FORCING WRONG TO BE RIGHT

A few weeks ago, I visited and spent the weekend with my mother, who lives about 2 hours from where I live.  After the visit was over and I returned home, I realized I left my favorite, black, bedroom slippers (I don’t know why they’re called bedroom slippers, cause I wear them all over the house and sometimes outside).  Good thing she was coming to visit me the following weekend and promised to bring them to me when she comes.  Sure enough, mom arrived and had my “worn down in the right places,” favorite slippers with her.    

After returning home from a long day of hanging out, I changed into some comfy clothes and put on my slippers.  My first thought was...dang, these feel funny.  I couldn’t figure it out, but something about the left foot just didn’t feel right.  I knew something was off, but I kept them on and went on about my business, ignoring the discomfort I was feeling with the left slipper.  The next day was the same thing...dang, these feel funny.   I tried to rationalize with myself that it was in my head or maybe it was just the result of my feet needing to get reacquainted, back to their favorite slippers.  After all, it had been a whole week without them, right?

Mom had returned back to her home and I was still going through the “dang, these feel funny” moments, but every day, the slipper was becoming a little more tolerable and comfortable than before.   The awkward feeling of “something’s wrong” were slowly fading away and after a few days, the left foot was beginning to feel normal.  After about a week, I was sitting in my office on a conference call, and in my boredom, I looked down and noticed there were some slight differences in my left slipper versus the right.  The differences were so small, that you wouldn’t catch it with a normal glance, but to an eye that’s like Inspector Gadget, you see everything.   

I noticed that the left slipper’s trim was fluffier than the right.  I even noticed that the left one was a tad bit smaller than the right.  At first glance, they look like the same slipper but the more I examined them, I realized that I had 2 right slippers.  Aha...I knew something was wrong with this slipper.  I remembered when my mother first blessed me with the slippers; she told me that she had bought herself a pair too.  Looks like when she was packing, she picked up one of her slippers and one of mine.

I was tickled at how even though I knew something was wrong; I was adamant in making it right.  No matter how much I tried to rationalize why the slipper wasn’t fitting or feeling right, it didn’t change the fact that something was wrong.  I basically forced it to fit.  I wore it every day (I’m still wearing them now) and eventually, it became comfortable and felt normal.  WOW!  We can actually force wrong for so long that it will eventually start feeling right.  No longer will it feel wrong.  No longer will we be sensitive to it feeling wrong or being wrong.  We can actually become so comfortable with a wrong thing and can live with it without any convictions. We can get so comfortable in a wrong thing that we have no desire to change it.  We can actually do it for so long that we will call what’s really wrong, right.  To be in this place is very dangerous, because we have now become accustomed to wrong.  Wrong feels right.  Wrong is now being justified as right.  And although it’s really wrong, it’s right to ME.  There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.- Proverbs 14:12 AMP.

Be careful my friends when forcing wrong to be right.  If God says it wrong, it’s wrong.  He doesn’t change His Word for any of us.  We have to change because of His Word.  The Word or the meaning of the scriptures doesn’t change based on our age, our gender, our denominations, our postions, our feelings, our emotions, our situations, our sins or nothing.  I understand how you feel.  I understand that somebody did something to you; hurt you; abused you; left you.  I understand that you feel justified.  I understand something happened, but His Word will not change for us.  Again...we have to change because of His Word. I am the LORD, and I do not change. Malachi 3:6a

Did you know that God loves you so much that He impressed upon my heart to write this blog- JUST FOR YOU!  That's right- take it personal.  He doesn't want any of us living in error.  So let's see...

Do you have any “wrongs” in your life that you have forced it so much that it now feels right?   Sit down for a moment with your Inspector Gadget tools and access the situation.  Do you notice anything odd or out of place?  Hey, it’s not too late to change it.  Take your situation, and find out what God says about it.  If you find it’s wrong, then agree with what He says about it.  Repent and stop going against the grain. (Romans 2:9-19)  Stop going down that wrong path.  (Proverbs 14:12) Stop trying to force a wrong to be right, because although it feels good now, there are consequences to it later. 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

I Really Messed Up This Time

My youngest daughter, who is currently in the 8^th grade, recently tried out for the Junior Varsity Cheerleading Team for the new high school, she will be attending in the next school year.  What an exciting time.  I mean, how cool would that be, to already have “status” as a newcomer?

The week of tryouts finally came.  The first three days, the prospective cheerleaders attended special practices to learn the required pieces they were expected to present on the actual try out day.  In order to greater her chances of being selected, even after practice, my daughter came home and practiced even more.  Countless hours of high jumps, toe touches, energetic loud voices, splits, herkies, dance routines and more.

Finally, the big day arrives and the pressure is on.  The time has come for everyone to be judged on their techniques and ability to remember what was taught.  I sat in the car with great anticipation, as I waited for my daughter to come through the large double doors.   Wait.  Something’s wrong.  What’s wrong with my baby?  Random thoughts of failure filled my head within a matter of seconds, and my heart dropped, as I watched my daughter walk toward the car with a disgusted, sad look on her face. 

Trying not to seem too anxious, I asked, “How did it go?”

“Not too good,” she sadly responded.  She explained that she had made a few mistakes in areas that she was sure she had down packed.  She expressed how she wanted to just give up after making the mistakes, but decided to keep going.  She completed the tryout, but still felt defeated.  She was disappointed in herself, and at this point, had no hopes or expectations of making the squad.  She continued to share her experience and the pressure she felt from trying to meet everyone’s high expectations of her.  Compassion filled my heart as I attentively listened to the cries of defeat in her voice and the words she was speaking.  I told her to not be so hard on herself.  I told her how great she was, and that she needed to have a little more confidence in herself and her abilities.  I’m sure she heard me, but none of what I said really mattered at that moment.

The rest of the ride home was quiet.  When we arrived, my baby girl went straight to her room, shut the door, climbed in bed, covered her head and went to sleep.  As much as I wanted to do something or say something, I allowed her the space she needed.  I knew all too well what she was going through and have had a many of “cover my head up and hide from the world” moments, where there was no one to bother me but the constant thoughts of failure and disappointments of the current situation to taunt me.  I grieved for her, but God spoke a word of consolation to my spirit, and I knew everything was going to be ok.

The day came to check the postings of the new cheerleaders for the upcoming school year.  The list looked long, but there it was, shining bright like a diamond, my baby’s name.  Cheers and praise filled the room as we celebrated my daughter’s victory.   And there it is- the encouragement for today- just because you made a mistake, doesn’t mean it’s over.

Often times, we beat ourselves up over mistakes, bad choices or when we find out that we are not as perfect as we thought we were.  Sometimes we miss the mark, but God still wants us.  His love is not like man, that He will throw us away for making a mistake.  His love is forgiving and just.  His love is full of redemption.  God love us so much, that no matter what it is, no matter how low down and dirty, how deceitful, how ratchet it may be- if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.- 1 John 1:9. 

No matter how bad my daughter felt she had did, she didn’t give up.  What would have happened if she did?  Right- she wouldn’t have made the team.  Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!- 1 Corinthians 9:24 NLT

You will never get to do the victory dance if you give up.  Marriages can’t be saved, if you give up.  Healings can’t manifest in your life, if you give up.  Graduations can’t occur, if you give up.  Books can’t be published, if you give up.  Jobs can’t be found, if you give up. Things can’t change for you or in your life, if you give up.  Are you getting the picture?  Don’t give up!  As long as you don’t give up on God…or even if you give up on God…He will never give up on you!  The key thing to life is not giving up.  And the more we draw closer to God and learn of His word, our lives will change for the better.  Don’t allow a mistake, current or past, keep you from moving forward in life and in God.  Your mistakes don’t mean it’s over.  You’ve beat yourself up long enough.  You’ve sobbed long enough.  Come on out from under the covers- out of hiding.  There’s much work for us to do- naturally and spiritually.   No matter what-don’t give up.  Let's with purpose!  Let's run to win!

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa   

Watch Out for the Little Things

This is an exciting time around the house with my 8 month old grandbaby starting to crawl and pull up on things.  He is all over the place, pulling up and pulling things down.  Babies are very curious at this age, and of course everything they get their little hands onto, goes into the mouth.   Well as he has done for the past few days, he crawled to one of the end tables and pulled himself up, but today, he saw an item, small enough to put into his mouth, and got choked.  As any mother would do, my daughter panicked and ran to his rescue.  After she had successfully retrieved the small item out of his mouth, she came to my room and barked about the small items being left on the table. 

As a mom, I understood her fears and where she was coming from, so I allowed her to finish, but then had to put the ball back in her court.  Not so much as shifting the blame, but I wanted her to see the important role she played in this scenario, being that she put the baby on the floor and allowed him to go to the table, knowing the items were there.

Those small items have been on that particular table for days, maybe even weeks.  They have never been a problem until today, the day that an accident happened.  As a matter of fact, that same baby, pulled up on that same table just last night, where those same small items were.  They should have been of a concern last night as well, but they weren’t—because the incident had yet to happen. 

This is how so many of us live our lives day to day.  We play around or with “little things” that can be hazardous to our life or spiritual walk with Christ.  For example, the person that sleeps around and has unprotected sex, is always in danger of acquiring a curable or incurable disease, or if a female, getting pregnant, but sometimes doesn’t think of the consequences until something actually happens.  The person, who cheats on his or her spouse, doesn’t really deal with the issue until something happens.  The average person doesn’t deal with their issues (natural and spiritual) until something bad happens.  We have to ask ourselves, why?

Have you ever thought about how much heartache or pain you could have prevented yourself, if only you had moved the “little items” out the way?  There will always be “little items” that are attractive to the eye, but if not properly moved out of the way, can cause major harm to us both naturally and spiritually.  It is my prayer today that we pick those items up and place them out of harm’s way.  Those “little items” are always around and so is the danger that comes along with them.  Don’t wait until you get choked or caught up before you take heed.  There’s a saying that says- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  It is so much easier to do everything we can to avoid or prevent trouble, than it is to fix them, if ignored.  Sometimes the results are not always so nice. 

Remember to always "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." – Matthew 26:41   Also, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.- Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Hold On and Don't Let Go

A few weeks ago,  as I was driving out of my subdivision, I noticed a spider hanging from the passenger side view mirror on ONE strand of web.  Anyone who has seen a spider web, knows how thin the strands of threads are- so imagine a spider hanging on to just ONE strand.  After noticing the spider, my first response was- “Oooooh that’s a spider- He gots to go.” So I sped up, hoping that would shake the thing off the car, but every time I got to a stop, I noticed the spider was still hanging on, all the way to my destination, which was approximately 20 miles down the road.  I was impressed with the spider’s ability to hang on through all the strong winds, constant bumps and stops as I drove down the highway.  Instantly, I was inspired and encouraged.  If the spider can hold on in such tedious conditions, so can I.  So can you!

So often, we go through things that leave us wanting to give up- on life; on goals and dreams; on people; on our marriage; on our kids; and even though some of us might be ashamed to admit it, sometimes on God.  These times can leave us drained, fragile and weak.  For some of us, we are hanging on by our pinky fingernail or even by a single thread.  I’m here to encourage you today, to continue to hold on and don’t let go.  Even when you feel like you can’t hold on any longer, put your trust in Jesus, just as the spider trusts in that thin strand of web.  The spider is confident in the special substance that resides in him.  Guess what…we have something special too!

Our God has given us something special that strengthens us during our times of weakness.   We have the Holy Spirit that strengthens us above and beyond our own natural strength.  It works in our favor and it works when we need it to the most.  When we are weak, The Holy Spirit steps in and provides unimaginable strength. 

One place we can find strength in our dark and scary times, is in the Word of God!  There is so much power in it and it tells us that- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1 .   I want to let you know that you are never alone, even when you feel like you are.  The strength you need to endure is found in Christ Jesus. This is the time to get in His Word and learn more of Him.  Draw closer and nigh to Him.  Let Him give you peace beyond your natural understanding, while you are going through.  Let Him strengthen you to continue on.  Let Him endow you with power to hold on, even when the winds are blowing, the seas are roaring, and the ground is shaking.  Trust in Him and no matter what… HOLD ON AND DON’T LET GO! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

You Have Power Too

This morning as I sat in the backyard, every so often I would see a golf cart pull up to the sixth tee.  Sometimes there were two or more people, and sometimes there was just one.  Some were young and some were much older.  Even when there was just the one, all by his lonesome, he still swung his driver with just as much vigor as the ones did that were playing with someone else. 

Watching these players gave me a refresher course in one of the most important things a person need in their life- PRAYER!  I really love my relationship with the Lord because he allows me to see things that others would not even pay attention to.  Here’s what I saw…

As I observed the different players, I realized golf was very much like prayer in many ways.  Let me explain-

1.        It doesn’t really matter how old you are, you can still learn how to do “it”. The more you do “it”, the better you become.  And the more you do “it”, the more you gain a love for “it”.

 

2.        There’s nothing like companionship or someone to do “it” with, but if at any time no one is available to do “it” with you…guess what… you can do “it” by yourself and the results will still be the same.  In fact, it seemed like some of the loners preferred doing “it” by themselves, which brings me to my next point…

 

3.       You find that when you are alone, you’re not under anyone else time schedule or scrutiny.  You can do “it” as slow… as fast…or as long as you want to.  You don’t have to rush or worry about how you look to others.  If you mess up, you don’t have to worry about the others laughing at you or anything like that.

 

4.       Your strength and ability to do “it” doesn’t change whether you are with others or alone.  Everything you need is within.  All you gotta do is do “it” and watch what happens.

 

It has been a peaceful and enjoyable morning as I sat and watched the players play and the Spirit speak.  My prayer for you today is-- you realize that as long as you possess Christ, you are more than capable to pray for yourself and your situation- no matter what it is!  Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. – 1 John 4:4 (NIV).   You possess the power to speak over your life and your situations.  Faith (the confidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)) is the key to prayer that unlocks the door.  Trust and believe in your own ability through the power of Christ that resides in you! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Ask and You Shall Receive- More Than I Expected

 

Last week this time, I was preparing to give my expecting daughter a baby shower in the backyard of our home.  We had originally had it scheduled at another venue, but unforeseen circumstances caused us to have to change the location at the last minute.  Two days before the scheduled event, a friend of mine were helping me go over my checklist and confirming we had everything we needed for a successful event.  “What about tables and chairs?” she asked.  Panic threatened to take over my ability to think clearly as I realized I had completely forgot all about needing table and chairs for an outdoor event. 

The morning of the event, I decided to ask my neighbors across the street it they knew of any local places that rents tables and chairs for an event.   Sadly there were none in our small little town but their offer was beyond surprising.  

Our family recently moved into this neighborhood almost a year ago, and although we’ve spoken and waived at each other from our respective yards, we had never actually spoken or went through the traditional introduction. “Hey, we have a long table and a few chairs that you are more than welcome to use,” my neighbors offered. 

Well you already know that I was in a desperate need of the table and chairs, so I wasn’t in a position to really turn down their offer.  You know how we do sometimes, when we don’t want to seem needy or feel like we are a bother to anyone.  LOL.   Anyhoo- by the time it was all over with, my neighbors had provided me with tables, chairs and a nice tent.  Everything I needed and so much more. 

Isn’t that just like God?  Always going and doing above and beyond our expectations.  The Bible declares that our God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ever ask or imagine.  Ephesians 3:20 

I must admit- sometimes I forget that He's there and all I have to do is ask and trust and believe that He will take care of all that concerns me, but this was an excellent reminder- don't you think?

Life can definitely throw some unexpected surprises and leave us in want or in need, but rest assure, God has everything you need.  All you have to do is ASK.  He’s right across the street- close enough that all you have to do is take the initiative and ASK.  If you ask-- you shall receive.  Matthew 7:7   If you need anything, absolutely anything, physical, emotional,  or spiritual- just ask.  I beseech you to ask.  Actually, I dare you to ask.  Watch God respond and blow your mind. 

I am truly grateful for great neighbors that exemplify such a beautiful Godly character. Thanks, Gerard and Kim! 

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

 

I Didn't Give Up

Back in March, I wrote:

I Will Not Let You Die!  

I’ve noticed it for quite some time that she had been falling off.Week after week, she was looking weaker and weaker.I didn’t know exactly what I should do for her, so as much as I wanted to help, I didn’t do anything for her at all. Besides watered her, I just watched.

Today was a little different as I was sitting here looking at my plant in her current state, I felt compel to move and do something to try and save her fragile life. Although just a plant, it symbolizes life at its best. And I feel that as long as there is life, there is always a chance. Always hope.

There are several ways we can look at this, but let me just flow with it for a minute. Sometimes we have good seasons and sometimes not so good seasons. We flourish, we grow, we bloom and we excel. Then there are times when we are down and out, sickly and frail, and more vulnerable to our environments. Sometimes we’re strong.And then other times we’re weak. Those are just some of the same stages a plant may go through.

As an observer, my heart began to ache at the declining health of the plant. I remembered when she was so full and pretty. She was growing and everyone that saw her complimented on her beauty. J ust seeing her made me smile. But now what? Now that she needs me the most, do I just turn my back on her and let her die. Do I just sit and watch her deteriorate?

Have you ever been in a situation where you saw someone in pain or in need and wanted to do something to help them? I believe this is where God was with us. We were sick. We were dying and He couldn’t and wouldn’t allow us to die. He sent a Savior- someone to save us from ALL sickness (physically, mentally, and/or emotionally). He sent someone to heal the broken-hearted and to lift the heavy burdened.

The more I thought about how God’s love for us demonstrates RESTORATION- The process of repairing or renovating a building, work of art, etc., so as to restore it to its original condition—which is wholeness, I decided to no longer sit and just watch her die. As a matter of fact, “I refuse to let her die,” is what I told myself.

I will do all that I can to restore her back to her original state.I will nurture it, pour into it, and I will even SPEAK life back into it. I refuse to let her die. I refuse to let you die! So, no matter what you may be dealing with today, no matter how bad you may be hurting today, don't give up, help is on the way! Know that God loves you and wants you whole. Know that there is absolutely nothing too hard for God. Respond to his love. Respond to his voice, and watch and see how you bloom.

Stay Hopeful,

Clarissa

Today, I write:  Look at my plant! 

There's nothing like seeing what you put so much work into flourish! I'm so glad I didn't give up on her! Had you seen her before, you would understand the joy I feel. Let me inspire and encourage you to not give up on that thing that looks DEAD or HOPELESS!  Your marriage, your career, your children, your life---whatever it is---I ask you---Can it live?  I hope you say YES!