Fully clothed!

From Boaz Ministries

I love inspirational posters. There are literally thousands of them out there with words of wisdom, encouragement and comfort. I especially love the uniquely designed posters with Bible texts.

There is one great piece of poster art that says something like, "you are not fully dressed without a smile". I like it; it's catchy and yes, it's true. The poster I'm sharing today takes it to the next level. It's built on spiritual foundation from the Bible and it is a wonderful reminder of how we must present ourselves to one another as we represent the One who provides us with everything - including the power to "dress" ourselves in His covering, each day.

He empowers us because we are chosen, special and beloved. That's more than enough to produce the smiles! (Now look at your mate and say, "Let's get dressed!")

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

Colossians 3:12 NIV

...when LinkedIn goes ROGUE!

Part of my work includes helping clients establish their online presence... yeah. So, anyway, as I was going about this with a very computer savvy individual, I saw that he had created a very sophisticated LinkedIn profile for himself. Why I thought I needed to take a "looksee" at mine (abandoned twice - I have two profiles on the web, yikes!) - is beyond me. I suppose I was impressed - inspired, even, by this young man's web presence.

I went home and decided to resurrect one of my sites, just poke around and see what I could do to spruce it up and update a few things. However, in doing so, I seemed to have unleashed the monster auto pilot that pays no attention to any of your instructions. I did not realize anything had happened until I began receiving "confirmations" in my email inbox of connections I had made!! I had unwittingly "reached out" to any and everyone who had ever exchanged an email message with me - who had a LinkedIn account!!! DOUBLE YIKES!! I sat there with my mouth agape... (not feeling that "agape" type love, either)... I felt so....(I still can't find the word!)

There is no way, I repeat, NO way, I wanted that kind of attention. Why in the world? HOW in the world can one just simply get on LinkedIn and EDIT, without having THAT THING  contact all your.."contacts" - who aren't necessarily contacts you wish to contact? I saw something where you can indicate who you wish to add - they were all automatically checked (as if!). SO I UNCHECKED ALL OF THEM! So, why did this happen? It's like the program went behind my back and CHECKED THEM ALL AGAIN!!

I'm still shaking my head, and chuckling at myself. This is just me letting off steam about this automatic madness that goes on when one least expects it. And if anyone had a question about my intentions when you got that notification from my account - I hope this explains it!

As.you.were.

You are the light of the world!

 

Yes, we are! Our Lord and Savior said so in Matthew 5:14. And when we recognize what a privilege it is to spread this light by the way we live, through the way we love one another, the message is carried farther than any words we can speak.

When we're going about the business of living our lives, others are always watching. Let's remember Whose we are and shine His light in our homes and everywhere we go. There is nothing more exciting and fresh than a couple attuned to the call of God on their life, living it out loud, blessing everyone they touch along the way.

Fierce!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16 New American Standard Bible

From Boaz Ministries

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The Money Excuse

From Boaz Ministries

“Mo Money Mo Problems” - Notorious BIG

I recently read an article, which states that when a woman makes more money than the man in the household this may lead to turmoil and divorce. I know this is a problem in many relationships but I also believe the root of the problem is not the money. The real problem lies with the character of the individuals, both men and women.

If a man defines himself by the amount of money he makes, then money becomes the center of his world leaving little room for anything else. This begs the question “What will happen to him when he has little or no money or when the money runs out?” Is he less of a man? If he thinks he is, then money is not the problem. His self worth is the problem.

If his woman makes more money than he does and he has a problem with it, two things need to happen. One, he needs to do what is necessary to increase his earnings, or be proud of the fact that his woman has the ability to earn the type of salary that affords them a better lifestyle. To resent her is petty and speaks to his own insecurities which he needs to address.

When a woman makes more money than a man is she the type of woman who will use that to belittle him and point out how superior she is to him because she makes more money? Does she take any opportunity to make it known to others that she makes more money? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, she has issues that need to be addressed as well.

Money simply allows for additional options to be explored in any life circumstance positive or negative. The mistake many couples make when one person makes more than the other is that person wants to control and select the options. Many men have a problem with this when they feel they are in an unfavorable position because they don’t have the power of money on their side. Many women who have more money than their man use this as a way to exercise control through a sense of power.

Controlling people will try to control with or without money. Disrespectful people will disrespect with or without money. A weak man will be weak with or without money; and a belittling, controlling woman will belittle her man and be controlling with or without money.

The "problem" of the woman making more money is usually an excuse and masks other things that are wrong in the relationship. It is an easy, obvious thing to point to when we don’t know how to address and deal with the deeper reasons for turmoil.

Bruce

Longing for memories we never made

For my late Grandmother, 
Mary Alyce Greathouse


I used to take your picture from Daddy's dresser drawer, and just stare

For years you've been smiling at me from
that cherished place,
among his “smell-goods”

 

Well, today I need to know something

You see, I never really knew you, Granny
but Daddy’s told me of our family history

And your maiden name

I only remember you left this earth when
I was 6 years old, and how my Daddy cried
 

All my early memories are blurred with bits and pieces
of southern fried scenes smothered in gravy and onions
And big, bosomy hugs

My mind couldn’t ever conjure your face, Granny
So I would hold your picture, framed in antique silver,

and trace the wide happiness of your smile caught in
that candid moment

I imagine your laughter, and I am proud to say I see our
resemblance when I smile

I wonder if your sadness looked like mine, too
I wonder how much of you still breathes
outside the picture frame, inside of me
 
How I miss you, Granny
I miss the times we didn’t get to make the memories
that would give me a firm grip of you 

Some old-fashioned, Southern Grand-mothering 

on Daddy's side, that I can hold onto
  
For times when I'm up against a hard life test

At least I’d know what my Granny would do...

Bridget Alyce © 2001

 

When an apology is not necessary

I don't expect anyone to be apologetic for what they believe with all their heart and soul. If we live our lives in accordance with the principles of our faith in our spiritual guidelines or religious doctrines - we have made a most important commitment.

I am a believer that Christ is the son of God. I accept what the Bible teaches as the very Word of God, as men, moved by the Spirit, recorded and reported what was seen and heard by them as eye witnesses. (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17) My view of the world is filtered through the spiritual lens that the Bible provides for those who allow its teachings to penetrate beyond mere theological understanding and scholarly discourse. The Word lives and breathes for me, and is my point of reference for all my life decisions.(and my Handbook outlining consequences for the choices I may make) And I trust God's ability to get His message of salvation to those who will believe - even via the widely published "canonized" KJV.

My point of view will always reflect my faith in God, as He continuously reveals His will for my life. It is my belief that being "sold out" for my Lord, is THE most important commitment I have ever made in my life. The Word teaches that loving God with our whole hearts and loving our neighbors as Christ loves us are the two most important commandments of all.(Deut. 6:5; Luke 10:27) And then God gives us the power to do both.

I receive it. I believe it. And I'm seeing the Lord work miracles in my life - evidence of His great love. With love this rich and true, there is no way I can belong to anyone else! His truth gives me courage. My faith has made me fearless...and unapologetic.

No Candy and No Flowers

From Boaz Ministries

C’mon my brothers, surely we can be more creative in our gift giving for Valentine’s Day than the boring and predictable Valentine’s Day staple of candy and flowers.

If we think real hard and go back over some time, we can think of something she saw and spoke of, or something you know she likes or likes to do. Women are not as traditional as we might think they are. They are adventurous, like to be surprised, and like excitement in all areas of their lives. For example, if you know your woman’s favorite color is blue, you could buy her a nice blue dress (Springtime fashions are here) beautifully wrapped in blue wrapping paper with a card that is not overdone with pink and red hearts. The idea here is that you remembered what her favorite color is and thought of it for her on Valentine’s Day. I know there are many things you know about your woman that can be used as inspiration for a gift of some kind. The gift to you is the surprised smile on her face.

I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day. It reduces love to obligatory gift giving and commercializes the most precious thing that can be shared between a man and a woman and that is love. However, I am a big fan of showing love and affection in thoughtful, sincere ways all year long.

When we do something out of the ordinary that pleases our women, it creates a spark in their heart for us. Then the magic of appreciation comes forth in ways only a woman in love can bring.

We’ve got four days to think outside the box of chocolates and garden of flowers to find something special and different for our women. Happy shopping!

Bruce

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Why I Stopped Watching "Scandal"

From Boaz Ministries

Yes. The show had me going, somewhere in the first season. I confess that I was watching weekly. I even engaged in “girls’ night” every Thursday. I got caught up in the hype, the accolades given to its creator, being a Black woman and a dynamite writer/producer. And as someone who doesn’t watch network television, this was the one exception I allowed myself. However, there was a constant battle going on in my mind regarding the underlying theme – the adulterous relationship between the main characters of the show, among other things. Even though I spoke out against it to friends who seemed to enjoy that element, and wanted it to remain a focal point – I continued to watch. (‘because the writing was so intriguing’) I love great acting and drop dead gorgeous writing. This show has both. No doubt.

What convicted me to finally say, “enough!” was a link to a blog shared by one of my friends on my personal FB page. The author of the blog, a 22-year-old, single woman, told of her decision to stop watching the show. She spoke of the desensitization of morals such programs cause, which lulls us to sleep spiritually. My jaw dropped. That was it, exactly! And when the Holy Spirit speaks this loudly and clearly (and emphatically), I knew it was time for me to stop.

Tonight, I told my husband that I won’t be watching anymore because I am all about strengthening marriages, encouraging couples, and all people, to make good choices. Shows like “Scandal” are not the type of entertainment I can cosign any longer. It’s about stripping down to “fighting weight” at this point in my life, and anything that is a distraction from the ministry I’ve been called to do, must go. It wasn’t a tough decision; what was a little uncomfortable was sitting down to write this. But I realize that being transparent and open is a huge part of meaningful ministry. It was Bruce’s idea that I share my story on Boaz.

My commitment to be effective in service to others, in the name of Jesus, requires that I watch what I place before my eyes, and what seeps into my subconscious. No more compartmentalizing God for me; been there, done that. It doesn’t work in my personal relationship with the Lord as He finishes what He started in me.

Just keeping it real, because I’m moving forward by the Power of the Fiercest Love I know!

The Word on Anger

From Boaz Ministries

There is a way to be angry and not sin. If it were not so, the Bible wouldn't have made it so plain. "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."( Ephesians 4:26 New International Version)

We hear a great deal about folks with "anger issues". It is my belief that the cure can be found in the peace that comes from our Lord and Savior. And believers are hard pressed for an excuse to get twisted and "break new" when something goes wrong in the relationship.

James 1:19-20 (God's Word Translation) tells us," Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. An angry person doesn't do what God approves of."

Finally, Solomon wrote many truths about the quick temper in Proverbs. A favorite is:

"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness." (Proverbs 14:29 New Living Translation)

Nuff said...

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Teammates

From Boaz Ministries

“Great teams do not hold back with one another. They are unafraid to air their dirty laundry. They admit their mistakes, their weaknesses, and their concerns without fear of reprisal.”
Patrick Lencioni

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT teaches us “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”

If we don’t view our marriages and relationships as a team working together toward a goal, we either have an overinflated opinion of ourselves to think we can achieve that goal by ourselves, or we have failed before we begin and don’t even know it.

As we trust in the Lord, let us trust our life teammate; for he or she is the one we have chosen not to stand on the sideline and watch us succeed or fail but to join us in every effort to live life to the fullest as planned by God.

Bruce