You see, it's kinda like this

Today I delivered a message on sin. Not a popular topic to say the least but one that needed to be addressed.

So Holy Spirit said, the relationship with sin is similar to being in an abusive relationship. Sin would be your ex. The ex that doesn't want to let you go. He's the old mop and broom in the Swifter commercial trying to gain access back in the house.

The situation at the house is volatile when Sheriff Jesus comes knocking at the door and delivers you, saves you from your bad relationship. Not only does He rescue you, Jesus wants to be your new one and only, enters covenant relationship with you and sets up house for the two of you.

There was a lot of behind the scenes work to get you out of that house and Jesus paid a great deal to deliver you and set up this new place for you.

So Jesus has one house rule...no mementos, no heart-shaped pictures frame of you and your ex in the new house He just paid for. How disrespectful to bring in memorabilia from a relationship you had to be saved out of because there was no way you could have delivered yourself. It's like bringing your old mattress from your old relationship to a new one. Ewwww.

So Jesus says I will not tolerate anything regarding your ex. You're with me now.

But we try to bring the ex into the new house! We try to slip him in at the back door. We talk real quiet on the phone to him in the back room hoping Jesus won't hear.

I tell you this much, Jesus is not tolerating that foolishness in a house he paid for. He'll leave. You know, take that drive around the corner till you come to your senses. You see Jesus and your ex can't coexist in the same place. It ain't gonna happen.

Sin aka your ex has to be completely forsaken if you and Jesus are going to be together. He's not sharing. He's already committed to you. Are you committed to Him?

So ditch the ex and you and Jesus live out that happily ever after.

The end.

A little irritant

After being up for a bit this morning, something got into my eye. My hope was that it would go away on its own. That if I could create some tears it would wash its self out. I had been up since 5 a.m. and wanted to go back to sleep. Well whatever it was was persistent and I finally got up and flushed my eye. I wanted whatever it was out. I couldn't take it any longer.

Then I thought about the scripture (Matthew 7) where Jesus admonishes us to take care of the beam in our own eye before attempting to help remove the splinter in our brother's eye. I know this much, I was no good to anyone this morning until I got whatever that was out of my eye. Anything in ones' eye screams to be washed out. An irritant in such a sensitive area demands removal.

A beam is a large piece of wood! We're talking about a huge piece of lumber, a plank from the old pirate movies, a 2x10 if you will.

My question is how does one become desensitized to something that big in such a sensitive area? And at the same time feels the need to minister to someone with a splinter? That's deep!

Jesus was teaching that we are tolerant of the gross negligence within us and justify it, yet at the same time intolerant of even the smallest mishaps from our brothers and sisters. Jesus is talking about hypocrites. Somehow the dirt we do is OK because of so called extenuating circumstances - the plank, but the oversight by our brother or sister - the splinter, requires that you point it out and attempt to render aid. Do you know how insane this looks? Remove the big ole piece of wood from my own eye first, then I can help someone else. What a novel idea Jesus!

I know I was miserable this morning with whatever was in my eye. And finally when I couldn't take it any longer had to do something about it and trust me it wasn't long either!

May God help His people to become sensitive to what is in their eye and ask Him to wash out whatever that thing may be.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Ready to confess

Today I had the sheer enjoyment of taking a midday nap with my beloved! With the house full, there were constant knocks at my door though! Gotta love the kids right? LOL! I'm looking forward to him being on vacation soon because the kids will still be in school for most of it!

Ready for my confession?

I've been cheating myself.

I wasn't ready to admit that certain areas of my life required more time and dedication than I was giving them. Because to do so, meant saying no to some other things. Well, I'm ready to excel in those areas so I'll be saying no more often and gasp, turning my phone off. This has everything to do with the thing God revealed and I'm coming in line with what He showed me.

So that's my big confession!

Signing off for the night...

Is that what I think it is?

Last week marked the move to our new home; it has been two years already! I'm still just as grateful, actually more so for this place. Our home was a new build and with new construction come infant trees. One of our neighbors had to have their tree replaced because for some unknown reason it did not survive.

We thought our tree wouldn't make it either. Whoever planted our tree did a really poor job. It wasn't buried deep enough and the slightest gust of wind had our tree leaning. When Hurricane Ike came through our city we thought we would lose the tree for good. After the storm, one of our neighbors helped us dig it up, dig a deeper hole and we replanted the tree.

Look what I discovered this morning!



An acorn!

And there were even a couple in the grass.

I was encouraged by this site this morning.

Just when you think something isn't producing, just when you think you have a failed crop, just when you're ready to uproot, you find an acorn. You find fruit. You find signs of life and productivity. The little tree that I was ready to give up on has produced. Soon there will be birds and squirrels in my yard...all signs of life and productivity. This tree had a rough start, weathered a few bad storms but has managed to produce despite it's less than favorable beginnings.

That one acorn spoke volumes this morning.

Truly thankful today.

Tis The Season

This has been year of insane growth and revelation. It's also been one of the stressful years I've known but that's due to me not letting somethings go. They're gone now and life is much better. I marvel at what I've learned and wonder, was that there all the time? Why didn't I see it before? It has been a year of discovery and wisdom attained. If this is 40, then 40 is indeed fabulous.

So tis the season to be thankful for all the lessons learned, all the changes occurring inwardly and for how those changes impact the outside.

I won't call 2009 a bad year even though some really crappy stuff happened to our family, we survived. It all worked for our good.

Wise enough to know life happens and it will all unfold a day at a time. And because my life is hid in His, it really is all good.

Thinking big picture now.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

TODAY IS MY DAY!

I woke up on the right side of bed
Cause you were the first thing in my head
Today is my day
-Canton Jones

Today is my best day ever!

Woke up feeling exremely blessed. God is so awesome. Love the Thanksgiving season. God has beem wonderful and I'm so grateful. Hubby is on vacation soon for three whole weeks! He is such a great husband and father. Evan will not only learn what it is to be a man but a man of God from the world's best.

I see it all coming together. We are ending the year on top. Last year had more questions than answers but God has proven himself and much has been answered and resolved. I wouldn't serve anybody else but Him.

I'm old enough to recognize patterns and trends and not be too moved by what I see. I'm coolwith who and what God says about me. I love my life as His representative. I'll be light and salt.

Prophetess Karen told me about one of her greatest compliments...someone said that she was more God than most people wanted. That's how you know you're doing it right. Light exposes darkness. And why not be completely sold out?

I am thrilled today.

A bank account overflowing with billions today couldn't top my gratefulness and love for the Father.

But God you can always try me and see!

It's a good day.

It's my day.

What it means

One of my favorite episodes of Malcom in the Middle is when the second oldest boy Reese is discovering he is growing up. You have to watch the show to know that the antics that go on in the house are hilarious. Reese and his brothers typify youth in all of its ignorant bliss. Reese comes across some contraption and he and his brothers drag it home. He finally confesses that this stupid stunt he wants to do will probably be his last.

He said he keeps hearing voices that say, "Don't do that, that could hurt" or "That's very dangerous." Reese sadly said that the voices that say, "Yea, let's do that" are getting dimmer and that as he gets older he probably won't hear them anymore. This stunt would be his last chance at youthful mayhem before the voices went away for good and he'd be a full fledged adult; understanding consequences and choosing his well being over foolishness.

It happens to all of us; well almost all of us.

It's the point where you grow up in your thinking and become aware of the danger, the evil, the potential harm in the world. It's when you realize there are serious consequences and truly start weighing risks. Some people are high risk takers by nature and even as they age may be willing to take on more than some.

Becoming an adult is putting away childish thinking such as Reese attempted in that hilarious episode. It's a new awareness of the world around you both for good and bad. It's accepting responsibility for your own actions.

One day I realized that just because I was an adult, didn't mean that my awareness of the world around me should instill fear and strip me of joy and peace. No, I don't have plans to go base jumping or try some other extreme sport but I won't let the constant bombardment of bad news, foiled terrorist's plots and pharmaceutical company's constant message that something could be wrong with me and why I should ask for a free trial of their drug keep me from living well and enjoying peace and joy as rightful heir.

I'm aware but I refuse to be fearful.

So like Reese, the foolish voices to do stupid stuff have been quiet for a good minute now, but what I won't replace them with are voices that say be afraid, be overly suspicious, and trust no one. I'll choose the life and life more abundantly living that Jesus promised. I've learned to bring my thought life in line with the what-so-ever list in scripture which is contrary to what I see on TV and hear on the radio.

Loving my life today and where I am in Him.

A Year Ago Today

Nana, Jessica and Me
My mom made these lovely matching ensem's for me and my sister.

My Nana went to Heaven a year ago today. My account of the day can be found here and highlights from our trip to Shreveport can be found here. Has it really been a year already? Really though? At the age of 94, she truly had earned her rest. She is with her Jesus now. She will never be forgotten...never. I shared some of my memories last night with a classmate who just lost her mother last month. The tales of Nana Brown are legendary. It's time for a visit to Shreveport. I want to take the kids where we laid Nana to rest. I want them to see where she grew up, where she picked cotton as a little girl and see the house she and her sister spent days drinking coffee, laughing and reminiscing. I want them to walk the land our family owns out in the country and pick some more greens. Nana taught me to appreciate family. Thanks Nana. Love you much.

On that great getting up morning...we'll meet again.

That's Done

I like Monday classes. I'm done for the week and can concentrate on other things. This works for me! The teacher is very good and keeps the class interesting and moving along. I won't lie there is some yawning but not much!

I met a pastor's wife in class tonight and we talked. Love fellowship with the saints! Changing class nights has been a truly good thing so far.

Now to get on top of the house and laundry and groceries. I also get to fine tune my paper for class; the professor gave us extra time and I appreciate it! I'm also revamping my resume and writing out initial instruction I heard in my quiet time.

The weather has turned cold and I love it!

Here's to a productive day.

Close of another weekend

It's been a good weekend. Good football, awesome church and fellowship. Daf's Suburban has been a God-send! Our families can all ride in one vehicle and I'll confess that I enjoy driving it. Very nice handling and ride!

Having a one year old in the house who is enamored with my spouse is adorable. She is such a sweet baby.

Tomorrow I return to class and will work on my paper that's due. Just one more chapter to read and I'm done.

Time to call it a day.

Mama Birds Know

When chicks peck their way out of shells that are too small, mothers and some fathers are ready to care for their offspring. They prepare a nest, a home; they bring food for their little ones. Newborn chicks are helpless and vulnerable and instinctively these parents know how to care for their little ones.

They also know when it's time to kick them out of the nest. They know when its time for dependent chicks to try their wings and perfect their natural ability to fly. Some birds hang out at the nest for awhile even after they've learned to fly but not for too long. There comes a time when parents instinctively know their work is done and it's time for offspring to perfect their natural ability to fly. There are no more worms to bring back to the nest, it's time for them to fly.

This momma knows her work is done and it's time for natural and spiritual children to fly.

Undefeated

Here they are! The undefeated Titans! We are so proud of their hard work!
The coaches are to be commended!
It's playoff time...You don't want none!

So proud of these guys!

Coming to an end

Football season is coming to an end and I'll admit I'm a bit saddened. I have enjoyed getting to know the other parents. I really enjoyed being outdoors underneath the Texas sky with my beloved despite the mosquitoes. I have enjoyed yelling to the top of my lungs at the games. No matter who is running the ball, I'm the mom screaming, "Run baby, run!"

Flag football is a different animal and we"ll participate in the Spring under the Titans banner. Mr. NFL wants to play basketball next and he'll benefit from track in the summer as he prepares for the next tackle football season.

So it looks like this will be my life for the next few years and I'm looking forward to it.
My name is Lisa Alexander and I am football mom.

Happy Friday

This week I had a chance to visit with my dear friend via telephone and as usual, I am always blessed by our visits. Iron sharpens iron! Again, I absolutely love the crew God has placed in my life!

School starts Monday and this class and I'm excited about the class...Business Communication! Looked at the syllabus and the information can be used immediately!

Taking it easy today...

Have a great day everyone!

I Trust You

I love being a Christian. I love belonging and serving the Lord God Almighty. I love that He calls me friend and has plans for me.

Does everything go right all the time in my life? Am I immune to hurt, suffering, or heartache? Not by a long shot. But what I do have is the assurance that it all works out for my good. No questions asked. It all works. And He has proven Himself time and time again to be faithful. And I love Him for it. I love Him for watching over me, not forsaking me in my stupidity and keeping faithful watch over me. Why because I belong to Him. Nothing happens without His knowing or approval. His Glory is made crystal clear in my life.

Today I feel so secure in His love, His might, His strength, His power, His plans for me. I know my life is divinely orchestrated. I know that one day, I'll see Him and all of this will be worth it.

So I trust Him with my life. I feel safe in Him just as I did when my grandma held me during the earthquake and went back to sleep.

I trust His plans for me.

I trust His ability to deliver.

I trust His ability to keep me.

I trust that when I close my eyes for the last time, I'll wake up in His presence and say, Hey you! I just want to give Him a big hug and say thanks for everything.

I'm glad my life is hid in His.

She loved me

A couple of nights ago I dreamed about both of my grandmothers. I understand why...well kind of. We're approaching the one year anniversary of Nana Brown's passing so that made sense. But I also dreamed about my Grandma Betty. She passed away when I was Evan's age. I loved her so much and she loved me.

I was a sensitive kid growing up and it didn't take much to make me cry. I had relatives who took advantage of this and picked on me as a kid. I was sharing this with Elgin and it's amazing that as a child, you group people into two groups, those who hurt and those who don't. I have no such memory of Grandma Betty being someone who hurt me. I felt safe around her. She never talked about me, made me feel bad about myself and this is how I knew she loved me. Now there are other relatives who I was glad to not have to interact with once my parents divorced. I forgave them of course but my Grandma Betty still holds a special place in my heart even 20 years later.

I remember the earthquake of '71 very well. I was very young but I remember the event. I was asleep with my grandma in her bed when the earth shook. I remember waking up, and Grandma Betty threw her arm over me and we rode out the earthquake and went back to sleep. I remember her putting her arms around me and me feeling safe.

I look forward to showing this same kind of love to my own grandchildren one day.

1 Cor 13: 4-7 (NLT) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

We are unable to comply with your request

Recently, a well-known comedian was interviewed on Christian TV and he had a request of the people of God, the Christian community. He asked us to "broaden the little white line" because there were lots of cats who wanted to be a Christian; if only if it were not for that little white line.

Sorry, the remnant is unable to comply with your request.

First, the line is not ours to broaden and woe to them who have attempted to do so! This is called compromise and the reason I believe for so many profane things being named among God's people and foolishness taking place in God's house. I believe compromise breeds Christians who are still unsure about how they feel about Jesus and lack commitment after spending years in the church.

Matthew 7: 13-14 says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." KJV

The little white narrow line has been painted by God himself. We all have to enter the Kingdom the same way - on the little white narrow line. The young rich ruler struggled with the white line when Jesus told him that he lacked one thing. In order to be perfect, he - the young ruler - needed to sell all that he had and give to the poor. Scripture says the young man went away sorrowful because he was a wealthy man.

The attack on holiness is real.

The allure to compromise is great and the benefits appear tantalizing but succumbing to these lies continue to strip the church of power and effectiveness!

We must continue to stand for holiness, preach the little white line till Jesus comes back for His bride, pure and undefiled!

People who live in countries hostile to Christianity make the life or death decision to serve Jesus and give up everything to serve Him all the time. Some are tortured, some are disowned by their families for taking on the name of Jesus, and some even die. They don't ask that the little white line be broadened to accommodate their situations. They bear their cross and have made the decision to live and to die for Jesus. The apostles after having being beat and stoned, praised God because they had been found worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. They went away rejoicing.

Peter told Jesus, we have left everything to follow you. Jesus then replied there is no man who has given up all these things that won't receive many times over in this life and the life to come.

Jesus said to count the cost; evaluate what it will take for you to serve Jesus exclusively and then make the decision. If the something or someone else means more, no commitment will be made. The call to discipleship always requires a forsaking, a denial of the life you once knew. If you're not ready, you're just not ready.

Broadening the little white line does little to produce Christians who are uncompromising and unwavering in their faith. It creates a mess for the Body of Christ.

So the request to broaden the little white line is declined.

It's not ours to broaden and broad roads lead to death and destruction.

I encourage you to seek out that narrow white line and find life everlasting.

Keep preaching the little white line,

Pastor Lisa

Shaking My Head In Amazement

When Paul wrote that the Gospel message is the power of God unto salvation...He was right. Just preaching Jesus and the POWER of His resurrection, works.

We received word last night at Bible study that our Indian visitor was still feeling God's awesome power that Monday. Even declared that he wanted to baptized and if he had to change his name, he would. This man who has never been in church understands the significance of baptism and taking on the name of Christ. Wow. Willing to give up his name and take on Christ! How about a selah moment on that statement right there!

God is obviously speaking and dealing with him and we're grateful to guide him through this process. I told Elgin, get the pool ready!

The word last night was awesome and not just because I taught! LOL! The greatest blessing, the true blessing of Abraham came to mankind through his seed - Jesus Christ. We have the blessing of forgiveness of sins! If we really grab hold of this fact, if we embrace this truth, being saved doesn't get old. You don't throw away your walk with God when you realize how much was done to save you. Praise and worship ought to break out simply because you have your sins forgiven. There wasn't a thing you could do about your sin issue - but the blessing of Abraham - Jesus the Anointed One handled it for you.

If you understood what getting back to Eden really meant, you'd understand that's a return to fellowship with God; it's about a relationship with the Creator being restored. Eden perished under 40 days of rain but today I can have what Adam had before the fall - relationship with God himself; chillin with God himself in the cool of the day. You don't have to sell me anymore, I want that more than anything else!

God is awesome.

What He's doing is blowing my mind.

Hold on tight everyone, full speed ahead.

That's better

Back at my favorite spot this morning and enjoying it. Listening to Fred Hammond and getting ready to do some studying for tonight. Went to the library and checked out a book for Lindsey and found some photography books. The librarians here are very helpful!

Loving the great outdoors and thankful for free wi-fi!

Have a great day everyone!

Life Lesson #56,092

Watch out for blessing blockers. Who or what are blessing blockers you ask? These are people with selfish motives, don't want you to be blessed and when an opportunity presents itself for you to prosper; they attempt to halt it.

We saw this up close and personal and I'm glad I was obedient to Holy Spirit and took down pertinent information earlier that evening and I was able to circumvent the block! When people show you who they are the first time; believe it.

Not everybody has your best interest at heart; people can be selfish and only interested in promoting their own agenda. You are simply a means to their own end.

This lesson I already knew well, our teenager saw it and learned it for herself.

It was a valuable life lesson learned.

Coupon Update

Clipping coupons has saved us some money on our grocery bill. I haven't walked away with the cart full of free stuff...yet. I'm still trying to pair coupons with best deals and today did pretty well. Will definitely keep clipping.

And they're off!

Today is one of those days where there is lots to get done. Football practice for Mr. NFL is increasing as we head toward playoffs. Whatever will we do once the season is over? LOL!

It's been an experience to say the least. He is enjoying himself. Saturday's scrimmage was disappointing. Not our boys or coaches but some of the parents were way out of line. One parent kept yelling for their son to "hit him." There was an on field scuffle but was quickly shut down. Mr. NFL said one of the kids really had a problem with him and the coach pulled him off the field before the play. It looks like other teams got word about Mr. NFL and now have several people covering him and they're getting pretty physical with him. He frustrated that one kid and Mr. NFL says the guy wanted to fight him. He might of been the kid of the insane parents who kept yelling to hit everybody. This is the one thing I don't like about the game -- football parents who are out of control. Mr. NFL said he just wants to play the game and do his best -- nothing personal against anybody -- he just wants to play. Some of these other kids don't have that same mindset. And it's just this one team in particular who is seething. It's the same team who had had the kid cussing on the sidelines behind their lost. They may want to include psychological profiles to their list of requirements next season. Some kids don't handle competition well and failures set them off.

Still today is a good day. I'm extremely grateful for all the awesome things God did for us and the ministry over the weekend. I'm still reeling from it all!

Great things are happening and know that the best is still to come.

Know that you haven't seen anything yet!

Happy Monday everybody!

We ditched them indefinitely and good thing too

This morning as we were getting ready for church, Elgin reminded me it was first Sunday - Communion Sunday and we normally wear our clergy shirt and collars. We talked about it and asked the question, why do we really do this. When we couldn't come up with a definitive answer we decided to ditch them indefinitely. In all honesty, they don't really speak to who we are as a ministry. My good friend has never worn one and she's a beast where the Word is concerned! (That's slang for her amazing ability to eloquently and profoundly offer enlightening exegesis of biblical text.)

We've always known that ZTCC is a ministry filled with people of all races and backgrounds.

I believe this morning's decision was a setup for what would later transpire in the service.

Today, we were entrusted with the task of ministering Jesus to a gentlemen from India who we were told had never been to church before. We were his first introduction. We didn't know this until after the service. With it being Communion Sunday, Elgin went over the Gospel message. He explained man's sinful condition, God's remedy for that sin and how by partaking of the bread and wine, we remembered the great price Jesus paid to redeem us.

The Word today was on the blessing of fellowship so Communion tied in perfectly.

After it was all said and done, I prayed for the gentleman and his wife and I heard him sniffling. God touched Him through that prayer. Again, I didn't know this man had not personally seen the inside of a church before. I didn't know his religious background but Holy Spirit knew he was coming, had us make an important change, and guided the service, all to minister the love of Christ to him.

The young man told one of our members that He wants to come back every Sunday.

Wow.

So we ditched the clergy collars indefinitely and there was no deep sigh of remorse from any of the ministers...LOL! I believe our obedience played a huge part in God's plan for this young's man's life and general consensus is we were all glad to do it.

Manifestation of God's Word is being fulfilled in ZTCC.

Elgin says this ministry is like the train taking off from the station. Things are about to start moving quickly and we'll be at full speed in no time. Ties in to the word about this being a season of production. It's happening.

Moving forward...and clergy collar free at that...LOL!