God is moving in CR

I broke the clock. I felt ashamed and like a failure. Isn't it interesting how "situations" in our past life can linger, creating a bunch of lies about who we are?  Someone can bring a problem to me today and if I am still holding onto those lies that I am a failure, guess what? I go back to the kid that broke the clock. Then that creates problems in resolving even the smallest conflicts today. Then I begin to feel ashamed, threatened, even sad, angry or afraid. Those misplaced emotions in that moment then lead me to respond in my old dysfunctional ways. God is teaching me that when a problem is presented to me, stop and recognize where these feelings are coming from. If they are based on lies, I must not only reject those lies but then replace them with His truth. This can't be done alone though. I can do it with His help and those around me. It is then that I can learn to let go of those past lies and begin living a new life of freedom un-handcuffed from...

Have you ever stolen something? I had this question come up in my step group this morning and was reminded of a time in junior high. In the locker room someone left their wallet on the bench and I told another guy that I knew whose it was and that I would take it to him. Guess what? I didn't. I noticed it had money in it so I pocketed it. Then the principal came to me and pulled me out of class since someone told him I had it in hand last. "Did you take the wallet?" he asked. I told him I gave it to someone else I didn't know...."could you identify who it was if you saw him?" uh...sure. So, we then proceeded to walk into every junior high class and let me step in to see if I could identify the "person". Yeah, its getting deeper in here... The only problem was, I was "that person". Talk about an exhausting hour of my life.  I know my teachers knew I did it but I held fast to my lie. I was miserable.... That's the thing with ho...

Here's something to chew on... "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed, but if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24 Reading this passage this morning hits me in new and fresh ways. This reminds me that I must be willing to let down my pride and die to my "own will" so that Christ can take over and allow "His will" to shine in my life. Even though letting go of what 'I' think is best can be a scary and painful fall to the ground, I am grateful to see this lead to a new life that produces many new seeds in my life. A daily battle to not take it back again. Is Christ pruning you right now? I know its painful but consider letting go and hold onto the hope that He will then make room for 'much fruit' in your life. (Jn 15) What a wonderful legacy we can leave for our family. Have a blessed Sunday! Rodney

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." Those that live in the NW Arkansas area know how incredible the colors are right now with the leaves changing colors. Experts say that this year the colors are brighter and more vibrant than they have been in a long time because of all the rain we had earlier in the year. This got me to thinking about what those trees endured thru the year. Strong winds, heavy rains, scorching heat, and more. The heavy rain poured down on these trees were a big part of making them what they are today.  I find great encouragement in this today being reminded that seasons of rain bring great beauty. Looking at the beautiful colors, it's as if the trees, in all their weather tested beauty, are shouting praises to the Creator. "Righteous people will rejoice. They will jump for joy before God. They'll be jubilant with great rejoicing." Psalm 68:3 Praise Him even in the storm, change is coming...