ode to marriage

hey hey,

In today’s short and snappy blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage you when it comes to marriage.

A WORD

“Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage.”

Hebrews 13:4

‘Tis the season for engagements and weddings and anniversaries!

In honor of marriage and to celebrate all of the newly engaged couples, those planning weddings for this summer and all of the wedding anniversaries to be celebrated in the coming months, I hope you enjoy this Ode to Marriage and I hope you’ll share it with the lovebirds you know.

An Ode to Marriage

-by Beth Jones, 2008

Marriage is honorable and indeed it has been said,

There’s nothing better for a couple than to wed.

Commitment is the first step and once you say “I do”,

You’ll get thousands of opportunities to forget about “you.”

If she’s your best friend and he’s the salt-of-the-earth,

Your marriage has started with a nice birth.

Water and nurture your vows like a flower,

Put the Lord at your center if you want His power.

He’s a little boy in a big man’s body,

He wants your admiration even when he’s naughty.

She’s a princess in her own flick,

She wants your “ooh’s and aah’s”; after all she’s a chick.

Laughter is a must and you should get a lot,

To be sad or boring – you better not!

Smile when he’s a dork and laugh at her jokes,

Then you’ll grow into happy old folks.

Tell him he’s big, strong and oh…so smart,

These words go a long way, so start!

Tell her she’s pretty, funny and oh…so fab,

Don’t ever mention her hips or flab.

Sex is great and in marriage there is trust,

Both parties having pleasure is an absolute must.

Enjoy making love, that is what it’s named,

The plan from the beginning was naked and unashamed.

Pray for your spouse and serve them with gladness,

It will take extra grace, when there has been madness.

Talk and share and talk some more,

Conversation is the key that will open most doors.

Don’t live in anger, bitterness or strife,

It’s a terrible way to waste your life.

Forgiveness is the key and you better be snappy,

If you want a marriage that is full and happy.

Having children is one of life’s joys,

Doesn’t matter whether you have girls or boys.

They’ll steal your heart and improve your prayer life,

Then one day, they’ll too find a husband or wife.

They’ll probably find a mate like you,

So, no pressure, but they’ll watch everything you do.

Once again, the cycle will begin,

Love and marriage and lots of grins.

Love’s not a feeling or a Wedding Day goose-bump,

It’s a life-long vow, once you take the jump.

Marriage is a mystery and we know for sure,

It takes dedicated commitment to build a lasting “his and her.”

One of God’s gifts is a marriage blessed from above,

I wish all you lovebirds a lifetime of love.

A SONG

Here are a few songs to encourage you about seasons, timing and grace!

Unchained Melody, by The Righteous Brothers - this is our all-time favorite love song! My husband and I dance to this whenever we get the chance, whether in The Villages or on the pontoon! It has all the feels!

Wedding Song, by Peter, Paul and Mary - a classic wedding song and perhaps a few of you had this song sung at your wedding! Enjoy!

Annie, my son-in-love Zack Spanger wrote this song for our daiughter, Annie. He sang it to her at their wedding reception. They’ve been happily married for 5 years.

You’re Still the One, by Shania Twain - it’s still a goodie!

I know you all have favorite wedding and love songs, so send me the YouTube link to your faves!

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

Always here to help! :)

part 2: match . com adventures

hey hey,

By popular demand, in today’s blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage all you singles with more humor and the Match.com adventures of my single, 70-year old mother!

It seems that you all loved hearing about my mom’s hilarious experiences onMatch.com – so at your request, here is MORE!

As a quick reminder, my mom is in heaven, but 15 years ago, when she was 70 and single and living in Florida — she tried Match.com. The excerpts below are taken from a series of letters she sent me and my sisters describing her dating adventures! No doubt about it, my mom was funny and feisty!

Before we read a few more excerpts, let me try to add something spiritual to this funny blog!

A WORD:

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:13

Okay, now to more excerpts of her letters to my sisters and I. My your heart be cheerful!

Excerpt #1

Girls,

Well, last night I met “6'0 Joe Cool,” (as his listing stated) ... but by the time he drove to The Villages to meet me, he ended up being about 5'8”. He has light blue eyes, gray hair, a fu-man-chu mustache and beard. He is a cool dresser. He wore a light blueshirt.

He has 3 kids that he doesn't like at all. He said they are all druggies and in and out of jail. So, he ain’t very interested in hearing about my family. I tried to come up with crimes you guys have committed to make him feel good. I did tell him about the time one of you toilet papered a neighborhood and streaked across a main road when you were 13 and how one of you stole lipstick from a store. I think he felt we were more equal after that. He said he’s dated woman whose kids never got into any trouble and he doesn’t believe them. So girls, it’s time to fess up, what did you do behind my back that had criminal overtones? I won’t get mad, just tell me, I need some material for this dating scene!

Joe Cool said he is a dancer, and I was looking forward to joining the dancers at the Town Square, but we sat across the street from the square at Starbucks and never got near the dance floor. Getting back to his mustache and beard ... I watched his upper lip … and it never moved. I kept looking for a hinge on his mouth because it worked more like a puppet’s mouth. Well, I was fascinated on how he could talk but his lips never moved. He also never laughed. We left with a hand shake and he said, “Gosh I wanna see you again...”

I think my life on Match.com is coming to an end, I would rather stay home and organize my sock drawer than do this. I will keep you posted.

Excerpt #2

Hello Girls, 

Okay, I had the highly awaited first date with Frank. We had a lot in common and the one thing I liked is that Frank was a talker. Well, he was a buzz saw…and never shut up. It was okay. We decided that maybe a second date might be a good idea.

On Tuesday, I met Frank in the K-Mart parking lot for date #2. I noticed that the cook in the nearby restaurant was watching us out the window. He probably thought there was some hanky-panky going on when I jump into Frank’s car. I wanted to shout, “Hey, I know Frank. This is a second date. It’s not what you think!”

Excerpt #3

Hi Girls,

This week, I met Alan, a great looking guy 6 foot 3 inches and a nice dresser and educated. We met a coffee joint with a 70’s feel. I knew there was a bong somewhere in there because I could smell it.

So, I am trying to get to know Alan and I asked him if he had any children. He answered, “Nope.” So, being a wise-guy, I said, “Then I guess you don’t have any grandkids?” That is when Alan gave me a lesson on how this earth was overpopulated and sterilizing couples might not be a bad thing. That’s when I dropped the I have 14 grandchildren on him and 78 first cousins. He informs me that all of the women he dates want to talk about their grands and he stops them right away because he’s not interested.

Anyway, we blah, blah for another hour and as we leave, he says, “I really like you. I believe there is something here.” And then he fumbled for 20 minutes to get the money out of his pocket for the two iced coffees. I think he wanted to go “dutch,” but I just out stalled him and laughed all the way home, because there ain’t “anything here” in my book.

Excerpt #4

Hi Girls,

Still trying out Match.com. My most recent date "lionhearted" -- his match.com name. His real name is Richard. We met for a glass of wine and Richard is wearing a fanny pack, red silk shorts, a muscle shirt and a mesh “John Deer” hat. We had a nice lunch but he was talking so loud — so now everyone in the restaurant knows that we are losers who met on Match.com. After two appetizers, we both decide there is no clickage.

This random dating thing is a pain in the neck and I have almost decided it is too much work...

Excerpt #5

Hi Girls,

I decided to write a glossary for Match.com dating. Here’s what I’ve learned so far...

When they say, “6’1” it means “5’8” with shoe lifts.”

When they say, “I would really like to see you again” it means “I am totally out of here...”

When they say, “fit” it means “30 lbs overweight.”

When they say, “we are good for each other and we have a lot in common” it means, “you have money and I don’t.”

When they say, “stocky” they mean, “I need a seatbelt extender on the airplane.”

When they say, “Italian, a Robert DeNiro look alike” it means, “I love spaghetti.”

***

Ok that’s all folks...the dating adventures of my mothers. She had a good sense of humor about all of it, but being single was a tough season for her. After all, she was married to my dad, Jerry, for 14 years and after they divorced, she raised my sisters and I as a single mom until she met another Jerry. They were also married for 14 years until he unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 56. Jerry #2 treated her like a queen, and it was hard for anyone to compete with what she had been used to when married to Jerry #2. She kiddingly said, “If only I could have found Jerry #3!” I am so glad she’s in heaven now with Jesus and both Jerry’s - my dad Jerry, and my stepdad Jerry ... I don’t know how the Lord figures all of that out, but I am sure they are all having a great time in heaven!

A SONG

Ok, here are two good songs to encourage all of you seeking a spouse… :) Love and hugs!

The Game of Love by Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders - a classic #1 Billboard hit from 1965!

Waiting Here for You by Passion - sometimes we are waiting for a person to fill that empty place in our hearts when perhaps we need take some time to focus on Jesus and let Him fill our hearts as only He can. This is a great song.

His Eye is on the Sparrow by Selah - this was one of my mom’s favorite songs as her single life continued and she drew close to the Lord. She wanted this song sung at her memorial service. This was also one of the last songs the Hospice aide played on his guitar with all of our family gathered around mom moments before she went to heaven. If you need to get alone with the Lord and let this song minister to you, please do.

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

Keep a cheerful heart ya’ll! :))

match.com adventures

hey hey,

In today’s blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage all you singles with a little humor and the Match.com adventures of my single, 70-year old mother!

Today, my mom is in heaven, but 15 years ago when she was 70 and single and living in Florida — she tried Match.com. Her experiences were hilarious and she sent my sisters and I updates of her adventures. Here are a few excerpts from her letters.

I thought you all might enjoy a laugh, but first, let me try to add something spiritual to this funny blog! Singles, start praying and claiming the verse in Isaiah 34:16.

A WORD

“Search from the book of the Lord, and read:
Not one of these shall fail;
Not one shall lack her mate.
For My mouth has commanded it,

and His Spirit has gathered them.”

Isaiah 34:16, NKJV

Okay, now to the excerpts!

Excerpt #1

Hi Girls,

I thought i would write about the guys I am NOT dating, but the guys at are winking and blinking at me....for those who have never been in Match.com … the routine is like this. Someone clicks on your profile … they read the little story about you and you can read theirs.

People use buzz words like: fit, athletic, toned, buff — now I ask you when you think of a 65 to 75 yr old person do those words jump out at you? The next time you go to your family reunion look over at uncle Harry and see if that's how you would describe him? Doubt it, maybe you would say: ”He is upright. Still breathing. Shorter than I remembered him.”

The women lie just like the men do. Well when someone winks or blinks at you, now you have your choice..either ignore that person, wink back or email them...

I will tell you about The Doc later and also Joe Cool.

Excerpt #2

Hi Girls,

So far, we are striking out. This dating thing is a lot of work.

Here’s a guy I am not dating. He calls himself “Doc.” He sends me an email, “Real nice pic, call me at xxx-xxxx.”  This guy is 56, drop dead gorgeous, drives a Jag, loves gold jewelry and knows how to dress. So, I answer Doc. I told him that I am flattered that a 56 year old guy would be checking out this old gal, but he surely does not want a wrinkled up old prune from The Villages. I told him I have shoes older than him! Unless he has a boat load of Botox, he could do much better than me; but, thanks for the ego-booster. Doc responds, “No, I love older woman and I really do want to see you…" I am thinking; how would my daughters feel about a “step-dad” who less than 10 years older than they are?!

The only date I’ve had that has any hope is with Ray. He’s perfect, so not much to write about! His clothes match and the dude owns an iron! We went out for dinner and he is the 8th wonder of the world; a man who talks! He cares about what makes me tick. (The problem with all these dates and eating out is that I am getting fatter than a Billy goat!) So, Ray WANTS to see Momma Mia - a chick flick! This guy is a winner. The movie starts and my boy Ray knowing all the words to this movie…he is an Abba freak. I think I am falling in love…(not really) and I shout out “Thank you, Jesus!” The only problem…there is no real “clickage.” Ya know what I mean, Vern?????

 Excerpt #3

Hi Girls,

This weekend I am going to meet Al - a biker…the kind you peddle. This guy is in shape. He swims 5 miles a day and rides his bike over 100 miles a week. So, to get in the spirit for the date with biker boy, I put on my girdle and a really tight pair of shorts and rode my 3 speed Schwinn around the neighborhood for 15 minutes. Not pretty.

I’ve decided that someone needs to write a book on how to get ready for a date.

Here’s my usual routine: I usually start trying on outfits a few hours before the date. What look should I go for? Cheerleader or Grandma? I usually opt for cheerleader. I pull some jeans out of the closet with the hopes that I’ll fit into them. AfterI lay down on the bed, struggle to zip the jeans and break a nail in the process, I can't get up! Finally, I figure out how to maneuver my body to sit up and I think, “I’m looking pretty good…” I can’t breathe, but I’m looking good. So, I spray on some expensive perfume, freshen up my make-up and make sure my car is cleaned out.

But, I think this what the guy’s do: It’s 4:30pm and the dates starts at 5pm, so he says to himself, “Do I wanna look like I jumped out of the dumpster or just rolled out of bed?????” I think he  usually finds the two best pair of khaki shorts he’s thrown into the hamper. He shakes ‘em, check for stains, sprays a little Fabreze and puts the best ones on. He is out the door at 4:45pm. One guy told me, “I have two shirts. One shirt is yellow with green palm trees and the other is green with brown palm trees.” I love a man with an imagination.

Ok, here’s a little advice for the guys: Do not wear hunter green tweedy shirts. It really does make your skin look green. Guys, wear something bright – try blue, yellow…even pink! Buy some cologne. Fabreze is not the new Old Spice. Invest in Crest Strips.

——-

There you go! The Adventures of Carol on Match.com. I hope you are laughing and refreshed because I am rolling as I put this blog together. My mother was funny!

If you guys like today’s blog, there’s more. I could do one more blog of funny excerpts from mom if you’d like! So, let me hear from you — hit REPLY and say, “GIVE ME MORE!!” :)

A SONG

Ok, we’ll see if we can spiritual again, here are some good heartfelt songs to encourage all of you seeking a spouse… :) Love and hugs!

Wait for Me, by Rebecca Saint James - a good classic for single believing God for their mate.

God Gave Me You, Dave Barnes - an oldie —  be encouraged!

Perfect Union, by Matthew Ward - an oldie, but still so good and he is one of the best male vocalists of all-time.

1000 Miles, by Mark Schultz - a beautiful love song.

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

Keep your sense of humor ya’ll! :))

whatever He says, do it

hey hey,

In today’s blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage you with the words of Mary, the mother of Jesus, on the only thing we need to do.

A WORD:

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

John 2:5, NKJV

Need guidance? Lord, what should I do? God, what is my next step?

What does the Lord want from us? After all, Jesus paid the price for our sins, filled us with the Holy Spirit, and gave us His Word — He did all the heavy lifting and finished the work of our redemption on the cross; so what does the Lord want from us?

Mary, the mother of Jesus, gave us insight on the answer to this question. She put it very succinctly at the wedding in Cana when she said, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Simple right?

So, when you are seeking and waiting on the Lord for direction on a decision — listen to His still small voice as you read His Word and as He speaks to your heart while you go about your daily life — then, just do whatever He says to you.

Easy.

A SONG

Here are a few great songs on following the Lord and doing His will.

In the Garden by Alan Jackson (country singer) and most other artists - such a classic hymn. Enjoy!

I Will Wait for You by Shane and Shane - I love all of their songs.

Tis so Sweet by Shane and Shane - Another wonderful, classic song!

Let Me Hear Your Voice, by Francesca LaRosa - a very sweet song.

peace, love and blessings,

THANK YOU! I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who responded to my request for feedback last week. Your comments about the weekly blog were so encouraging. (I guess I should have asked sooner! :)) I was also pleasantly surprised that so many of you like the current format with a short teaching from the Word, a song and a laugh. That made me happy!

As I mentioned in this week’s blog, our job is to “do whatever He tells us.” So for now, He hasn’t told me to stop writing the blog and your comments put a fresh wind in my sail! So. I’ll continue writing until further notice. :) Thanks again for your responses.

A LAUGH

Whatever “she” says to do, do it — also. ":) Ha!

how much longer?

hey hey,

In today’s short and snappy blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage you when it comes to God’s work in our lives through seasons, timing and grace.

A WORD

“And He changes the times and the seasons…”

Daniel 2:22

Seasons. Timing. Graces. They are all so interesting. It’s so important that we recognize, yield, obey and flow in the seasons God has ordained, in His timing and by His grace.

By definition, seasons don’t last forever. They change.

By reality, timing is key. Being at the right place at the right time as led by the Spirit is divine!

By God’s divine influence, graces are the empowerment He dispenses to enable us to do what He’s called us do to in seasons and timing.

Did you follow all that?

So what season are you in? A learning, preparing, planting, growing, watering or harvesting season? A single or married season? Stay steady working or enjoy the rewards season? A fight the good fight or sweet victory season?

What about timing? Are you rushing things or moving too slow? Are you exercising patience with your faith? Do you recognize coming or cresting trends? Are you ahead of the curve or always playing catch up? Are you wondering “how much longer?” or saying, “please don’t let it end?”

How about the grace upon your life? Is everything a hard, uphill trudge? Are things easy, flowing and greased by God? Do things come easily or do you live on the struggle bus? Are there things you once did, but now you don’t sense God’s grace in that area? Or, are there things you didn’t do, but now you sense God’s permission to do them?

It’s good to prayerfully take inventory of your life to evaluate these things and to make whatever adjustments you feel led to make.

For Example…

When I think about various areas of my life through the lenses of seasons, timing and grace - things come into better focus. For example, I have been writing a version of The Basics With Beth blog (aka: Just Us Girls newspaper column, Jumpstart Daily Devo, BWB Devo, etc.) on a daily, weekly or monthly basis for 19 years, since 2004. (Whaaat?)

So, as I look ahead, (season) - I am asking the Lord, “How much longer (timing) does He want me to write the blog? Is It still relevant and effective (graced by God)?

Is there a new season of ministry where He wants me to share the wisdom and experience He’s given me in a different way? If so, what is His timing on phasing out what I am currently doing and what is His timing on something new and different? Where do I sense God’s grace — His energy and enablement?

I am looking within to hear His voice in my heart. I am also looking to you  (the readers) for feedback.

I’d love to hear from those of you who read the blog. I don’t always know if the time put into writing the blogs is helpful, effective or desired — so, if you would take a few minutes to let me know the answers to these questions that would be great.

>>How often do you read the weekly blog?

>>Does it encourage you?

>>Would you miss it if I phased it out?

>>Why should I keep writing it?

>>What else do I need to know?

As I read your responses and as I seek the Lord on these questions, I will keep you posted on the season, timing and grace associated with this blog.

But, enough about the blog — what about YOU? What are you sensing from the Lord on His season, timing and grace for the things you are doing?

A SONG

Here are a few songs to encourage you about seasons, timing and grace!

The Rosebush, I wrote this poem after I graduated from Boston University in 1981 — and 42 years later, my son-in-law Zack Spangler surprised me by arranging and singing it to us as we passed the Lead Pastor baton at Valley Family Church. Little did I know how prophetic these words would be 42 years ago. I hope you enjoy.

10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman - I love this song and keep it on repeat. No matter the season, we can bless the Lord.

Good Grace by Hillsong - great song!

Cool Change by Little River Band - this is an oldie song from the 70’s - it’s not a Christian song and we don’t necessarily agree with all the "theology” in the lyrics, but if you listen with your heart, you might sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

How about a Dad Joke as Father’s Day approaches?! :)

are we winsome like Jesus?

hey hey,

In today’s blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage you to be “winsome” like Jesus.

A WORD:

“By this time a lot of men and women of questionable reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, ‘He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.’ “

Luke 15:1-2, Message

Luke 15 is one of my favorite chapters in the New Testament. I have always been inspired and challenged by the first two verses. In these verses (and many others in the Bible) — I see Jesus as “winsome.” Apparently, He is easy to be around, relatable, nonjudgmental, understanding and nice — while also being a powerful preacher, speaker and teacher who never compromised the truth of God.

I don’t know about you, but that’s how I want to be. I have missed the mark many times, but my desire is to be “winsome” like Jesus while also preaching His Word without compromise.

There are a few things we can learn from this passage.

When we look at these verses of Scripture, who wanted to hang out with Jesus? The people of “questionable reputation” wanted to hang out with Jesus. They came to Him. (They didn’t run from Him!) They wanted to listen to His words. Jesus treated them like old friends and ate meals with them.

As we think of our own lives, who wants to hang out with us?

In these verses, who was mad? The Pharisees and religious scholars got mad and vocalized their judgmental attitude. These self-righteous leaders didn’t like the fact that Jesus hung out with people who were known to be “publicans, sinners, gluttons, thieves, sexually immoral, drunkards, etc.” (Matthew 11:19)

As we think of our own lives, are we mad, self-righteous and judgmental?

If you listen to some believers these days or read too many posts on Facebook or Twitter you’d get the idea that Jesus is fed up and angry with everyone about everything. The way some people describe Jesus, He is someone you want to run from, not run to hang out with!

Sure, we live in a backward culture where people call “good evil and evil good” and we should speak up and preach the truth of God’s Word while also being winsome in such a way that people want to hang out with us to hear what we have to say.

I know it’s a tall order. Thankfully, Jesus is our example and as we walk with Him, He’ll show us how to do it. The litmus test of our effectiveness will be seen in the results — just like they were in Jesus’ life and ministry.

“The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Matthew 11:19

A SONG

Perhaps you need your heart to be stirred up with compassion to be more like Jesus and to love the lost like He does. I love how the original Christian music artists from the 70’s and 80’s were focused on reaching those far from the Lord. Let these old classic songs minister to you.

Your Great Name by Natalie Grant - such a great classic.

Don’t You Wish You Had the Answers by Keith Green - a 70’s classic that always stirs up compassion for the lost.

Which Way the Wind Blows by 2nd Chapter of Acts - another 70’s classic that helps  get into the heart of an unbeliever.

Until Your Love Broke Through  by Keith Green - still playing the Christian oldies - this is what we pray everyone experiences!

King of Hearts by Randy Stonehill - yet another 70’s classic!

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

Let’s love people like Jesus to make sure this meme doesn’t happen to those we know.

want to love life?

hey hey,

In today’s blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage you in “how to love life and see good days!” This is a simple and basic truth, but one we all need to be reminded of on a regular basis. I hope you are encouraged today!

A WORD:

“For the Scriptures say, ‘If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.’ “

I Peter 3:10, NLT

Who doesn’t want to enjoy life? Doesn’t everyone want happy days? What’s the secret?

Our words.

>> If we will pay attention to two things, we can enjoy life and see many happy days!

So, what are those two things?

1. Keep your tongue from speaking evil:

Now at first glance, we think of the obvious “evil” things - hatred, malice, the occult, wickedness, rebellion towards God and the like. Anything that is contrary to the will and character of God would be considered evil.

We should be mindful of the words we speak, avoiding language that is hurtful, negative, perverse or untruthful. Our words have the power to build up or tear down those around us, and we should use them to bring encouragement and positivity to those we interact with.

But what else? Specifically, what is “evil speaking?” We see an example of this exact thing in the Old Testament. In Numbers 14, God promised the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey — a blessed land, the Promised Land! Moses sent out 12 spies to see the land and bring back a report. Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb returned with a good report,

But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land … spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:6-9)

Although they saw enemies and obstacles, they didn’t go by their five physical senses, they went by their faith and they believed God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. They made sure their words agreed with what God had promised them. Their report agreed with God’s words. With their words, they got into agreement and alignment with the Lord … and God liked it!

As a result Joshua and Caleb were the only two spies who got to “enjoy life and see happy days” in the Promised Land.

The other ten spies brought back an “evil report” (evil speaking!) and God didn’t like it. What was the evil speaking? They complained against God! They didn’t agree with His promises. The spoke words that were contrary to what God has said. They spoke evil words of unbelief! God didn’t like it at all!

As a result, these ten spies did not get to “enjoy life and see happy days.”

Here’s what the Bible tells us, “Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the Lord. But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.” (Numbers 14:36-38)

Not only did their “evil speaking” affect their lives — they also affected their wives and children. Entire families were affected by their evil report — words of unbelief and complaining!

What does this mean to us?

I think it means we should pay attention to our words. Our words should always point us and the people we influence in the direction of God’s promises. Our words should agree with God’s words.

So, let’s be mindful to keep our lips from speaking evil complaining words, unbelieving words, negative opinion words, flippant words … and any words that contradict God’s Word.

2. Keep your lips from telling lies:

Again, at first glance, when we think of “keeping our lips from telling lies” we think of the obvious: being honest, not lying, being truthful, etc. We think of being truthful and honest in our words, avoiding lies and deception that can harm our relationships with others.

And all of these things are good and true, but there is another dimension of “keeping our lips from telling lies” we want to look at.

The opposite of a “lie” is “truth.” God’s Word is the ultimate truth — Jesus said, “…Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

When we say things that contradict the truth of God’s Word, those words are: lies.

If we want to enjoy life and see happy days, we need to keep our lips from telling lies — that is, we need to refrain from saying things contrary to the truth of God’s Word.

This entire passage in 1 Peter emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and positively in our relationship with God and in our interactions with others. They remind us that our words have the power to bring life and goodness to those around us, and to our own lives as well — and we should use our words wisely.

If we want to enjoy life and see happy days, we must be mindful of our words.

Today,  let’s recommit to speak words that agree with God’s word — words that will glorify God and build up those around us.

A SONG

I hope these songs minister to you and remind you to speak words of faith!

I Speak Jesus by Charity Gayle

In Jesus Name by Katy Nichols

I Believe, I Declare by Metro Life Worship

Surrounded by Valley Worship

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

just returned from israel…

hey hey,

“They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises.” (Romans 9:4)

A SONG

I hope these songs minister to you!

Yeshua - by Michael Koulianos - beautiful song!

As the Mountains - by Lamb - an oldie by the Christian-Jewish folk duo this song always stuck with me … especially as we saw the mountains around Jerusalem.

The Sacrifice Lamb - by Lamb - a wonderful gospel song from Lamb a Christian-Jewish duo that pioneered messianic music in the 70’s. Give all of their songs a listen!

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

When you know, you know. :)

when the grace shifts…

hey hey,

(As an aside, my husband and I have endeavored to live our lives and walk out every major decision based upon Jesus' words in Matthew 4:4, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word of God." We've seen this over and over, once God speaks to us through His Word (a Rhema word), we know we can "live by" those words and there is great joy and safety in taking steps of faith in line with His spoken word.)

As we followed the "grace shift" God was working in our lives, He gave us a new vision and the energy to develop a two-year plan to transition our church and pass the Lead Pastor baton to our youngest son and daughter-in-law and we would to serve in a new way in our role as the Founding Pastors.

In other words, as the “grace shifted” — the Lord was not “gracing” us with loads of vision, energy or ideas for the church, but rather He “graced us” with a vision to transition and pass the baton … and to mentor the next generation of leaders. And so ... we did ... and we are.

The Lord “graced” the whole process -- His grace was evident on every front. Our church family and all those who witnessed the transition were able to “perceive the grace that had been given …” (Gal 2:9) -- and the proof is in the fruit! Our son and daughter-in-law are doing a stellar “graced-filled” job, the entire staff is walking in the same grace, the church family is graced and growing and Jeff and I are graced with a wonderful new season!

We are walking in new graces now and we never dreamed it would be this fun! We are finding joy and new fruit at every turn. I’m so glad we didn’t try to hang on to something that wasn’t graced by God.

How about you? Do you sense a grace shift? Are you trying to figure out what to do? During these type of transition seasons it’s always best to humble yourself to receive more grace, obey the words He speaks to you from His Word and follow His grace-filled promptings to do the good works He has prepared for you! (Eph 2:8-10)

God's best to you as you live in His grace!

A SONG

May you experience more grace as you hear these songs…

Yet Not I But Christ in Me, by City Alight - I love this song!!

Grace by Which I Stand, by Keith Green - an oldie that has touched my heart many times

Good Grace, by Hillsong United - a great song!

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

I need more grace!

fully convinced …

hey hey,

In today’s blog, I am sharing “A Word, A Song and A Laugh” to encourage you in the basics of your faith.

A WORD

“He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”

Romans 4:21

God loves faith! Over and over, the Bible tells us that God is pleased when we have faith in Him and His Word — that’s because He knows the blessings that come into our lives through faith! God wants His children to live by faith. Faith gives substance to the things we hope for. Faith is the believers secret weapon and supernatural advantage!

So, what is faith? Simply put: faith is taking God at His Word.

Faith is being fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises!

What has God promised you? Can you be specific? Do you have a Scripture and verse? When did God speak this promise to your heart?

Are you fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promised?

If you are fully convinced, what do you do? Do what Abraham did and “give glory to God.” Abraham never weakened in his faith, he grew stronger and continued to thank and praise God. Through his faith (and patience), he inherited the promise!

“No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God, fully satisfied and assured that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.” Romans 4:20-21, AMPC

If you aren’t convinced, what do you do? Get more faith until you are fully persuaded. Faith only comes one way — through hearing God’s Word. The more we search God’s Word for His promises, the more He speaks to us and as His Word comes to our heart, so too - faith comes! Don’t let doubt or indifference keep you from experiencing God’s promises — add to your faith until you are fully convinced of God’s ability to fulfill His promises to YOU!

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” Romans 10:17, NLT

I hope you’ll review God’s promises to you and once you’re fully convinced God is able to do whatever He’s promised — give Him glory and watch what happens!

A SONG

Faith comes as we hear God’s Word and often His Word can come to us through songs, give these songs a listen and build your faith!

Your Word - Hillsong - let faith arise!!

Hold On - Katy Nichols - let your faith be strengthened!

The Name of Jesus - Sinach - let this take your faith to another level!

peace, love and blessings,

A LAUGH

Won’t He do it? :)