There is no app

It dawned on me this morning that there is an app for mostly everything in life! From recipes to running to relaxing, there is an app. Apps can bring you closer to your bank account at the touch of your finger or show you your saved photos and even turn them into a book.

I am not a high-tech chick at all! My better half at work, Dena, saves me in the day and my teen age daughter saves me at night with my technology and app needs.

It occurred to me today that there is one thing in life that there is not and will never be an app for. That is my relationship with Jesus and for that matter, my relationships with those around me. They take real time and real commitment! Love can not be "apped" and the way you spell love is TIME. It will take time with Jesus at your kitchen table studying, in your car as you drive noticing the sunset, and during your slumber when you wake up for the tenth time and finally ask The Lord why you are up again.

As with any relationship that grows, your relationship with Jesus will only get better over the years. Just like a good friend that you go to spend the weekend with to catch up, offer each other encouragement, laugh, and cry with. Consider all of these part of your relationship with Jesus. I think maybe what grows the most with The Lord is TRUST! Even though life can be full if heartache and challenges, over the years you learn you have a relationship with a God you can trust!

The App Store on my phone reminds me when I need to update my apps. The Holy Spirit living in me reminds me when I need to update my relationship with Jesus. It reminds me of that daily. Are you in need of an update with The Lord? He is waiting today to spend time with you. He will never be too busy for you. He will never give up on you because it has been a while since you have updated!

Jeremiah 29:13 says "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Seek Him today!

Take cover

When I pulled back in the carport this morning after the morning drop off that includes 3 schools, I saw an unfamiliar sight. Belle did not meet me at the cattle guard, but was stationed in her doghouse. I know that there are some nights that she crawls in it, but not usually during the day. My only conclusion is that there is a storm coming!

Belle hates the rain and especially when it blows in on a cold day! I guess this morning, (no...I will not say that I know for sure what my four legged friend was thinking,) she decided the storm was coming and she would go on and take cover. Smart girl!

I spotted her there, had one of my random thoughts that I could write about, and jumped out of my car to snap a picture before she moved.

Belle reminded me that I can take cover. She reminded me they I need to take cover when a storm is coming. I don't mean a storm that produces rain, sleet, or wind, but a storm that brings hard times with it. Storms like the trials we face with our family, health, finances, grades in school, future doubts, and even living in the past with regret. That's the kind of storm that I'm referring to and we all have been caught smack dab in the middle of one at one time or another in life.

No matter what conditions ushered you into the storm you are facing or the storm you will face, you can take cover! I love this word in Psalm 17:6 -8. You need not be a Bible Scholar to take it in and be encouraged by it. David wrote"I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings."

Only a fool would try to maneuver through a storm alone after reading that. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He is right beside you waiting to cover you in the storm. Ask Him. If you doubt your salvation, doubt no more and pray to invite Jesus into your heart today. We were never meant to battle storms alone. We can take cover in Jesus. In Him, life is safe and calm even in the midst of a storm.

Shake it off

My nephew, Bragg Bonner, who very well could be one of the smartest kids on the planet, walked with me yesterday from his house back to mine. It was one of the most pleasant 20 minutes of my week. He remembers everything and is a gifted story teller. He even remembers the class ranking of his mother and father. He says, to quote him, "Aunt Betsy, my mom is way smarter than my dad." Oh, I could eat him up!

We were watching for cars and trucks as we walked, but we really had to watch for ants. They we're crowding out 833 with their piles after the recent rain. Bragg told me a story about how last year he was playing in his dirt pile and got into ants. He had to strip down to nothing he said!

I thought of him this morning and his tale of the run-in with the ants because we do have to shake stuff off. "Shake it off"is a common sports saying after you strike out, miss the shot, or loose the first match. If a team can't shake it off, they can't win! That is true of us in life too. We all will make mistakes, get into things that will hurt us, but we better learn to shake off those days or maybe even months or years or we will never win!

Shake something off today that is holding you down. Old baggage, sins, attitudes, resentments, mistakes, or even regrets because life sure can get heavy!

Maybe you are caught in the battle mentioned in John 10:10. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Those are the words of Jesus, so shake "it" off today, and take one step closer to the abundant life that He has planned for you!

You're not worried, are you?

I just picked up an old book and climbed into my husband's recliner with my coffee. Thankful I am actually up today early with some time to read. My house is quiet, except for the clothes clashing and turning in the dryer and the 2 dogs who are currently playfully feuding over one chew stick. Hey, this is quiet for this place! Even an occasional growl is quietness to me.

I carried this book with me my last trip to Baylor and wrote a few notes in the inside flap. It says this:
man on walker
Wife in wheelchair
Nurse pushes her
He says to her "You're not worried, are you?"
I smile at them as they go by. No words, really not much eye contact, just a smile. I could almost see the years of love, probably children they had raised, days they had spent together in the garden, at the kitchen table, and on their back porch together. Now they were together, not hand in hand, but still walking down the hallway together with help.

His words hit me that day. They were so sweet. It was not the usual conversation that we hear about lunch plans, a meetings results, kids and sports, a shopping list, or even what doctor they were going to see.

His words seemed to be spoken to reassure her, check on her, but also because I think he wanted her to reassure him that everything was going to be ok, that she was going to be ok. That he was going to be ok. They were a team!

The couple offered each other so much comfort as they walked, as they were pushed. In this world, we better comfort someone! Days are wasted of we do not! We better be a part of our team. John 14:16 says too "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may remain with you forever."

I don't know what you need today. I don't even know what I am going to need when I get up from this chair. I do know that when Jesus spoke these words in John, He meant that He was going away, but really He would never leave us because the Holy Spirit was going to remain with us, comfort us, guide us, and help us! Thank you, Lord for that member of your team that lives in me.

So, I ask... You are not worried, are you? If so, there is only one place to turn for real comfort.

The new dog

We were blessed with a free gift last week! It is a puppy. His name is Bonner and he is 100% Jack Russell according to my recent research into the breed. Last night was my first full night of rest since his arrival. I feel like I have been thrust back into the days of an infant in the house again. We started the crate training last night. I had earplugs on hand, but I am proud to say that he did very well! My bed was nice and calm again. I've never been one to let my kids sleep with us so I was going to die trying to not allow a dog in the bed!

I got so tickled a few mornings ago after I carried him out at 5 to take care of his business. I refuse to get up and stay up at that time with my hubby so I jumped back in bed and left Bonner boy down to play. Branden, the resident early bird, was already in the shower. My peace and quiet was interrupted after about 5 minutes because Bonner evidently thought he would snooze some more too. He stood on my side of the bed and started the pitiful whining, jumping, please pick me up thing. I am a teacher and mother of four, so I practiced ignoring the negative behavior thing, but it wasn't working. He was determined. I was just plain exhausted!

You are thinking here... That wimpy Betsy, she gave in and picked the puppy Up! Wrong! Try again.

Branden stepped out of the shower and heard the bind I was in. He opened the bathroom door and simply said "puppy" and Bonner instantly forgot all about me and took off into the bathroom with his buddy to play.

I rolled back over, fixed my pillow just right, and was out! When I woke up, I couldn't help but replay the early morning events in my head and think... That Bonner boy and I have a lot in common and I don't think I'm the only one who "FLITS" around quickly.

Human nature and especially in this era of fast wifi, drive through windows, and microwave popcorn makes it so easy for us to change our minds really rapidly! That is not always a good thing. At times, we need to focus, stay on task, and refuse to leave or give up until the job is finished. Much like Bonner boy, we think we know what we really want until something else catches our eye. We change too much and too often.

The Lord helps me focus and often slows me down. Jesus lived to set an example for us. We should aim to imitate Him. He is constant. He is forever. I love the verse in Hebrews 13:8 that says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

In a world where life changes and we change out minds so often, that is such a comforting truth. My plans, moods, circumstances may change, but my Jesus will not!

Prayer and friends

One of my dearest friends lives several hours away and is currently in one of the biggest trials of her life! Her mom has recently battled cancer for the 2nd time and won. (Applause and big, thankful smiles!!!)

Her dad was diagnosed in the middle of her moms treatments and is still fighting the fight. He is currently not feeling well. Dennis is a huge man with a huge heat. He has always been big and strong. It is a little hard for everyone to see this giant of a man smaller and weaker.

I find myself praying for all 3 of them often! I pray for healing, strength, peace, and a closeness to The Lord like never before. I just ramble on and on daily to the Lord on their behalf. One thing that I don't have to pray for LOVE! They are a precious family so full of love for each other that it overflows. There may be oxygen tanks in their home and 2 of the 3 of them are bald as can be from chemo, but there is love! What a blessing and gift that is.

I had Sherri on my mind so much that one day this week I was writing my kids names on cups and wrote her name in! (See picture)

When I think of friendship, friends like her, and the love of family in good times and bad, I can't help but think of the source of all love! Love begins and ends with Jesus Christ! His love fills us up when we involve Him in our lives, and as a result of Him, we can love others!

Speaking of love, I love this verse: "Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies" from Psalms 36:5. Look that up today and really take it in! His love reaches to the heavens and his faithfulness to the skies! Rest today in that love. Live in that love today and pass it on with a hug, phone call, text, card mailed, meal delivered, prayer prayed, or even a simple smile. Thought of the day is a simple one: love!

You name is not...

Bosque had a run in with something that caused an infection in his foot a few days ago. I was about to say in his little foot and then I thought really... Is anything about his foot little? No! He had to have it cleaned out yesterday and like any 9 year old kid, he says he had foot surgery!

Blaise offered to tuck him in last night, help him with his covers, and get him all ready for bed. I was finishing up the dishes before I headed that way and heard him say "Are you MOM? Is your name Mom, I need mom." He wanted me to tuck him in and her substituting was not going to work.

Although sister's move was sweet, it just didn't cut it. It reminded me that there is a lot in a name! I smiled in church Sunday when Pastor Ken mentioned "banner". I love that her name is in the Bible and smile every time I hear it! Funny that Brazos, Bosque, and Blaise are sure not Bible names, but pretty special too.

Back on task here...There is a lot in the name of The Lord! He is my help, my Savior, my friend, my Rock, the list goes on and on!!!

Bosque wanted me to help him! Nobody else would do! This verse speaks that same truth. Psalms 121:1-2 says "I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from The Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

The Lord is my help! Nobody else will do. Why look elsewhere for what you need today? Go to Him! No substitution will work.