LizChatter

The devil catches blame for a lot of stuff. I mean, A LOT of stuff. Blame is a very interesting human phenomenon that, to the best of my knowledge, started with Eve in the Garden of Eden. Since Lucifer committed the original transgression (you know, pride , the thing that got him kicked out of Heaven) there's some merit to why he is assigned so much blame.  Anyhoo, we've followed Eve's example of finger-pointing for several thousand human generations.  Shifting the blame off my own shoulders has seemed at times like an involuntary reflex to trouble; I suppose that's because shifting the blame is sometimes easier than admitting the truth... oddly enough that seems to also stem from pride (back to that original transgression). Our own pride of wanting to be seen in a good light, but yet desiring (at times) to have that which is not ours is at the core of most transgression committed by humanity. As I was contemplating all of this I couldn't help but identify a bit...

Happy Monday ya'll! As I'm looking over my list of to-do's it dawns on me that there are no "earth shaking - world changing" events listed. In fact very little of what I accomplish today will be noticeable. Today is routine, average, normal.  Is that okay with me? Well sure, mostly okay ;) I admit to mostly okay, because there's a part of me that wants to greatly impact the world. Maybe it's the fact that I read all the Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, the Sugar Creek Gang series' over and over as a youngster that I have this desire for adventure and life impacting involvement; or maybe it's deeply rooted in my DNA. The need to make a difference in the world around me IS listed as one of my top 5 in the Clifton Strength Finders personality & gifting results. Whatever the reason, that child-like hope of being involved in big things lingers; like a puppy with longing eyes, just there in the recesses of my cerebrum.  Despite all that, I a...

This thought has been permeating my quiet time lately. Its really laid bare my desire to honor God's Word and the principles given there. Thankfully, the power of the Holy Spirit empowers me to live according to God's Word in freedom and the liberty with which Christ has made me free. 

The Paradox of Power   The most common thoughts about power are closely linked to control. People feel powerful when they’re in charge or in control of others. However, real power is seen every day in ordinary people’s choices. The only power one truly has is the power to choose, power over one’s self. Choosing well will cause one to gain influence.  Influence is powerful, so choose well. Well made choices -  Those who have discovered the truth of influence & power will tell you that correct choices are often acts of humility. Acts of humility are closely related to acts of love. Think forgiveness, kindness, patience, sacrifice, integrity, loyalty, gentleness, peace, goodness…   Remind yourself:  • I have the power to forgive, to encourage • I have the power to be kind, be gentle and be peaceable • I have the power to show patience and forbearance • I have the power to give of myself, to sacrifice for others • I have t...