse in Claire’s for earrings, headbands, cute necklaces and bracelets.  As luck would have it, the San Antonio Express News had an article on CI Castro Children’s Clothing & Fabric Outlet, a family company that has been making dresses for generations.  I might start stocking up now. Who cares that she’s not due until July.  The creation of a Diva requires planning and time. 

I have no scripture, no life application and nothing to engage and challenge you with in this post.  I’m just thrilled to finally have that girl.  I travelled to Austin this week to share the news with my mother.  I pulled up the picture on my phone and exclaimed, “Nana, we are having a girl.”  My mom, despite her loss of memory and movement, opened her eyes and smiled.  We are both delighted and I hope this blessed event brings a smile to your face as well.

 

Hit Play, if the post did not make you smile, maybe the song will.  I love it!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salty

Madea is one salty woman.  Searching for an appropriate YouTube clip of Madea for this blog proved fruitless.  She says what she wants, when she wants and how she wants.  Her language is not always grammatically or politically correct.  We are entertained by her.   Some even aspire to be like her but her spunkiness is not the kind of salt Jesus was talking about in Mathew 5:13

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Beginning with the Beatitudes, Jesus described the character of a blessed disciple.  We can only achieve this kind of character through surrendering our lives to the power of the Holy Spirit.  Our lives must reflect a character shift.  What comes out of our mouth is not exempt.  Our tongues need taming.  Some things don’t need to be said, at least not by us.  Yes, the world needs seasoning but it has to be the right kind.  Salt is a preservative, provides punch and purifies.  This is the kind of flavor we add to the world around us.  We bring healing, righteousness and staying power.  Aspire to BE salt and not just salty.

 

New Life

The days had been cold, overcast and dreary.  The grass was dry, the weeds sprouting and the tree branches, drab and bare.  But in the midst of it all, there was new life.  While driving away from the house one morning, I saw bright reddish-orange leaves sprouting on a healthy green shrub surrounded by dormant bushes and overgrowth.  What a revelation, that God could create new life from what looks like a dying situation.  He can take what looks devastating in our lives and use it for our good.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Major changes have occurred in my office this past week rocking my world, nudging me out of my comfort zone. Today I have peace in knowing that God does not put more on me than I can bear using both good and bad to conform me into the image of His Son.  When trying times come, and they will, be confident in knowing that nothing can hurt God’s people so deeply that God cannot use that very thing to turn it around for our good.  He always gives new life to a bad situation.

 

Battery-Powered

I get so irritated when the garage door opener does not work.  Early one morning this week, I clicked the thing three or four time to no avail.  I unhooked it from the visor, pointing it directly at the door, nothing.  It was especially aggravating because I was going to have to get out of the car in the cold to close the door manually. 

As you probably guessed, I needed a new battery.  A remote door opener will not open a door without a working battery.  Moving it to a new position, clicking in ten times or throwing it out the window will not make it work.  At times, we as believers allow our batteries to run low.  Drained and exhausted, we do not feel like going to church.  We do not want to participate in ministry.  We have no desire to read the word or to pray in earnest.  We wonder why we have no joy, no passion and no direction.  We try reading self-help books, counseling with friends or even attempt to pull away from the church body when the answer lies in following David’s lead in Psalm 51:12 pleading with the Father to “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Investigate what caused your battery to run low in the first place.  If repentance is in order, repent.  Then ask God to renew the right Spirit within you, revive your battery and rekindle that spark.  Then sit back and watch doors open.