Jesus Archives - Page 4 of 7

April 20 2020

Let’s Get Real – When We’ve Talked Enough

Let's Get Real - When We Have Talked Enough

Hello my friend – how have you been in the last 2 weeks? It seems like a long time since we chatted. How are things going in your world? These are unusual times we find ourselves in for sure. I spent a lot of time this week thinking about what we should chat about at the kitchen table this time and all I came up with was “Let’s Get Real – When We’ve Talked Enough” subtitled: “I’ve Got Nothing –When Blogs Get Real.” So let’s start there. You know the process, grab a cup of something in your favourite mug and pull up a seat at the table. It is time to talk about why we need to stop talking.

When Opinions Are Just That - Opinions

As I am sure you have heard many times already in the last few weeks, we find ourselves in unusual times. Unusual times call for unusual measures. In the last few weeks, I have read way too many commentaries on the current state of affairs, listened to too much mainstream media, spent way too much time on Social Media and have heard too many opinions. Many of which start or end with “what if?” In trying to determine the most important thing I’ve learned or have come to understand through all of this “gaining of information”, I have to confess that I have not gained great wisdom or sound knowledge about why this is all happening or when it will all end. If I could wrap up the most important thing I have come to realize in all of that, in these last few weeks, is that opinions are just that, opinions. Everyone has them and essentially, they all rely heavily on our innate biases.

Be Still And Know That I Am God

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In the last few weeks, I have also spent much more time in the Word, in prayer, dancing and sitting with God. I talked less and I heard a lot more. I got quiet and was amazed at how clear and consistent the sound was that came through. Not once did I hear “what if?” Instead of opinion, I heard truth. I read and heard the same consistent Words that I have been reading and hearing all of my Christian life. None of what I read or heard started or ended with “what if?” None of which changed from one day to the next. What I learned through this time was that I am no longer interested in opinions when I can have truth. That truth comes when I choose to be still and sit in God’s presence. That means choosing to turn off many of the other noises that often are a huge distraction.

Intentional Does Not Always Mean Busy

We have been talking a lot lately about being intentional, about leaning into and participating in change, to shift in this season. However, we need to be reminded that being intentional does not always mean you need to be busy. You also have to be intentional in taking the time to reflect, rest and rejuvenate.

Sometimes Words Are Not Enough

Sometimes we need to stop talking, stop sharing opinions, stop listening to every unsolicited voice out there and stop seeking the opinions of others. There are times and seasons when words are not enough; when words become a noise and a distraction. In that time and season, we need to choose to seek to listen for the truth. Not the opinion that comes clothed as truth, and changes from day to day, but the truth that never changes, and comes directly from the source. We have entered a time and season of listening. Sometimes words are just not enough.

Tune In/Tune Out

This time around at the kitchen table, I have a challenge for us all. Let us choose in the next few weeks to tune out of social and conventional media and tune into God. We can decide to be as intentional in reflecting, resting and rejuvenating as we are with our plans “to do.” One does not need to exclude the other. Let’s sit and allow the Lord to speak into our lives. Then, we can get up and move in the vein that we are being directed to. But not until we have listened.

Check-In

Now, at this kitchen table, let us take a few minutes to check-in with one another. How are you doing? Really doing? Not the “oh I’m fine” and move on but the “well, since you asked…..” At this table, we are concerned about one another. This is not a place meant for Laurie to talk and leave – this is a community, where Laurie talks to generate discussion and those at the table chime in and in the end, we care for one another more deeply. What are you learning at this hour? I would love to hear from you!

What I Know

At the end of the day, I may not know everything, but I do know we are going to be all right. I do not know how long this will go on or what things will look like. I do know that things will never look quite the same as they did before. However, in the end, I believe with all my heart, that each and every one of has the opportunity to come out of this with a new perspective on our lives and the lives around us.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, it is always nice to sit with you and chat. I hope you will take a few minutes to comment below in the comment section and let me know how you are really doing. Also, let me know what you would like to talk about at the table! My cup is empty and it is time for me to go. Take the time to share this blog with your friends and invite them to join us at the table. There is always room for new friends.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 4 Comments

April 6 2020

Why We Need to Live With Intention Right Now

Why We Need To Live With Intention Right Now

Hello, my dear friend, I am so glad to have you back at the kitchen table for a chat. If you are new to the table, welcome, we are happy you are here as well. There is always room for our friends and our new friends at the table. Grab a mug of something warm, pull up a chair and let’s chat. Last year I released a blog entitled Why You Need to Take Courage When You Know the Shift Is Coming. In looking back at that conversation, I felt that some of it was very pertinent for today as well, so to start things off I wanted to review a few points from that blog with you. Following that, I thought that today we would talk about Why We Need to Live with Intention Right Now.

Shift - The Greater Change!

First, let’s chat about the difference between a change and a shift. When I think of change, I think of something that is happening to me, with or without my agreement and/or effort. When I think of a shift, I think of something that is going to require effort on my part and, ultimately, is going to lead to growth. A shift generally requires digging deep for and/or developing a completely new set of skills. Shifts take us out of our comfort zone. They require that we move and think differently. In addition, if we lean into the shift, we will meet the possibility of revolutionary change in our lives. We can decide if those things that are moving in our lives are changes or shifts. Will we let it happen to us or will we consider playing an active role? Change vs. Shift! Shift – the greater change!

Shifting Requires Courage

Courage, like shift, is an active word. It requires us to “venture” which means to proceed especially in the face of danger. (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venture#h1). It requires that we dig in, find our mental and moral strength, and then push ahead towards the shift, even amid the danger, uncertainty, fear or difficulty we are encountering. Courage requires that we decide to stay the course. We know the shift is coming. We know that we know that we know. Now we need to commit to staying the course.

"Final Push" Courage

There is courage and then there is “final push” courage. Courage is what allows you to stay the course through the change and through the shift. “Final push” courage is that courage that allows you to lean in, lean forward and give it your all at that point when you feel like you have nothing left to give. When you have been moving toward the shift for some time and you know you are on the cusp, but you can’t quite see it because of the weariness that clouds your vision and you can’t hear it coming through your own cries of “How long, O LORD?”. But, you know that you know that you know, without a shadow of a doubt that you have come this far and you are going to go the distance. This is “final push” courage. It is the courage that mothers have as they are about to deliver their baby. Long-distance runners and athletes dig in and find this kind of courage when the finish line is close enough to touch. In addition, we, every day, find this courage when we are weary and frustrated but know that we have come too far to give up now and miss the shift.

On The Cusp Of A Shift

These are unusual times. Many people have described them in many ways. My thought, right now, however, is that it doesn’t matter so much how we label them, as long as we recognize that we are in a time where there is a great opportunity for shifting. In this time I believe we will need to decide though, whether we will be changed (willingly or unwillingly) by the situation around us or we will lean in and shift.

There Is A Sound

On March 23rd, as I sat with the Lord I received (in part) this:

“You have the key – open your mouth and release the sound in the atmosphere. There is a lock in the atmosphere that needs to be opened – the keys have already been distributed throughout the earth. It is time to stop knocking when you have the key to open the doors in the atmosphere – open your mouth – speak it and watch the doors swing open.

There is a sound that will unlock the doors of the atmosphere.

My people have gone quiet – open your mouth and release the sound.

Your sound is unique like a unique key. Stop staying “I don’t have.” It has already been put into place – use it. Who, having a key, refuses to use it to open the door in front of them? – you will grow weary knocking. Cry out and let your sound flow – the atmosphere is waiting.

Pastor Siadra of Agape House Church Canada, on April 5th, preached about a Seismic Sound that needs to come forth from the people of God at this time. Hear that sermon by clicking here.

How Will A Sound Go Forth Without A Plan?

If we are being called, in this time to release the sound that is within us to unlock doors in the atmosphere, to lean into the shift, how will we do so without a clear plan? I would suggest that for many of us, for some time, we have been moving forward, perhaps even attempting to release a sound, but in an inconsistent, hit and miss kind of way. Let us be honest. We are busy, we are distracted and we do not always take the time to sit and make intentional plans for our times.

It Is Time For Intention

Intention requires more than a desire to move forward in a particular way (resolve). Intention requires a prioritized and well thought out plan. A plan that is flexible to take a pivot but that is concrete enough that if shared with someone else they could put it into place without too much explanation. “WOW! Really?” you are thinking. That is a concrete plan. Well, here is the thing. We have 24 hours in a day. Work, sleep and basic activities around self-care take up a large chunk of that time. What we do with the time that is remaining has great potential. What often happens, though, is that we fail to understand that what we do not prioritize most often does not get done. Time moves quickly like sand in an hourglass and if we are not intentional about what we want to do with that time, we find ourselves at the end of another day, weary and not much farther ahead. If we would just learn to be clear about where we are heading then we would find it much easier to prioritize what we will say yes and no to, in our lives. When we are clear on our yes and our no, it becomes easier to turn away from those things that will not move us forward in the direction we intend to head.

Going For The Shift - Releasing A Sound

I believe in this hour, to release the sound the Lord has placed within us, we need a two-pronged plan. We need a Vision and a Strategy. Both of these things come to us by spending time in prayer, in relationship with the Lord and with time in the Word. Now is the time to buckle down and go deeper into your relationship with the Lord. For many of us, in this season, we have been given a gift of time at home. That is going to look a bit different for each one of us. However, right off the top, it is an opportunity to make more than a change – it is an opportunity for shifting. Everything has changed, it all looks different, from your roles and responsibilities, to how you interact with others, to how you work and what your finances look like. We could allow the circumstances to change us – panic, complain or just see this as permission to “check out”, all the time acting as if it is all out of our control. Or we can choose to lean in and initiate a shift. Some things are out of our control but some things are well within our control, such as what we choose to do with our time. For some of us, we need to start with some much-needed resting time, family time, and time for reflection. For all of us, quiet time in prayer and devotions should be at the top of our priorities. But what about the rest of the time?

Vision And Strategy

It is time to sit down with the Lord, with a pen and paper, and ask for the Vision and Strategy He has for you in this season

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” How will you know where to step next if you do not know where you are going? So let’s start by asking the Lord:

1) What are You saying to me at this time?

That is your vision. That is what you will look to each day to remind yourself of where you are going. This is where you will look when you forget what the Lord has promised you and has assured you of. This will be where you will look to keep your eyes on the Lord and the things of the Lord because you are a Kingdom citizen, not a citizen of this world.

Once you have a vision you need to ask for a strategy. The question for the Lord is simple:

2) What would You have me doing in this season?

This is the beginning of your strategy. Once you know what you need to be doing you will make a concrete plan. A plan you can refer to frequently and adjust as necessary.

This Is Intention

This is intention. You have promises, reassurances and a direction. You know where you are headed. You have a plan around what steps need to happen. You have the resolve and you have a concrete plan. You are now ready to begin releasing the Sound that Lord has for you to release into the atmosphere. You will be able to make wise decisions and prioritize your time accordingly. You will not look back at this time and season in your life as a missed opportunity or a time when you were moved by forces outside your control. Rather, you will be able to look back at this time and season as one in which you choose to lean in and shift and release a necessary Sound into the atmosphere.

What I Know

These are unusual times. I believe they are also pivotal times for you and me. Change comes whether we like it or not, but shifting is a completely different cup of tea. We have to choose to shift. When we find the courage and the “final push” courage to do so, our lives will never be the same again.

Once we decide to move with the shift, we must decide to move with intention. No one ever fully shifted who did not have the resolve and vision to do so and a clear plan.

The Lord is so faithful – if you sit with Him and ask of Him, He will give you guidance and direction. I would be so happy if you would commit to starting this process with me. Carve out some time at the beginning of this week and sit with the Lord. Listen to what He has to say to you in this hour.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time has come to an end. My cup is empty and it is time to move on for now. As part of leaning into my shift, I plan to develop some tools in the upcoming days to help you to move intentionally in this hour. I am planning on some material to help you set your vision and begin to plan the strategy the Lord has given you by helping you set some clear and achievable goals. These tools will be available online and free of charge. I am committed to helping you lean into your shift and to release your Sound in this hour.

If you are signed up for blog updates, watch your email for further information in the next week or so. You can also watch my Business Facebook Page for updates. If you like my page and then click follow and see first (all at the top of the page) you will get notifications when I post new information.

Click here to go to the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

I will also be putting these tools on my website at https://www.lauriehopkins.ca

Your Turn To Comment

If there is anything specific you would like help with, for me to comment on or tools you would like to see me develop, please let me know. You can contact me via any of the means listed below.

As always, I love to hear from you – so be sure to be in touch!

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT

March 12 2020

When We Allow A Virus To Contaminate Our Witness

Hello my dear friend, so nice to have you back at the table. Grab a hot drink in your favourite mug and let’s have a heart to heart. This week I want to take us on a bit of a “touchy” journey – but a journey that I believe we need to go on, regardless. This week I want us to sit down, get comfortable and go deep while we talk about: What We Allow A Virus To Contaminate Our Witness.

When You Wait Upon The Lord

This blog was supposed to be released on Monday morning, but late Sunday evening, when I still did not have a clear topic, I knew I needed to stop and take more time to listen carefully for what God had for us this week. I waited Sunday evening and Monday and Tuesday and then Wednesday. Still nothing. Sure, I had a few potential topics, but nothing that grabbed me or felt relevant for this point in time. This morning (Thursday), I woke up and I knew that it was time to share the things that have been on my heart for the last few weeks. There are times in our lives when we are called to have the tough conversations. To say those things that may or may not be popular but that need to be released into the atmosphere. This is the day for that type of conversation, so stay with me until the end and let’s do this together.

Speaking Truth As The World Spins

These days, the world seems to be spinning out of control. On Social media, traditional media, conversations in the grocery store with strangers and around the kitchen table, there is a sense of unease and unrest in the air. There is an overriding feeling that things are fraying at the edges and about to let loose. So let me get right to the point. Today, I want to talk about Covid-19 (coronavirus) and how we, as Christians, are dealing with the current situation.

Let me start by saying, I am a Registered Nurse, a health care worker, who fully understands and appreciates how viruses work, spread and contaminate. I am also a Christian, who believes in the Hand of protection of my God in my life and that ultimately God is in control. There is no but here because I truly believe that these two belief systems do not contradict one another and that there is a balanced spot in the center where I can speak intelligently and compassionately from either position.

Grace For All

Furthermore, let me be very clear at the very beginning of our conversation – this blog does not come from a place of judgement, but rather from a place of grace. As a Christian, who is also an educated Health Care Professional, I feel that I have a responsibility to speak truth when I see that there is a need. I take that responsibility very seriously. It is, however, done from a place of concern and a desire to see Christians walking in love and truth, always being mindful of the witness we are called to set forth.

Set Apart In The World

As Christians, we are called to be set apart in the world. Not because we are better, not because we have more knowledge and wisdom, but because we have Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is doing a new work within us. That new work, in time, will cause us to look, act, speak and relate differently than those around us. We are called to live and interact with others in such a way that others see Jesus Christ in us.

Faith And Wisdom

Faith and wisdom must coexist in our Christian walk. One does not contradict the other. Faith tells me that Jesus has placed a hedge of protection around me, wisdom tells me not to walk out in front of a moving vehicle. Don’t let anyone tell you that if you are walking in faith, wisdom goes out the window. The Father has given us brains and knowledge and life experiences, which all come together to form the wisdom He has for us. He also leads us in wisdom by His Holy Spirit. Faith is not equivalent to recklessness. Faith is the foundation from which we employ the wisdom the Lord has imparted to us. Faith is not a place of refuge from which we engage in unwise and reckless behaviour, putting others and ourselves at risk and expecting that God will protect us anyway. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the devil told him to throw himself down from the pinnacle because the Word said that the angels were given charge over Him. Jesus’ response was, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ”

Fear And Healthy Respect

In the same way that faith and wisdom work hand in hand, fear and healthy respect also walk hand in hand. We are frequently told in the Word, “Do Not Fear!” We are to walk in faith and trust that the Lord is in control. Walking without fear does not mean, however, that you walk without a healthy respect for those things that can cause injury or damage in your life or the lives of others. Again, one does not walk in front of moving vehicles because they are not fearful. Walking in faith, rather than fear, comes from the fact that Jesus Christ lives in us and knowing that ultimately, the Father is in control. It does not give us liberty to be reckless.

Grace Vs. Judgement

We are not called to judgement but to have grace. We were once in the same place that those in the world around us are in currently. “Oh, but for the grace of God go I.” However, for some of us, we have forgotten what that part of our journey was like and we have become hardened to those around us. We cannot “imagine” how people could think or act that way. The truth of the matter is that we often thought and acted that way in the past. The bigger truth is that some of us are still waging a war within us between thinking and acting that way rather than the way Christ has called us to think and act. Our judgement often comes from a place of trying to make ourselves feel better about where we find ourselves. We are called to have hearts of flesh and not hearts of stone. We are called to compassion for those around us. Compassion calls for grace, not judgement. Compassion calls for us to ask, “What do I have to offer”, rather than, “I can’t believe they are like that”. Ultimately, what we have to offer does not come from us, but from the peace, love, and redeeming grace of Christ that was strong enough to save and change us and can save and change them too!

Understanding Hoarding

Sometimes we just need to pause and try to understand why people act the way they do. Let’s talk about the hoarding that is going on. People are hoarding toilet paper- even though this virus is primarily a respiratory concern. They cannot keep hand sanitizer on the shelves when all you really need is to wash your hands properly with soap and water. There is not a mask to be found, even though the fact of the matter is, regular masks will not keep the virus out. Hoarding behaviour of these particular items does not make any sense – and it causes more panic and shortages of items that others could be using. It seems absurd. So what is the Christian response to this? First of all, stop hoarding! Secondly, understand that hoarding behaviour is triggered by fear. Fear of not being able to get items one needs, fear of being quarantined to home, fear of lack of control. How do we combat fear? By sharing our faith. How do we share our faith? With compassion, not judgement. Talk to people, find out what it is that they are fearful about and begin to share the love of Christ that overcomes all fear with them. Practically, reassure those around you that they will not be left stranded, that you and others in your Christian community will be God’s Hands extended and then follow through on that promise.

Back To Wisdom

Back to wisdom, hoarding is the unnecessary collecting of items – stocking up appropriately on items that you may need if you contract the virus and need to be quarantined for a period of time, or if you are unable to get out in public for some time, or in the event the supplies are not as plentiful, is wisdom. There is a balance and as Christians, we need to find it, find it quickly and begin demonstrating it to those around us.

They Are Watching Us

The world is watching us. We claim to have something they need, so they are watching to see what that looks like in our day-to-day lives. They do not want to see Christians hoarding items, they do not want to see reckless behaviour, and they do not want to see nonchalance when the situation requires vigilance. They want to see calm, composed, wise decision-making and to hear encouraging words of compassion. When the world begins to see that we are walking in faith, not fear, balanced with wisdom and compassion, it will be at that point that they see that we really do have something they want and need. Until then, we are doing nothing but damage to the witness of Christ in our lives.

Are You Anointed For That?

A quick comment about some of the Facebook posts that are going around about people moving in great faith into areas where the virus is rampant and being protected. I do not disagree that this can happen. However, I want to point out that not everyone is anointed for that. There is an anointing of protection that goes beyond our ability to understand when individuals or groups are called to a certain calling. If God has placed that on you, in your spirit and your heart, then move in it. He is faithful. Life must go on, healthcare workers and other essential workers are endangered every day because of their call to the work they have chosen, but they are moving forward using wisdom and all the protective processes and equipment that are available to them, fully aware of the risk involved. Pray Psalm 91 over yourself, your family, your work, your day-to-day life, but do not walk recklessly. Use the wisdom God has given you.

Practicality For The Win

So what does this all look like in our day-to-day walk? A few things we need to be mindful of:

1) Stop posting inaccurate information on Social Media. Check your sources; make sure they are reputable and scientifically accurate. All we are doing is increasing the fear and confusion in the general population by spreading inaccurate and unnecessary information. Just because it is online does not mean it is true.

2) Stop fear-mongering. Telling the world (especially via disconnected means like social media) that the end of the world is near is not helpful. If you are concerned about their salvation, because you truly believe we are in the end times, then have genuine and compassionate conversations, in person, with those individuals. Make a real difference in their lives, do not just be a noise in the atmosphere.

3) Stop posting judgmental comments on Social Media. We are trying to win the world for Christ, not push them away. When non-believers witness our lack of compassion for them and each other, it turns them away. That includes political comments, comments on Covid-19 and your differences of opinions. If you are going to share on your beliefs, do so in love and compassion, strategically and constructively.

4) Be positive, but realistic. There should be no extremes in our views at this time in the world. Comments that “everything is a hoax and we really are all ok” are no more helpful than commenting, “everyone is going to die”. Find your balance – offer hope to a world that is fearful and looking for control. We claim to have that hope in Jesus – so demonstrate it and share it.

5) Be the witness you are called to be. Posts on Social Media that indicate that people are more afraid of a virus than the rapture are not helpful. People are afraid of what they see in front of them – right now, they see a virus. Many people do not even know what the rapture is, let alone to be afraid of it – because we, the Church have failed to share the Word of God and the hope and redemption of Christ with those around us. Vague posts on Social Media are not the way to be the witnesses that Christ called us to be. Put-on the compassion of Christ, get in relationship and share what Christ has done in your life – that is a true witness.

6) When in doubt, do not hit the button. Social media can be especially damaging. It is easy enough to hit the post button and share it without thinking it through first. It is also easy to get caught up in the emotions of the moment and share without checking with the Holy Spirit first. It is helpful? Is it needful? Is this the right time? Is this the right platform? Is this something that needs to be shared in a less disconnected way? What is the tone? How will it be understood?

It Isn't All About Us!

We must be concerned about our witness and whether or not our actions are a stumbling block or offence to another. We may be walking in liberty and faith but at the same time we need to be aware of what our actions look like, are perceived like and how they are influencing those around us. “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9

Practically, you may feel confident that you can survive the virus even if infected. However, I would caution you, it is not just about you. It is about those that you may infect in the process and put at risk – those who are not walking in faith and/or are physically unable to fight such a virus.

As Christians, it is never really about us. It is about being Jesus to the world.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

So where do we go from here?

Your first responsibility is to strengthen yourself in the Lord. You will be of no benefit to others if you are not strong yourself. Get in the Word, go to pray, spend time with the Father, hear what it is He is speaking in these times, fellowship with other believers, encourage one another.

Take measures to protect your physical health. Make sure you have essential items on hand (not enough for the next 2 years, but a supply that is sufficient to carry you if you had to miss going out for groceries for a week or 2). Wash your hands regularly and well. Stay home if you are sick. Excuse yourself from gatherings where others are sick. Eat well, get enough rest, and get some exercise and some fresh air to help maintain your immune system.

Be mindful of your witness. Watch the words that you speak and that you type. Do your words show forth love, compassion, encouragement and empathy, and the hope of Christ? If not, they need to change. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”(Proverbs 18:21) Pray, pray, pray. Pray for those who are fearful, are sick, are looking for something more. Encourage one another and hold one another accountable. Speak the truth, but do so in love and with the right motives.

Practically, figure out where you can be of assistance in this time of need. Do those around you need practical help? Meals prepared, groceries picked up, financial support, a ride to the hospital or clinic? How can you as an individual and you as a Church body, reach out and meet the needs that are currently in your neighbourhood or among your family and friends? This is not a time to hide out in your house while declaring that you are full of faith and protected. Use wisdom and serve where it is safe and wise for you to do so.

What I Know

I know with all my heart that the Lord is in control. I seek each day to walk in such a way that my actions are not seen as reckless but wise in the eyes of the Lord. I seek to have a heart of compassion, at all times, for those around me. I am not perfect, any more than anyone else is, but I do my best to be a good witness by openly and willingly sharing what the Lord has accomplished in my life, with others. I want nothing more than to be the hands of Christ extended and to be a vessel of His love and compassion and grace in the earth.

Until Next Time

Well, my dear friend, my cup is long since empty and it is time for me to go for now. I am so happy you joined me at the table today. As always, it has been a pleasure to sit and share with you.