Ephesians 5:1,2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you,
and gave Himself up for us,
an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
I love the smell of fresh laundry, especially if it’s been hanging all day in the breeze soaking up the sunshine on a clothes line!Unfortunately not too long after, the clothes become soiled,
the sheets need changed, and the towels need cleaned.
The scent I love never seems to last long enough.As I walk in the love of Christ, whether in my attitude, my actions or in my faith, it is my hope that I give off an aroma that others will notice and find pleasing.
As my impatience, reactions and weaknesses get in the way,
I gain a “whiff” of my own disobedience and realize I no longer reflect the love of Jesus.It is at this moment that I seek God and ask to be cleansed once more.
Amazingly, Jesus never loses His fragrant aroma for His sacrifice is covered with the blood He has shed for us!
When we accept Jesus Christ, we accept His forgiveness and we are covered by the fragrant aroma of His sacrifice.
As I ponder the thought of Almighty God looking at me,
I imagine Jesus standing in front of me covering me with His hands stretched out wide.His grace and mercy covers me removing every imperfection, every sin,
and replaces it with His righteousness,
in essence I am redeemed.So today, I encourage you, together let us put on the love of Jesus Christ and as we “get in the way” of imitating Christ in our actions,
let us … stop, repent and desire the aroma that only Jesus can offer!
Subscribe for your Chance at a Free Give Away! $25 Visa Card!
Welcome! For many of you “blog” sites are a bit of a mystery. I agree. Not that long ago I considered blogging, “jumping off a lake dock onto a big giant pillow float while being launched wildly through the air!
I now have found them to be a place where a community of people interact and share their own personal stories with the rest of us on this journey.
The biggest questions are …. “How do I know when someone posts? “How do I get to their blog site?” and “How do I comment?”
To encourage you to be a part of my blog, I would like to help make it easy for you. If you look to the lower right portion of my blog page, you will see a box that says “subscribe.”
If you click on this you are prompted to add your name and email address. I personally love this feature for the blogs I follow. This sends my newest posting to your email as soon as I add it. The great thing is that you can choose to read it, ignore it or delete it once you receive it. Life is busy. Many of the people I follow I leave on my email until I have time. It takes the pressure off. I can read it at my leisure.
So … the give away? Subscribe and I will enter your name in a drawing for a Free $25 Visa Gift Card, randomly chosen by my office assistant, Becca. I will pick one lucky person on July 31st! Once chosen, I will email you to get your mailing address!
I would love to hear your own stories or thoughts in the comments after my post! If you click on “comment” it will be visible to all, but your email will not.
If subscribing is just not “your thing.” Then look me up on FB and click on the box as new stories are added. Either way, thank you for taking a moment out of your day!
Lori
“Welcome Mat to My Heart!”
Hospitality is God given. I believe that is true. But I also believe it is learned. From generation to generation we pass on traits, among them, teaching those in our homes of the value of putting others before ourselves.
Is there any better example of servanthood, than to serve? I am still tweaking and improving this process of hostessing.
My husband Tom and I love to entertain, but shamefully I should say that I have had the venue perfect but my own heart unwelcoming. Exhaustion from making everything “just so” has destroyed not only the relationships in our home by speaking harsh words in haste but moreover it has robbed my own joy of being with my friends. Which if you think about it, isn’t this the whole idea anyway?
As I write I am still gleaning many of the truths I share, I hope you will gain some as well. I would love to hear your stories of mishap and success.
If you have time, comment on your own “kernels” of wisdom. Please know that I value your thoughts and that you are always welcome here!
“WELCOME MAT TO MY HEART”
Soft pink and white tissue paper peeks out tucked just beneath a bountiful row of fluffy pink slippers, size 0 to 11. Basket after basket lay stacked covering my room, 20 to be exact. The correlation of them all looks like a whimsical parade of cotton candy. It’s the final detail in my much anticipated “Women’s Spa Day.” It seemed like a crazy endeavor to undertake, but months later it has come together just as I had imagined.
It’s late Thursday evening and I’m fussing about making sure each detail is exact, perfect. I look across my efforts displayed with delight. From the next room I hear a soft chuckle as my husband peeks around the corner. I sigh believing he must think I’m nuts. Before I can assemble the words, he smiles and says, “I get it.” I offer him a bewildered look as he continues to explain. “It’s your way of making them feel special, right?”
His words encourage me and I am hopeful for the same reaction come tomorrow. Certainly if my husband can understand my motives, these 50 ladies will embrace the warmth of my heart.
Event after event I have found that women just want to know that they are valued, important and above all, loved. How to convey this is the trick.
Can I truly love someone I have never met or have only indulged in brief conversation? Maybe not the love that comes from years of invested friendship, but I do believe that the love of Christ can transcend all in unfamiliar circles.
Platforms, agenda’s and programs are vital to give substance to any well thought out gathering, but just as well placed are the variables that surround them. Unless you are a person creating big venues, the majority of us find that our greatest moments are usually found in our home or back yard, hosting friends, family and loved ones.
Picnic tables, BBQ’s and camp fires allow us the perfect avenue to enjoy those we hold dear, if only for just a few short hours. Either way both venues can create an opportunity to bring people into our world, lavishing our best efforts on them, hoping to make them feel special for the time they are with us.
Welcome to my Home ….
To suggest that we need to make people feel that we desire their company in our home seems ludicrous. After all didn’t we invite them? But in fact many of us have entered into an evening where the clock seemed to scurry us out the door even before our stomach had time to digest dinner, true? So what do we do to create this warm inviting environment?
In my own life, I enjoy the feeling of tranquility, a place of calm, like being whisked away if only for a brief escape from the daily grind. I guess in essence, a place that feels like “vacation!” For myself, the best memories of feeling this way were played out in acts of simplicity in homes with very intentional hosts.
My mother Elaine was the best at this. Our home was never fancy, but candles were always lit, making the room scented with the undertones of cinnamon and clove. Food was always plenty, and friends were always welcome.
Many of my mother’s traits naturally come out when I am hosting. Even with the flowers placed, candles lit and music set in motion I find that one thing can often be missing, “Me!”
Giving yourself permission to have things “less than perfect” is key, especially if you are a perfectionist like I tend to be at times. My mother taught me this. My own expectations often get in the way of what is actually expected.
So relax …… enjoy the process, don’t get too caught up in the details.
Place your focus on your guests! Though this is something that may not come naturally, as you work at it you will find that you will enjoy yourself more creating much less stress for everyone.
So send out the invitations!
And noted, although paper is always a nice touch, a group text will work just fine. Remember, the “less” expectations, the “less” stress, the “nicer” you will be. After all, it’s you they are coming for!
As you put out the welcome mat, plan the menu and clean the house, be mindful as each guest arrives to put on a smile, embracing each person, greeting them with a genuine heartfelt sincerity.
But above all, put on the heart of Jesus Christ, for these are the things that truly make someone feel “welcome!”
I Peter 4:9,10 “Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
“Lunatic At My Side”
Startled this morning by the craziness of my phone twitching and beeping, I began to wonder if a lunatic had crawled inside of it and taken possession. Before I knew it, applications were buzzing and popping up in a mainstream of havoc. One application in particular seemed to be the instigator of my demise. Glasses in hand I put them on in haste to see who this culprit was that had started my morning in a frenzy.
I realized this interogator was the “Gateway Bible Application.” I laughed and thought, “This is one way to get my attention first thing in the morning, Lord!”
In its redundant act of opening, a verse popped up in front of me. VERSE OF THE DAY: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil. 1:6
My heart stung for a moment. Just the night before my mind had mulled through the muck and thought God certainly must be disappointed in me. It seemed, that everything in my day had taken precedence before God, even enjoying a bit of Pinterest in place of my quiet time. I lay my confession at His feet and with the joy that only God can give, I knew I was forgiven for my absence.
So I press on today, knowing that God is not finished with me yet. I am no where near perfection, but if you know me, you already know that, right?
But it does not make me “unusable” either. Today I start fresh putting Him rightfully back on the throne of my heart and my day, confident that His promises are true, that God will continue to perfect me until He returns.
Plumb Line of Grace
Often as we grow older we forget the simple truths that we have learned over the years. One such truth comes back to me time and time again.
My children are grown now but I remember one summer in particular. They were both in their elementary age years just beginning in their faith journey. Wanting to stress the importance of God’s Word, I cut out scripture cards. Being somewhat of a perfectionist, I never seem to make any project simple. So after decorating the cards, highlighting the various verbs, cutting them out and laminating them, they were finally ready to be hung with purpose on my refrigerator. Agreed, a bit overkill.
It began as a simple lesson for my two young ones but turned into a life changing routine for myself.
Philippians 4:8 & 9 “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worth of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have leaned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.”
My cards were taped with pride to the front of my fridge. The simple choices did not apply, but the decisions that fell into the “gray” areas of our life brought this process front and center. “Can we watch this movie?” “Is this word okay to say?” … you get the idea. Choices about how we treated others, motives and actions, movies or books as well as how we interacted within our family were all at the scrutiny of this verse that God so thought provokingly placed in our home.
God’s Word became came the “plumb line” {a tool used for determining whether or not something is perfectly vertical i.e. “upright} that we measured our actions and thoughts against. This may seem an obvious truth, however the action involved with it is less endearing.
Choosing to give up something you enjoy, desire or consider borderline because it is not God’s best is difficult. But the choice to do so has brought great peace in my own life while the choice not to has often brought turmoil. Even today as I watch a movie or ponder a conversation, I keep this verse in mind.
Recently I have picked up on watching a television show that I truly enjoy. It is not blatantly bad, but the undertone would press hard against this verse. It has been a difficult decision that I have struggled with as I place God’s Word as a “plumb line” among my own desires. In my heart I know the right answer, but my actions to abandon this “earthly” pleasure have been slow to follow. You may find yourself in a similar situation.
All I know is this … God’s Word is truth. Together we can take His wisdom and choose to apply it or disregard it. Isn’t our God amazing that He offers His wisdom and allows us to freely choose its acceptance? Some days I think not, as it have been to my own demise when I have chosen badly.
But I press on, knowing that as I do, God’s grace and mercy stand firmly beside me walking through the choices in my life bringing me that much closer to becoming more like Him.
Having a “Pollyanna” Day?
Recently I sat down and watched the classic movie, “Pollyanna.” I love her concept of being glad, always looking for the good and “choosing” joy! Throughout the movie, Pollyanna speaks of her father’s quest to find the “glad” chapters dropped within the pages of the Bible. Over the years it has become one of my favorite movies.
I’ve often wondered if the director of this film was a fan of the Psalms. For long before Pollyanna, the Bible records the words of David. He too wrote of looking for the good, being glad and choosing joy.
So often we are content with immediately finding the negative and becoming disgruntled within the situations of our day.
So today I will make a conscience “choice” to be glad.
I will “choose” to be joyful.
I will sing praises from every part of my being, knowing that our God is worthy of them all!
If together we choose joy and express gladness it won’t be long before the world will notice and ask “Why?”. It is then we can answer with a smile on our face and declare our reason with clarity, “Jesus!” I pray that today you too will “choose” joy and be “glad!”
Psalm 104:33,34
“I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to God while I have my being. Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord.”
“Poker Face Faith”
There are moments in our life that define who we are, what we believe and how we view ourselves in situations demanding faith. My mother was diagnosed with cancer several years back. Walking through this process revealed my own character to me in ways I can not explain. But moreover, God revealed His beyond my wildest expectations.
This is only one example of the countless times God has proven faithful in my journey. Taking my mother home to be with Himself was to be the ultimate triumph, …. but that’s another story.
“Poker Face Faith” By Lori Clounie
Driving into the early morning darkness my headlights pierce the vast span before me. The sky feels black as coal. Tears begin to fall and sorrow wells up within me. These weekly trips to the hospital continue to take their toil on my heart. Hope builds as each dose of chemo is received; yet fear settles in with every day that catapults’ us further into my mother’s illness. Music plays mindlessly in the background as my attention is focused elsewhere today, for I am intent on speaking with God. Feelings come rushing up from my core that words cannot express. As I deliberate I find my thoughts transparent, fashioning my words into the perfect plea. Just as a lawyer prepares to deliver his case, I must state mine.
Months of apprehension overflow as I begin crying out to God! “You are the great healer. You are able. You are God!”
In a desperate attempt I proclaim God’s promises back to Him. “You say if we have faith we can move mountains?” Boldly I declare, “I believe! I have faith!”
Imploring for any response, I begin petitioning for His compassion, His favor while negotiating my mother’s healing. My words seem basic but cut to the center of my intent, “God Please! Please, I beg you, heal my mother from this cancer!” My heart echoes this dialogue with a resounding “Amen.”
Depleted of all energy I am silent. The words on the radio begin to resonate with me. A familiar song drives home the point where my futile attempts have seemingly failed. The lyrics break through and over and over again I hear the words, “Light, Light, Light up the Sky to tell me you are with me!” Smiling I sustain, “That’s it exactly!” As if a dare, I proclaim the depth of my faith, “GOD. I BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN LIGHT UP THE SKY RIGHT NOW IF YOU CHOOSE TO! I KNOW YOU CAN!”
I am astonished! What I see before me is absolutely breathtaking.
My heart leaps out of my chest as shock covers me for a split second. Illuminating His canvas, God boldly declares, “I AM ABLE!” A bold lavish display of bright pink is plastered across the sky with its stark contrast spanning the heavens for as far as my eyes can see. Praises spring forth without hesitation and in this moment all glory belongs to God. Proclamations continue pouring out from my mouth even as rationalization pushes out faith and doubt slowly creeps in. Such a miracle almost seems beyond my comprehension. Just as quickly as I received it, I dismiss what I have just witnessed as the early morning sunrise.
Disbelief settles upon me and Satan attempts to steal the glory I once graciously lifted up to my Lord. Abruptly the sky turns black. God has called my bluff!
Now encompassed by darkness, shame covers me. For in all my ranting’s of faith I have failed pathetically even with such a gift of grandeur presented on my behalf. Aware I am a fraud, I turn off the radio and drive in silence. Morning breaks much later and I reflect in awe. My worship is lifted to a higher elevation than I have ever experienced, as I am keenly aware of God’s presence.
God has handed me a miracle and I have clung to disbelief. Yet still His grace abounds for me and draws me closer to Himself bringing my faith that much closer to that of a mustard seed, confident that my God is faithful to do all that He is able, leaving the possibilities limitless.
Matthew 17:20 And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” {NASB}
Looking for God!
This morning I was reading the very familiar passage in Jeremiah 29:11 … “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans of welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope”
But what I find is that most people stop there.
We all want good in our lives, hope, and a future …. but the next verse continues with the thought of “seeking” “searching” and “finding” God …. the process and action part of actually looking for God.
But do we truly look for God? I began pondering this, and asking God, how exactly He desires me to look for Him, to search for Him, to seek.
I imagine sitting in a room full of believers as they discuss the standard answers that come instantly to mind … prayer, reading, studying and searching God’s Word for truth. All true and good answers.
But deeper thoughts become apparent. In addition to reading His word, I need to apply and live His word. As I do, I become aware of who God truly is. He becomes a live tangible part of what I do every day.
Seeking, Searching, Finding …. my ultimate hearts desire.
I press on hoping that as I do, God will reveal all of Himself to me. But it takes action on my part to “look” for God … in his Word, in opportunities and within my own heart, knowing that only He can satisfy and be the “good,” the “hope” and “future” I desire.
Jeremiah 29:12-14 “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with ALL of your heart. And I will be found by you, declares the Lord!”
The process continues in my own life. The questions still push forward in my thoughts. But today, I will seek, I will search and I will look for God …. knowing that in Him I will find the answers!
Yellow Checkered Revival
Sharing our faith in Jesus can be one of the most fulfilling moments ever. But if you’re like me sometimes you let your insecurities, pride or lack of knowledge get in the way of those opportunities. What I have come to realize after many “botched up” attempts is that Jesus is the one who does the calling, not us. We are only the voice that He uses. I was reminded of this truth many years ago on one of my annual shopping visits to Chicago. This true story truly changed my perspective, I hope it inspires yours.
Yellow Checkered Revival ~ By Lori Clounie
Closing my eyes I take a deep breath as the crisp rigid air fills my lungs. The wind cuts slicing like a sword, precise, consuming, yet swift. I bundle up with confidence that today will be like many other Chicago winter days, blustery and cold. My suspicion is confirmed.
Today seems especially bitter.
The wind and snow barrel around us. Walking briskly my friends and I huddle tightly. Burrowing in I hope to forge a wall against these frigid temperatures which seem to be splashing pink splotches across my cheeks. Freezing, I decide to hail a cab. After all, four ladies on a mission to take Chicago need to have their wits about them without taking time to thaw.
Before I know it, a warm toasty cab has pulled up along the curb begging our company.
Opportunities come in our life on different levels. I love engaging people with the message of Jesus, especially cab drivers. It helps knowing that for those few moments you hold a captive audience. “Where are you from?’ “How long have you been driving?” You know, the typical non-invasive questions that help you to find common ground. It’s then that Jesus begins to make His subtle entry into our conversation.
And my personal favorite, “Are you a person of faith?” I find that most people love to tell me about their own belief, which in turn lays a foundation for me to tell them about mine, hence enters Jesus! It’s amazing how six simple words can often open up a dialogue that only God knows the outcome.
Katie spots the determined look in my eye and laughs. Knowing my heart she braces herself as yet another stranger falls subject to my interrogation, finding him in good company with those ranging from sales clerks to waitresses. She was preparing for what came next or so she thought.
Stepping into the cab I do something I never do. I am silent. My heart begins prodding me to begin a conversation, I resist. Within moments we are here at our destination, the driver is paid and we pile out. The opportunity is gone in a flash. I feel my heart sinking and my shame growing.
Conversations continue in stride as we venture on, but inwardly I am quiet. Humbled, I cannot face God. I had wasted this opportunity that He had given me. I replay the events and know that pride is at the root. Fear of being thought so predictable has kept me from responding to God’s prompting. Tucking this away I purpose that I will not remain silent for the sake of my own pride. Long ago God had called my heart to share His message, next time I will prove faithful.
Our trip is becoming but a faint memory as laughter rumbles, friendships are strengthened and purchases are packed away for our journey home. Four amazing days of deals, steals and finds are packed, shoved and folded as we headed towards the concierge. Wide-eyed, he looks for a vehicle large enough to transport this tired group to our destination, the train station.
With precision he hails a cab then strategically files each piece of luggage and bag until the trunk can hold no more. I pile in the front seat, leaving my three cohorts crammed in the back to immerse in rapid chatter.
Looking overwhelmed as four women invade his space, I begin a light dialogue. He declines to engage. I sense God tugging at my heart… “Opportunity is a gift.” Failing once already, I choose to be faithful in this moment, what God does with my attempts are up to Him.
Expectation is a funny thing. We pray hoping great things from the Lord. Yet we stand amazed that He not only fulfills our expectations but also more often exceeds them!
God delivers.
Intentionally, I begin my approach throwing out any small talk I think he may find interesting. Instantly the driver burst into laughter. I explain to this young black man that I have friends in his country of origin, Ghana, Africa. Apparently he finds this amusing. I can see his mind processing this seemingly exaggeration as he dare venture to believe that this middle aged white chick could actually have “real” friends in Ghana. I engage him in his disbelief.
Convincing him will be difficult. I offer up the only evidence I have, my friend’s name, Walter Pinpong. Walter serves as the Director for International Needs, Ghana. I love listening to Walter’s stories of his compassion, vision and hope for his homeland. We are beyond acquaintances’ with Walter we are family, brothers in Christ.
Elated he shouts, “You know Walter Pinpong?” Disbelief nearly holds me captive as I struggle to grasp what comes out of his mouth next. “He is from my tribal village in Ghana!” My mind becomes a blur. My pulse elevates and my heart stirs up emotions within the deepest part of my soul, down to the depths of knowing God in His fullness.
“You have brought this divine moment to me God. To me!!!
Bursting I say, “Yes! He is my friend.”
God has broken down the walls of indifference, color, position and culture. He immediately replaces it with a bridge of respect, belief and brotherhood. My new friend embraces my inquest into his life and smiles at what is transpiring between us.
“Walter believes in Jesus as His Savior.” “Do you believe in the same Jesus as Walter does?” “Yes, “ he proclaims! “Yes, I do believe in Jesus!”
Within moments we have arrived at the train station. We jump out, circle around the front and embrace one another in the love of Christ! Only God could orchestrate such grandeur! Only God. I had given him a piece of his homeland that he loves; he has given me so much more. My purpose is defined. God has assured all that I know to be true.
Sharing His love and salvation is like breathing for me, it is not a luxury it is a necessity. It is up to those who hear to believe or not believe. I am grateful that my God would be mindful of me, granting me such an insight into his sovereignty.
I look around to grab my bags and find my friends embellished in tears. They too have witnessed God’s amazing love and are changed as a result of it.
Welcome!
Welcome and thank you for joining me today as I launch my new blog site called, “Only God!”
I am excited to walk on this journey with you as we experience together the joyful moments as well as the chaotic moments. Life often turns our days from normal to crazy with just the tick of the clock.
“Everyday Moments” require us to decide how we will react to them.
Along the way I will be sharing stories that have pushed my own faith beyond what I could imagine.
As we walk with Jesus through these moments, it is my hope that God will begin to change our hearts as well as our perspective to reflect His own! I would love to have your thoughts as you face your own challenges, trials and victories.
Together we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus hoping that our own hearts will mirror His!
Lori